The spaceframe is constructed entirely from aluminium at the Scaglietti works in Modena and is said to be 20% stiffer than a 360 unit. Suspension meanwhile is via highly advanced and super lightweight double unequal-length wishbones with the latest generation Skyhook adaptive dampers. 350mm cross-drilled cast-iron disc brakes are fitted as standard, carbon-ceramic discs being available via the options list. Although not providing a great deal more power on an individual stop, the carbon-ceramic system has been designed to give greater longevity and will add 350 laps worth of track life to a car. The speed-sensitive power steering system is also brand new along with the 19-inch five twin-spoke light alloy wheels (7.5-inches across at the front, ten at the back), these being shod with Bridgestone Potenza tyres. At the heart of the F430 is a dry-sumped 4.3-litre 90° V8 with four valve cylinder heads - basically a flat-crank version of the engine that appears in the Maserati Coupe. Manufactured on the same production line and using the same basic cylinder block as the Maser, it boasts a host of trick features including variable timing on both inlet and exhaust cams, variable valve timing (lifted straight from the Enzo) and a variable airflow plenum chamber. Displacement is 4308cc thanks to a bore and stroke of 92 x 81mm respectively, compression being set a 11.3:1, the whole thing being managed by a pair of Bosch Motronic ME7 ECU’s. Overall this results in a peak output of 483bhp at 8500rpm and although the F430 won’t rev quite as high as the old 360, it more than makes up for it with loads more torque (343lb/ft at 5250rpm compared with 275lb/ft at 4750rpm). As standard, the F430 is equipped with a traditional six-speed manual transmission, the F1-style paddle-shift gearbox being optional.

Alternatively it can be turned off completely (Disengage), in which case the E-Diff reverts back to acting like a conventional limited-slip diff with a fairly tight setting. Once again, Pininfarina have been responsible for designing the bodywork and interior. At the front, large nostrils echo the Shark-Nosed 156 F1 cars of the 1960’s, the all-alloy body being riveted and welded together and ending up 20% stiffer than the 360 despite weighing only 4kg more. The aero pack comprises four big diffusers at the rear, a new front spoiler, bigger air intakes at the sides and an entirely new underfloor, all of which means the F430 generates 50% less lift than its predecessor. Inside, fine leather and carpeting are mixed with bare alloy and carbon-fibre, the Enzo-inspired steering wheel attracting most attention with its bright red starter button and 'Manettino' toggle switch for the E-Diff settings. With plenty of headroom, a generous amount of space behind the seats and another handy storage area underneath the front lid, the F430 ranks as by far the most practical V8 Ferrari yet. Because of the various safety enhancements, kerb weight has gone up by 60kg (to 1450kg), but the all-important power-to-weight ratio is much better than before. 0-62mph requires a mere four seconds dead and top speed is said to be in excess of 196mph. In addition to the carbon-ceramic brakes and F1 paddle-shift transmission, customers can choose from a variety of other optional upgrades by way of the Carrozzeria Scaglietti personalisation programme. For example, if none of the 16 standard bodywork colours, 12 shades of leather or eight choices of carpet take your fancy, unique combinations can be specified by request. F430’s can also be equipped with carbon-fibre bucket seats, four-point safety harnesses, a leather-trimmed aluminium roll cage and Challenge-style BBS wheels.