2007 Ferrari F430

Ferrari's mid-engine V8 sports car for 2007, the F430, is available as either a coupe or a soft-top Spider (convertible).

Both are powered by a 490-horsepower, 4.3L V8 engine that permits the F430 to accelerate to 62 mph in only four seconds, according to the automaker, and it's one of the quickest production cars ever.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the F430, but an F1-style six-speed sequential manual transmission is optional. The sequential gearbox includes paddles alongside the steering wheel and can shift faster than the most skilled drivers--in about 150 milliseconds--and also blip the throttle to match revs during downshifts.

The E-diff electronic differential helps to optimize traction during cornering and is derived from Ferrari's expertise in Formula One racing. The F430 does not offer side air bags, but it does have powerful anti-lock brakes with cross-drilled discs, along with an electronic stability control system that includes several modes, selectable through a switch on the steering wheel, that change the system's behavior depending on the conditions--including a "race" mode allowing enthusiastic driving without completely turning off the safety system.

The F430's interior fits two in a tight, racing style layout and seating position. The interior is well-appointed but not overtly luxurious, with a design that avoids the chrome trim often seen in upmarket vehicles. Options include a navigation system, upgraded sound system, carbon-fiber race seats, leather upholstery, and Bluetooth wireless.

The new 430 Challenge model, which is equipped for the race track yet is still street legal, uses the first carbon-ceramic brakes in a Ferrari production car (optional on the standard F430) and saves weight due to the use of a Lexan windshield, specially designed exhaust system, and all-carbon-fiber intake plenum cover. The Challenge's six-speed electronic gearbox is designed to shift similar to a grand prix car, and a traditional mechanical differential replaces the electronic one for track duty.
The Ferrari F430 carries over to 2007 relatively unchanged, but a racing-oriented F430 Challenge joins the lineup.
Exotic shape and styling; performance; Ferrari exclusivity.
The Ferrari F430 is the latest in a long line of mid-engine, V8-powered Ferraris, and it provides quicker performance than the more expensive Ferrari models of just a few years ago. As has long been the case for Ferrari models, the 2007 F430 is likely to be purchased based on exclusivity, image, and the driving experience rather than comfort, features, or other practical reasons.