2005 FERRARI F430 NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2005 Ferrari F430?
The 2005 Ferrari F430 is the replacement for the outgoing Ferrari 360 Modena. Though it occupies the entry-level spot on Ferrari's roster ("entry level" meaning more than $180,000), the F430 is a truly spectacular machine. Its performance capabilities have been elevated to a point that it can outrun just about any previous or current Ferrari model on a racetrack, and additional changes have been made to make the F430 a better daily-driving proposition. Much of F430's performance ability is enabled by a new 4.3-liter V8 engine. Utilizing the latest hardware and technology, it makes a maximum of 483 horsepower and 343 lb.-ft. of torque, both significant increases over the 360 Modena's output. To get the F430 moving, power is sent to the rear wheels through either a standard six-speed manual or a six-speed F1-style transmission. The F1 transmission features an electrohydraulic clutch that allows very quick shifts via either the steering wheel-mounted paddles or when placed in full automatic mode. Ferrari says it has made improvements to the F1 shifter for improved shift quality in urban environments. F430 drivers can also fiddle with their car's suspension setup, F1 shift speed and traction/stability control via a manettino knob on the steering wheel. For 2005, there are two F430 body styles available: coupe and Spider convertible. The Spider's top drops with the push of a button in about 20 seconds. On both versions, a wide range of customizable options are available, including: carbon-ceramic brakes; special seats; multiple exterior, interior and mat colors; upgraded audio; GPS navigation; and even Bluetooth wireless connectivity.

Advantages of the 2005 Ferrari F430:

• Superior acceleration, braking and handling performance
• Sublime driving experience
• Available as a coupe or convertible
• Resulting envious stares of just about everybody else

Objections to the 2005 Ferrari F430:

• The technology, F1 influence and yellow prancing-horse badges don't come cheap

Editor's Advice:
Ferraris of the past have occasionally subsisted on legend and brand cachet as much, or possibly more so, than their actual performance capabilities. With the F430, however, there is no doubt that it offers one of the world's top driving experiences. All of which is just super if you happen to be someone with a couple hundred grand available to spend on a car and know the right contacts at the local Ferrari dealer. For the rest of us, this is a car to put up as computer wallpaper and think, "someday…"