Ferrari F430

As Auto Express exclusively revealed back in Issue 815, the stunning 360 Modena replacement combines its flowing lines with sharper and more aggressive angles to create a much more purposeful-looking coupé.

The front profile is now dominated by the narrow xenon lights while, in a nod to the firm's heritage, the large air intakes replicate the front of the famous 1961 'shark nose' F1 car. Penned by Pininfarina under the watchful eye of Ferrari design chief Frank Stephenson, its protruding tail-lamps and prominent rear diffuser mean the F430 also takes some styling cues from the Enzo supercar, with only the side profile remaining similar to that of the outgoing 360.

However, under its beautiful skin the F430 is based on the latter's aluminum chassis, modified to increase stiffness by 20 per cent. Despite this, it would be a mistake to write off the newcomer as simply a facelifted 360, because 70 per cent of its structure is new. And as Ferrari is the only firm which designs, builds and tests its F1 and road cars at the same location, there's a host of track technology to be found in the F430, too.

Inside, a thinner transmission tunnel and new seats create a roomier cabin, while the instruments are housed in a fresh binnacle. As you'd expect, the interior is elegantly trimmed, yet simply designed, with the option of either aluminum or carbon dashboard inserts. However, take a look at the steering wheel and you'll spot the first piece of F1-inspired thinking. At the bottom of the leather-trimmed unit is a small dial. This five-position Manettino switch adjusts the F430's set-up by alteringthe behaviour of the active dampers, the response of the stability control, the electronic differential and the gearshift speed. Each of the modes is designed for specific road conditions, ranging from icy roads to a race track. Put simply, the Manettino enables the F430 to be as docile as a luxury car or offer raw-edged performance akin to that of the Challenge Stradale 360.

While the traditional six-speed manual gearbox is still available, 80 per cent of Ferraris are now ordered with the paddleshift transmission. With this option fitted, the F430 offers impressively faster and smoother changes than the 360. In the sporty settings, shift speed is even quicker. The electronic differential, which is completely new to the F430, eliminates wheelspin without relying on traction control too heavily.

The technology sounds complicated, but it makes the F430's muscle user-friendly -and that's a good thing, as the all-new 490bhp V8 delivers stunning performance. With 465Nm of torque, it's flexible in the mid-range, while its quick and high-revving nature ensures awesome acceleration. Meanwhile, the fabulous soundtrack is even more spectacular than in the 360.

The newcomer copes just as well in the bends, too, as the light steering offers super-sharp responses. There is virtually no body roll, and cornering is smooth and stable. Plus, with a flat underbody and race car-derived aerodynamic diffuser, high-speed stability is reassuring. The brakes offer strong stopping power and plenty of low-speed feel. Ceramic variants are available for hard drivers, but cost ΂£9,000 to fit.

Other options include sports seats, sat-nav and coloured brake calipers, plus a virtually limitless range of cabin personalisation. However, with the entire first year's F430 production already sold, it appears it is not only the F1 team's success that is guaranteed.