Skip advert
Advertisement

Ferrari F430

Is the latest lightweight Scuderia track-star the Ultimate Ferrari? We find out in our exclusive test.

Overall Auto Express rating

5.0

How we review cars
Find your Ferrari F430
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The latest track-tuned model from the Prancing Horse stable delivers ballistic performance and hardcore appeal for fans of the marque around the world. Ferrari UK has more than 300 people wanting one but, with only around 100 examples destined to reach these shores annually, they will have to be patient. For those fortunate enough to be able to afford one, the F430 Scuderia is definitely worth the wait.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It would be wrong to describe the Ferrari F430 Scuderia as little more than a lightened, sharpened version of the car on which it is based. Under­neath those meaner-looking aerodynamic enhancements lies a number of hugely significant changes.

Weight has been pared back, and at 1,350kg, the Scuderia is 100kg lighter than the standard F430. Power and torque outputs are up, too, with the 4.3-litre V8 producing an incredible 503bhp and 470Nm. The engine features new pistons and hand-polished intake manifolds, plus an exhaust sys­tem that breathes more freely and sounds absolutely fantastic.

Ferrari has also added its fastest-ever gearbox to the mix. The six-speed Superfast2 F1 paddleshift trans­mis­sion can swap ratios in only 60 milliseconds – that’s nearly as quickly as a Formula One racer. The result is a 0-62mph sprint of less than 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 199mph.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Range Rover Evoque

2018 Land Rover

Range Rover Evoque

22,196 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £19,787
View Range Rover Evoque
Corsa

2022 Vauxhall

Corsa

11,970 milesAutomaticPetrol1.2L

Cash £14,700
View Corsa
Puma

2023 Ford

Puma

29,225 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £13,900
View Puma
Golf

2024 Volkswagen

Golf

30,377 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £16,000
View Golf

Yet for all its track enhancements, the Scuderia is devastatingly effective on the road. Key to its astonishing ability is Ferrari’s inclusion of the 599’s traction control system in the electronically controlled limited-slip differential, called E-Diff. The set-up’s four modes are linked to the stability and traction control, and their influence is managed by the dial on the steering wheel – just as in F1.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Leave the dial turned to Sport on the road, and the effect is mesmerising. The Scuderia’s power is matched perfectly to the available grip, regardless of how aggressively you drive it.

The Race setting provides a degree of slip at the rear, while CT off – a new option that disables the traction control but leaves the stability systems in place – reveals the Scuderia’s phenomenal chassis balance and user-friendliness. There’s the CST off mode, too, where everything is switched off – but that is best left for track superstars. And, as the suspension settings can be fine-tuned, the newcomer has astonishing cross-country pace.

The F430 Scuderia weighs in at a huge £172,500 – or about £50,000 more than the model it’s based on. But there’s a great deal more to this car than revised suspension and a slightly more powerful engine.

Unlike on the Porsche 911 GT3 or Lambor­ghini Superleggera, Ferrari has fitted carbon ceramic brakes as stan­dard. The cabin is stripped of carpets, while lightweight sports seats and carbon fibre keep the weight down. On the outside, the car gets 20-inch alloys and revised aerodynamics, and also rides 15mm lower, to provide better high-speed stability.

But is it worth the same sort of money as Ferrari’s 599 GTB Fiorano? The simple answer is yes. The Scuderia laps the Fiorano circuit quicker than an Enzo; think of it that way, and it starts to look like a bit of a bargain.Rival: Porsche 911 GT3 RS It's much cheaper and the Porsche runs the Ferrari very close indeed. But on the limit, it becomes clear the GT3 doesn’t benefit from the F1 technology seen on the Scuderia.

For an in-depth buyer's guide on the Ferrari F430 from Classic and Performance Car click here...

Skip advert
Advertisement

More reviews

In-depth reviews

New & used car deals

Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,474 off RRP*Used from £11,995
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,952
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,362 off RRP*Used from £11,990
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,464 off RRP*Used from £10,695
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Hot Volkswagen Golf GTI for a cool £287 a month
Volkswagen Golf GTI - front cornering left 1

Car Deal of the Day: Hot Volkswagen Golf GTI for a cool £287 a month

The Golf GTI has been a classic from day one – and it’s our Deal of the Day for 8 July.
News
8 Jul 2025