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

Ioniq electric

2021 Hyundai

Ioniq electric

31,484 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £9,300
View Ioniq electric
Qashqai

2018 Nissan

Qashqai

47,278 milesManualPetrol1.3L

Cash £13,525
View Qashqai
Kodiaq

2021 Skoda

Kodiaq

38,572 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £21,500
View Kodiaq
Tucson

2020 Hyundai

Tucson

53,200 milesManualPetrol1.6L

Cash £12,200
View Tucson

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

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,995
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,480Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £6,495
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,274 off RRP*Used from £10,395
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 Electric Car Grant for new EVs sold under £3…
News
18 Jul 2025
Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake - front action

Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop

The second of Merc’s new-era EVs is here in the form of an attractive estate with a huge range
News
14 Jul 2025