Ferrari F430: Refinement at Speed

Ferrari F430: Refinement at Speed
Price as tested: $179,000

Given Ferrari’s Formula One heritage, it’s not surprising that the mid-engine F430 is the most exhilarating supercar I’ve driven to date. The Ferrari F430 achieves the impossible – simultaneously teaching the apprentice to be a better driver while rewarding the master with an exquisite experience of power and control.

The Ferrari’s beauty is more than skin deep, as its impeccable Pininfarina styling is in service to function. The massive front air dams help cool the F430’s gorgeous 483 horsepower, 343 lb-ft of torque V8. The Ferrari’s aerodynamics generate 616 pounds of down force (at 186 mph) to glue the F430 to the road. And even the sideview mirrors are designed to channel air in the service of speed.

Speaking of speed, the F430 launches from zero to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, and has a top speed of 195 mph. I didn’t make full use of that capacity, but it is astonishing how fast you can go in this car and remain in complete control. The F1 paddle shifters, so often an affectation on performance cars, are flawless. There is no guesswork and there are no missed cues, just pure performance.

The Ferrari weighs in at about 3,000 pounds, but you would never know it. It never feels clunky as a Lamborghini can. And it’s lighter on its feet – more poised and coordinated, if you will – than even a Porsche. The beautifully tailored interior is one reminder that you’ve spent nearly $180,000 on your chariot, but you expect that in this class. What you may not expect, and what nobody else can deliver, is Ferrari’s customizable driving experience – ranging from boulevard cruiser to flat out Formula One. I left the electronic stability controls engaged, thank you. But if you know how to handle a race car, you can dial in that level of control on the F430.

Choose among 16 exterior colors, 12 leathers, eight carpets, and a host of aluminum and carbon fiber accents to customize your F430. And while I’m sure the Ferrari’s sound system is fine, if you’re listening to that instead of the engine, you’re not driving it right.

Carbon Ceramic brakes are optional.