Ferrari F430

The Ferrari is the most expensive car here, but we’d argue that the extra money is worth it just for the car’s soundtrack, which is amazing. You tend to drive it around town with the windows rolled down just to hear the 4.3-liter V-8’s array of rasps and farts and barks. On the handling track at Papenburg, it sounded like an F1 car from the 1960s, the V-8 howling under power and popping back on the overrun. We reckon fuel consumption suffered because we were always downshifting just to hear the engine at full chat.
Ah, the Ferrari’s F1 transmission. This paddle-shift sequential manual unit is so good that we wonder why anyone chooses the standard manual gearbox. Most of the time, you leave the tranny in manual mode and use the fixed paddles to make instant shifts — left to go down the ratios, right to change up. On the track, the lack of a clutch pedal is a boon because you can use your left foot to brake, thus saving time. In town, it’s also handy because your left foot never gets tired from having to pump the clutch. The automatic mode is a bit clunky but works sufficiently well when you’re not in the mood to move your digits.

Engine
Type:
V8
Displacement cu in (cc):
263 (4308)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM:
490(360) / 8500
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM:
343(465) / 5250
Redline at RPM:
n.a.
Brakes & Tires
Brakes F/R:
ABS, vented disc/vented disc
Tires F-R:
225/35 ZR19 - 285/35 ZR19
Driveline:
Rear Wheel Drive
Exterior Dimensions & Weight
Length × Width × Height in:
176.6 × 75.7 × 47.8
Weight lb (kg):
3196 (1450)
Performance
Acceleration 0-62 mph s:
4.0
Top Speed mph (km/h):
>196 (>315)
Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km):
11/16 (n.a.)