Just Another Day at the Office

How does one begin to write a review of a new Ferrari? There is no more iconic nameplate in the automotive world. Wouldnt an objective road test, including criticisms, be a bit like evaluating the Sistine Chapel?

Really, does it matter that the new F430s trunk has enough room for a couple of soft bags? Or that it has a rather firm ride? Or that it gulps super-premium gasoline? Of course not. The F430 transcends all that. Like all Ferraris, it is an object of desire, a state of mind, and as visceral and sensual a street-legal car as there is.

Of course, the progress of modern automotive technology has not missed Ferrari, given the F430 can trace most of its mechanical

Like all Ferraris, the new 430 is an object of desire, a state of mind, and as visceral and sensual a street-legal car as there is. (Photo: Gerry Frechette, American Auto Press)

My experience with the latest mid-engined V8 from the legendary manufacturer was in its natural environment - the race track and rural country roads. (Photo: Gerry Frechette, American Auto Press)

Somewhat unfortunately, the track at Mont Tremblant, Quebec was the first chance I had to strap into this beast, since I would have but one lap on a fast circuit that was only somewhat familiar to me, to explore the very high limits of a car that I knew nothing about driving. Of course, such a situation has presented itself on many prior occasions

The new V8 displaces 4.3 liters and its output is an astounding 490 hp at 8,500 rpm. (Photo: Gerry Frechette, American Auto Press)

The specs of the F430 are enough to remind one that it is not to be treated with anything less than respect at speed, despite all the modern electronics designed to keep you out of trouble, and which I was sternly told to leave in the full "on" position. Works for me...

The new V8 displaces 4.3 liters, obviously, and its output is an astounding 490 hp at 8,500 rpm. That

Fast or slow, the steering was incisive, the cornering forces almost neck-straining, the braking enough to scrape the front spoiler. (Photo: Gerry Frechette, American Auto Press)

So, I set out down pit lane into Turn One in search of some impression of the F430s capabilities, and I can attest to its fierce acceleration in any of the first four of six gears. I may have only briefly entered the top half of its speed range, but really, that was plenty

Never has a speed limit seemed so low, nor has the absence of the local police been more appreciated. (Photo: Gerry Frechette, American Auto Press)

The red coupe settled into a smooth rhythm, the radii of the various corners being of little concern to it, as if it regarded such low velocities with disdain. Fast or slow, the steering was incisive, the cornering forces almost neck-straining, the braking enough to scrape the front spoiler. Really, what can one say about such a car? For most owners, access to a track is almost mandatory to even approach its limits - and to get rid of the "need for speed" that driving it would constantly create.

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