Ferrari F430 Challenge Stradale

This F430 is completely Ferrari. The Ferrari experience, but deeper, stronger more exhilarating than any other (apart from the Enzo) The engine is so responsive and the steering so precice that it can make an average driver like myself feel like a pro. This car oozes confidence even when driven hard.

Apart from the Enzo this is the closest Ferrari have got to a street legal F1. This car was designed to replace the 360 and put Ferrari back on top after Lamborghini released the Gallardo and put the 360 in the shade performance wise. This car is not only more powerful than the 360 (400 bhp compared to 490bhp) but delivers a lot more powerful experinece.

The engine and aerodynamics were developed by people who have worked in F1 and you can feel it and see it. Carbon-composite breaks sitting behind 19-inch wheels and the ultimate F1 signpost, Yellow circle - black horse, smack bang in the middle of the steering wheel, along with other F1 aspirations such as a switch to control the speed of the gearshifts, the active damping and the electronic differential.

This really is an experience in its own to drive.

The engine on this machine is absolutley fantastic. 4.3 litre 490 bhp V8 that redlines at an hysterical 8500 rpm. This is torquier than the 360's and hammers the car forward at a pace that turns your knuckles white. The engine sounds awesome at high revs and the F430's handling is so benign and so full of communication that its always on your side, let me tell you that I'm no professional driver, but when I'm behind the wheel I feel like an F1 driver, taking the car to its limits (well, nearly!) in the twisties is an experience I could never get bored of. The E-diff is a masterpiece, shuffling the power from left to right to keep it on the edge all the time. The car does understeer more than the 360 but the traction is better, but still allowing for wheelspinning out of first and second gear corners.

The car maintains some of the 360's features, but it has a more aggressive look, bigger air intakes above the rear wheels to force more air into the engine and re-worked bumpers.

Inside is trimmed in tan leather with 4 point harnesses and a lot of carbon fibre. Although you won't notice it if you drive it like ferrari intended you to. But it is a nice place to be.

This car is a one of a kind and I urge any Ferrari owner to think seriously about purchasing one.

This review may seem like a comparison to the 360 but these are the reasons that made me part with mine to purchase this awesome machine