Ferrari 430 by Top Gear
Within fifty yards it feels good. Great even. One of those strange cars that feels instantly better, no matter that it's a pretty thing anyway. Some have criticised the looks. Several people have already commented that the rear's not to their taste, but in the metal it looks butch, and more predatory all over than the slightly happy-clappy 360. Changing the vent shapes and sizes has helped enormously.
The noise is different, more baritone than castrato, especially in the lower ranges. There's more bass in it. But there's also a hell of a lot more torque, making the car more driveable. And power's up, though the way it fettles power onto the tarmac means that it never feels brutal.
The 'Mannettino' switch on the wheel is the biggest surprise. You want to know what a diff does? Drive this in each mode and you'll understand. And in 'Race' I'm not sure I'd ever have to switch the traction completely off, such are the angles you can describe around hairpins.
Instant verdict: It goes better, stops better and the power is easier to access than in the 360. It's a more rewarding car than the Lambo Gallardo - and that's saying something...
# For the full F430 drive story, check out the next issue of Top Gear magazine, on sale from November 3
TomFord
Ferrari 430
Threaded Mode