Thought for Today

"Regrets I had a few, but then again too few to mention."

- Frank Sinatra, My Way

2005 Ferrari F430

Voracious - The F430's front bumper intakes are a visual analog to the "shark nose" design of Ferrari's 1961 world championship car.

View from behind - The back end of the F430 reflects the styling of the Enzo, with quad taillights and exhausts, and a vaned aerodynamic diffuser curling up from the car's underbody.

Buckle and go - The F430's cabin, here with the optional racing seats, is roomier than that of its predecessor, the 360 Modena.

Sensory - At lower right, the manettino switch guides the ride.

Estimated base price: $190,000

Powertrain: 4.3-liter, 32-valve, dual-overhead-cam V8, hydraulically actuated variable valve timing, variable intake geometry, flat crank, dry sump lubrication, twin Bosch electronic engine controls, by-wire throttle; six-speed electro-hydraulically actuated rear transaxle, paddle shifted with auto mode (six-speed manual available).

Horsepower: 490 at 8,500 rpm

Torque: 343 pound-feet at 5,250 rpm

Curb weight: 3,196 pounds

0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds

0-124 mph: 17.3 seconds

Top speed: 195 mph

Overall length: 177.6 inches

Wheelbase: 102.4 inches

Wheels and tires: 19-inch alloys; 225/35R19 (front), 285/35R19 (rear)

Brakes: 12-inch cast-iron cross-drilled and ventilated discs, four-pot calipers

Final thoughts: Montezemolo's revenge

Meet the Ferrari's Artist

Ferrari F430 designer Frank Stephenson. He is the American-born chief of design for Ferrari and Maserati, in charge of coordinating design and styling between the factories and the styling house Pininfarina in Turin, Italy. Before coming to Ferrari, Stephenson worked at BMW, where he famously designed the new Mini Cooper.