Article

$350,000 gets you this

Not that the Ferrari F430 needed an upgrade – but it got one anyway
Issue: Nov, 2007
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 It was meant to be called the HYPERLINK "http://www.autoblog.com/search/?q=stradale&sort=date"F430 Challenge Stradale, but thankfully a focus group, an overpaid PR exec with heavy-framed glasses or maybe even just plan common sense turned that into the Ferrari 430 Scuderia. It is, we can all agree, much more befitting of a sprightly, trimmed down racing version of the gleaming F430. Basically, this is the performance F430. In fact, its genesis owes much more to F1 than the coupe quality of “regular” Ferrari road cars. Boasting a shopping trolley-like power-to-weight ratio – 2.45kg for each horse power – it was unveiled to the (extremely well-heeled public) by Michael Schumacher in Frankfurt. 

It is designed for a pitch battle with the Porsche 911 GT3 and the Lamborghini Superleggra – although with a pricetag of $350,000, it’s really doing pitch-battle with upscale real estate in most of our cities. But then, if you were even contemplating spending that much on a car, we figure you have a roof over your head already. And probably few worries about the breadth of your investment portfolio.  
 
 
Engine
Although the 4.3-litre V8 F430 engine is retained, and there’s precious little reason not to, it features new pistons and hand-polished intake vents – if that’s your thing.
 
Performance
The goodies under the hood produce an irresistible 320kmh and an acceleration of 0-100 in 3.6 seconds – as anything on the road. It also generates a meaty 503bhp and 470Nm of torque. 
 
Gearbox
The Superfast2 F1 paddleshift six-speed gearbox is the quickest of any production car, exchanging gears in 60 milliseconds – equivalent to an F1 car.
 
Technology
The electronic traction system is operated by controls on the steering wheel. On the “sport” setting, the power is matched to the available grip. Traction and chassis balance can also be turned off – for real racing.
 
Weight
Adding to the racing performance, the Scudeira is also 100kg lighter than the straight F430, with a cabin stripped of carpets, use of lightweight seats and body panels in carbon-fibre.
 
Ride
The reduced weight means increased emphasis on downforce, and a ride height lowered by 15mm and improved aerodynamics provide the necessary high-speed stability.