That engine note is deeper inside the car, but at first sight all thoughts of the engine dissipate into an afterthought, it's just that breathtaking.
Truly, its one of those rare objets d'art that goes far beyond mere ergonomics in order to satisfy the brand's worldly clientele. The first thing I noticed was its bright yellow tachometer face, sitting dead center in the gauge cluster directly behind the traditional yellow prancing horse emblem in the center of the steering wheel hub. With its chronograph-like design it reminds me of a Girard Perregaux wristwatch, but of course the timepiece was inspired by Ferrari's cars, not the other way around.
The steering wheel isn't even completely round, squared off slightly at the top, in similitude of the F1 "grab handles" that MS and RB rotate while hard charging every other weekend. Likewise the car's paddle-shift actuated gearbox is similar to the race-ready transmission the carmaker's F2005 incorporates, at least in context.
Ferrari offers the F430 with a six-speed manual as well, but as much as I enjoy shifting my own gears I have to admit to being a big fan of the F1 gearbox. I suppose, not being as expert behind the wheel as some of my
colleagues, the way the sequential transmission blips the throttle to match the lower gear while downshifting makes me feel, and sound like a much better driver than I really am.
While I'm beating myself up for not measuring up to driving professionals, or even semi-pro owner-operators who take part in the marque's 360 Challenge series, of which one race was to take place on the weekend following our Friday test drive, I have to admit that the amount of time spent on various tracks during new model launches, and especially this particular race course, have helped to improve my game. This experience allowed me to jump right into the F430, with little time for "getting to know you" chit-chat, and bury the throttle on my way out of the pit lane.
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| The steering wheel isn't completely round, squared off slightly at the top, in similitude of the F1's "grab handles". (Photo: Ray Watson, American Auto Press) |
The steering wheel isn't even completely round, squared off slightly at the top, in similitude of the F1 "grab handles" that MS and RB rotate while hard charging every other weekend. Likewise the car's paddle-shift actuated gearbox is similar to the race-ready transmission the carmaker's F2005 incorporates, at least in context.
Ferrari offers the F430 with a six-speed manual as well, but as much as I enjoy shifting my own gears I have to admit to being a big fan of the F1 gearbox. I suppose, not being as expert behind the wheel as some of my
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| My most immediate thought was just how far Ferrari has come with its production F1 gearbox. (Photo: Ray Watson, American Auto Press) |
While I'm beating myself up for not measuring up to driving professionals, or even semi-pro owner-operators who take part in the marque's 360 Challenge series, of which one race was to take place on the weekend following our Friday test drive, I have to admit that the amount of time spent on various tracks during new model launches, and especially this particular race course, have helped to improve my game. This experience allowed me to jump right into the F430, with little time for "getting to know you" chit-chat, and bury the throttle on my way out of the pit lane.