2005 Ferrari F430 Preview

For starters, Ferrari will once again be offering its F1-style gearbox, complete with paddle shifters. The six-speeder, however,

Ferrari owners had better watch out, as the embossed F430 appliqué on the backside of the mirrors could make them certain targets for collectors. (Photo: Ferrari North America)

has been tuned to shift gears faster than ever before. For the time being Ferrari has made no mention of offering a regular 6-speed manual transmission, but I'm quite sure demand will dictate some sort of standard gearbox is made available.

The sublime Brembo-sourced cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc brakes, which recently were added to the 575M options list and appeared earlier on the F360 Challenge Stradale, will be optional on the F430. Also added to the list are adjustable dampers and a new invention dubbed E-Diff, an electronically controlled differential which Ferrari claims is a first for a production car. Whether this claim will hold true by the time the new Ferrari becomes available is not certain, as DaimlerChrysler's Jeep brand is introducing electronic limited slip differentials on its upcoming 2005 Grand Cherokee which will

The F430 features gorgeous 19-inch alloy wheels framing optional carbon-ceramic brakes, considered to be the ultimate in stopping equipment. (Photo: Ferrari North America)

also be available shortly. No doubt the two systems will be very different in application.

The steering wheel on the F430 is a functional link to Ferrari's famous F1 cars. Like the Enzo, it features thumb-actuated horn buttons on the wheel's rim, as well as a large, red starter button. The steering wheel also houses the rotary knob which features a five-setting adjustment for the car's traction and stability control, E-diff, active dampers and transmission program. The F1-inpsired system has settings for normal conditions, ice, slippery roadways, racing and ASR-off, with each driver selectable to suit individual needs. Think of it as a condensed version of Schumacher's own wheel.