The F430 is said to feature 70% new / redesigned parts over the 360 Modena, and most worthy is the new 32 valve V8 with 90 more horsepower than the 360. Ferrari says there is no more need to go back to the 5-valve per cylinder designee (40 valve 360...). Power is 490 hp @ 8,500rpm and 343 lb.ft. of torque @ 5,250rpm. It also has 114hp / liter.

Derived from the Maserati 4.2 liter V8, but rather features a 1mm increase in stroke to 4.3 liters. How does it get 100 more horsepower over the Maserati? uses flat crank instead of fully balanced cross crank (maybe someone can explain this..to reve higher?). Lightweight titanium connection rods instead of forged steel. Compression ration is raised to 11.3:1 from 11.1:1. The intake and exhaust are also redesigned over the Maseratti.

Although it weighs more than the 360, 60kgs more, it has a higher power to weight ratio. Ferrari claims a top speed of 195mph and 0-60mph in 3.95 seconds. I'll just weight for Car & Driver, Autocar, and Road & Track to test it!

Chassis are fairly the same to the 360, except the bodies aerodynamics are changed considerably. Expect more downforce and efficiency.

F1 simi-automatic gearbox has improved programming. Oddly, quickest shift remains at 150ms instead of Masseraties 80ms. Like other Ferraris it gets 4-driveing modes to choose from: Sport, Damp, Winter, and Race. I think you can figure out what they mean.

New Electronic Differential (E-Dif). Ferrari says the new E-Dif was taken directly from its F1 cars and is the worlds first in production cars. I imagine that its not exactly the same, nor is the simi-automatic, but I could be wrong.

Finally, Carbon-ceramic disc brakes are available as a option. I'll make sure to order them with my F430 I have on hold..

Ferrari will give a presentation at next months Paris Motor show. Stay tuned. Please join the forum