Ferrari F430 Spider

SPECIFICATIONS

1. Like the coupe, the F430 Spider is powered by a high-revving 4.3-liter V8 with 490-hp and 343 ft-lbs of torque. 2. The drop-to F430 is rated at 3.6 seconds to 60 mph and a top speed of 193 mph. 3. Spider models start at around $217,000.

PREVIEW

The magnificent charcoal black metallic 2010 Ferrari F430 Spider attacked the sharp right-hand corner in third gear, cresting the leeward side of Topanga State Park at full song. My neck muscles strained in anticipation of the next curve as the harmonic resonance of pistons and camshafts reverberated off the rock face in glorious accord.

A light touch of the F1-inspired paddle shifter and fourth gear engaged just prior to redline. The glass encased V8 engine barked an obedient response, building once again to a climactic crescendo as I held on for the ride of my life.

A quick left turn was followed by an even faster right and I had just enough time to check the mirror for any signs of flashing lights as I reached for fifth gear on the short uphill sprint to the top.

Reaching the summit, I briefly entertained the idea of selecting sixth gear, but all thoughts were quickly dashed as I pushed hard on the brakes and came to an immediate, blood-rushing-to-my-brain stop. It seems even in the mountainous back roads around Beverly Hills and Bel Air; nothing stops the fun of driving an exotic sports car faster than a good old California traffic jam.

INTERIOR

Inside, power seats on both sides offer excellent body support and large circular gauges provide instant feedback regardless of your speed. Climate control settings are easily adjusted and even the AM/FM/CD player is simple to use.

Dropping the ragtop to let the sun shine in takes a mere 25 seconds. Be prepared, however, to draw a crowd as the carefully choreographed movements of the canvas roof reveal a mechanical ballet worthy of admission.

Trunk space is minimal at best, but I was amazed to find we could actually place a medium sized suitcase along with a laptop computer bag completely inside and still close the lid without incident. Louis Vuitton would be proud.

UNDER THE HOOD

Driving the F430 Spider, even in self-absorbed California, is unlike anything I had experienced previously. Young men and women swoon at the sight, while other drivers give a slight nod of the head or a hardy thumbs-up as it passes.

Front row parking at even the most lavish hotels and restaurants is guaranteed, with valet’s jockeying for the right to drive the F430 Spider, if only for a few minutes.

At the heart of every Ferrari is the longstanding tradition of domination in Formula One racing. From Phil Hill to Gilles Villeneuve and most recently the incomparable Michael Schumacher, Ferrari and winning go hand in hand. What Ferrari learns on the track is sure to be incorporated into every new car they design and the F430 Spider is no exception.

The 2009 F430 Spider is propelled by a lightweight V8 engine that produces a lusty 490 horsepower at 8500 rpm. To engage the engine, the driver is required to press a large “Engine Start” button located on the left of the steering wheel. Pushing this button produces a smile inducing 343 ft-lbs of torque at 5250 rpm and an exhaust note to die for.

The 2009 Ferrari F430 Spider is capable of accelerating from 0-62 mph in a mere 4.1 seconds and achieves a top speed in excess of 193 mph.

F1 designed paddle shifters eliminate the need for the typical stick and clutch arrangement found in most high performance sports cars. Mounted behind the steering wheel on both the left and right sides of the column, they provide what is, in my opinion, the best option for manually shifting gears.