24.09.2004 Star of the Ferrari stand in Paris as well as being one of the biggest stars of the whole show, the F430, received its 'World Premiere' in the halls of the Mondial de l'Automobile

Star of the Ferrari stand in Paris and one of the biggest stars of the show, the F430, had its World Premiere in the halls of the Mondial de l'Automobile 2004 yesterday.

Ferrari have just clinched a sixth consecutive Formula One constructor's title, and at the show, they have made it obvious by the positioning of the F430 next to their F1 racer, that this new model is the latest example of this transfer of technology.

The two cars, brother and sister, thrust themselves proudly at the visitor, while you can almost see them breathing each other's air.

The new F430 hails the arrival of a whole new generation of Ferrari 8-cylinder berlinettas and takes the aluminium technologies first used in the 360 Modena to a new level. It also offers a series of spectacular innovations directly derived from Ferrari’s Formula 1 single-seaters.

Two of these innovations are world firsts for productions cars: the electronic differential (E-Diff) initially developed by Ferrari for its F1 single-seaters and designed to make the most of the engine’s torque to optimise traction, and the handily placed steering wheel-mounted commutator switch which directly controls the integrated systems governing vehicle dynamics.

The F430 is powered by a completely new 4308cc engine. The new V8 delivers a massive 490 hp and a specific power of 114 hp/l. Its performance is absolutely excellent too: 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) acceleration in four seconds flat and a top speed in excess of 315 km/h (196 mph).

The F430 is the second new Ferrari to be launched in 2004 after the 612 Scaglietti, a hugely successful all-aluminium 2+2 12-cylinder.

At the Paris Motor Show, which opens its doors to the public for the first time tomorrow, two F430 models hug the headlines on Ferrari's action-packed stand.

A bright-red F430 takes centre stage on a huge revolving turntable that dominates the sectioned Ferrari stand. This model, finished with a stylish beige-leather interior, is joined on this rotating platform by an F2004, their all-conquering F1 machine.

These two totally different models, positioned together, remind onlookers of Ferrari's F1 and road achievements in no uncertain terms, alluding to an overlap in technology, while at the same time reminding would-be rivals that this Italian firm is firmly positioned at the pinnacle of achievement.

A second F430 is statically mounted, offering itself up to visitors for close-up examination. This car is finished in Grigio Titanio and boasted the new carbon interior, an option that exuded a purposeful, no-nonsense, sporty-feel, while at the same time complementing the rakish, aggressive feel of the exterior.

First impressions of the new Pininfarina-styled car, which looks much more harmonious in the flesh than initial images conveyed, are highly positive, certainly judging by the strong reaction of the crowd.

The Enzo-derived rear treatment blends beautifully onto a car of this size, while the scalloped-out front spoiler, has both an aggressive and smooth-flowing feel to it. Key features from the Challenge Stradale have also been incorporated, while the waistline-mounted logo, more prominent and sculptured than is usual, screams out the car's proud heritage.

Distinguished VIP guests to view the F430 yesterday included Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne, who was shown around the car by Frank Stephenson, the Ferrari-Maserati head of design.

by Edd Ellison in Paris