27.09.2004 The new Ferrari F430 is causing a stir in Paris on the sportscar marque's busy stand, however a third car is present, being shown by Pininfarina, the car's designer

The biggest star of the 2004 Paris Mondial de l'Automobile is the new 315km/h Ferrari F430, the much-anticipated successor to the 360 Modena.

Two of the new 4.3-litre V8-engined models take centre stage on an action packed stand from Ferrari, a display bursting with cutting-edge sportscars, including the 612 Scaglietti, the 2+2 'Gran Tourer' which debuted earlier this year, and the 575 M fitted with the GT racing derived 'Handling Pack'.

One of the two new F430 models is joined on a huge, slowly-revolving  turntable by the Formula One World Championship winning F2004, amply demonstrating the transfer of technology between the marque's road an race cars.

However, away from the sheer razzmatazz of the official Ferrari stand, a third F430 is being displayed in much more relaxed surrounding by Pininfarina. This car, finished in bright yellow colours, allows visitors a much more relaxed look at this new mid-size sportscar.

Ferrari have worked hard to get the F430 exactly right, especially so as Lamborghini's new mid-size sportscar, the 500bhp 5.0-litre V10-engined Gallardo,  has become a serious market rival in its first year on sale.

In the flesh the curved front air-intakes, much larger than the ones on the 360 Modena strike you immediately. Hungry mouths, gulping down air to feed that new 4.3-litre V8 engine. Together with the larger intakes over the rear wheel arches, and the inclusion of details from the ultra-potent Challenge Stradale, this new car symbolises raw power and raw aggression.

The rear end, inspired by the Enzo, fits neatly into place, the lip spoiler and huge splitter, finishing the car's lines with a mix of style and aerodynamic purpose. The four round, jutting lights, uniformly matching the highly-polished, quad-exhaust exit pipes.

Under the glass-finished engine-cover, the all-new 4308cc V8-engine, which blasts the F430 from 0-100km/h in four seconds flat, is cannot be overlooked. The inlet manifold splits as it thrusts upwards, each chamber etched with the 'Ferrari' legend, while in between them the marque's 'Prancing Horse' logo is firmly cast.

Traditional Ferrari 'starfish' pattern alloy wheels, thrusting door mirrors, etched with the F430 logo on the driver's side of the car, sweeping headlamps, and a pure sporty interior, all help to set this car apart from pretenders to its crown.

by Edd Ellison in Paris