Ferrari F430 Scuderia

Our verdict

The ‘Scud’ is the hardcore F430 that makes everyone drool and then go wide-eyed with terror. But why is there now a Spider? Hey Mr Marketing Man, you just made the dream feel dirty.

Comfort

The Scuderia is a race car for the road, so it's noisy, a bit mad, has a viciously fast F1-'box and probably not a car made for touring. But in terms of the performance available, you can get away with a lot.

Performance

How fast do you want it? The Scuderia employs the usual 4.3-litre V8 from the stock F430 and has a useful extra dollop of power, bringing the total to 510bhp. The 0-62mph time is down to a useful 3.6 seconds and the top end is a couple of mph under the magic 200. The F1 sequential manual is also top of the tree - it's fast, visceral and addictive - but a bugger in traffic.

Cool

The Coupe is utterly wonderful. The Spider makes you look like you have the money, but not the taste.

Quality

Bare carbon everywhere means that the Scuderia feels a tad tinny - but that's the racer vibe letting it all hang out. There are small touches of ‘Italian' character, but nothing that takes away from the experience.

Handling

This is what mid-engined is all about. The Scuderia defines balance - you get right on the edge and dangle with the drama. The steering is divine, the experience one of total immersion. There is power oversteer on tap, but better to try and make everything as neat and tidy as possible and hear that engine sing you out of the apex. It is a life-affirming experience.  

Practicality

The front ‘boot' actually holds a fair bit of kit. There's nothing in the back because its full of engine. Other than that, what were you expecting? 

Running costs

This is where you'll choke if you weren't expecting it. But what were you expecting? Max... erm... everything. Tax, insurance, running costs, servicing - they all cost a bomb. And you'll get mid-teens mpg if you're being ultra-careful - single figures if you're not.