Ok so the carrera is gone but I still got the TT. Besides work cars I've got the nali XL for a beater and a cl 500 (for mom). The TT is still nice but it's getting old. If I flip it I could prolly work in a modena or maybe the stradale (in a while, ie if I can find one). Or would it be better to wait it out until the 997 TT hits the showrooms. The modena is starting to look better and better but I hear it's a dog that constantly gets whupped by P cars. It is beautiful though. The Stradale is a bit high still and I'm not much of a track guy (I like to have some comfort in my cars which the stradale lack since its more a of pure bred sportscar). What is the forums verdict? Modena (available right away), stradale (would be a longer wait) or 997 TT (God knows how long I'd have to wait for it?)?

 

Stradale and Comfort

 

F430 or a TT

 

I know you would sacrafice daily driveablilty and the tune ups are kind of steep.

I was having the same dilemma.

Anyone have any imput on what you could do to beef up an F430 besides exhaust?? How much HP can you get and for how much dinero?

 

the 430 needs something other than power to make it fun. as you can see from this interview, there's nothing challenging or engaging about driving a 430:

Fanch
Rennteam Moderator


Reged: Tue
Posts: 2507
Loc: UK Extracts of fantastic interview!!!!
#105698 - Mon May 30 2005 01:07 AM Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply

It's in french unfortunately, so here are some extracts that I've chosen and written for you guys.
the man is Jean-Jacques His, director of engine department and transmission for Ferrari/ Maserati road cars.
His was responsible for the Renault F1 V10 (Benetton, BAR and Renault).

Q: What did you work on when you joined the firm early 2003?
A: straight on the F430, all the data was already settled and I just made sure the reliability would be good. This V8 is close to 500hp but it has huge potential, we can push it much further in the future.

Q: This car is 90 hp more than the 360, where will it stop?
A: Frankly, no idea, we don't want to make the most powerful cars, we want to make the most balanced. Our new philosophy is that we make GT cars that must be fast indeed, but mostly balanced and easy to drive, on open roads and track.

Q: Isn't there an antinomy between ease of driving and mecanical potential?
A: I do not think so. Road going Ferrari's first quality is balance. The F1 that wins is not necessarily the most powerful but the one that makes it easiest to exploit the horses. Same for our road cars. We are not obssessed by performance.

Q: Is a Diesel Ferrari unconceivable?
A: No, we have no prejudice. If it makes sense, why not. For now, it does not.

Q: More seriously, what would power a Ferrari other than petrol?
A: Hydrogen, but the distribution network is not ready.

Q: Has Ferrari recruited you with regards to your F1 experience?
A: Ferrari does not need me to conceive F1 engines, but my 30 years experience certainly helped.

Q: What distinguishes F1 world to road cars world?
A: Decision mechanism. When you put a road car into a client's hand, you cannot take risks. It's the opposite with a race car.
People should not tell fancy stories, road Ferrari and F1 Ferrari have no parts in common, even the Enzo. It would be ridiculous. However, our F1 and our road cars benefit from the same knowledge, they are both conceived here, in Maranello.

Q: Who inspires you?
A: Giocchino Colombo and Aurelio Lampredi, two ferrari motorists from the 50s. And more recently, Colin Chapman, he had a rational conception of automobiles, almost instinctive. Lotus' efficiency was a result of their lightness.

Q: A word on the difference between Ferrari and Maserati?
A: to put it simply, Ferrari is sport and Maserati is more GT.

Q: The car of your dreams?
A: The one outside my window, my F430. Sorry for not being modest, but it is more accessible than an Enzo. In fact, I was always interested in beautiful cars, Ferraris in particular, but also Alfa Romeo from pre war, Bugatti or Hispano.

Q: How would you define automotive pleasure?
A: A mix of emotions. Precisely the ones I feel with my F430: An exceptional engine and the feeling to be a great pilot even though it's not true. It's the pleasure to feel the adrenalin pumping without having to take risks. The Americans have demonstrated it since a long time: in a world of constraints, there is always place for dreams and pleasure. Even at 60 kmh, on a simple acceleration, a Ferrari gives you plenty of extraordinary feelings.

Q: After Ferrari
A: Ferrari. Like Enzo said: the best Ferrari is the next one!

 

i think 430 will be out of the question since if u're not on the list go luck finding one for reasonable price. i'd keep the TT wait for the new one.

 

ok well i didnt know any of that technical ****.....it IS beautiful though, no?

these guys are right, get the TT

 

Yah meaning that I wouldn't want the stradale for the reason that it lacks comfort. Ben I actually sat in the titanium stradale u used to own. Even got to start it up =))))))). Awesome car, but its to much of a race car for me. The price is also a bit high. Those buckets are kinda hard to get in and out of and I didnt really like the cf interior. Thanks for all your input though. Seems noone is in favour of a modena. I'm still so tempted though. Even though its an old model, it's still such a handsome ride at a bargain price. Waiting for the next turbo seems like the sensible thing to do but whats the waiting period? Im thinking maybe 1.5 years from release date. So if there is an 06 model coming out this fall, I'm looking at almost a 2 year waiting period.

 

If your heart is set on getting a 360 Modena then go for it. It doesn't matter what everyone else thinks. Sure the 360 is not as fast as a 996 turbo but it's a beautiful car that's a blast to drive in it's own right.

Did you think about getting a 997 S to fill the void? Since that you feel that the 996 turbo is getting old, the 997 seems the logical choise before getting a 997 turbo.

 

Hey 03 turbo. Yah I'm afraid Ive fallen into that thing about wanting the latest and the greatest. But the F430 (which is the latest and the greatest for now) premium is just so high.

I guess comparing an F car to a P car is like comparing a Harley to a Japanese sports bike. Two different animals. So its really not a good comparison.

With the 997 S I think Id miss the torque. For me it would be a step down although it is the next generation.

Well on the upside, Ive been blessed enough to be able to make the choice. Meanwhile I still got the TT and some other goodies,

 

I'd get a silver Gallardo like Msindi.


My 0.02$

 

personally i think a 360 (non stradale even) is a more involving drive than a 430.

 

Well maybe I should get some seat time in a modena as well as an F430 before I make any uneducated comments. Ive heard that the F430 is a very special car though. At least judging by its looks, I'd really like to have one in my garage at some point.
The gallardo is a good looking ride, but I just never really got into lambos. Something about Ferrari design really appeals to me. But I am a bit fickle so who knows what will happen later......?

 

Gallardo would most definitely be my first choice..

 

Have you driven the new F430 ?