2005 Ferrari F430 Road & Track Test

So, you have about one-third of a million dollars burning a hole in your jeans. That is the good news. The bad news is that you

Even after paying one-third of a million dollars, you can expect a wait of about two years to drive your F430 coupe home. (Photo: Gerry Frechette, Canadian Auto Press)

can expect a wait of about two years to drive your F430 coupe home, and about four years to receive your F430 Spider. Canada's three dealers, in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, are taking deposits now, and suggesting people, especially first-time customers, experience a rather more-available F360 Modena for a few years first, until their F430 arrives.

Such is the price of joining the most exclusive sports car club in the world. But the wait would be worth it.

Specifications:

• Price (coupe 6-speed): $251,595
• Body Type: 2-Door, 2-passenger coupe
• Layout: rear/mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
• Engine: 4.3L, DOHC 32-valve V8
• Horsepower: 490 @ 8,500 rpm
• Torque: 343 lb-ft @ 5,250 rpm
• Transmission: 6-spd manual or 6-spd F1
• Brakes: 4-wheel disc, ABS, EBD
• Wheelbase: 2,600 mm (102.4 in.)
• Length: 4,512 mm (177.6 in.)
• Width: 1,923 mm (75.7 in.)
• Height: 1,214 mm (47.8 in.)
• Curb Weight: 1,450 kg (3,196 lb.)
• Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 4.0 sec.
• Top speed: 320 km/h (199 mph)
• Fuel Economy: 18.3 L/100 km (combined)
• Direct Competitors: Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Dodge Viper, Ford GT, Lamborghini Gallardo, Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG, Porsche 911 Turbo
• Website: www.ferrariworld.com or www.ferrarina.com