The Ferrari F430 reaffirms that Ferrari continues to offer some of the most desirable cars on the planet. With 490 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and a relatively low curb weight of 3,197 pounds, the F430 will accelerate from naught to sixty in under four seconds and on to 196 miles per hour, according to Ferrari. So it only makes 343 pound-feet of torque; wind that engine out, click off a shift with the new F1 shifter in 1.5 tenths of a second, and you'll get over the low-sounding number before you can say, "What seems to be the problem, officer?"

With a mid-mounted V-8 and all-aluminum architecture, the F430 builds on the already awesome performance of the 360 Modena, which it replaces. The F430's V-8 now displaces 4.3 liters and produces 114 horsepower per liter, an astonishing specific output for a production V-8. Technological advances include steering wheel controls for vehicle dynamic systems, cutting-edge aerodynamics, and an electronic differential.

Here you'll find official photos of the F430 from Ferrari. Watch for more in our Paris Motor show coverage in late September.