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Michael Schumacher spent a lot of time testing the 430 Scuderia when it was being developed, carefully applying the method that made him unique on the racetrack for many years. All the ingredients were there: a light and powerful car, comfortable and ergonomic, with an incredible weight/power ratio; ground-effect aerodynamics, which makes the car more effective, at higher speeds; powerful quick-response braking guaranteed by callipers and carbo-ceramic discs, and in particular the manettino mounted on the steering wheel that allows the driver to adjust the car set-up according to the driver’s requirements. During his racing career, the seven times World Champion’s work on the manettino and steering wheel-mounted controls, in close association with the engineers and electricians, was one of the reasons for his extraordinary success on the racing track. Schumacher’s suggestions have also had a profound influence in the development of Ferrari Formula 1 steering wheels in recent years.

This is why, when you saw him at the wheel of the 430 Scuderia on the old Nürburgring, you instantly knew what he was looking for in his continuous, methodical adjustments of the controls that coordinate gear change timing, traction, suspension compliance and stability.

Ferrari people say the primary reason for building the Scuderia is that it showcases the company’s racing technology in a street car. Another reason is that, historically, Ferrari has built more extreme versions of its entry-level sports car, going back to the F355 Challenge in 1995. And Lamborghini, its northern-Italian rival, has just introduced the Gallardo Superleggera, while Porsche, its perennial competitor, is continually making go-faster versions of the 911.

Whatever the reason, enthusiasts who have well-padded bank accounts should rejoice, because the 430 Scuderia is a stunning vehicle. The engine in the F430 is a wondrous device, a snarling 4.3-liter V-8 that makes 483 horsepower. The Scuderia gets an additional 20 horsepower and an engine sound that’s so loud and enticing it causes occupants to giggle in delight. The extra power and noise come from a revised intake manifold, a freer-flowing exhaust, and a slightly higher compression ratio (up from 11.3:1 to 11.9:1), among other changes.