Stradale at home on track

Low-frills Ferrari handles like go-kart 360 Challenge built in limited numbers

NIKA  - SPECIAL TO THE STAR

WEST PALM BEACH, FLA.-Fairy tales can be instructive and, it turns out, helpful in understanding the newest Ferrari 360, the Challenge Stradale.

Goldilocks found one bed too soft and the other too hard, but the last one suited her just right.

I'd say the same about V8 Ferraris: The Ferrari 360 Modena is a refined street car, the 360 Modena Challenge is a pure racer and the Challenge Stradale (Italian for street) is a bit of both.

The Stradale coupe is one streeter that would be right at home on the track. Ferrari has moved away from the first-generation 360, deciding to take the "less is more" route.

With less weight and fewer frills, plus a set of great racing seats, the newcomer has special appeal for those who aspire to "upgrade" through minimalism.

The Stradale's interior is humble compared to the regular 360 Modena - harsh and simple like that of a race car. Carbon-fibre accents and the beckoning starter button bestow an all-business air.

Ferraris, of course, are meant to be driven on long straights, fast curves and without any state troopers in sight.

So, after a day of lapping at Moroso Motorsports Park in Palm Beach Gardens, near here, I set out for the real world.

Stradale handling is go-kart quick; you stick to the road like a burr in fur; superb acceleration throws you back in the seat.

Ah, the things the prancing horse people have learned from the Ferrari Challenge race series.

Aerodynamic improvements are key in this voluptuous coupe's design. From the extended nose to the trunk lid's lip, the changes enhance downforce and stability.

Nineteen-inch wheels, a stiffer suspension and brakes featuring carbon-ceramic composites à la Ferrari Enzo are further advances on the 360 Modena. Special compound Pirelli P Zero tires were moulded for Stradale.

My one disappointment: the optional radio that looks as out of place as Donald Trump's hairpiece, Velcroed as it - the radio - is to the bottom of the dashboard.

My advice: either make it a part of the dash or leave it out.

The smooth, 425-horse, 3.6 L V8 is pure music, coming gloriously alive at higher rpm.

Make no mistake: the mid-engined Stradale is a collector's piece.

Only 1,000 of these beauties will be built over a two-year period (exclusivity that admittedly trails that of the 399 Enzos planned).

A mere 250 are slated for North America, with 25 to 30 earmarked for Canada.

Some Stradales were delivered in the GTA this fall. One Toronto buyer, who has owned more than 20 Ferraris so far, is patiently waiting for his to arrive in April. He ordered the car a year ago without driving it.

The "true experience," he says, of savouring this limited-production chef-d'oeuvre is the reason he forked over some $300,000 - $193,000 (U.S.) - for the honour.

A $5,000 optional racing stripe doesn't add to the top speed of 299 km/h (186 mph) and the thrill of doing 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds.

Yes, Stradale is a drug - and I'm an addict.

Bring Ferrari and helmet

Still think the Ferrari Challenge Stradale is too little car for you?

Then why not buy the real race car - the 360 Modena Challenge - and go play with the big boys and girls?

The Ferrari Challenge racing series has morphed yet again, with new rule changes expected to add excitement to events where it is a support race, such as the Montreal Grand Prix.

Though some dismiss it as a smash 'em derby for the rich and famous, don't discount the seriousness of the competition in this series.

High costs and small grids have been problems. With only 90 Challenge race cars sold in North America, as few as nine cars raced in Texas last fall.

To coax a larger field to take part, Ferrari North America is allowing non-owners to race in what are now called Ferrari Festivals, and a car can be shared between racers.

The first race is scheduled for March 19-21 at Infineon Raceway at Sears Point, Calif.