Ferrari F430 GT3

📸: Photo courtesy MaranelloMotorsport.com.au

Just as staying indoors for too long may lead to a case of "cabin fever," focusing on car interiors for months can get a little... well, let's just say it's time to get back outside where all the coolest design elements can be found! Our new series is called "Cool Designs" and we'll take a fairly random look at some of the more interesting bits and pieces of our favorite cars, both past and present.

First up, a Ferrari, and a rather tasty one at that. The F430 GT3 is a purpose-build factory race car based on the street-going F430, which was made from 2004 to 2009. The GT3 was produced to specifically compete in the FIA GT3 European Championship. The cars were developed by JMB Racing, and were based on the F430 Challenge factory racer. The GT3 was successful, winning the driver's title in the 2007 season.

While the car is lovely from every angle, our favorite element is the hood, with its deep cutout to shape the airflow and create downforce.

📸: Photo courtesy Wheelsage.org

From this angle, it's easy to see how the GT3's hood differs from the flat hood of the stock F430. The front here almost mimics the front of the F50 with it's huge cutouts.

📸: Photo courtesy Wheelsage.org

Great view from above. This is simply a very cool race car.