Ferrari 360

Ferrari 360 Modena
Overview
Manufacturer Ferrari
Production 1999–2005
Assembly Maranello, Italy
Designer Pininfarina
Body and chassis
Class Sports car (S)
Body style 2-seat Coupé
2-seat Spider
Layout Longitudinal, Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine 3.6 L Tipo F131 V8
Transmission 6-speed manual
6-speed "F1" electrohydraulic manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,600 mm (102 in)
Length 4,477 mm (176 in)
Width 1,922 mm (76 in)
Height 1,214 mm (48 in) (Modena)
1,214 mm (48 in) (Spider)
Curb weight 1,290 kg (2,844 lb) (Modena)
1,350 kg (2,976 lb) (Spider)
Chronology
Predecessor Ferrari F355
Successor Ferrari F430

The Ferrari 360 is a two-seater sports car built by Ferrari from 1999 to 2005. It succeeded the Ferrari F355 and was replaced by the Ferrari F430. It is a mid-engined, rear wheel drive V8-powered coupe.

Ferrari partnered with Alcoa to produce an entirely new all aluminum space-frame chassis that was 40% stiffer than the F355 which had utilized steel. The design was 28% lighter despite a 10% increase in overall dimensions. Along with a lightweight frame the new Pininfarina body styling deviated from traditions of the previous decade's sharp angles and flip-up headlights. The new V8 engine, common to all versions, utilizes a 3.6 litre capacity, flat plane crankshaft, titanium connecting rods and generates 400 bhp (300 kW). Despite what looks like on paper modest gains in reality the power to weight ratio was significantly improved on over the F355, this was due to the combination of both a lighter car and more power. The 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration performance improved from 4.6 to 4.3 seconds.

The first model to be rolled out was the 360 Modena followed later by the 360 Spider and finally as a special edition, the Challenge Stradale: which was the highest performance road-legal version of the 360 produced by the factory, featuring carbon ceramic brakes (from the Enzo), track tuned suspension, aerodynamic gains, weight reduction, power improvements and revised gearbox software among its track focused brief. There were 8,800 Modenas and 7,565 Spiders produced.[1]

In addition to this there were the low volume factory race cars, these were all derived from the 360 Modena and for the first time produced as a separate model in their own right (compared to being retro fit kit in previous incarnations). The first up was the 360 Modena Challenge, used in a one make series, the factory built racing cars were prepared by official tuner, Michelotto who also did the 360 N-GT. The N-GT was a 360 Challenge car evolved even further to compete more seriously in the FIA N-GT racing classes alongside other marques such as Porsche.

A single 360 Barchetta was produced as a special wedding present from Ferrari to former Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo.

Road models

Modena

The first model of the 360 to be shipped was the Modena, named after the town of Modena, the birthplace of Enzo Ferrari. Its six-speed gearbox is available as a 6 speed manual, or an F1 electrohydraulic manual.

The 360 Modena went into production in 1999 and remained in production until 2005 when it was replaced by the F430. The Modena was followed 2 years later by the 360 Spider, Ferrari's 20th road-going convertible which at launch overtook sales of the Modena. Other than weight, the Spider's specifications matched those of the Modena almost exactly.

The Challenge Stradale was a later addition to the line-up, the finale model before replacement. It was essentially a lightened, factory tuned version of the Modena with many of the Modena's optional extras becoming standard. Carbon seats, racing exhaust, carbon engine bay, and so on. Famously at the time Ferrari claimed it dropped up to 110 kg over the stock Modena helping to improve its handling. Many other chassis optimizations were carried out too such as stiffer titanium springs (lowering unsprung weight), stiffer bushings and an updated rear anti roll bar (the same anti-roll bar as used on the 430 Scuderia) along with a remapped active suspension computer. Changes also included larger 19" BBS wheels, the use of carbon fiber for the frames of the seats and mirrors, titanium springs which were also 20% stiffer, and Carbon fiber-reinforced Silicon Carbide (C/SiC) ceramic composite disc brakes. A variety of options allowed for further weight reductions, including replacing the leather interior with fabric, removal of the power windows and mirrors, and deletion of the stereo. Lexan side windows were available in Europe only but everywhere else got the Lexan rear cover. It was officially introduced in March 2003 at the Geneva International Motor Show and went into production shortly thereafter. The CS can be compared to Porsche's GT3 RS model in design approach and many magazines have placed them head-to-head in road tests.

Interior of the Modena with rossa corsa paint and tan leather. This example is equipped with the F1 gearbox, controlled by the "paddles" on the steering column

Spider

The 360 Spider is Ferrari's twentieth road-going convertible.

The 360 was designed with a Spider variant in mind; since removing the roof of a coupe reduces the torsional rigidity, the 360 was built for strength in other areas. Ferrari designers strengthened the sills, stiffened the front of the floorpan and redesigned the windscreen frame. The rear bulkhead had to be stiffened to cut out engine noise from the cabin. The convertible's necessary dynamic rigidity is provided by additional side reinforcements and a cross brace in front of the engine. Passenger safety is ensured by a strengthened windscreen frame and roll bars.

Ferrari 360 Spider

The 360 Spider displays a curvilinear waistline. The fairings imply the start of a roof, and stable roll bars are embedded in these elevations. Due to use of light aluminium construction throughout, the Spider weighs in only 60 kg (130 lb) heavier than the coupé.

As with the Modena version, its 3.6 litre V8 with 400 bhp (300 kW) is on display under a glass hood. The engine — confined in space by the convertible's top's storage area — acquires additional air supply through especially large side grills. The intake manifolds were moved toward the center of the engine between the air supply conduits in the Spider engine compartment, as opposed to lying apart as with the Modena. In terms of performance, the 0-60 time was slightly slower at 4.4 seconds due to the slight weight increase, and the top speed was reduced from 189 to 180 mph.

Despite the car's mid-mounted V8 engine, the electrically operated top is able to stow into the compartment when not in use. The convertible top was available in black, blue, grey and beige colors. The transformation from a closed top to an open-air convertible is a two-stage folding-action that has been dubbed "a stunning 20 second mechanical symphony".

The interior of the Spider is identical to that of the coupé.

Dimensions

Challenge Stradale

Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale

The Challenge Stradale is a low production track day focused car based on the 360 Modena. From a handling and braking performance perspective was the equivalent of adding a FHP (Fiorano Handling Pack) to the 360, which was available for V12 models such as the 550, 575 or F599 but never separately for the V8's.

It was inspired by the 360 Modena Challenge racing car series so the focus was primarily on improving its track lapping performance credentials by concentrating on handling, braking and weight reduction characteristics, which are essential in pure racing cars. Ferrari engineers designed the car from the outset with a goal of 20% track day use in mind and 80% road use. With only a small 20 bhp (15 kW) improvement in engine power from the Modena (and boasting an improved power-to-weight ratio) the Challenge Stradale accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.0 seconds (three tenths faster than a Modena) but bald figures do not paint the full picture. For the enthusiastic driver the differences are truly staggering; genuine systematic improvements were achieved to the setup and feel of the whole car. Throttle response from the digital throttle was ratcheted up and feedback through the steering wheel was enhanced. The responsiveness of the controls, the balance of the chassis, the braking performance and the driver feedback all contribute greatly to the overall driving experience. Thanks to CCM brakes borrowed from the F430, some lower weight parts and a FHP handling pack, the Challenge Stradale was able to claim an impressive 3.5 seconds improvement per lap of its Fiorano circuit compared to the Modena (the target was 2.5 seconds).

In total, the Challenge Stradale is up to 110 kg (243 lb) lighter than the standard Modena if all the lightweight options are specified such as deleted radio, lexan (plexiglass) door window and Alcantara fabric (instead of the leather option). As much as 74 kilograms (207 lb) was taken off on the car by lightening the bumpers, stripping the interior of its sound deadening and carbon mirrors and making the optional Modena carbon seats standard. Resin Transfer Moulding was utilized for the bumpers and skirts, a carry over from the Challenge cars which resulted in lighter bumpers than on the Modena. The engine and transmission weight was slimmed down 11 kg (24 lb) through the use of a smaller, lighter weight sports (yet still stainless steel) exhaust back box and valved exit pipes. The Challenge Stradale also got Brembo carbon ceramic brakes as standard (which later became standard fitment on the F430) which shaved 16 kg off the curb weight and improved handling by reducing unsprung weight and completely eliminating brake fade. Cars fitted with the center console stereo option, sub speaker box behind the seats and glass side windows re-gained approximately 30 kg over the best selected options (from a weight perspective).

Dimensions

Specifications

Engine

All models featured the same layout:

For Modena, Spider, Modena F1 and Spider F1:

For Challenge Stradale:

Performance

For Modena and Spider:

For Challenge Stradale:

Race models

360 Modena Challenge

Based on the 360 Modena road car, the 360MC (Modena Challenge) was an extensively reworked, non road legal car intended to compete in Ferrari's one-make racing series called the 'Ferrari Challenge'.[4] It was only available with the F1 gearbox. At the time of launch, Ferrari claimed the 360MC accelerated from 0 to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds (0.6 secs quicker than the standard 360 Modena F1) and could corner and brake significantly faster than the road car. Brembo racing provided the upgraded Gold colored calipers and larger floating 2-piece discs, while Bosch provided race tuned ABS software. The exhaust system was lightened substantially and was one of the main contributions to the increased hp over stock engine (as ignition mapping was claimed to virtually the same). For the road cars (even the Challenge Stradale) Ferrari used a valve system which made the car more socially acceptable at lower revs (and therefore able to pass drive-by noise tests).

Unlike the previous Challenge car series, which utilized a F355 road car with a dealer-installed 'challenge upgrade' kit, the 360 MC was a factory built track car, which allowed greater weight reduction efforts. The enhanced driving characteristics and substantial weight reduction meant the car could comfortably outperform its road-going counterpart even though power from the 3.6 engine was claimed to be similar.

The 360MC featured a stripped-down race-car interior with the stereo, electric windows and locks, soundproofing, airbags, air-conditioning, and even the handbrake removed. The seats and restraints were replaced by a single carbon fiber racing seat and FIA approved restraint harnesses, and a roll cage was fitted for safety along with a fire suppression system. The instrument cluster was reworked with a monochrome LCD to display vital engine data. The adaptive suspension of the road car was replaced by adjustable racing dampers, while larger brakes with extra cooling ducts were added.

Official Performance figures

360 N-GT/ Michelotto

The Ferrari 360 N-GT was a 360 Challenge car tuned by Michellotto for the N-GT category of the FIA GT Championship. It was the fastest version of the Ferrari 360[5] with over 540 bhp when derestricted. The 360 N-GT was capable of a top speed of around 190 mph with a 0-60 time of around 3 seconds.[6] It was the final car built through a Ferrari-Michelotto collaboration.[7] The car is still raced internationally with success to this day. The most recent major victory achieved by a 360 Michelotto was by SB Race Engineering at the 2011 Britcar Championship where the 360 N-GT as on many occasions outperformed the newer F430 GT cars.[8]

360 GT

The Ferrari 360 GT is a race version of the 360 Modena developed by the Ferrari Corse Clienti department in Maranello, in collaboration with Michelotto Automobili to compete in the FIA N-GT class. Team JMB Giesse raced the cars during the 2001 FIA GT Championship season and won the N-GT Cup for Drivers and the N-GT Cup for Teams.

Since 2002 Ferrari sold 360 GTs to customers through their Corse Clienti department.

360 GTC

The Ferrari 360 GTC has been developed to replace the previous 360 GT. With a dry weight of 1100 kg, it was built since 2004 by Ferrari Corse Clienti department in collaboration with Michelotto Automobili to compete in the N-GT class. It made use of recent evolutions successfully race tested on the Ferrari 360 GT, with a sequential six-speed gearbox and a further improved Magneti Marelli electronics package. The aerodynamics are substantially different from the 360 GT, given that the 360 GTC has been newly homologated by FIA/ACO from the Challenge Stradale, taking up from its basic elements: front bumper, side skirts, engine cover and double rear end. Wind tunnel research has led to a new system for the rear wing, with a notable improvement in vertical downforce. The performance of the 90-degree V8 3586.2 cc engine has been improved in terms of fuel consumption.

In 2009 a privately owned Veloqx-Prodrive Racing 360 raced de-restricted, fully tuned variations of the GT-C in endurance races around the world including; Silverstone, Sebring and Le-Mans.

The original 360GT power output was 445 horsepower (332 kW) at 8750 rpm, the GTC bettered that raising peak power to 472 bhp while still breathing through the mandatory 30.8mm air restrictors. (Without the mandatory [for racing in N-GT class] air restrictors in place the engine dyno's at an astonishing 550 bhp).

Specifications

Performance

References

  1. ↑ Ahlgrim, Steve (March 2013). "2004 Ferrari 360 Modena Spider F1". Sports Car Market 25 (3): 40–41.
  2. 1 2 "Ferrari 360 Modena: Full Specification". channel4.com. Archived from the original on 2007-09-26. Retrieved 2007-09-01.
  3. 1 2 "2003 Ferrari Challenge Stradale". rsportscars.com. Retrieved 2007-09-01.
  4. ↑ "Modena Challenge Review".
  5. ↑ http://www.mariobernardi.de/mario-bernardi/english/cars-for-sale/ferrari/2001-360-n-gt-detail/index.htm. Missing or empty |title= (help); External link in |website= (help);
  6. ↑ http://postimg.org/image/mkbdb1c51/. Missing or empty |title= (help); External link in |website= (help);
  7. ↑ Michelotto History http://www.michelottoautomobili.it/english/pagine/PAG-Storia-txt-en.html. Retrieved 23 June 2015. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  8. ↑ "SB Race Engineering Ferrari 360 Michelotto". SB Race Engineering. Retrieved 23 June 2015.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ferrari 360.
« previous — Ferrari road car timeline, 1996–present
Type 1990s 2000s 2010s
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V8 Rear mid-engine
sports car		 360 458
Challenge Stradale 430 Scuderia 458 Speciale
F355 F430 488
Convertible California California T
V12 Grand tourer 550 Maranello 575M Maranello 599 GTB Fiorano F12berlinetta
550 Barchetta 575 Superamerica 599 SA Aperta F60 America/F12tdf
2+2 grand tourer 456 456 M 612 Scaglietti FF GTC4Lusso
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