Ferrari 360 Modena – singing on the top end

November 4, 11:32 AMAutomotive ExaminerKyle Busch

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The Ferrari 360 Modena - with its 8,500 rpm redline it sings on the top end

The Ferrari 360 Modena two-seat sports car was produced from
late 1999 until 2005. The 360 replaced the F355 and the F430 came
after the 360. For the 360, Ferrari worked with Alcoa to produce a new
all-aluminum space frame chassis that was 40% stiffer than the 355’s
frame but also 28% lighter. In addition to the new frame, Pininfarina
used its styling expertise to make the car’s body rounded with an
appearance that harkened back to the 60’s.

The 360’s 3.6-liter V8 engine was only slightly larger than the 355’s,
however, with the car’s lighter frame and increased stiffness, the it
had better handling and a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds. A Challenge
version of the car went 0-60 in the low 4 seconds. In 2004 an engine
replacement came out. The F430 was termed as the evoluzione or evo.

Seven versions of the 360 were produced – three road versions, three
race versions, and a one-time wedding present for Ferrari president
Luca di Montezemolo. These versions are as follows:

Road versions:

The Ferrari 360 Modena - a fixed roof two-door luxury
sport coupe with a six-speed manual or F1 electrohydraulic shift.

The Ferrari 360 Spider - a conversable variant of the Modena.

The Ferrari Challenge Stradale - an F1 electrohydraulic shift
360 Challenge inspired variant of a 360 Modena.

Race versions:

The Ferrari 360 Challenge - a 360 F1 electrohydraulic shift stripped
out circuit racing variant of the 360 Modena.

The Ferrari 360 GT - a GT racing variant of the 360 Challenge race
car but more extreme than a Challenge.

The Ferrari 360 GT-C - based on the 360 GT with CS parts to
compete in the N-GT class.

Special Version:

The Ferrari 360 Barchettta - the one-off wedding gift to Ferrari’s
president Luca di Montezemolo.

Road Models:

The 360 Modena was named after the town of Modena, the birthplace of
Enzo Ferrari. The car had a six-speed manual or an F1 electrohydraulic
shift. The car was in production from 1999 until 2005 when it was replaced
by the F430. The Modena was followed by the 360 Spider that was
Ferrari’s 20th road-driving convertible.

The 360 Challenge Stradale or 360 SC was later added to the road
line. It was a lightened version (110 kilograms) of the Modena. The
car had larger 19 inch BBS wheels, carbon fiber for the seat frames
and door mirrors, titanium springs, and carbon fiber brake disks.

Further weight reduction was achieved by replacing the leather interior
with fabric, removing the power windows and mirrors, and forgoing the
stereo. The 360 SC is comparable to the Porsche GT3-RS that also used
weight reduction. Both cars go head-to-head and are evenly matched in
comparison road tests.

Race Models:

The 360 Challenge was a (non road legal) race car, it was a variant of
the Modena that dropped 120 kg of weight by use of carbon fiber and
stripping the car’s interior. Not only was the car stripped inside but it
included a fully integrated and welded roll cage and fire extinguisher.

The Modena’s advanced electronic suspension system was dropped in
favor of a conventional Boge racing suspension. This lowered the car
by an inch over the Modena, and it removed the electronic safety net of
the road going Modena.

The engine in the 360 Challenge was the same as the Modena (at 400 hp),
however, the Challenge focused on handling, weight reduction, and balance
for the track. The Challenge only came with the F1 automatic variant
transmission (no manual was available with this car).

Specifications:
(Source: Wikapedia)

Engine
All models featured the same layout:
· No. of cylinders: 90° V8 F131
· Bore & stroke: 85 by 79 mm (3.34 by 3.11 in)
· Total displacement: 3586 cm³ (218.8 in³)
· Redline: 8500 rpm

 For Modena and Spider:
· Maximum power: 300 kW (400 bhp) @ 8500 rpm
· Maximum torque: 373 N·m (275 lbf·ft) @ 4750 rpm

 For Challenge Stradale:
· Maximum power: 317 kW (425 bhp) @ 8500 rpm
· Maximum torque: 373 N·m (275 lbf·ft) @ 4750 rpm

Performance
· 0-62 mph: 4.5 s
· Top speed : 300 km/h (186 mph
· downforce: 180 kgf (1.77 kN) @ 300 km/h (without rear wing)
· lift/drag: -0.73:1

 · EPA Fuel Economy: 10 mpg U.S. city/16 mpg U.S. highway

With their raceproven engines and an 8,500 rpm redline, Ferrari’s
360 Modena is a car that really sings a splendid song at the top end!

Kyle Busch is the author of “Drive the Best for the Price…” He
welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.DriveTheBestBook.com