The Ferrari 360 models In a Nutshell

From 1999 to 2003, Global sport market was dominated by the incredible Ferrari 360 models. Ferrari 360 was a joint venture between Ferrari and Aloca. Aloca produced the chassis of the car. The Chassis was made up of all new aluminum and 40% stiffer compared its competitive models. Another advantage of chassis of this model was that it is 28% lighter compared other models of the same range. However, the most noteworthy aspect in this direction is the lightness in spite of 10% increase in overall dimension of the car. The Ferrari 360 models can be studied broadly under three heads depending upon their specifications and use. They are road models and race models. Here, we will discuss pros and cons of each model in brief.

The Ferrari 360 road models

The Ferrari 360 series had six road models. They are 360 Modena, 360 Spider, 360 Modena F1, 360 Spider F1, and Challenge Stradale. Every model had its unique specification for better performance. Modena had a six-speed manual along with 2-door luxurious sports coupe covered with a fixed roof. 360 Spider, according to many critics, is a convertible variant of the earlier one. Challenge Stradale was equipped with F1 electro-hydraulic manual for 360 degree challenges. Name Modena had its origin from the city Modena. All most all road models of Ferrari 360 road series followed same layout.

All of them comprised of 90° V8 F131 cylinders. Bore and stroke capacity of these models was 85/75 mm. 3586 cm³ was the total displacement capacity of all the models of this series. Maximum rotation per minute for these models was 8000. However F1 models of both Modena and spider had some added specifications. They were capable of producing power up to 300 kW at 8500 rpm. 275 pounds per feet at 4750 rpm was the maximum torque capacity of the models. Among the six road models of Ferrari 360 series, Challenge Stradale had the highest power of 317 kW at 8500 rotation per minute. Maximum speed limit of these models was 186 miles per hour. It had the capability to reach from zero to 100 miles per hour of speed with in just 10.3 seconds after starting.

The Ferrari 360 race models

In this category, there were three models. They were 360 Challenge, 360 GT and 360 GT-c. These models were non-road variants of Modena. These models were capable of shedding 265 pounds of weight through carbon fiber and getting rid of interior luxuries present in Modena road models. Interior of these models were completely stripped out. As a result, overall weight of the car was reduced. Specifications like fire extinguisher and roll cage enhanced the safety standard of these models. Cover of the rear engine of these models was covered by acrylic glass. This cosmetic change offered a distinguished look to racing models from road models.

Racing Boge dampers of conventional type were installed in racing models replacing electronic suspension facility of Modena. As a result, the height of the car lowered down and it offered better speed and acceleration. Though the engine performance of these models was more or less similar to Modena models, still there were several additional features. While designing these models more focus was given to reduction of weight, better weight balance and handling.