Ferrari 360 Modena
The Ferrari F360 is a mid-engined, two-seater sports car produced from late-1999 until 2005. The Ferrari 360 replaced the Ferrari F355 and was, itself, replaced by the fairly similar Ferrari F430. For the 360, Ferrari partnered with Alcoa to produce an entirely new all-aluminum space-frame chassis that was 40 percent stiffer than the 355, yet 28 percent lighter despite a 10 percent increase in overall dimensions. Along with the new frame was a new Pininfarina body styling that broke ranks with the last decade's sharp angles and flip-up headlights, replacing them with a rounded appearance that harkened to the 1960s. The new V-8 engine, common to all versions, was only slightly larger and more powerful than the 355's at 3.6 liters and 400 horsepower, but the lighter frame and added stiffness improved performance; the 0 to 62 mph acceleration performance improved from 4.6 to 4.4 seconds, and in the Challenge versions it was as low as 4.0 seconds. An engine replacement resulted in the current V-8 road model, the F430, which came out in 2004.
The first model of the Ferrari F360 to ship was the 360 Modena, named after the town of Modena, the birthplace of Enzo Ferrari. Its six-speed gearbox is available as a manual, or F1 electrohydraulic shift. The car went into production in 1999 and remained in production until 2005 when it was replaced by the F430. The Modena was followed by the 360 Spider, Ferrari's 20th road-going convertible. Other than weight, the Spider's specifications match those of the Modena almost exactly.
The 360 Spider is Ferrari's 20th road-going convertible. The model was regarded a classic even when launched in 2000. Designer Pininfarina's lines are by many regarded as timelessly beautiful and yet sportingly aggressive. The engineers worked hard from the start of the 360 project to lay the foundation for a Spider with exceptional torsional and flexional rigidity. They had to strengthen the sills, stiffen the front of the floorpan and redesign 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.
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 aluminum constructions throughout, the Spider weighs in with only 130 lbs. more than the coupé.
With its hood up, the Ferrari 360 Spider looks extremely aggressive. Lowering the hood totally transforms the look. Seen from the side, the 360 Spider resembles a sports racer, a sensation underlined by the length of the rear engine bay, the twin roll bars, the rear fairings and the steep windscreen.
As with the Modena version, its 3.6-liter V8 with 400 horsepower is on display under a glass hood. Despite the car's mid-mounted V8 engine Ferrari's engineers found a way of creating a hood that automatically folds away inside the engine bay, thus ensuring purity of line. The top canopy of crease free material comes in black, blue, grey and beige. After a short to and fro, the entire top disappears into a closed storage area between the seating and the engine.