Ferrari 360 Modena

Vehicle Overview

The Ferrari 360 Modena, introduced in 1999, marked a significant leap in automotive engineering and design for the Italian luxury sports car manufacturer. Collaborating with Alcoa, Ferrari crafted an all-aluminum space-frame chassis that was not only 40% stiffer than its predecessor’s steel frame (F355) but also 28% lighter, despite a 10% increase in overall dimensions. This innovative approach to chassis construction set the stage for enhanced performance and handling. Deviating from the sharp angles and flip-up headlights of the previous decade, the Pininfarina body styling brought a new aesthetic to the Ferrari 360 Modena. Ferrari rejected a design proposal by Italdesign Giugiaro, choosing to stick with Pininfarina’s vision for the sleek and aerodynamic exterior. Under the hood, the 360 Modena housed a new V8 engine with a 3.6-liter capacity, a flat-plane crankshaft, and titanium connecting rods. This powerplant generated an impressive 400 PS (294 kW; 395 hp). The weight reduction of 60 kg (130 lb) contributed to an improved acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) – now achieved in just 4.5 seconds. The 360 Modena was the first model in the lineup, followed by the convertible 360 Spider and a special edition known as the Challenge Stradale. The latter was a high-performance, road-legal variant featuring carbon ceramic brakes from the Enzo, track-tuned suspension, aerodynamic enhancements, weight reduction, power improvements, and revised gearbox software, catering to the track-focused enthusiast. Production numbers reflected the popularity of the 360 Modena, with 8,800 coupes and 7,565 convertibles (Spiders) manufactured worldwide. The US market saw 1,810 Modenas and 2,389 Spiders, out of which only 469 Modenas and 670 Spiders were equipped with the coveted gated 6-speed manual transmission, as opposed to the “F1” single-clutch automated manual transmission. In addition to the road-going models, there were low-volume factory race cars derived from the 360 Modena. The 360 Modena Challenge, the first race car in this lineup, participated in a one-make series. Michelotto, the official tuner, developed the 360 N-GT, a further evolution aimed at competing in the FIA N-GT racing class alongside formidable rivals like Porsche. A unique Barchetta variant, based on the Spider, added an extra touch of exclusivity to the 360 Modena family.