Go to Ultimatecarpage.com

  Ultimatecarpage.com  > Cars by brand  > Italy  > Ferrari
360 Challenge Stradale
Car search:
Quick Advanced 


  Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale      

  Article Image gallery (18) Specifications User Comments (45)  
Click here to open the Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale gallery   
Country of origin:Italy
Produced from:2003 - 2005
Numbers built:1274
Introduced at:2003 Geneva Motor Show
Designed by:Pininfarina
Author:Wouter Melissen
Last updated:November 08, 2004
Download: All images
Page 1 of 1
Click here to download printer friendly versionFerrari had a hard act to follow when they set out to design a replacement for the universally acclaimed F355 model. Derived from the then ten year old 348 model, the F355 was ready for replacement in 1999, but Ferrari did not discard everything from the 'old' model; the 40 valve V8 engine was pretty much carried over into the all new chassis. Dubbed the 360 Modena, the new car was quite a departure from the styling that had evolved from the 308 all the way through to the F355.

Where the F355 was a departure in engine design compared to its predecessor, the 360 Modena saw a whole new approach to chassis and body design. To safe weight, the Modena's chassis consisted mostly of aluminium, replacing the steel used in its predecessors. The end result was a construction 40% more rigid and 28% lighter, despite a 10% increase in the overall dimensions. The lightweight chassis is suspended independently all-round by adjustable double wishbones. Fitted in the chassis was a slightly larger version of the F355's V8, good for 400 bhp.

Even more striking than the new chassis, was the Modena's new exterior design. Designed in Pininfarina's wind tunnel, the 360 Modena extensively uses ground effects aerodynamics. Air is fed to the radiators through two intakes, leaving the centre section of the nose free to feed air to the underbody tunnels. This setup removes the need for the traditional grille, giving the Modena a very unconventional look. Another major styling change was the inclusion of clear headlights, replacing the pop-up headlights, used on all previous V8 models.

The 360 was available as the 360 Modena coupe and 360 Spider convertible, which meant the targa model was no longer included. Soon after the launch of the road car, a Challenge model was introduced to compete in the Ferrari Challenge Championship. At the end of the production run a stripped version, the 'Challenge Stradale', was launched. It featured a more powerful engine, new body kit and carbon fibre disc brakes, which significantly improved braking to the extent that it can challenge the 'Challenge' car on the track.

Production of the 360 ceased in 2004/2005, when it was replaced by the F430, which combines a new engine with the 'old' aluminium chassis.

Page 1 of 1

  Article Image gallery (18) Specifications User Comments (45)