A Full Revolution for the Prancing Horse
Geneva - As if the hype surrounding Ferrari's new model introduction were not dramatic enough, Michael Schumacher made an appearance at the Ferrari stand to the delight of the Formula 1-crazed European press. Although Schumacher didn't help Ferrari much with his eighth-place finish last week in Australia, he appeared to have a keen interest in the manufacturer's latest offering: the 360 Modena. Yes, they pay him well.
A mid-engined V8, the 360 Modena will replace the F355 in Ferrari's lineup, a model that currently accounts for two-thirds of Ferrari sales, or over 2,000 units per year. The car has been completely redesigned, and bears little resemblance to its predecessor. In fact, the Modena's swooping curves make it resemble a Hyundai Tiburon more than a F355 Berlinetta. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
Though the design is attributed to Pininfarina, the drafting pen was guided by an almost fanatical desire to create maximum downforce. A central cut-out in the front bumper channels air under the car, where it passes along the flat underbody and out through twin rear extractors; the 360 Modena sticks to the road like a vacuum, and as speed increases, so does the car's downforce. A sloping glass hatch helps the car achieve its aerodynamic 0.335 drag coefficient. Exposed, flush-mounted headlights provide a family resemblance to the 550 Maranello, and they avoid interfering with over-the-hood airflow.
For the first time in a Ferrari production car, aluminum is used extensively throughout, from the chassis to the body panels. Measuring 176.3 inches in length, 75.6 inches in width and 47.7 inches in height, the car carries a curb weight of only 3064 lbs. The lightweight material reduces the car's weight by 220 pounds compared to the F355, though the new car is significantly larger in size than its predecessor.
The interior benefits immensely from all the extra room. Passengers get a few more inches of both leg- and headroom. There's even room behind the front seats for a golf bag or a few pieces of luggage. Under the hood is additional storage area, nestled between the dual front radiators.
The glass hatch covers the engine, which is separated from the cabin by a wall of glass. Two intake ports on top of the rear wheel arches provide air to the engine bay, which is then released through mesh grilles flanking the rear window. Tires are smaller up front (215/45ZR18 on 7.5-inch wheels) and larger at the rear (275/40ZR18 on 10-inch wheels), a decision made to reduce the effect of hydroplaning. But wait, there's more: we haven't yet discussed the engine...
Almost 100 cubic centimeters larger than before (hence the 360 designation), develops 400 horsepower at 8500 rpm and 275 foot-pounds of torque at 4750 rpm. It's a screamer. Mated to the engine is a choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel. Top speed, says the factory, is over 180 mph, with zero-to-60 acceleration estimated at 4.5 seconds.
Want to drive one? So do we. But it'll cost you. In fact, the price will likely be five percent more than last year's F355. For pricing information, see your local Ferrari dealer, and get on the waiting list, because 360 is likely the number of days it'll take to complete your order. Unless, that is, you're good friends with Michael Schumacher.
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