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Ferrari 360 Modena

Introduction

The Ferrari 360 was introduced in 1999 as the replacement model for the Ferrari F355. However whereas the popular and extremely capable F355 was based on a heavily revised Ferrari 348 platform, the 360 was an entirely new car. The aluminum monocoque construction meant that the Ferrari 360 was 28%
Ferrari 360
lighter and 40% stiffer than its predecessor - despite the fact it was also slightly larger. It was also the first Ferrari which could be described as being reliable.

The Ferrari 360 also marked a change in Ferrari's styling language. Gone were the slightly angular, sharp styling lines and in their place were some of the most curvaceous body panels ever to grace a car. The design was an instant styling hit, and the 360 regularly places highly in 'most beautiful car of all time' rankings.

The Ferrari 360 was powered by a mid-mounted 3.6 litre V8 (hence the 360 name). This engine produced around 400 hp @ 8,500 rpm, and 275 lb/ft of torque @ 4,750 rpm. Transmission choices for the Ferrari 360 included a standard six-speed manual gearbox which utilized the trademark exposed aluminium gaiter. Or a paddle shift operated sequential transmission which came at extra cost.

The Ferrari 360 was replaced in 2005 with the even more capable Ferrari F430.


Buyer's Guide

Chassis and Bodywork

The Ferrari 360 Modena features alloy bodywork and therefore is not troubled by rust or corrosion. The main thing to watch out for are botched crash damage repairs as aluminium body panels are harder and more expensive to repair.

The low front of the car is vulnerable to damage from speed bumps or steep parking ramps so take a look underneath. The door check strap is also a weak point and although the part itself is cheap, it can be a pain to replace.

Finally check the headlights. A drainage hole at the bottom can allow dust and water to get inside. The interior cannot be cleaned and once dirty a new headlight is required. They aren't cheap.

Engine

The 3.6 litre V8 of the 360 Modena is a fairly reliable unit by Italian supercar standards. It doesn't like to be left sitting for long periods of time as this can allow the oil to run off the complicated valve gear and cause wear when starting. Oil leaks are most commonly found on the cam covers and crank oil seal. Due to the cost of replacement, if the leaks aren't too bad many owners will decide that the occasional top up is preferable to replacement. Worn engine mounts are another known problem. In general however, with proper maintenance, it's a pretty good unit, made better by the fact Ferrari made it much more accessible and maintenance friendly than those of previous cars.

Transmission

The Ferrari 360 Modena was sold with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a paddle-shift semi-automatic F1 transmission. The manual option has proved to be the more reliable and trouble-free of the two, although in general both are fairly good. The F1 transmission goes through clutches at a faster rate (8-15 thousand miles) versus the 20 - 25 thousand of the manual. The F1 transmission can also have difficulties with the reverse gear selection mechanism, and also the hydraulic pump can fail without warning. Servicing costs of the manual transmission are also cheaper than the F1 unit.

Suspension

The Ferrari 360 Modena features an electronically controlled suspension system which is generally pretty good, and there aren't any issues with the springs and dampers themselves. However the ball joints on the wishbones and track rod ends can get worn pretty easily so check for rattles, and clunks when going over bumps, as that's a good indication they're coming to the end of their life.

Brakes

The 360 Modena has extremely good brakes, however the pads are known to wear quite quickly, and the discs are susceptible to rust on the inner edge. If there is plenty of metal left, this can be fixed with a quick skim, otherwise it's time for new discs. Squeaky pads are nothing to be concerned about as many cars had this from the factory.

Interior

The interior of the Ferrari 360 Modena was one of the first modernized cockpits from the company. It was well designed, ergonomic and - for the manual models at least - it had a gorgeous gated gear shift. Despite the car's age, it's held up pretty well in terms of style and durability. Wear marks might be found on the driver's door-side bolster and window switch surrounds, but that's to be expected. The biggest issue with the interior is the dash display. Instead of using bulbs to light up the dials, Ferrari chose to use a complicated phosphorescent panel. If these give out, it's an expensive fix.

Wheels and Tires

The car was fitted with 18-inch wheels as standard, the more potent 360 Challenge Stradale received larger 19-inch units and it's recommended you go no larger than this as the handling will suffer. The rear tires will probably last no more than a few thousand miles. Standard tires fitted from the factory include Pirellis, Michelins or Bridgestones a sticker in the door panel will tell you which one.

Servicing

Like any supercar, regular servicing is key to preventing unexpected mechanical catastrophes and improving resale. It's recommended that the 360 Modena is serviced ever 12,500 miles or annually. The cambelt requires changing ever three years regardless of mileage - or after 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.


Overall


The Ferrari 360 Modena was probably the first Ferrari which could conceivably be used as a daily driver. It was well engineered, and offers both the thrill of a genuine Italian supercar as well as unexpectedly good reliability and comfort. The styling has also held up rather well. It still looks good nearly a decade after it went out of production.


Similar and related vehicles:
Ferrari F355 F1 Berlinetta
Ferrari F430
Ferrari 360 Modena Spider
Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale
Ferrari 360 GTC
Ferrari 348 TB


Specifications

Year (of specifications) 1999 - 2005
Engine 3.6 litre V8
Transmission 6-speed, manual or sequential RWD
Max speed 186 mph
0-60 mph 4.5 seconds
Horsepower 400 hp @ 8,500 rpm
weight 1,290 kgs / 2,844lbs


Image Gallery


Ferrari 360 Modena

Ferrari 360 Modena interior

Ferrari 360

Ferrari 360

Ferrari 360

Ferrari 360

Ferrari 360 interior

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