Ferrari 360 Spider F1

Group	0
Engine	M 3586 V8
Transmission	RWD 6 speed
Cabin	2 door; 2 seat
Bhp @ rpm	400 @ 8500
lb ft @ rpm	275 @ 4750
Kerb weight/kg	1450
bhp/ton	280
bhp/litre	110
0-60/secs	4.3
0-100/secs	9.7
Max mph	180
Fuel tank/l	95
Year	2000-2004
Country	Italy
Price when new	£140,000
Number produced	5972

Introduced in 1999 at the Geneva Motor Show, as the replacement to the highly acclaimed F355, the 360 Modena was the first all-aluminium car to come out of the factory at Maranello. The result of which was a 28% reduction in weight versus its predecessor while also providing over 40% extra in structural stiffness.
 
The smooth flowing lines of the 360 hide the fact that it is a significantly larger car than the F355. It was the first Ferrari to drop the classic nose mounted radiator grill, with the twin radiators now mounted in the wheel arches. The radical redesign allows for the inclusion of a larger luggage space in the front while delivering a unique visual impression. The single minded focus on aerodynamics delivers more than four times greater high speed downforce than generated by the F355 which gives the 360 both greater control and manoeuvrability.
 
The 360 also received a larger, completed revised engine. The Tipo F131B with capacity increased to 3586cc. Power was up to 400bhp with improvements in both mid and low range torque. The engine revisions included larger valves, variable phase timing for the exhaust valves, and improvements in the combustion chambers. However, the most significant change was the incorporation of a new variable geometry system which independently managed both cylinder banks. This magnificent engine is displayed beautifully beneath a glass cover on the rear deck.
 
One year after the 360 Modena launch, the 360 series was extended with the introduction of the 360 Spider. The 360 Spider was part of the original design brief and it maintains the clean rounded curves of the Berlinetta. The impact on downforce generated is minimal and the Spider only weighs 60kg more than its closed top sibling. Despite the car's mid-mounted V8 engine, Ferrari engineers created a hood that automatically folds away inside the engine bay whilst still maintaining the same amount of room for the occupants and their luggage.
 
"Worthy successor to 355" ****1/2 evo Magazine, THE KNOWLEDGE