Sports
cars > 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%
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 |
|
