Ferrari 360 Modena - model information

Introduction

Fundamental to the targets set for the 360 Modena was the use of aluminium for the chassis, body, engine, transmission and suspension. This was a strategic decision for Ferrari engineering, ultimately motivated by a single significant figure' that size for size, the switch to aluminium would allow a 34 percent reduction in vehicle weight, with huge benefits for performance and safety. Ferrari's technical expertise developed in Formula 1 was brought to bear on many of the 360 design challenges. Items like the drive by-wire throttle, variable geometry intake system and the electrohydraulic gearbox were 'borrowed' from the F1 team. The 360 Modena adopted a 'ground effect' configuration derived directly from Formula 1. The underside of the car was shaped to create a low-pressure zone in the airflow and generate downforce for excellent stability at high speeds without the need for aerodynamic wings or spoilers.

Design

The front of the 360 Modena is dominated by two large air intakes for the radiators. This solution is vital to the car's aerodynamics. The intakes channel air beneath the car's flat undertray to the two rear diffusers, providing ground effect, and the location reduces width and thus frontal area. Air pressure increases downforce as speed rises and, at 180mph, there is an impressive 397lbs pressing down on the car, evenly distributed between the two axles. This result was achieved without ruining the lines of the car and it also enhances safety by increasing the "natural" steering load at speed. 5,400 hours of wind tunnel testing resulted in excellent Cd and CI figures without compromising the car's styling. The distinctive rear-end treatment leaves the engine in full view beneath the rear window.

The side aspect features a curvilinear waistline that runs from the edge of the front wing and goes all the way to the rear light clusters, its wedge conveying a sense of speed and control. The car's finely balanced proportions initially disguise the fact that it is mid-engined, with both the passenger compartment and the powerplant set neatly between the two axles.

The engineers' goal for the 360 Modena was 40% greater structural rigidity and a 28% reduction in weight over the F355, and these were achieved despite a 10% increase in overall dimensions. Extruded and formed aluminium, almost the exclusive component of the body and chassis, is responsible for the car's weight. The body and chassis pass all global passive safety requirements while providing excellent handling and a stunning appearance. The 360 Modena's bodywork evokes the sporting characteristics of a V8 sports car whether static or in motion.

The 360 Modena's spaceframe chassis was designed by Ferrari and built in collaboration with US aluminium specialist Alcoa. The engineers' objectives were a minimum torsional rigidity of 10,127lb-ft per degree and a minimum bending stiffness figure of 22.5 tons per inch. These stringent parameters were amply exceeded by employing variable-section extrusions which are welded to cast sections. There are 12 of these castings incorporated in the lower part of the chassis, including the four suspension mountings. All parts were sand-cast in Ferrari's foundry in Maranello. Employing the same techniques used in F1, the shock absorber towers are CNC machined after assembly to ensure that the mounting points for the suspension components are drilled with absolute precision. The upper chassis structural assemblies are vacuum-cast to reduce their thickness.

Technical Features

The 360's 5-valve per cylinder, 3586 cc V8 engine produces 400hp and is centrally mounted with dry-sump lubrication, and the oil tank is placed, F1-style, on the spacer between the longitudinal engine and gearbox. The car rockets from 0-100 km/h in 4.5s and covers the kilometer sprint in 22.9 seconds. Pick-up is spectacular thanks to excellent torque which peaks at 275lb-ft at 4750rpm, 80% of that available at just 3000rpm. The engine/'s flexibility means that the car is relaxing and easy to drive even in heavy traffic. Power output is 400hp at 8,500rpm (112bhp/litre) the highest figure yet achieved by a naturally-aspirated V8 production engine. The power unit features a variable geometry intake system, five-main bearing crankshaft with counter-balanced 180/' crank throws, titanium con rods, 5 valves per cylinder (3 intake, 2 exhaust, the latter with variable valve timing for improved performance at high speeds) and a Bosch ME 7.3 electronic engine management system. The latter, via the CAN - Controlled Area Network - allows the injection system to transmit and receive data from the ignition which is integrated with the drive-by-wire electronic accelerator that, in turn, is connected to the ASR traction control and, where fitted, the system that manages the F1 electrohydraulic transmission.

The drive-by-wire regulates air induction with a motorized throttle. On the 360, the accelerator pedal activates a potentiometer connected to a pair of engine management units. The CAN system also allows the various control units to communicate with the ASR traction control system and the F1 gearbox control so that, taking into consideration performance parameters and vehicle speed, the engine management system decides on the appropriate throttle angle. The drive-by-wire system makes a vital contribution during gearshifts, ensuring that they take place at the engine speed recommended by the control unit. The 360 Modena has benefited enormously from Ferrari's experience with Formula 1 engine technology, which contributed variable-length intake manifolds to optimise torque at all engine speeds. The system incorporates two plenums each supplying air to one bank of cylinders, through short direct tracts connected to the same bank or through longer indirect ones connected to the opposite bank via valves.

The 360 Modena's 6-speed gearbox is available with either the classic gate-shift or the Fl-style paddle shift. The manual system offers triple cone synchronizers on 1st and 2nd gears, with a double cone on the others. The dry single-plate clutch has coaxial hydraulic drive and the limited slip differential has different locking percentages (25% on acceleration and 45% on lift off). Ferrari introduced paddle shift to Formula 1 and this solution is now used by all teams. The 360 Modena's F1 transmission, which changes gears in a mere 150 milliseconds, has an optimised full automatic option as well as manual mode, and a low grip Snow and Ice mode. Manual changes are effected through the two paddles behind the steering wheel - the right paddle selects a higher ratio, while the left drops a gear. The pedal-less clutch is automatically activated by the gearbox's electronic control unit, and engages only when the engine revs are correct. If the sports suspension setting has been selected the gearbox software adapts the speed of changes, and the 360 Modena is thus stable in conditions beyond the capabilities of most sports cars.

The 360 Modena has superb road dynamics thanks to a long wheelbase, wide front track, a superb suspension geometry, and electronic control. The 360 is equipped with adjustable suspension with dual aluminium wishbones front and rear. Anti-dive and anti-squat geometries are incorporated front and rear so the car remains level under braking and acceleration. The aluminium dampers, co-designed with Sachs, are equipped with an electronic control unit. All body and wheel movements are thus guided in a process that takes just 0.04 seconds to eliminate any rolling or pitching.

Befitting a high-performance sports car, the 360 Modena's brakes include large 13 inch diameter vented and cross-drilled discs with hydraulically actuated four-piston aluminium callipers, controlled by a braking effort proportioning valve and an ABS system that prevents wheel lock-up in deceleration. The large discs also help maintain a low thermal load, and improve resistance to fading without forced cooling. Although Ferrari engineers placed an emphasis on decelerative stability, the 360 Modena stops in record short distances.

The traction control of the 360 Modena was developed without affecting the car's sporting characteristics. The integrated Bosch ASR/ABS system offers the driver the choice of three operating modes: "Normal", "Sport", and "Off". Set to "Normal", ASR brakes the driven wheels and modulates engine torque to maintain stability on straights and in corners. In "Sport" mode, slip thresholds are higher and, while the system retains control over both brakes and engine on bends, it only controls the brakes on straights. The limited slip differential functions even with the system disabled.

The 360 Modena's rack-and-pinion steering employs a linear servo, and a pump with two speed-determined flow levels. The driver enjoys a very direct steering ratio of 2.4 inches per turn, enhancing speed and precision. The turning circle is just 35.4 feet, for better low speed manoeuvering.

Wheels and tyres have been designed for the Modena with the goals of reducing aquaplaning and steering effort; the results of computer simulations prompted the adoption of smaller front tyres (215/45 ZR18) and larger rear tyres (275/40 ZR18) mounted on 7.5" and 10" wide wheels respectively. The development tests carried out with Bridgestone, Michelin, Pirelli, and Goodyear confirmed that the initial choice offered all desired advantages, and the special alloy wheels weigh about 2lbs less than the magnesium wheels of the F355, thanks to stylistic optimisation and the new channel technology.

Technical Specification

Engine: Rear, Longitudinal, 90 degree V8
Bore and Stroke: 85x79 mm
Unitary Displacement: 448.2 cc
Total Displacement: 3586 cc
Valve Gear: Twin Overhead Camshafts
Number of Valves: Five per Cylinder
Compression Ratio: 11.1:00
Ignition: Bosch Motronic 7.3 Electrostatic
Coolant: Water
Lubrication: Dry Sump
Maximum Power: 394 bhp at 8500 rpm
Specific Power: 109.9 bhp/ liter
Transmission: Rear-Wheel Drive
Clutch: Single Dry Disc
Gearbox: in Unit with Engine, 6-speed +
Reverse, F1 or Manual
Body: Two-Seater Coupe
Chassis: Aluminium Space Frame
Front Suspension: Independent, Double
Wishbones, Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar, Gas Dampers
Rear Suspension: Independent, Double
Wishbones, Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar, Gas Dampers
Brakes: Disc
Steering: Rack and Pinion
Fuel Tank: 25 gallons
Front Tires: 215/45 ZR 18
Rear Tires: 275/40 ZR 18
Wheelbase: 102.4 in.
Front Track: 65.7 in.
Rear Track: 63.6 in.
Length: 176.3 in.
Width: 75.7 in.
Height: 47.8 in.
Curb Weight: 3064 lbs.
Top Speed: over 186 mph

Interior

The layout and design of the 360 Modena's cockpit represent the ultimate balance of sportiness, ergonomics and space. The interior is noticeably more spacious than that of previous two-seater V8 models. All the main instruments are grouped together in the driver's line of sight. On versions equipped with the F1 transmission, the tachometer incorporates a gear engagement read-out while the two paddle shifts are set behind the rim of the steering wheel. On all versions the latter adjusts fully and, despite its distinct appearance, incorporates a full-sized airbag. A passenger-side airbag is also standard. The interior is trimmed in traditional leather and features a number of aluminum parts, this metal being a defining aspect of the 360 Modena. The generous dimensions of the 360 Modena allowed the design team to create a 4.2 cubic foot space behind the seats, large enough for a couple of suitcases or a golf bag, in addition to the front boot with its capacious 7.8 cubic feet of space.