Ferrari 360 Spider - model information

Introduction

From the very start of the 360 project, Ferrari's engineering team laid the foundations for a Spider version that would retain the exceptional rigidity that the extruded aluminium chassis of the 360 Modena achieved.

Despite the Spider's mid-mounted V8 engine the team found a way of creating a hood that automatically folds away inside a special well set immediately behind the cabin at the front of the engine bay. The compact hood design enabled the Pininfarina design studio to create a bodyshape with great purity of line ' as sensational as the 360 Modena.

Design

The most striking aspect of the 360 Spider's styling is its convertible top. With incredible care, using the wonderful shape of the 360 Modena as a starting point, the engineers and designers created a stylish and highly effective, fully automatic folding roof. Top down, the Spider's rear fairings evoke the great era of sports racing cars, smoothing the lines of the roll hoops that protect the occupants. A design tour-de-force, the Spider gives nothing away to the berlinetta on the road, the track, or the boulevard. The driver needs only to slow below 3mph and press a button to have the roof totally disappear into - or reappear from - the special well between the engine and cabin in a mere 20 seconds. The roof was available in four colours.

The 360 Spider is as aerodynamically efficient as its hard-top counterpart. Below the waist line the same aerodynamics are obtained by the combination of twin radiators and undertray that channel air beneath the car to the diffusers under the tail. Without spoilers and wings, aerodynamic downforce of 375lbs is still achieved, partly through the incorporation of solutions first adopted on Formula 1 cars. A favourable Cd of 0.36 is achieved while guaranteeing optimum comfort for the occupants in all conditions, a result of research into fluid dynamics and cabin design. Amongst the innovations are small mesh screens fitted inside and between the roll bars that eliminate the buffeting normally found inside convertibles. The engine bay benefits from similar research leading to honeycombed grilles flanking the glass cover. The hexagonal openings have been expanded from those of the berlinetta to ensure the optimal heat exchange through the Spider's smaller engine bay, and all without damaging the car's lines.

Like the 360 Modena, the 360 Spider is made primarily of aluminium. It is thus extremely light and extremely strong. Thanks to its aluminium alloy body and frame, bonded with special welds, the 360 Spider is as torsionally and flexionally rigid as its berlinetta counterpart.

For the Spider, the 360 Modena's chassis has been adapted to optimise static and dynamic rigidity. This involved strengthening the sills, stiffening the front of the floorpan and redesigning the windscreen frame. The rear bulkhead has also been stiffened to isolate the cabin from engine noise. The result is a structural efficiency and a dynamic response that sets new standards for open car chassis and body shell construction. The occupants of the 360 Spider are ensconced by an ultra-protective safety cage, backed up by two tubular steel roll hoops that form an integral part of the hood system and work with the windscreen reinforcement to offer maximum resistance in rollover situations.

Technical Features

The 360 Spider's 5-valve per cylinder, 3.6 litre V8 engine produces 400hp and is centrally mounted with dry-sump lubrication. The oil tank is placed, F1-style, on the spacer between the longitudinal engine and gearbox. The car rockets from 0-100km/h in 4.5s and covers the kilometer sprint in 22.9 seconds. Pick-up is spectacular thanks to excellent torque peaking 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 a record-breaking 400hp at 8,500rpm (112bhp per liter) the highest specific output 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 which, 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 connected to the ASR traction control and, where fitted, the system that manages the F1 electrohydraulic transmission.

The drive-by-wire system incorporates a motorised throttle regulating air induction. 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 they take place at the engine speed recommended by the control unit. The 360 Spider has benefited enormously from Ferrari's experience with Formula 1 engine technology, which also contributed variable-length intake manifolds to optimize torque at all engine speeds. The system incorporates two plenums each supplying air to one bank of cylinders, either through short direct tracts connected to the same bank or through longer indirect ones connected to the opposite bank via valves.

The 360 Spider's 6-speed gearbox was available with either the classic gate-shift or the F1-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 Spider's F1 transmission, which changes gears in a mere 150 milliseconds, has an optimized 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 to suit, and the 360 Spider is thus stable in conditions beyond the capabilities of most sports cars.

The 360 Spider has superb road dynamics thanks to a long wheelbase, wide front track, a superb suspension geometry, and electronic control. The car rides on an adjustable suspension with double 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 Spider's brakes include large 13" diameter vented and cross-drilled discs with hydraulically actuated two-piston aluminum calipers, 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 emphasis on decelerative stability, the 360 Spider stops in record short distances.

The traction control of the 360 Spider 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 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 the straight. The limited slip differential functions even with the system switched off.

The 360 Spider'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 Spider 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 optimization 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: 11.1:1
Ignition: Bosch Motronic 7.3 Electrostatic
Coolant: Water
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
Lubrication: Dry Sump
Maximum Power: 394 bhp at 8500 rpm
Specific Power: 109.9 bhp/ liter
Transmission: Rear-Wheel Drive
Clutch: Dry Single-Plate
Gearbox: in Unit with Engine, 6-speed +
Reverse, F1 or Manual
Body: Two-Seater Roadster
Chassis: Aluminium Space Frame
Wheelbase: 102.4 in.
Front Track: 65.7 in.
Rear Track: 63.6 in.
Length: 177.6 in.
Width: 75.7 in.
Height: 47.8 in.
Curb Weight: 3351 lbs
Top Speed: over 186 mph

Interior

The cabin of the 360 Spider is identical to the coupe's: the first things of note are the ease of access offered by the ample door aperture, whether the roof is up or down, and the striking effect of the aluminium kick panel that recalls the lightweight but extremely rigid extruded aluminium sill below. The Spider's interior dimensions are virtually identical to those of the berlinetta, offering a far more spacious cabin than the F355 Spider, right down to the golf bag slot behind the seats. The only differences are the practical, electrically operated strongbox set between the two seats at the centre of the roll bar structure and the two storage nets on each side of the rear console. The 360 Spider is available with a choice of 12 different leather trim options, highlighting the aluminium detailing that reflects the car/'s sophisticated construction technology. All the major instruments are grouped in a binnacle in the driver/'s line of sight, with the tachometer positioned centrally. The three-spoke steering wheel incorporates a full-size airbag.

The four roof colours are black, beige, dark blue and grey. There are 12 shades of leather trim for the roll bars. The extensive range of accessories covers everything from leather golf bags in every imaginable colour, CD players, spare wheels, a battery charger with socket inside the engine bay and xenon headlights to a portable fire extinguisher.

Vehicles 1 - 26 of 26

FERRARI 360 Spider F1 | Redwood City Rosso Corsa with Beige 2001/ USD 94,000

FERRARI 360 Spider F1 | Edison Argento Nurburgring with Nero 2001/ USD 95,000

FERRARI 360 Spider F1 | Scottsdale Giallo Modena with Nero 2001/ USD 99,755

FERRARI 360 Spider F1 | Fort Lauderdale Blu Pozzi with Beige 2002/ USD 104,900

FERRARI 360 Spider F1 | La Jolla Azzurro California with Cuoio 2003/ USD 104,950

FERRARI 360 Spider F1 | Scottsdale Argento Nurburgring with Non Standard 2003/ USD 109,788

FERRARI 360 Spider F1 | Palm Harbor Blu Pozzi with Beige 2002/ USD 110,000

FERRARI 360 Spider F1 | Scottsdale Nero with Beige 2003/ USD 114,755

FERRARI 360 Spider | Plano Argento with Cuoio 2004/ USD 114,900

FERRARI 360 Spider | Calabasas Nero with Beige 2002/ USD 118,860

FERRARI 360 Spider F1 | Beverly Hills Grigio Alloy with Blu Scuro 2004/ USD 119,000

FERRARI 360 Spider | La Jolla Grigio Titanio Metallizzato with Blu Scuro 2004/ USD 119,000

FERRARI 360 Spider F1 | Orlando Rosso Corsa with Beige 2004/ USD 119,000

FERRARI 360 Spider F1 | Greensboro Rosso Corsa with Nero 2001/ USD 119,900

FERRARI 360 Spider F1 | Greensboro Rubino Micalizzato with Beige 2004/ USD 124,900

FERRARI 360 Spider F1 | Houston Rosso Corsa with Beige 2005/ USD 125,000

FERRARI 360 Spider F1 | Plainview Grigio Titanio Metallizzato with Blu Scuro 2003/ USD 129,000

FERRARI 360 Spider F1 | Fort Lauderdale Grigio Titanio Metallizzato with Nero 2004/ USD 129,000

FERRARI 360 Spider | Sterling Grigio Titanio Metallizzato with Blu Scuro 2005/ USD 129,000

FERRARI 360 Spider F1 | San Antonio Rosso Corsa with Beige 2004/ USD 129,000

FERRARI 360 Spider F1 | Plano Argento with Cuoio 2003/ USD 129,900

FERRARI 360 Spider | Plainview Argento Nurburgring with Nero 2005/ USD 129,900

FERRARI 360 Spider F1 | Colorado Rubino Micalizzato with Nero 2004/ USD 138,156

FERRARI 360 Spider F1 | Greensboro Argento Nurburgring with Nero 2003/ USD 139,900

FERRARI 360 Spider F1 | Greensboro Grigio Alloy with Charcoal 2001/ USD 139,900

FERRARI 360 Spider | Plainview Rosso Corsa with Beige 2005/ USD 144,900