Ferrari 360 Challenge
With the Ferrari 360 Modena nearly four years old and Ferrari wanting to homologate some improvements for their Ferrari 360 Modena GTC racer, this car was introduced, the Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale. Weighing in at just 20kg more than the Challenge, it features a host of aero and mechanical refinements that combine to make it 3.5 seconds faster around Fiorano than a stock Modena. New titanium wheel bolts and damper springs increase resistance to roll and dip and have made directional changes more rapid. The damper settings themselves have been re-rated to provide a 15mm lower centre of gravity while a particularly advanced multi-axial carbon floorpan is 50% lighter than before and also increases rigidity. Perhaps the most significant arrival though are carbon brakes as standard.
Developed initially for use in Formula 1, these carbon-ceramic discs are combined with new aluminium brake carriers, the 19-inch Challenge-style BBS alloy wheels being secured by titanium bolts and shod with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres designed specifically for this car. At the same time, Ferrari's engine revisions are no less mouth-watering, peak output of the now familiar 3.6-litre V8 having been raised from 400 to 425bhp at an identical 8500rpm. Designated Tipo 131, this reworked motor is riddled with improvements like new heads and pistons that allow an increase in compression to 11.2:1, low-friction cylinder blocks also being used. There's a new intake manifold, revised intake timing, a low counter-pressure exhaust silencer and re-positioned valve-springs, the transmission additionally coming in for some serious attention. Only available with the F1-style paddle change, the Challenge Stradale box has a faster processing speed that reduces change times to just 150 milliseconds when operating in Race mode. There are once again two alternative gear-change configurations (Sport and Race), each of which corresponds to an integrated car-control logic regarding damper set-up and traction control (ASR). In Race mode and with the ASR disengaged, there's a launch control facility as used in Formula 1, a feature designed to give drivers the fastest possible start in good grip conditions.
Pininfarina's bodywork has come under serious scrutiny, a revised aero pack resulting in a gain of 50% more vertical load being generated and allowing for much faster cornering speeds. This has been achieved by adopting a modified front bumper that extends below the air intakes to increase downforce at the front, deeper side sills streamlining the rear wheels and contributing significantly to improving the cars efficiency and balance. Additional downforce is generated at the back by a subtly re-profiled tailgate whilst oval cooling vanes now surround the engine cover. Inside, carbon racing seats are upholstered in high-grip cloth or leather and fitted either with four-point harnesses or traditional safety belts. Customers can also choose between sliding Lexan windows or electric glass items.
The door panels and centre console are made entirely of carbon fibre whilst all carpeting is discarded in favour of a racing-style cabin with just rubber mats for comfort. Located in the centre of the instrument binnacle, the rev counter becomes the drivers main point of reference and is emphasised by the yellow graphics and red indicator that ensure optimum contrast and legibility. The entire panel is enclosed within a carbon-fibre element and fronted by a new flat top steering wheel with an extended right-hand side gear-change paddle to make changing up easier when exiting corners. All told, this equates to a weight saving of some 110kg over a stock Modena and explains the dramatic improvement in performance. Cost options include a radio, tricolour centre stripe, fire extinguisher and an aluminium roll-cage, this being 40% lighter than a conventional type and developed specifically for the Stradale. A practically limitless range of paint and interior colour combinations allow buyers to order a genuinely bespoke motorcar, but at £133,000, the base price is already well above the original Modena. Nevertheless, launched during March 2003 at the Geneva Salon, the first deliveries were made that October and the car has been a great success no doubt thanks to its homologation special status.