Review: Ferrari 360 (1999-05)

Overview

Released in August 1999, the Ferrari 360 was a mid-engined, rear-wheel drive sports car. Manufactured in Maranello, Italy, the 360 was powered by a 3.6-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to either a six-speed manual or semi-automatic ‘F1’ transmission. Initially available as a two-door Modena coupe, a Spider (convertible) followed in December 2000.

The 3.6-litre V8 petrol engine had double overhead camshafts per cylinder bank, five valves per cylinder, a flat plane crankshaft, titanium connecting rods, dry-sump lubrication and a compression ratio of 11.0:1. Furthermore, the F1 transmission was controlled by steering wheel gearshift paddles (i.e. there was no clutch pedal) which could provide 150 ms gear changes and had fully automatic and manual modes.

Compared to the Ferrari F355 , the 360 Modena was 227 mm longer (at 4477 mm), 22 mm wider (1922 mm), 44 mm taller (1214 mm) and had a 150 mm longer wheelbase (2600 mm). Significantly, however, the 360 had an aluminium space-frame chassis that achieved a 40 per cent increase in stiffness but was also lighter. The Ferrari 360 had independent, double wishbone front and rear suspension with electronic damping control.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, ABS, traction control and front seatbelt pretensioners.

The 360 Modena and Spider were also fitted with a Brembo braking package which included of 330 mm diameter vented and cross-drilled brake discs. The Ferrari 360 was also fitted with a limited slip differential which provided a 25 per cent locking ratio of acceleration and 45 per cent on release.

Features

Standard features for the 360 Modena and Spider included 18-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 ZR18 front and 275/40 ZR18 rear tyres, a two speaker sound system with CD player, climate control air conditioning, Connelly leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, courtesy lamps and an immobiliser. For the Spider, the fully-automatic folding roof could open or close in 20 seconds.

2003 Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale

In 2003, the performance-oriented Challenge Stradale variant was released. Compared to the Modena, the Challenge Stradale was solely available with the F1 transmission and fitted with 19-inch BBS alloy wheels, 20 per cent stiffer titanium springs, stiffer bushes, an uprated rear anti-roll bar and carbon fibre-reinforced silicon carbide ceramic composite brake discs with six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers.

The Challenge Stradale was also 110 kg lighter than the Modena due to the removal of sound deadening material and the fitment of lightweight bumpers, a lighter exhaust and carbon fibre seat frames and mirrors. As such, the Challenge Stradale was able to accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds (compared to 4.4 seconds for the Modena).

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Ferrari 360

Recalls: Ferrari 360

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Ferrari 360

No recall information is available for the Ferrari 360. To search for recalls of Ferrari models, please visit Product Safety Recalls Australia: Ferrari.

Problems and faults: Ferrari 360

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

V8 engine

Rattling noises from the Ferrari 360’s engine on start up may be due to the tappets, though this should quieten as the engine oil warms. The butterfly valves may also be a source of rattles.

Unlike the F355, changing the cambelt for the Ferrari 360 does not require the engine to be removed. The cambelt should be replaced every four years.

Oil leaks may occur from the camshaft covers and crankshaft oil seal – since the engine tray catches most of the oil, such leaks may not appear as puddles under the vehicle.

Transmissions

For Ferrari 360 vehicles with manual transmissions, the gear change from third to second can become notchy due to a worn linkage. Furthermore, the single-plate clutch has a lifespan of around 50,000 kilometres.

For the semi-automatic ‘F1’ transmission, a common modification for Ferrari 360 vehicles is to install the software from the 360 Challenge Stradale since it provides faster gear changes.

Suspension

Knocking or clunking noise from the Ferrari 360’s suspension are likely to be due to worn ball joints – some owners regard these as a service item since they require replacement every 15,000 to 20,000 kilometres. Aftermarket ball joints made from stainless steel are available in international markets.

Battery

It is not recommended that the Ferrari 360 be jump started since this can damage the engine’s electronics. Owners should therefore use a battery charger to maintain charge.

Released in August 1999, the Ferrari 360 was a mid-engined, rear-wheel drive sports car. Manufactured in Maranello, Italy, the 360 was powered by a 3.6-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to either a six-speed manual or semi-automatic ‘F1’ transmission. Initially available as a two-door Modena coupe, a Spider (convertible) followed in December 2000… Read full Ferrari 360 review

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