When
Ferrari launched the 360 Spider in 2005, the marque increased its total number of global production models to four. The soft-top version went on sale at the same time as the 360 Modena. These two 8-cylinder models were added to the two previously-existing 12-cylinder models, the 550 Maranello, which was Ferrari’s return to a front-engined, rear-wheel drive model, and the 456M GT and GTA (automatic), fulfilling the high demand for a 2+2 set-up.
The 360 Spider represents a new level of technical achievement for a
Ferrari convertible, creating a benchmark which has never been achieved by a rival manufacturer in this market sector. It boasts full aluminium chassis features for the structural sections, crafted in extruded aluminium. The cast nodes are manufactured in the exact same foundry as the alloy components for the marque’s
Formula 1 vehicles. The 360 Spider’s chassis boasts the most impressive levels of flexional and torsional rigidity in existence – 420 DAN/mm and 850 DAN in/deg. respectively.
These figures endow the 360 Spider with the same performance credentials (driveability, acceleration, maximum speed and road holding) as the 360 Modena Berlinetta. This is partly a result of the 360 Spider’s high-efficiency aerodynamics, featuring a flat underbody and two Venturis at the rear. It is an incredibly efficient vehicle, with a Cd of 0.36, only slightly higher than the 0.33 boasted by the Coupé.
The 360 Spider features an identical running gear to that sported by the Berlinetta – the competition version employed in the
Ferrari Challenge. It boasts a 3,569cc V8 powerplant, capable of producing 400 horsepower at 8,500 rpm, and creating a maximum torque level of 38 kgm at 4,750 rpm. The engine is capable of propelling the 360 Spider from 0-100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds, and it covers the quarter mile from a standstill in 12.7 seconds. Its top speed almost touches 300 km/h.
The model’s levels of usability and driver comfort, especially with the
Formula 1 transmission option installed, more than match its class-leading performance. The steering wheel mounted paddle shifter makes even the most laborious of traffic jams a pleasant driving experience. It comes with a choice of four colour options for the hood, which folds automatically beneath the rear cover with the aid of seven hydraulic actuators, ensuring an optimal aerodynamic profile even with the hood down. Extra comfort is added in the form of a mesh wind breaker fitted to the roll bars, and safety is maximised with the addition of a reinforced windscreen surround, capable of bearing the 360 Spider’s full weight in a roll.
The 360 Spider is Ferrari’s 20th cabriolet model, and sets a host of technological records.
© 2006 Martin Hemmings and Gary Tsang for www.sport-cars.org
April 1, 2008, 11:09 am
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