2003 Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale

Derived as a direct result of Ferrari’s tradition of making road cars directly derived from the race cars, the 2003 Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale was introduced as a response to success both in the Ferrari Challenge International Championships as well as the Federation Internationale de l’Autombile (FIA) GT races, where both their 360 Challenge and 360 GT models competed with distinction on both sides of the Atlantic.

The racing car psychology is in full evidence in the 2003 Stradale, with the front bumpers modified in order to extend the lower fascia below the air intakes, whilst increasing the car’s height at the rear, as well as new longitudinal direction fins. . This was planned to allow the increase of downforce in the Stradale by half, aided by an overall height reduction though altering the suspension, increasing the car’s road holding capacities in comparison to the standard 360.
Another major difference in specification between the standard 360 was a considerable reduction in body weight through the wide spread use of carbon finer, titanium and aluminum in the 360 Challenge Stradale’s body.

While it seems that the principal color for the car was the new Ferrari 'Rosso Scuderia', the same deep red as their Formula 1 cars, other choices were available. Ferrari’s distinctive and unique plumage was available throughout the car, as well as decorations that commemorated Ferraris that had competed in customer races of the past.

The interior of the Stradale was made as Spartan as possible, to continue with the racing car theme. The driver and passenger seats, the instrument panels as well as the door panels and trims were constructed from carbon fiber as was the car’s center tunnel.

Even the 15 inch diameter brakes are constructed from carbon ceramics, both for the front and the rear. For the Stradale, Ferrari introduced specially developed a 14-spoke alloy rim and 19-inch Pirelli P Zero Corsa performance tires.

The Stradale is powered 3,586cc V8 engine, boasting five valves per cylinder as well as the titanium conrods, which were such a global success in the 360 models, Spider and Modena. The engine in this configuration will produce 425 brake horse power at 8,500 revolutions per minute, Ferrari historians will hasten to inform you that the Stradale’s 118.5 brake horse power per liter, makes it the most powerful V8 Ferrari engine in history.
The 2003 Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale will reach form 0 -60 miles per hour in 4 seconds (0-100km/h) with a top speed of 186 miles per hour (300 km/h) being recorded.

Ultimately when considering the design of the 2003 Challenge Stradale it certainly was no show stopper as far as trim and finish. Instead the accent was on making a light weight comfortable and very fast car in its category. And this they very much succeeded in doing with the 2003 360 Challenge Stradale.









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April 1, 2008, 5:39 am