conceptcarz.com

2004 Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale

The Ferrari 360, being replaced by the Ferrari F430, was available as a Modena coupe and spider convertible. The name 'Modena' was in honor of Enzo Ferrari's birthplace and wore styling by Pininfarina. The 360 was introduced in 1999 as a replacement for the 3F55 and was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. The F355 was Ferrari's most successful model since the 308 and was clearly a hard act to follow. The surpass the F355, its successor would have to forge a new path rather than merely offering incremental improvements. Engineers at Ferrari and designers at Pininfarina began with a clean sheet of paper, creating a new car endowed with attractive superlatives that would surpass its illustrious predecessor.

The aluminum space-frame chassis was developed in collaboration with Alco, and excellent aerodynamics resulted from thousands of hours of work in the wind tunnel. Although it was slightly larger than its predecessor, the 360 Modena weighed less, and its 3.6-liter, dual overhead camshaft V8 engine had five valves per cylinder, electronic fuel injection, and 11:1 compression. One of the few items carried over from the F355 was the V8 engine, enlarged from 3.5 to 3.6 liters for the 360, and offering 400 horsepower. Initially equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, the 360 Modena was soon available with an F1-derived unit with electro-hydraulic paddle controls on the steering wheel. An active suspension system countered body roll, but provided comfort when needed. The radical new shape offered increased downforce, generating four times as much as its predecessor yet achieving the impressively low Cd of 0.33. The lightweight design, aerodynamics, and mid-engine layout gave the 360 excellent handling and performance.

The track-oriented Challenge Stradale was introduced in 2003 and inspired by the 360 Challenge cars used in Ferrari's Challenge series and GT Endurance racing since 2001. It incorporated knowledge gained in the crucible of racing and was essentially a road-legal racing car and the ultimate evolution of the 360 Modena series. Engineers designed the car with 20% track day use and 80% road use in mind. It received Enzo-derived carbon-ceramic disc brakes, aerodynamic tweaks, track-tuned underpinnings, updated gearbox software, weight reduction, and an increase in engine output to 425 horsepower. Other modifications included 19-inch Challenge wheels, carbon-fiber rear-view mirrors, specific appearance features, and Alcantara upholstery. It had computer-controlled variable damping, electronic drive-by-wire throttle, traction control, power-assisted steering, a driver's airbag, lightweight carbon-fiber racing seats, and anti-lock brakes. Creature comforts such as sound-deadening, radio, and carpeting were jettisoned, but air-conditioning was standard and one of the only compromises to broaden the appeal of the car. The car's large glass backlight was replaced with a lightweight Lexan version. Suspension upgrades included stiffer titanium coil springs, beefier rear sway bar, and cockpit adjustable shocks. Weighing 240 pounds less, more downforce, and with 25 additional horsepower, the Challenge Stradale could reach 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds - four-tenths faster than a regular 360 Modena – while lapping Ferrari's Fiorano test track 3.5 seconds faster.

Among the list of available factory options were a hi-fi sound system, leather headliner, painted brake calipers, rear parcel shelf, fire extinguisher, and fitted luggage.

2004 Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale photo
Coupe
Chassis #: ZFFDU57A840138748
Approximately 1,274 to 1,288 examples were built with 378 sent to North America. The U.S. versions had a base price of approximately $175,000.

Related Reading : Ferrari 360 History

The Ferrari 360 Modena went into production in 1999 and served as a replacement for the F355. The name Modena was used after the birthplace of Enzo Ferrari. The styling was courtesy of Pininfarina and mounted mid-ship was an eight-cylinder engine constructed entirely of aluminum. The engine was mounted to a six-speed gearbox available as a manual or F1 electro-hydraulic shift. Production continued....
Continue Reading >>

Related Reading : Ferrari 360 History

Setting the standard for other supercars, the Ferrari 360 was introduced in 1999 as the successor to the very popular 355. The 360 in the cars title stood for 3.6-liter engine. The 360 would be lead the way for the Ferrari F430 which would debut in 2004 when the 360 was put to bed. The 360 was built by Ferrari from 1999 until 2005 and was offered in Modena coupe and Spider convertible body styles.....
Continue Reading >>

2004 Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale Vehicle Profiles

Recent Vehicle Additions

Related Automotive News

ALFA ROMEO DEBUTS THE 2017 ALFA ROMEO GIULIA LINEUP AT THE NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

ALFA ROMEO DEBUTS THE 2017 ALFA ROMEO GIULIA LINEUP AT THE NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

Rebirth of the brand – the all-new 2017 Giulia is the first of eight all-new Alfa Romeos debuting through 2020, and embodies the brands La meccanica delle emozioni (the mechanics of emotion) spirit Giulia nameplate reflects a 55-year heritage of A...
FCA Canada: All-new 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Makes Canadian Debut at 2016 CIAS

FCA Canada: All-new 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Makes Canadian Debut at 2016 CIAS

Created with the Mechanics of Emotion, the All-new 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Delivers Italian Style with Benchmark-level Performance and Precision to the Premium Mid-size Sedan Segment Built in Italy, the Giulia Quadrifoglio delivers...
ALL-NEW 2015 ALFA ROMEO 4C SPIDER PRICING ANNOUNCED

ALL-NEW 2015 ALFA ROMEO 4C SPIDER PRICING ANNOUNCED

All-new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Delivers Race-inspired Performance, Advanced Technologies, Seductive Italian Style, and Now an Even More Exhilarating Driving Experience With Open-air Freedom All-new Alfa Romeo 4C Spiders open-air performance ****...
ALL-NEW FORD FOCUS RS MAKES GLOBAL AUTO SHOW DEBUT; PIONEERS INNOVATIVE AWD AND PERFORMANCE TECHNOLOGIES

ALL-NEW FORD FOCUS RS MAKES GLOBAL AUTO SHOW DEBUT; PIONEERS INNOVATIVE AWD AND PERFORMANCE TECHNOLOGIES

Fords all-new Focus RS makes global show debut in Geneva introduces advanced performance technologies to deliver the ultimate fun-to-drive experience Third-generation Focus RS pioneers innovative Ford Performance All-Wheel-Drive with Dynamic Torq...
Buick Regal Priced At $30,615

Buick Regal Priced At $30,615

DETROIT – The 2014 Buick Regal goes on sale later this year with a suggested retail price of %2430,615, including a %24925 destination charge. Standard equipment includes next-generation IntelliLink connectivity with an eight-inch color touch display,...