Ferrari 360 GT

The 360 GT derives from the 360 Challenge and is destined to compete on the GT race circuit. There are two versions of the model, one conforming to FIA N-GT and the other to ACO/Le Mans specifications.

The vehicle was developed from the model which won the 2001 FIA Championship, fitted out by the Michelotto workshop. Work was carried out on all areas permitted by the current regulations. The car has proved its competitiveness on a variety of different tracks, both slow and fast, and its strong point lies in its perfectly balanced set-up. Ferrari technicians focused their efforts on creating a car our customers would find easy to drive, and with totally reliable responses.

The 360 GT weighs in at 2425 lb, the maximum permitted by the regulations. This has been accomplished by using Kevlar Carbon for some parts of the body, guaranteeing the robustness of production parts and with the advantage of cutting down on weight.

The FIA version of the 360 GT is fitted with an F1-type gearbox, which is standard on the 360 model. The car comes with the electronic control unit used on the Challenge version whose software includes the specifications for the fastest possible gear change: this is currently the only GT vehicle on the competition circuit to use this technology. The lubricants have also been carefully analysed by the Ferrari technicians. The manual version is only in use on the ACO version.

The complete chassis and suspension assembly derives from the 360 Challenge. As per regulations, specific adaptations have been carried out to improve performance without compromising reliability, in consideration of the fact that a GT car is used in races which can last up to 24 hours. The vehicle is as tall as regulations allow. The braking system has been enhanced, and the inlets for cooling improved, in view of the improved roadholding which results from the larger tyres fitted.

As per regulations engine modifications were fairly limited. Despite this, and despite the presence of the regulation 30.8 mm intake limiters, the Ferrari engine experts have managed to come up with a 3586 cc engine with an output of over 430 bhp. Work was carried out on the mapping of the electronic control system to maintain the running principles of the 360 Challenge. Much attention was devoted to fuel consumption, as GT races are real endurance tests, and on many occasions the 360 GT has been able to refuel fewer times over the course of an event than its direct competitors. The use of specific lubricants also means a further improvement in performance.

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