360 Modena Facelift?
Taken from the Car Connection:
Ferrari's "entry-level" 360 Modena is about to undergo a technical redesign, which is previewed for the very first time in this set of spy pictures. The pictures have been taken most recently in the vicinity of Ferrari's Maranello development headquarters and at the company's own Fiorano racetrack.
Although still selling well (months-long waiting lists are proof of this), Ferrari is taking the initiative and updating the 360 Modena in 2004, in order to fight off increasing competition, which could be imposed by the new Lamborghini Gallardo, or the McLaren-Mercedes SLR, or just obsolescence over the course of time.
Visually, only the mildest of changes will be applied to one of Pininfarina's all-time classics: new headlights mark the most significant change from the current car. Black carriers replace the formerly body-colored units of the current car with their three neighboring round projector-style units. The rounded overall shape is maintained, but the new units feature a vertically tapered inner shape and are also sectioned horizontally, with single projector-style main beams in the upper section, and position lights and side indicators in a neighboring position in the lower section.
Spoked wheels from the 360 Challenge Stradale complement the stylistic makeover. They not only offer a fresh new look but also provide increased mechanical stiffness at a reduced weight.
The major changes take place under the skin: Dubbed the Ferrari 400 Modena, the facelifted 360 uses a heavily modified engine with increased bore and stroke - bringing total displacement from 3.6 to 4.0 liters - and power presumably up to 400 or 420 hp (thus, matching the acclaimed 360 Challenge Stradale).
A replacement for the Modena, called the 420 Monza, is expected in 2005-06 and likely will use a 4.2-liter version of this engine. Until then, the updated 400 Modena will defend Ferrari. The bespoke modifications are expected for spring 2004 and equally apply for the closed-roof standard model and the open-top Spider.
Ferrari's "entry-level" 360 Modena is about to undergo a technical redesign, which is previewed for the very first time in this set of spy pictures. The pictures have been taken most recently in the vicinity of Ferrari's Maranello development headquarters and at the company's own Fiorano racetrack.
Although still selling well (months-long waiting lists are proof of this), Ferrari is taking the initiative and updating the 360 Modena in 2004, in order to fight off increasing competition, which could be imposed by the new Lamborghini Gallardo, or the McLaren-Mercedes SLR, or just obsolescence over the course of time.
Visually, only the mildest of changes will be applied to one of Pininfarina's all-time classics: new headlights mark the most significant change from the current car. Black carriers replace the formerly body-colored units of the current car with their three neighboring round projector-style units. The rounded overall shape is maintained, but the new units feature a vertically tapered inner shape and are also sectioned horizontally, with single projector-style main beams in the upper section, and position lights and side indicators in a neighboring position in the lower section.
Spoked wheels from the 360 Challenge Stradale complement the stylistic makeover. They not only offer a fresh new look but also provide increased mechanical stiffness at a reduced weight.
The major changes take place under the skin: Dubbed the Ferrari 400 Modena, the facelifted 360 uses a heavily modified engine with increased bore and stroke - bringing total displacement from 3.6 to 4.0 liters - and power presumably up to 400 or 420 hp (thus, matching the acclaimed 360 Challenge Stradale).
A replacement for the Modena, called the 420 Monza, is expected in 2005-06 and likely will use a 4.2-liter version of this engine. Until then, the updated 400 Modena will defend Ferrari. The bespoke modifications are expected for spring 2004 and equally apply for the closed-roof standard model and the open-top Spider.
