Now that the new 612 Scaglietti model has been launched, Ferrari is upping the pace for the development of the 360 Modena replacement.

Ferrari's new mid-engined "mainstream" sports car is expected to debut in 2005. Reliable information on the technical specifications of the newcomer is still scarce, but it is believed that it will be powered by a 4.2-liter V-8 engine, not a V-10. Hence, it is dubbed the "420 Modena" or "420 Fiorano."

The development of the 360 replacement has been infinitely more troublesome than could be to the company's liking. The appearance of the Lamborghini Gallardo sent top Ferrari management and engineers alike back to the drawing boards, and the 360 replacement program in Maranello ground to a halt. Not long after work had started again on the project, a fire devastated offices and workshops in Ferrari's development department in March 2004, damaging a number of invaluable prototype vehicles.

The spy shots show a few exclusive details of the new vehicle, including flared front wheel arches and improved rear wheelhouses, which leave more room for larger wheels and an increased track width at the front and rear axles. The lateral air outlets in the front bumper have been enlarged to supply more air to the new 4.2-liter engine. At the rear, the prototype features a new bumper with smaller, dedicated openings around the exhaust pipes and a modified diffuser.

Initially planned as a mostly technical freshening, the 360 Modena replacement project now seems to have become no less than a new vehicle, which also could include the introduction of a new Spider with a folding hard top in 2006.

Thursday 27th May 2004
Scaglietti Restyle For 360


he controversy over the design of the 612 Scaglietti is still rumbling on, but Ferrari fans had better get used to it - because Auto Express magazine can reveal the bold styling is set to spread.

The mag's exclusive spy shots give the clearest glimpse yet of the replacement for the 360 Modena. And under the plastic disguise are striking headlamps and a daring new look similar to that of its big brother, the 612. Seen in the mag outside the Maranello factory in Italy, the newcomer has kept the overall shape of its predecessor, but is likely to have more dramatic detailing.

As well as the new headlights, the front will be dominated by reshaped air intakes and a more pointed nose. The rear disguise didn't fool our spies, either, as insiders have told us it will get a more muscular shape than that of the 360. Styling house Pininfarina has kept the trademark round rear lamps, while the bulge between them is thought to hide a spoiler which only pops up at speed. A similar hump was seen on the original Enzo prototype.

Under the glass engine cover is a mighty 4.2-litre V8 powerplant, which will deliver 450bhp and give the Ferrari the performance it needs to take on Lamborghini's V10 Gallardo. While the logical name for the 360M's replacement is the 420M (after the engine size), there's some confusion as Ferrari has recently trademarked 430M.

Whatever it's called, the coupé version of the new Ferrari is expected to debut early in 2005, with first deliveries next summer. A year later, the convertible Spider will go on sale, and it's tipped to feature a retractable metal hard-top - a first for Ferrari. Chris Thorp

Ferrari's replacement for the 360Modena has come a long way. The vehicle has been anticipated for no less than the past three years. The first prototype mules were sighted in 2002 (engine development mule), 2003 (new headlight and powertrain development car) and earlier this year (new powertrain and chassis under old body with some improvised new exterior features). During all of that period, it remained inconclusive when exactly the new car would debut, and what would be the degree of innovation, between a simple facelift of the current car and a complete redesign.

Only now the first complete prototypes have hit the roads and have been captured on camera. The new car will quite radically depart from the looks of the current 360, with new front and rear ends that are greatly inspired by the mighty Ferrari Enzo. Similar to those on the Enzo, the new headlights will have more angular looks and be stacked vertically, rather than horizontally. The restyled frontal air scoops (now with a curved tear-drop shape) render the front clamshell much cleaner. The rear clamshell is all new, too, and features redesigned engine air scoops, amongst others. The rear lights, newly positioned at the very top edge, are again clearly reminiscent of the Enzo and give the car an entirely new rear aspect and profile.

It is also interesting to note the bulged camouflage and the air scoop between the rear lights. This section of the prototype directly resembles that of disguised Enzo prototypes during the final stages of its development and suggests that the new mid-engine V-8 Ferrari might be equipped with an adjustable rear spoiler, too.

These modifications should be good news for all those who found the appearance of the current 360 Modena too bland, and too compromised by its undoubtedly superior aerodynamic efficiency. The new Pininfarina effort promises to be a much more accomplished blend of a dramatic shape with uncompromised aerodynamics and function.

The innovations will not stop here, though. Extreme ultra-low profile tyres at the front axle are indicative of an upgraded suspension. Modified exhaust pipes (with a tapered, slightly reduced exit diameter) are indicative of the new 4.2-liter V-8 powertrain with further optimized intake and exhaust gas flow and an estimated maximum power figure of 450 hp.

Still unclear remains how the new Ferrari will be called. While the expected engine capacity suggests to a F420 label, it is reported that Ferrari recently has registered the F430 label in a number of key markets. The "Modena" name tag perhaps will be replaced with "Monza" - hence "Ferrari 430 Monza" is one likely possibility.

The new 420/430 coupe is expected to be officially unveiled early in 2005 (Detroit or Geneva motor shows) and on sale in the first half of the year. Interestingly, no prototypes could be spotted yet for the redesigned Spyder version. This supports information according to which the new 420/430 Spyder will debut about a full year after the coupe, in 2006, but then come complete with an all-new retractable hardtop roof. At around the same time, a stripped-out race version of the coupe is expected, very much in the style of the current "Challenge Stradale" model.