The Ferrari 360 Modena Challenge sports car
The Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale: A close look at the performance, technical data, features, rival comparison, history and used prices of this classic sports car
from classic to modern
CAR
The Modena Challenge sports car was, like the Challenge Stradale, based on the 360 Modena but, in this case, it was not a road legal car.
Instead, it was a modified racer that was designed to compete in the single-make Ferrari Challenge Series just like its predecessors, the Ferrari 348 and 355 Challenge variants.
Powered by a 3.6-litre V8 engine, the 360 Modena Challenge developed 410 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 286 ft/lbs of torque at 4,750 rpm, and produced a top speed of 185 mph, with a 0-62 mph time of 3.9 seconds.
Originally priced at $175,000, the 360MC (its alternate designation) was equipped with larger and lighter all-round Brembo carbon-composite ventilated disc brakes, with additional cooling ducts, and connected to a race-tuned ABS system. which was electronically controlled using Bosch ASR anti-lock and traction control.
A much lighter exhaust system and bumpers were included.
The 360 MC was not supplied with a factory produced kit to upgrade the base car to track specification, as was the case with the 348 and 355 Challenge versions.
In this case, the 360 Challenge was solely a factory-built racer that provided more scope for substantial weight reduction.
It was for this reason that it could outperform the road legal variants even though the power output from the same 3.6 liter engine was very similar.
To minimize weight, all non-essential accessories such as air conditioning, soundproofing, interior trim, and power windows were removed from the interior.
As a result, the overall weight was reduced by 320 pounds and it was still 300 pounds lighter than the 355 Challenge car.
It was equipped with a roll cage, carbon fiber racing seat and harness, larger stabilizer bar, racing springs, and a fire suppression system.
All instruments were replaced by a Magneti Marelli LCD display panel placed in the bulkhead.
The suspension was modified and included adjustable racing dampers.
It kept dry sump lubrication and the two Motronic ME 7.3 engine control units, while the exhaust system had only a catalytic converter which helped improve performance.
It was capable of producing nearly 400 pounds of aerodynamic downforce when driven hard.
Since the manual gearbox was not available on the 360MC, it had a six-speed F1-style paddle shifter, with the right-hand paddle for upshifting that had been extended about an inch to make gear changing easier. while turning the steering wheel. .
This was a much-needed improvement over previous versions. 360 data:
COMPETENCE
Typical competition for the Ferrari 360 Modena Challenge sports car included the following: Porsche 996 Turbo and Dodge Viper SRT-10. Ferrari Performance:
SPORTS CARS FOR SALE
A Ferrari 360 Modena Challenge in excellent condition sold at auction for $91,000.
Another one of Ferrari’s classic cars.
This marks the end of my Ferrari 360 Modena Challenge sports car review.