13.05.2004 THE NEXT GENERATION FERRARI 360 MODENA WILL OFFER UP TO 500 BHP AS IT AIMS TO HEAD OFF COMPETITION FROM LAMBORGHINI'S MID SIZE GALLARDO RIVAL

Launched in 1999, the much-loved Ferrari 360 Modena is currently undergoing a technical upgrade and visual makeover. The sportscar marque’s new “mainstream” sports car, which is due to debut next year, will fight back at the recently launched 500bhp V10 Lamborghini Gallardo.

Exact technical specifications of the new sportscar remain unclear, but an increased capacity version of the 4.2-litre V8 used in the Maserati Coupe and Spyder is being tested.

Expected to be around 4300cc, it will offer a much higher rev band through the use of a flat plane crank, revised, lighter internal components and a new air induction system and electronics. With in excess of 475bhp on tap it will be well up from the 360 Modena's present 400bhp output.

However with major strides being made in the mid-size mid-engined sector by sportscar rivals, Ferrari are strongly considering fitting a new 5.0-litre V8 or V10 engine, derived from the Enzo supercar's 600bhp 6.0-litre V12 unit. With 500bhp available it will meet the Gallardo head on, while offering 75bhp more than currently on offer in the 'extreme' 360 Modena derived road racer, the 'Challenge Stradale'.

Rumours are that Ferrari has already registered the Ferrari 430 name in the USA. 

Development of the new car has seen several evolutionary stages. The launch of the new 309km/h Lamborghini Gallardo raised the bar but Maranello’s engineers and management are very confident that they can respond to the challenge thrown down.

The project received a setback when a fire ripped through Ferrari’s road car experimental hangar on 17 March this year, the blaze destroying a number of prototype cars, believed to include the 360 replacement, and technical equipment before it was brought under control by the Italian Fire Brigade.

Spy photography has led Italiaspeed to present an exclusive preview of the new car. Whereas the stylish and curved main body will be carried over from the current model, the newcomer will offer new wings, headlights, engine lid, bumpers, sideskirts and interior.

Increased wheel arches will enable larger 19-inch wheels and a wider track width at both the front and rear axles to be offered.  The new alloy wheels will be made with Ferrari's trademark starfish pattern, and will not be dissimilar to those presented on the Enzo supercar.

The front bumper will have a full-width lateral air inlet to supply more air to the new 5.0-litre engine, while the rear air scoops will become much more prominent. New headlights will give the car a closer family resemblance to the brand’s recent 612 Scaglietti 2+2 sports coupe.

The rear of the car will feature modified openings around the tailpipes and a new diffuser design.  As is usual, the styling has been undertaken by Pininfarina, under the guidance of Ferrari’s own in-house head of design, Frank Stephenson.

The Spider version of the 430 will debut shortly after the launch of the coupe. Ferrari has been experimenting with the possibility of using Fioravanti’s novel retractable hard-top design, first presented on the Italian design house's Alfa Romeo Vola concept at the 2001 Geneva Motor Show. However it is still unclear as to whether the new Spider will be launched with this feature.