08.01.2004 THE NEW 360 GTC RACER JOINS THE 'GALLERIA FERRARI' EXHIBITION AT THE AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL

The Bologna Motor Show last month saw the world debut of the Ferrari 360 GTC, an improved version of the current GT-class 360 Modena, which is drawn from the 'Challenge Stradale' and aims to counter head on the threat posed by the new Porsche GT3-RSR.

The new 360 GTC has now joined the ranks of the 'Galleria Ferrari', a event that kicked off today at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England, as part of 'Autosport International', the world's leading motor racing exhibition.

The bright yellow example is situated on the stand next to its larger racing sister, the 575 GTC. The 'Galleria Ferrari' display, valued at in excess of £25 million, is a mix of road cars, Formula 1 chassis and racing sportscars, and includes celebrated models such as the F40, F50, the historic 250 GTO racer, the limited production 550 Barchetta Pininfarina and 600bhp V12 Enzo supercar.

This new model has been developed by the Corse Clienti Department in Maranello, in collaboration with Michelotto Automobili, to compete in the N-GT class of the FIA GT series and the GT class of the American Le Mans Series, the Grand American Championship and the Le Mans Endurance Series.

Substantial improvements have been made to the aerodynamics including a new rear wing, weight has been reduced to 1100 kg and power from the 3.5-litre V8 engine is boosted to 445bhp at 8750rpm.