Ferrari 360 GTC 2003

Just a few weeks after Porsche debuted their freshly revised GT3 RSR, Ferrari replied with this car, the 360 GTC. Based on the newly homologated Challenge Stradale (as opposed to the 360 Modena) corresponding improvements have been made to the aerodynamics and drivetrain. An extra 15bhp has been found thanks to new Marelli MR3 engine management, the GTC producing 445bhp at 8750rpm, this peak output being realised 250rpm higher than before. The gearbox software has also been upraded, but the most striking changes are found outside.

A Challenge Stradale-inspired aero pack sees the arrival of a more aggressively shaped front bumper, deeper side sills and a subtly re-profiled rear valance. That massive rear spoiler is something altogether new though and provides these 04-spec cars with a highly individual look - even if there have been relatively few other changes. Weight remains unaltered at 1100kg, the aluminium monocoque also surviving intact and being coupled to fully adjustable independent suspension with triangular alloy wishbones. Like the competition springs and dampers, anti-dive geometry at the front and anti-squat to the rear is fully adjustable along with the anti-roll bars at either end. Steel brake discs remain unchanged from the 2002/03 Brembo items, these featuring six piston calipers at the front, fours at the rear. Wheels are 18-inch Pirelli-shod BBS alloys. Inside, the cabin is suitably bereft of all road car luxuries, a solitary bucket seat accompanying a racing harness, quick release steering wheel and automatic fire extinguishing system. The standard dash remains dimensionally unchanged and comes trimmed in suede alcantara whilst Lexan is used for the side and rear windows.

Launched at the Bologna Motor Show during December 2003, Ferrari are again offering two alternative versions, one complying to ACO rules and the other to FIA-sanctioned events. FIA-spec GTC's get larger vents ahead of the front wheels, an F1-style gearbox, twin rear diffusers and a longer front splitter. By contrast, ACO versions have to run with a manual shift and full-width rear diffusers. Typically, the FIA versions have proven more competitive, but with the number of 360's increasing all the time, Ferrari's growing strength in depth must be worrying Porsche.

The Ferrari 360 GTC with a dry weight of 1100 kg was developed by the Corse Clienti Department in Maranello, in collaboration with Michelotto Automobili to compete in the N-GT class. It makes use of recent evolutions successfully race tested on the Ferrari 360 GT, with a sequential six speed gearchange and a further improved Magneti Marelli electronics package. The aerodynamics are substantially different to the 360 GT, given that the 360 GTC has been newly homologated by FIA/ACO from the Challenge Stradale, taking up from its basic elements: front bumper, side skirts, engine cover and double rear end. Wind tunnel research has led to a new system for the rear wing, with a notable improvement in vertical downforce. The performance of the 90-degree V8 3586.2 cc engine has been improved in terms of consumption and power, putting out 445 horsepower (332 kW) at 8750 rpm.

General specifications

* Country of origin: Italy
* Year of introduction: 2004
* Introduced at: 2003 Bologna Motorshow
* Body design: Pininfarina
* Weight: 1100 kg (2425 lb)

Drivetrain

* Engine: F131 90º V8
* Engine Location: Mid, longitudinally mounted
* Displacement: 3.586 L
* Valvetrain: 5 valves / cylinder, DOHC
* Fuel feed: Magnetti Marelli MR3 Fuel injection
* Aspiration: naturally aspirated
* Gearbox: 6 speed sequential
* Drive: rear wheel drive

Performance

* Power: 445 bhp (332 kW) @ 8750 rpm
* Torque: 410 Nm (302 ft.lbf) @ 6500 rpm
* Power to displacement ratio: 124 bhp/L (92 kW/L)
* Power to weight ratio: 0.4 bhp/kg (300 W/kg)

Ferrari Press Release