2004 Ferrari 360 Modena New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2004 Ferrari 360 Modena?
A plaque dedicating Ferrari’s 50th year in North America is included in every 2004 Ferrari.

Advantages of the 2004 Ferrari 360 Modena:

• Glorious engine and exhaust note
• Aluminum construction
• Clear engine cover is cool
• Innovative solutions to aerodynamic problems
• Golf bag can fit behind front seats

Objections to the 2004 Ferrari 360 Modena:

• Cost of maintenance and upkeep
• Lacks cargo space

Editor's Advice:
The 2004 Ferrari 360 Modena is the daily-driver two-seater from Maranello. Serving as a landmark vehicle for this Italian sports car builder, the Ferrari 360 Modena was the first all-aluminum car the company had ever constructed when it replaced the Ferrari F355 several years ago. Built in collaboration with Alcoa, the 360 Modena is 40 percent stronger structurally and 28 percent lighter than the old F355. Aluminum is also used to craft the double wishbone front and rear suspension with anti-dive and anti-squat geometry. Large 18-inch wheels wear 215/45 front and 275/40 rear tires, and handling is enhanced by the 360 Modena’s 43/57 front to rear weight distribution. Every Ferrari 360 Modena is equipped with electronic dampers, a Brembo cross-drilled four-disc ABS with EBD, Automatic Slip Regulation (ASR) and MSR (a torque return control system that keeps the wheels from locking up during deceleration). A mid-engine design, the Ferrari 360 Modena’s 3.6-liter V8 is in full view beneath its clear glass cover while it generates 400 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 275 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,750 rpm. The V8 includes variable valve timing, titanium connecting rods, forged aluminum pistons, and a drive-by-wire throttle. Power flows to the rear wheels through either a manual or an F1-style gearbox – both with six forward speeds. The F1-style, electrohydraulic gearbox is integrated with engine and traction control systems for maximum stability during hard driving. Normal and Sport shift programming is available, the latter for quicker gear changes. The F1 gearbox is operated using paddle shifters located on the steering wheel, with a button for reverse gear housed on the center tunnel. A limited slip differential is standard. With just 2,840 pounds to motivate, the impressive powertrain gets the Ferrari 360 Modena from rest to 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds and carries it to a top speed of 183 mph. Aerodynamically, Ferrari wanted to keep extraneous spoilers and skirts off of the 360 Modena, so dual front air intakes channel air to rear under-car diffusers that help to produce nearly 400 pounds of downforce at 180 mph. Inside, Ferrari has crafted a cabin that accommodates taller than average drivers, trimmed in Connolly leather and aluminum trim. Small suitcases can fit behind the seat, or even a golf bag. No Ferrari is easy to own, as they require expensive upkeep and often suffer the kinds of mechanical and electrical glitches common to most low-volume production cars, but nothing beats a red Ferrari screaming down a twisty road at full throttle.