Feb 5, 2002
by Erik C. Nielsen
Ferrari announced that they would proceed with making sports cars eligible for both the FIA N-GT class and for Le Mans.
The car, designated the 360 GT and based on the 360 Challenge will be available in two formats,
depending on which series the owner would like to compete in. Since the expected market is rather small,
it should come as no surprise that the GT will only be available in limited numbers.
The main difference between the versions will be the gearbox offered. The N-GT version will have the F1-style
electronically controlled unit that is standard in the Challenge version. The Le Mans specifications do not allow for
this style shift mechanism, so there will be a gated lever system in this version.
The 360 GT will be fitted with a 3586 cc V8 engine, with factory modifications upping the output to around 430 horsepower.
Developed by the Corse Clienti department, the GT will be sold through the Ferrari dealer network.
The release of this car indicates two things.
First, Ferrari obviously feels comfortable with their success in Formula One. Back
to back Driver's Championships and a hat trick in the Constructor's Championship, tend to increase one's self confidence. Ferrari can now put more resources into other projects outside of the F1 team.
Second, Ferrari also recognized that there is a market for Ferrari sports cars that others are making money off of. With such racing
tuners as Prodrive getting into the action of converting streetcars for competition, Ferrari SpA realized that there was a buck to be made.
This is all the better for the customer considering the level of technology available to the top team in F1.
The appearance of this car still leaves some questions unanswered. Will Ferrari build a successor to the now 8 year-old 333 SP?
Is the 550 the next car to be rebuilt as a racer by the factory? And finally, is Maserati going to see any race cars built with the trident on the grill?
FIA N-GT Version
Engine
Ferrari F 131, 8cylinders 90 degree V; 4 overhead camshaft, 5 valves per cylinder, variable inlet geometry. Engine block and heads in aluminum Capacity: 3586.2 cc Bore: 85 mm Stroke: 79 mm Max power: around 430 HP at 8500 rpm with 2 30,8 mm diameter restrictors Max torque: 38,5 kg/m at 5000 rpm Fuel: Eurosuper 102 RON min, 88 MON min Bosch electronic engine management
Gearbox
Ferrari type F131, longitudinal, 6 speed + reverse, with M Marelli electronic control. Ferrari gears, 5th and 6th close ratio Valeo single disc sintered clutch Self blocking adjustable differential
ACO/Le Mans Version
Engine
Ferrari F 131, 8cylinders 90 degree V; 4 overhead camshaft,5 valves per cylinder, variable inlet geometry. Engine block and heads in aluminum Capacity: 3586.2 cc Bore: 85 mm Stroke: 79 mm Max power: around 430 HP at 8500 rpm with 2 30,8 mm diameter restrictors Max torque: 38,5 kg/m at 5000 rpm Fuel: Eurosuper 102 RON min, 88 MON min Bosch electronic engine management
Gearbox
Ferrari type F131, longitudinal, 6 speed + reverse, with manual H pattern change Ferrari gears, 5th and 6th close ratio Valeo single disc sintered clutch Self blocking adjustable differential
