The new 360 Modena
Maranello, 27th February

For the 1999 International Geneva Motor Show (Tuesday 9th March - Press Day) Ferrari SpA will unveil one of the most significant sports cars ever to be built at Maranello - the new Ferrari 360 Modena.

Styled by Pininfarina, the all-aluminium 360 Modena has been designed to represent the ultimate in performance, lightness and advanced engineering and is the result of four years intensive research and design. This new 'small' Ferrari incorporates superb handling due to a revised suspension system, excellent interior space with an exceptionally refined cabin layout.

Powered by a normally aspirated, 400 hp, 3.6-litre, 40-valve, 8-cylinder engine the 360 Modena will be available with the second generation of the highly successful F1-type gearbox as well as the conventional six-speed manual transmission. Furthermore, this new car has a significant part to play in the Ferrari model mix and will sit alongside the 550 Maranello, the 456 M and the F355 Spider.

Offered as a two-seater sports car, the Ferrari 360 Modena during the next six months replaces the highly successful and internationally acclaimed Ferrari F355. However, for the immediate future the F355 Spider will continue in production.

This latest addition to the Ferrari range is expected to account for 65% of Ferrari's annual production of around 3500 cars. The 360 Modena will initially go on sale in some of Ferrari's 42 key markets by spring 1999. The car will be available throughout the international Ferrari sales network by the summer.

Many of the technical features and the build processes to create the 360 Modena are unique to Ferrari and this car promises to be one of the fastest and most powerful GT road cars ever to be produced at Maranello.

Luca di Montezemolo, President of Ferrari SpA, said: "In the past six years, Ferrari has launched no less than 10 different models and variants. This is a fantastic achievement and reflects Ferrari's continual efforts to be at the leading edge of technology and engineering design.

"The Ferrari 360 Modena again represents a major step forward for us. It incorporates all of the traditional elements of the Ferrari marque but sets new and significant standards for high performance cars. The 360 Modena is one of the most technically advanced cars that we have ever produced."

NB: The Ferrari 360 Modena will be launched to the International Press at 14.00hrs on Tuesday 9th March at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show

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