|  Ferrari
have introduced a race version of the Challenge Stradale to counter
the threat posed by Porsche's new 996GT3 RSR in GT racing. The new
model, to be called the 360GTC, receives a similar acronym to its
recently introduced big sister, the 575GTC.
Porsche haved moved the goalposts with their highly-rated new racer
and Ferrari have been quick to respond to the threat. The new 360GTC
may also form the basis of the 2004 Ferrari Challenge race series
which could incorporate a GT-style rear wing for the first time.
The original 360 Modena drew heavily on Ferrari's competition
experience, with engineering standards and levels of aerodynamic
development rare for a series production car. This meant that the
360 Challenge (launched in 2000) was a quantum leap ahead of its
predecessor, the 355, proving lighter, faster and better-handling.
Ferrari received numerous requests for factory-prepared cars for
other championships. With the help of factory backing, the JMB Competition
team 360 fought off strong competition from Porsche to take the
2001 FIA N-GT World Championship team and drivers' titles.
On the strength of that showing, Ferrari produced a specific model
- the 360 GT - derived from the Challenge car for privateers in
the FIA N-GT and A.C.O. (Automobile Club de l'Ouest) championships
in 2002. JMB took this year's FIA N-GT title.
The latest evolution, the 360 GTC was unveiled to the press at the
Bologna Motor Show on the 4th of December 2003.
The new GTC version incorporates a number of modifications introduced
during the 2003 season and includes refinements to the aerodynamics,
a new sequential 6-speed gearbox because the road car paddle shift
was too slow for professional racing, a new electronics package
developed by Magneti Marelli and a number of minor revisions to
the engine to improve output to 445 bhp at 8,750 rpm.
The 360 GTC will be available for the 2004 season and is sold directly
by Ferrari's Corse Clienti division.
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