Ferrari 360 Modena Structure

The engineers' goal for the 360 Modena was 40% greater structural rigidity and a 28% reduction in weight from the F355, and these were achieved despite a 10% increase in overall dimensions. Extruded and formed aluminum, almost the exclusive component of the body and chassis, is responsible for the car's traits. The body and chassis pass all global passive safety requirements while providing excellent handling and a stunning appearance.

The 360 Modena's bodywork evokes the sporting characteristics of the foremost V8 sports car whether static or in motion. The 360 Modena's spaceframe chassis was designed by Ferrari and built in collaboration with US aluminum specialist Alcoa. Extruded box-section aluminum chassis members are combined with cast parts produced using different foundry technologies. The engineers' objectives were a minimum torsional rigidity of 10,127lb-ft per degree and a minimum bending stiffness figure of 22.5 tons per inch.

These stringent parameters were amply exceeded by employing variable-section extrusions which are welded to cast sections. There are 12 of these castings incorporated in the lower part of the chassis, including the four suspension mountings. All parts are sand-cast in Ferrari's foundry in Maranello. Employing the same techniques used in F1, the shock absorber towers are CNC machined after assembly to ensure that the mounting points for the suspension components are drilled with absolute precision. The upper chassis structural assemblies are vacuum-cast to reduce their thickness.