Has New 360 Gone To Blazes?

Auto Express Car Reviews

30th March 2004

It was all hands to the pump at Ferrari's top-secret research and development facility at Maranello, Italy, when the building caught fire. Although some reports claim virtually nothing was lost "except a few 612 Scaglietti-badged raincoats", Auto Express has learned the area affected contained a number of priceless prototypes, as well as the office of Dario Benuzzi, the company's top test driver.

With work on the 612 finished, Benuzzi is said to be concentrating on a 360 replacement. Powered by a 4.2-litre V8, the car will feature an all-new roof system inspired by the Fioravante Alfa concept that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 2001. Ferrari is interested in a metal-roofed convertible because of their improved refinement and aerodynamics. Traditional Mercedes SLK-style tops are heavy and can alter a vehicle's centre of gravity, depending on if they are open or closed. The newcomer, expected next year, gets around this with hi-tech light materials, and a unique 'single-panel' top.