Ferrari   550 Maranello   456M GT/GTA   360 Modena              The single most important element, and one that was an absolute first for a Ferrari road car, was the use of aluminum not just for the chassis, but the body shell and numerous other components as well. This represents the culmination of years of research and experimentation with the use of aluminum on everything from Formula 1 cars (especially on the 312 B3-73), to the 408 4RM road-going prototype (1987-89) and to the GT competition cars which were fabricated in aluminum from the very outset.

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The main benefit of an all-aluminum chassis-body shell assembly is immediately evident in the 100 kg reduction in the car’s dry weight compared to the F355 (even though the body of the car is actually larger) and the significant improvement in structural rigidity.  The degree of innovation required for the 360 Modena meant that the whole car had to be designed from scratch, adopting new materials and construction methods.   The work went ahead under the guidance of Project manager Maurizio Manfredini who worked with specialists from various areas of the company and technicians from the main suppliers to co-design and develop specific parts