The senses we now have access to are sight, smell, touch, sound, and taste. Driving Ferrari's new 180 mph hair dryer, I assure you, will overwhelm the first four. Furthermore, it isn't even described by trite terms like "exciting," "beautiful," and "manthisthingisfreakingfast" (okay, I made that one up). The 360 Modena by Maranello, brand-new for 2000, features a drop-top version that has always been in the works. The 360 Spider was built as a convertible from the start, so don't imagine for a second that it was converted or given a makeover.

In fact, carryover parts include the front 60% of the sheet metal, the engine, gearboxes, suspension, and brakes. It is challenging to construct an open automobile on a monocoque or unit-body chassis since these chassis depend on the roof panels of the vehicle for structural stability. However, the 360 is constructed on a sophisticated aluminum space frame, which only needs a little amount of stiffening for Spider duty. To guarantee the Spider is shake-free, however, several areas of the lower frame and rear bulkhead components make use of thicker or differently shaped alloy tubing. The latter is further fastened to two steel roll hoops that have leather coverings on them for aesthetic and protective purposes.

Looking through the back window glass at the all-alloy 3.6L DOHC V-8 is one of the 360 Modena's features we appreciate the best. On a convertible, however, the back window is integrated into the folding top. Now what? On the new rear deck, the Pininfarina stylists intelligently added a glass observation screen. Therefore, horsepower voyeurs may continue to search. Three small "windblocker" panels surround the rollhoops, and the back of the new engine cover functions as a minor aerodynamic spoiler.