Subscribe to RSS
Subscribe to our Newsletter

Join us for:

Unsubscribe
Manage Your Subscription

  Photography by Michael Ballard

Driver’s Notebook: Mambo Italiano

Christian Gulliksen

October 1, 2004

Over the last few years we have driven a number of cars tuned by Los Angeles—based CEC, everything from an S-Class sedan bearing a CL-class nose to an M3 kitted out with a roll cage and an over-the-top stereo system. Anything that comes from CEC guarantees eye-catching looks, outstanding performance, and a German pedigree–even if you drive off of the showroom floor in a Ferrari. The latest addition to CEC’s repertoire is Novitec, a German firm that started out tuning Fiats and Alfa Romeos before graduating to the prancing horse. CEC now offers the Novitec touch for both the 360 and the 575, and we recently had the opportunity to try out the 360.

2004 Novitec F360 Modena
ENGINE: 3.6-liter V-8, supercharged
POWER: 555 hp
TORQUE: 415 ft lbs
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed sequential
WHEELBASE: 102.3 inches
CURB WEIGHT: 3,000 pounds
BASE PRICE: approx. $300,000 (Click images to enlarge)

Maybe it’s just me, but I have never considered Ferraris–or even Lamborghinis, for that matter–the sort of car anyone tunes. Custom wheels and a stereo, sure, but my impression of Ferrari drivers is that they tend to prefer their cars stock–which might explain the relatively understated modifications made by Novitec to the Ferrari’s coachwork. The design of the reworked bumper/spoiler combinations and side skirts does not veer too dramatically from the Pininfarina aesthetic, nor do the 19-inch wheels or a new rear panel surrounding the taillights. Only the rear wing looks decidedly aftermarket. Look through the engine’s clear cover and you will see ample carbon fiber trim and evidence of the twin superchargers that boost the 360’s horsepower rating from 400 to 555. Out of sight are Novitec’s three-way adjustable coil-over suspension and anti-sway bars, an upgraded brake system, and an exhaust so loud that it is technically illegal.

The extra-low front spoiler looks good, but creates problems if you plan to use the car in an everyday capacity; it becomes necessary to devise strategies for seemingly straightforward activities such as entering parking lots. Photograph courtesy The Claus Ettensberger Corporation. (Click image to enlarge)

I slid behind the wheel and was disappointed to discover the paddles of Ferrari’s now-ubiquitous F/1-style sequential transmission on either side of the new steering wheel. Most of us at Robb Report have yet to be won over by sequential transmissions, which Ferrari seems determined to foist upon its customers, like it or not. In theory they offer lightning-fast shifts that no driver, however skilled, could effect using the traditional clutch pedal and gearshift; in practice, they often balk at inopportune moments and cause strange lurching when the gear finally engages. And while a car so equipped makes heavy traffic more bearable, we simply like traditional manual transmissions better.

After leaving the CEC showroom near Beverly Hills, I headed up Pacific Coast Highway to Robb Report’s offices in Malibu. The serpentine road–two lanes in each direction– would be an absolute joy were it not for the constant presence of the California Highway Patrol and sheriffs. Cars less obvious than the Novitec Ferrari can get away with higher velocities, and it was galling to watch as a Toyota Prius zipped by at 70 mph while I kept the Ferrari much closer to the posted 50 mph speed limit. Herein lies the frustration of driving a car like this on public roads: Although it is more capable of traveling safely at high speeds than almost anything else on the road, exceeding the speed limit in such a conveyance exponentially increases the odds of being pulled over and adding unwanted points to your driving record.

Another factor that makes Novitec’s 360 more usable during track days than around town is the new front bumper that transforms driveway lips and speed bumps into road hazards. At least in metropolitan areas, entering parking lots slowly at 45-degree angles is fraught with complexity, especially when making a left-hand turn–opposing traffic has to clear completely and no one can be exiting the lot. You can imagine how often that happens in Los Angeles, and now consider the frustrated drivers waiting behind you who do not understand why you don’t just go. Trust me: Guys in flashy Ferraris don’t get lots of sympathy. Perhaps if you commute at 150 mph between Switzerland and Germany this setup might make sense. But if you live in the United States, where exceeding 100 mph is a relatively rare event, I think we can depend on the aerodynamic competence of a stock Ferrari.

So now that we’ve decided to forgo the front spoiler or save this one for the racetrack, let’s get to where this car shines: performance. According to CEC, the supercharged 3.6-liter V-8’s extra 155 horsepower and 140 ft lbs of torque help pare the 360’s zero-to-60 time from 4.5 to 3.8 seconds and raise the top speed from 183 mph to 210 mph. The added impetus from the $55,000 superchargers is clearly evident. The new suspension is a revelation, providing a remarkably comfortable ride while also facilitating razor-sharp handling. Ultraluxe manufacturers that traffic in performance models should look at what this suspension accomplishes. Ultraprecise steering puts the car exactly where you want it to go, and only dodgy rearward visibility–a problem endemic to mid-engine Ferraris–hinders limber maneuvers on fairly crowded roads. The Novitec brakes perform beautifully; extra braking capability is always a plus. Although tiresome in around-town driving, the loud exhaust note is thrilling when pushing the 360 hard. (Click image to enlarge)

If you use your Ferrari as an everyday car, you should consider the suspension and brake modifications, which are a marked improvement. Otherwise, I would be perfectly happy with a standard 360. That is not to say that the full Novitec package is not worthwhile–if you have a full tilt racer in mind, its more hectic nature won’t be a problem, and you will no doubt appreciate what Novitec has to offer. Available through CEC, the complete package on our test car costs $120,000, without labor, in addition to the 360’s $147,000 MSRP.

CEC
310.203.3900
www.cecwheels.com

Page:  1  |  2
Print ArticleEmail ArticleAdd to DiggAdd to Del.icio.us