If there’s one factor I like greater than circuit-driven avenue automobiles, it’s street-driven circuit automobiles. Vehicles like Yosuke-san’s Ferrari 360 Modena.
I’ve at all times been captivated by street-driven Porsche Cup automobiles and machines like Yosuke-san’s Ferrari. Certain, just a few creature consolation options are good in a avenue automotive – particularly should you usually end up often caught in site visitors – however Yosuke, very similar to myself, doesn’t subscribe to that mindset.
At first look, Yosuke-san’s 360 might virtually be mistaken for a barely toned-down model of Ferrari’s Corse Clienti 360 Modena. Surprisingly, although, this chassis started life as a normal highway automotive.
Over virtually a decade, Yosuke has crafted his personal rendition of a street-driven GTC race automotive, and wow, does it look the half. Of all of the automobiles I’ve shot in Japan, this Ferrari is definitely a favorite. The sheer variety of pictures I took is a testomony to that.
My story with Yosuke-san’s 360 started a few years again, when wandering the streets of Osaka’s Nipponbashi space, I heard what gave the impression of an F1 automotive approaching from three blocks away. After all, it was a type of uncommon moments I didn’t have my digicam useful. However after exchanging contact particulars with Yosuke, I knew I’d need to return to the Kansai area for a shoot.
Lastly, two years later, on a sizzling summer season Osaka night time, I met Yosuke-san in the identical place the place I first noticed his automotive. With the 360’s straight-through Energy Craft exhaust, his arrival was removed from quiet.
Trying on the automotive, it’s abundantly clear this isn’t simply one other Sunday-driven 360. The manufacturing unit entrance bumper has been changed with a GTC-styled model, which does quite a bit for the look, particularly when paired with Problem Stradale suspension that lowers the automotive by about an inch.
Yosuke has additionally swapped the rear tail-light garnish for a carbon fibre variant, aligning it with the 360 GT styling. Topping all of it off is an aggressive carbon GT wing, a polarising addition that completely ties collectively Kansai and GT aesthetics.
As we cruised by way of Osaka, we made a number of stops, and regardless of the place we parked, the automotive drew consideration like nothing I’ve shot earlier than. The road presence of this 360 is just plain.
However past its styling, the most effective options of Yosuke-san’s 360 is the gated handbook transmission nestled within the centre console. Whereas the 360 supplied a handbook possibility, Problem automobiles solely got here with the F1 automated variant. Whereas some Problem homeowners have swapped their F1 autos for handbook gearboxes, Yosuke had the advantage of beginning with one.
Each element issues: the mirrors have been swapped for CS exclusives, the headlights tinted yellow, entrance and rear latches changed with pins, and tow hooks added, all enhancing that track-focused look.
What initially drew me to Yosuke-san’s 360 wasn’t simply the circuit fashion however the wheels. RAYS Volk Racing TE37s have graced almost each make and mannequin, from Daihatsu kei automobiles to classic Datsuns and fashionable Porsches. Their timeless design by no means misses the mark. However because the Ferrari 360 enters the realm of classics, seeing a set used this fashion is refreshing and quintessentially Japanese. Behind the TEs sit large AP Racing 6-pot calipers, brakes usually discovered on GT automobiles.
Inside, the racing theme continues. The wheel has been upgraded to a 350mm OMP Velocita Superleggero, however the inside spotlight is undoubtedly the Bride seats.
The driving force’s facet contains a Bride carbon/Kevlar Xero seat, whereas the passenger facet boasts a extra reserved Bride carbon recliner. The cherry on prime is the old-fashioned ‘Loop Loopy’ and different Osaka Kanjo Loop-derived stickers, hinting at Yosuke’s driving historical past.
Leaving town behind, we hit that Loop. Following Yosuke-san in a chase automotive was an unforgettable expertise. The V8’s roar was paying homage to early 2000s F1 automobiles, each in sound and depth and left my ears ringing lengthy after.
After the run round Osaka, we discovered ourselves at a bayside parking space, soaking within the sights and sounds of a automotive that can at all times maintain a particular place in my coronary heart.
For a lot of, Yosuke’s modifications could be controversial. However, for me, this 360 encapsulates the whole lot I like about automobiles – particularly these in Japan that look the half and are pushed to match.
Alec Pender
Instagram:Â noplansco
