If there’s one factor I really like greater than circuit-driven road automobiles, it’s street-driven circuit automobiles. Automobiles like Yosuke-san’s Ferrari 360 Modena.
I’ve all the time been captivated by street-driven Porsche Cup automobiles and machines like Yosuke-san’s Ferrari. Positive, a number of creature consolation options are good in a road automotive – particularly when you typically end up recurrently caught in visitors – however Yosuke, very like myself, doesn’t subscribe to that mindset.
At first look, Yosuke-san’s 360 may nearly be mistaken for a barely toned-down model of Ferrari’s Corse Clienti 360 Modena. Surprisingly, although, this chassis started life as an ordinary street automotive.
Over nearly 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 images 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 appeared like an F1 automotive approaching from three blocks away. In fact, it was a type of uncommon moments I didn’t have my digital camera helpful. However after exchanging contact particulars with Yosuke, I knew I’d must 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.
Wanting on the automotive, it’s abundantly clear this isn’t simply one other Sunday-driven 360. The manufacturing facility entrance bumper has been changed with a GTC-styled model, which does loads 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 simple.
However past its styling, probably the greatest options of Yosuke-san’s 360 is the gated handbook transmission nestled within the centre console. Whereas the 360 provided a handbook possibility, Problem automobiles solely got here with the F1 computerized variant. Whereas some Problem house owners 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 model however the wheels. RAYS Volk Racing TE37s have graced practically each make and mannequin, from Daihatsu kei automobiles to classic Datsuns and trendy 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 manner is refreshing and quintessentially Japanese. Behind the TEs sit huge AP Racing 6-pot calipers, brakes typically 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 motive force’s aspect incorporates a Bride carbon/Kevlar Xero seat, whereas the passenger aspect 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 all the time maintain a particular place in my coronary heart.
For a lot of, Yosuke’s modifications is perhaps controversial. However, for me, this 360 encapsulates all the things I really like about automobiles – particularly these in Japan that look the half and are pushed to match.
Alec Pender
Instagram: noplansco
