If there’s one factor I really like greater than circuit-driven road vehicles, it’s street-driven circuit vehicles. Vehicles like Yosuke-san’s Ferrari 360 Modena.
I’ve at all times been captivated by street-driven Porsche Cup vehicles and machines like Yosuke-san’s Ferrari. Certain, just a few creature consolation options are good in a road automotive – particularly in case you typically end up usually caught in visitors – however Yosuke, very like myself, doesn’t subscribe to that mindset.
At first look, Yosuke-san’s 360 may virtually be mistaken for a barely toned-down model of Ferrari’s Corse Clienti 360 Modena. Surprisingly, although, this chassis started life as an ordinary 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 vehicles 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 gave the impression of an F1 automotive approaching from three blocks away. In fact, 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 should return to the Kansai area for a shoot.
Lastly, two years later, on a scorching summer time Osaka evening, 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 rather a lot 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 via Osaka, we made a number of stops, and irrespective of the place we parked, the automotive drew consideration like nothing I’ve shot earlier than. The road presence of this 360 is solely plain.
However past its styling, top-of-the-line options of Yosuke-san’s 360 is the gated guide transmission nestled within the centre console. Whereas the 360 provided a guide choice, Problem vehicles solely got here with the F1 automated variant. Whereas some Problem house owners have swapped their F1 autos for guide 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 type however the wheels. RAYS Volk Racing TE37s have graced almost each make and mannequin, from Daihatsu kei vehicles 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 manner is refreshing and quintessentially Japanese. Behind the TEs sit huge AP Racing 6-pot calipers, brakes typically discovered on GT vehicles.
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 aspect encompasses a Bride carbon/Kevlar Xero seat, whereas the passenger aspect boasts a extra reserved Bride carbon recliner. The cherry on high 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 vehicles, 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 all the pieces I really like about vehicles – particularly these in Japan that look the half and are pushed to match.
Alec Pender
Instagram: noplansco
