- Powerful 5.5-litre V12 engine
- Impressive dynamics
- Alluring Pininfarina styling
- High maintenance costs
Review: Ferrari 456 (1994-98)
Overview
Released in September 1994, the Ferrari 456 was a grand tourer with two-plus-two seating. Manufactured in Maranello, Italy, the rear-wheel drive 456 was powered by a 5.5-litre V12 petrol engine that was initially available with a six-speed manual transmission (GT variants). From May 1996, however, the 456 was available with a four-speed automatic transmission (the GTA variants).
The 5.5-litre V12 petrol engine had with double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, dry sump lubrication, Bosch Motronic 2.7 electronic injection and a compression ratio of 10.6:1. The 456 GT could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and had a top speed in excess of 300 km/h.
The 456 had a tubular steel spaceframe chassis, welded aluminium body panels and a one-piece composite bonnet. The 456 body was 4730 mm long, 1920 mm wide, 1300 mm tall and had a 2600 mm long wheelbase. The 456 was also fitted with a motorised spoiler which would deploy once the vehicle exceeded 105 km/h.
The 456 had independent front suspension with unequal length wishbones and self-levelling, independent rear suspension (also with unequal length wishbones).
| Variant | Years | Trans. | Engine | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GT | 1994-98 | 6sp man. | 5.5-litre petrol V12 | 325 kW at 6250 rpm | 550 Nm at 4500 rpm |
| GTA | 1996-98 | 4sp auto |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Ferrari 456 included dual front airbags and ABS.
Features
Standard features for the Ferrari 456 included 17-inch alloy wheels with 255/45 ZR17 front and 285/40 ZR17 rear tyres, an eight speaker sound system with a CD player, climate control air conditioning, power adjustable front seats, Connolly leather upholstery, front fog lights, central locking, power windows and power mirrors.
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