Ferrari F355

Ferrari F355
Ferrari F355 Berlinetta
Overview
Manufacturer Ferrari S.p.A
Production 1994–1999 (11,273 produced)
Model years 1995–1998
Assembly Maranello, Italy
Designer Pininfarina
Body and chassis
Class Sports car (S)
Body style 2-door berlinetta
2-door targa top
2-door spider
Layout Longitudinal, Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine 3.5 L 5V DOHC Tipo F129B & Tipo F129C V8
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,451 mm (96.5 in)
Length 4,249 mm (167.3 in)
Width 1,900 mm (75 in)
Height 1,171 mm (46.1 in)
Curb weight 1,350 kg (2,980 lb) (dry)
1,482–1,483 kg (3,268–3,270 lb) (Curb Weight with fluids US)
Chronology
Predecessor Ferrari 348
Successor Ferrari 360

The Ferrari F355 (Type F129) is a sports car manufactured by Italian car manufacturer Ferrari as an evolution of the Ferrari 348 from May 1994 to 1999. Design emphasis for the F355 was placed on significantly improved performance, as well as drivability across a wider range of speeds and in different environments (such as low-speed city traffic.)[1] The F355 was succeeded by the Ferrari 360 in late 1999.



Specifications

The Tipo F129B V8 Engine

Apart from the displacement increase from 3.4 L (3,405 cc) to 3.5 L (3,495 cc), the major difference between the V8 engine in the 348 and F355 is the introduction of a 5-valve cylinder head. This new head design allowed for better intake permeability and resulted in an engine that was considerably more powerful, generating a maximum power output 380 PS (279 kW; 375 hp) at 8,250 rpm and 363 N⋅m (268 lb⋅ft) of at 6,000 rpm.[1] The longitudinally mounted 90° V8 engine was stroked by 2 mm over the 348's engine (77 mm rather than 75 mm), resulting in the small increase in displacement. Engine internals are produced using lightweight materials; the connecting rods are forged in Ti6-Al-4V titanium alloy. The engine's compression ratio is 11:1 and employs the Bosch Motronic 2.7 engine control unit in the 1995 model year, later changed to the M5.2 in 1996 through end of production. The Motronic system controls the electronic fuel injection and ignition systems, with a single spark plug per cylinder. Engine lubrication is via a dry sump oiling system.

The frame is a steel monocoque with tubular steel rear sub-frame with front and rear suspensions using independent, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs over gas-filled telescopic shock absorbers with electronic control servos and anti-roll bars. The car allows selection between two damper settings, "Comfort" and "Sport". Ferrari fitted all road-going F355 models with Pirelli tires, size 225/40ZR 18 in front and 265/40 ZR 18 in the rear. Although the F355 was equipped with power-assisted steering (intended to improve low-speed drivability relative to the outgoing 348), this could optionally be replaced with a manual steering rack setup by special order.[1]

Aerodynamic designs for the car included over 1,300 hours of wind tunnel analysis. The car incorporates a nolder profile on the upper portion of the tail, and a fairing on the underbody that generates downforce when the car is at speed.[1]

The car's standard seats are upholstered with hides from Connolly Leather, and are fitted asymmetrically in the car; this results in the driver being slightly closer to the car's center line than the passenger.

At launch, two models were available: the coupe Berlinetta priced at $130,000 (£78,000), and the targa topped GTS. The Spider (convertible) version, priced at $137,000 (£82,500), was introduced in 1995. In 1997 the Formula One style paddle gear shift electrohydraulic manual transmission was introduced with the Ferrari 355 F1[2] (note the dropping of the F before the 355) adding £6,000 to the dealer asking price. The F355 was the last in the series of mid-engined Ferraris with the Flying Buttress rear window, a lineage going back to the 1965 Dino 206 GT, unveiled at the Paris Auto Show.

The nomenclature does not follow the formula from the previous decades, i.e., engine capacity (in liters) followed by number of cylinders (e.g. 246 = 2.4 liters, 6 cylinders, 308 = 3.0 liters, 8 cylinders, etc.). For the F355, Ferrari used engine capacity followed by the number of valves per cylinder (355 = 3.5 litres engine capacity and 5 valves per cylinder) to bring the performance advances introduced by a 5 valve per cylinder configuration into the forefront.


Variants

F355 Berlinetta

Ferrari F355 Berlinetta
The side profile of the Ferrari F355

The Berlinetta was introduced in May 1994, as the first in a successful series of F355 models. Initially, the 6-speed manual was the only transmission available. However, in 1997, the Berlinetta was the first-ever road car to be equipped with the innovative F1-style gearbox management system. Derived directly from Formula 1, where it made its debut in 1989 winning the Brazilian Grand Prix, the electro-hydraulic system was operated by paddles behind the steering wheel using the F355’s conventional 6-speed manual gearbox. The new transmission guaranteed faster gear changes, with the additional advantage that both of the driver’s hands could stay on the wheel at all times.[1]

Ferrari produced 4,871 road-going Berlinetta models during the entire production run, of which 3,829 were equipped with the 6-speed manual and 1,042 with F1 transmissions.

F355 Spider

F355 Spider
F355 Spider

The F355 Spider debuted in 1995, its Pininfarina-penned lines honed by 1,800 hours[3] in the wind tunnel, resulted in a blend of elegant style and aerodynamic performance. For the first time on a Ferrari, the semi-automatic soft-top was powered electronically. Initially, the Spider was offered with the 6-speed manual transmission. In 1997, the Spider was offered with the F1 transmission available as an option. The Spider proved to be the second-most popular F355 model, with a total production of 3,717 units, of which 2,664 were produced with the 6-speed manual transmission and 1,053 were produced with the F1 transmission.

F355 GTS

Ferrari F355 GTS with the removed hard top.
Interior with paddle shift F1 electrohydraulic manual transmission

In 1995, Ferrari introduced the GTS model to the F355 family. The GTS model was based on the Berlinetta but offered a removable "targa-style" hard top roof, which could be stored behind the seats. Other specifications were identical to the Berlinetta. A total of 2,577 GTS models were produced, with 2,048 delivered with the 6-speed manual transmission and another 529 with the F1 transmission. This was the last production targa body style model produced by Ferrari until the La Ferrari Aperta.

F355 Challenge

1995 Ferrari F355 Challenge
Ferrari F355 Challenge

In 1995, Ferrari introduced a race-ready F355 Challenge model for use specifically in the Ferrari Challenge.[4] The Ferrari F355 Challenge model was created by starting with a standard Ferrari F355 Berlinetta and modifying it with a $30,000 factory-to-dealer supplied kit. The initial 1995 cars came with factory fitted cage mounts and without carpets. Each year, the cars arrived with more and more factory fitted race parts, culminating in 1998 with full-evolution cars which were supplied as virtually complete race cars though parts such as the rear wing which still needed to be fitted by the dealer.

The kit initially was more substantial than the 348 Challenge and the engine, gearbox and shock-absorbers were sealed with special tags to prevent unauthorised modifications. The kit included the following components/modifications:[5]

  • Roll-cage
  • Racing bucket seats
  • Safety harnesses
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Engine cut-off switch
  • Manual radiator fan control and upgraded fans
  • Competition steering wheel
  • Lightweight exhaust
  • Rear wing
  • Competition clutch
  • Upgraded 14" Brembo brakes (carried over from the F40)
  • 18" Speedline magnesium wheels
  • Pirelli racing slicks
  • Solid suspension bushings and competition springs
  • Front and Rear brake cooling ducts
  • Challenge black perforated rear grille (halfway through the 1995 season to get extra air through the engine-bay)
  • Lightened front bumper
  • Front and rear tow hooks

The F355 Challenge shares the same engine and physical dimensions as the original car. 108 cars in total were produced, all with the 6-speed manual transmission. Although some sources indicate that over 300 cars were subject to the Challenge conversion, yet this claim remains unproven. There were 18 RHD cars imported by Ferrari UK and modified by MHT. A further 10 were sold to the rest of the RHD markets. Making the total number to only 28 RHD models. These have become extremely rare and valuable. Some of these rare cars are located in Indonesia, Australia, Japan and only one known example in South Africa. Each F355 Challenge has an emblem on the rear that specifically denotes 'F355 Challenge'.

Limited Edition Fiorano

For 1999, Ferrari introduced a limited production of F355 Spider models designated, "Serie Fiorano" Launched in March 1999, this limited production run of 100 planned units (104 actually produced) included a number of enhancements increasing the race track performance much closer to the Challenge versions:

  • Competizione-derived Fiorano suspension pack, featuring wide track, stiffer springs, a thicker anti-roll bar
  • Drilled and ventilated brake discs and competition brake pads
  • Competizione-sourced steering rack
  • Challenge rear grilles and enamelled Scuderia Ferrari shields
  • Carbon-fibre inserts (normally only available as expensive special order options): centre console, door sills and paddle shifters
  • Suede-covered steering wheel

There were 100 Serie Fiorano units delivered to the U.S. market, 74 with the F1 transmission and 26 with the 6-speed manual. An additional 4 units were produced beyond the planned production for the U.S., with only 3 European models and one unit destined for South Africa. The American units were delivered with a numbered plaque affixed to the dashboard while the 3 Fioranos delivered to Europe had no numbered plaque.

Serie Fiorano Chassis Numbers

  • 355 spider Fiorano F1 (US model) 74 ex (sn 115426 - 116521 )
  • 355 spider Fiorano manual (US model) 26 ex (sn 116291 - 116576 )
  • 355 spider Fiorano (EURO model) 3 ex (sn 115624 - 116489 )
  • 355 spider Fiorano (South Africa model) 1 ex (sn 115624 - 116489 )

Performance

Manufacturer Performance Claims

[6]

  • Max. power: 380 PS (375 hp; 279 kW) @ 8,250 rpm [7]
  • Specific output: 107.2 HP/L
  • Max. torque: 363 N⋅m (268 lb⋅ft) @ 6,000 rpm [7]
  • 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph): 4.7 s[7]
  • 0–160 km/h (0–100 mph): 10.8 s[8]
  • Quarter Mile: 12.9 s[7]
  • 0–1000 m: 23.7 s[7]
  • Top speed: 295 km/h (183 mph)[6] (past redline limit)

Independently Tested Performance

[9]

  • 0 to 60 mph: 4.5 sec
  • 0 to 100 mph: 11.2 sec
  • 0 to 130 mph: 19.1 sec
  • Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 5.5 sec
  • Top gear, 30–50 mph: 7.9 sec
  • Top gear, 50–70 mph: 8.2 sec
  • Standing ¼-mile: 13.0 sec @ 110 mph
  • Top speed (redline limited): 170 mph (274 km/h)
  • Braking, 70–0 mph: 156 ft
  • Roadholding, 300-ft-diameter skidpad: 0.98 g

Production

Total production of 11,273 units made the F355 the most-produced Ferrari at the time. This sales record would be surpassed by its successor, the 360 and later, the F430.

Recall

In November 2009, Ferrari recalled about 2,400 1995–99 355s and 355F1s in the United States because of improperly placed screw clamps that could damage the fuel-supply pipes and allow fuel to leak into the engine compartment. Ferrari learned of the problem when it was sued over a fire involving an injury to a driver.[10]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Alfieri, Bruno (1998). Ferrari F355. Automobilia. ISBN 88-7960-087-7.
  2. ↑ Pund, Daniel. "Inside Line: News, Road Tests, Auto Shows, Car Photos and Videos". Edmunds.com. Retrieved 2009-11-25.
  3. ↑ "Ferrari.com - F355 Spider". ferrari.com. Retrieved 2010-03-16.
  4. ↑ "1996 Ferrari F355 Challenge". conceptcarz.com. Retrieved 2007-09-01.
  5. ↑ "Ferrari F355 Challenge - European Super Car". motortrend.com. Retrieved 2010-03-16.
  6. 1 2 Covelllo, Mike (2003-06-01). Standard Catalog of Ferrari 1947-2003. Krause Publications. ISBN 1440227969.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 "Ferrari.com - F355 Berlinetta". ferrari.com. Retrieved 2010-03-16.
  8. ↑ "ferrariworld.com/Cars/Yesterday/F355 GTS". ferrariworld.com. Retrieved 2007-09-01.
  9. ↑ "Ferrari F355 Archived Test – Review – Car and Driver". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2018-02-11.
  10. ↑ Jensen, Christopher (November 27, 2009). "Ferrari's Unusual Recall". The New York Times. Wheels (blog).
  • Buckley, Martin; Rees, Chris (1998). World Encyclopedia of Cars. London: Anness Publishing. ISBN 1-84038-083-7.
« previous — Ferrari road car timeline, 1960s–1990s — next »
Type 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s
0123456789 0123456789 0123456789 0123456789
8 cylinder Mid-engine berlinetta 308 308 i 308 QV 328 348 360
208 208 Turbo GTB/GTS Turbo F355
Mid-engine 2+2 308 GT4 Mondial 8 Mondial QV Mondial 3.2 Mondial t
208 GT4
12 cylinder Boxer berlinetta 365 BB 512 BB 512i BB Testarossa (F110) 512TR F512 M
Grand tourer 250 275 365 GTB/4
"Daytona"		 550 Maranello
America 330 365
2+2 coupé 250 GT/E 330 GT 2+2 365 GT 2+2 365
GTC/4		 365 GT4 2+2 400 400 i 412 456 456M
Supercar 250 GTO 250 LM 288
GTO		 F40 F50
     Sold under the Dino marque until 1976; see also Dino car timeline
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Type 1990s 2000s 2010s
6789 0123456789 012345678
V8 Rear mid-engine
sports car		 360 458
Challenge Stradale 430 Scuderia 458 Speciale 488 Pista
F355 F430 488
Convertible California California T Portofino
2+2 grand tourer GTC4Lusso T
V12 Grand tourer 550 Maranello 575M Maranello 599 GTB Fiorano F12berlinetta 812 Superfast
550 Barchetta Superamerica 599 SA Aperta/599 GTO F60 America/F12tdf
2+2 grand tourer 456 456 M 612 Scaglietti FF GTC4Lusso
Supercar F50 Enzo LaFerrari LaFerrari Aperta
XX Programmes FXX 599XX 599XX Evoluzione FXX K FXX K Evo
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