1992 Ferrari 456 GT& GTA

Ferrari 456 GT

The 456 GT took the luxury 2+2 coupé theme to new heights and saw Ferrari return to the front-engine concept for the first time since the 1968!

A all-new 65° V12 provided unprecedented flexibility and power to this luxury sports coupe. Previous production V12 engines had a 60 degree angle between the cylinder banks, unless you think of the flat twelve “Boxer” engine as an 180 degree V12, whereas the new motor had an angle of 65 degrees. The total cubic capacity was 5474cc, with a bore and stroke of 88mm x 75mm, four valves per cylinder, twin overhead camshafts per bank, and dry sump lubrication.

The smooth rounded lines from the pen of Pininfarina drew praise from all sides, particularly the modernised reflection of the fabled 365 GTB/4 “Daytona” with the long bonnet, featuring retractable headlight pods, running into a set back cabin. Also inspired by the “Daytona” was the design treatment of the rear of the cabin envelope and tail. Thus although the shape was thoroughly modern, it contained retro trace elements to associate it with the company’s history.

All 456’s were numbered in the continuous chassis number road car sequence in the range 96157 to 111376, and the production period spanned 1992 to 1998, during which time 1548 examples were produced.

In 1996 the GTA version was released. This was the automatic version of the 456 GT. Supplied as an option on the 400 Automatic from 1976, the automatic transmission was very popular and much in demand on the North American and Pacific markets. The 4-speed gearbox’s electronic management system adapted automatically to different driving styles, dispensing with the need for the old fashion  kick-down mode. 0-100km time was only effected by .2 of a second!

ENGINE
Type front, longitudinal 65° V12
Bore/stroke 88 x 75 mm
Unitary displacement 456.16 cc
Total displacement 5473.91 cc
Compression ratio 10.6 : 1
Maximum power 325 kW (442 hp) at 6250 rpm
Power per litre 81 hp/l
Maximum torque 550 Nm (56 kgm) at 4500 rpm
Valve actuation twin overhead camshafts per bank, two valves per cylinder
Fuel feed Bosch Motronic M2.7 electronic injection
Ignition Bosch Motronic M2.7 electronic static, single spark plug per cylinder
Lubrication dry sump
Clutch single-plate
CHASSIS
Frame tubular steel
Front suspension independent, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs over gas-filled telescopic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar
Rear suspension self-levelling, independent, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs over gas-filled telescopic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar
Brakes discs
Transmission 6-speed + reverse / Automatic on GTA
Steering rack-and-pinion
Fuel tank capacity 110 litres
Front tyres 255/45 ZR 17
Rear tyres 285/40 ZR 17
PERFORMANCE
Top speed over 300 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h 5.2 sec
0-400 m 13.3 sec
0-1000 m 23.3 sec

Ferrari 456 Servicing (Details)

There are basically two types of service for 456. The is a “major” and “minor”, the major generally comes ever three years regardless of miles covered from the previous service. The Major service requirements do change as the vehicle gets older, due to the manufacturer guide line on replacing certain parts. as a guide line for servicing ranges from £500 – £1850..

Ferrari Tuning

The 456 is not the type of Ferrari that is usually associated with Tuning. That said the most common upgrade would be a sports exhaust system and ecu upgrade. These will improve on the cars 450hp but the main enhancement will be unleashing the glorious V12 sound!