Ferrari 355 F1 Berlinetta
This was the first ever road car to be equipped with the innovative F1-style gearbox management system, available on all three versions: berlinetta, GTS and spider. 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.
In the case of the Pininfarina-designed 355 F1, the fusion of familiar elements with more powerfully innovative ones resulted in a truly unprecedented car that guaranteed the same signature Ferrari emotions as ever. The 355 F1 was a masterful piece of engineering as its 109 hp/litre specific power output attests. The latter value and its impressive torque were achieved by adopting a new five-valve cylinder head.
The two-seater 355 F1 Berlinetta had a steel and aluminium body. Its styling was moulded around an aerodynamically severe design that included a full-body undertray designed to equalise downforce (Cl) between the two axles. The cabin was designed with both safety and driving pleasure in mind.
The seats and trim were Connolly leather. Composite racing seats were also available to order.
The mid-rear 3496 cc 90° V8 was longitudinally mounted and punched out 380 hp, giving it a specific power output of 109 hp/l. Distribution was by means of twin overhead cams with five valves per cylinder. The con rods were titanium, while the control unit was the Bosch M5.2. Dry sump lubrication and a six-speed plus reverse mechanical gearbox completed the picture along with a dry single-plate clutch. It had an F1-style gearbox management system.
Ferrari 355 F1 Berlinetta Technical Specifications
Year of Manufacture – 1997
ENGINE | |||
type | rear, longitudinal 90° V8 | ||
bore/stroke | 85 x 77 mm | ||
unitary displacement | 436.94 cc | ||
total displacement | 3495.50 cc | ||
compression ratio | 11 : 1 | ||
maximum power | 279 kW (380 hp) at 8250 rpm | ||
power per litre | 109 hp/l | ||
maximum torque | 363 Nm (37 kgm) at 6000 rpm | ||
valve actuation | twin overhead camshafts per bank, five valves per cylinder | ||
fuel feed | Bosch Motronic M5.2 electronic injection | ||
ignition | Bosch Motronic M5.2 static electronic, single spark plug per cylinder | ||
lubrication | dry sump | ||
clutch | single-plate | ||
CHASSIS | |||
frame | steel monocoque with tubular steel rear sub-frame | ||
front suspension | independent, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs over gas-filled telescopic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar | ||
rear suspension | independent, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs over gas-filled telescopic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar | ||
brakes | discs | ||
transmission | electro-hydraulic F1 6-speed + reverse | ||
steering | rack-and-pinion | ||
fuel tank | capacity 82 litres | ||
front tyres | 225/40 ZR 18 | ||
rear tyres | 265/40 ZR 18 | ||
BODYWORK | |||
type | two-seater targa-top | ||
length | 4250 mm | ||
width | 1900 mm | ||
height | 1170 mm | ||
wheelbase | 2450 mm | ||
front track | 1514 mm | ||
rear track | 1615 mm | ||
weight | 1350 kg (dry) | ||
PERFORMANCE | |||
top speed | 295 km/h | ||
acceleration 0-100 km/h | 4.7 sec | ||
0-400 m | 12.9 sec | ||
0-1000 m | 23.7 sec |