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 365 GTB4.
An all-new 65° V12 provided unprecedented flexibility and power. After a three year period without a V12 engine 2+2 model in the range, the 456 GT was announced on the occasion of Ferrari’s then Belgian concessionaire’s fortieth anniversary in September 1992, making its public show debut in Paris the following month.
Styled 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.
Bodywork is mounted on a 2600mm wheelbase chassis, which was 100mm less than the 412 2+2 model, with a front track of 1585mm and rear track of 1606mm. It was constructed in the traditional steel tube fashion, incorporating substructures to support mechanical and body components, bearing factory type reference F 116 CL.
Standard road wheels were stylised renditions of the traditional five spoke “star” alloy design, featuring elegant convex spokes and five bolt fixing. Independent suspension was provided all round, with front and rear anti roll bars, and electronically operated driver controlled variable shock absorber settings, plus hydraulic self levelling rear suspension.
456 benifitted from the first brand new 12 cylinder unit since the flat twelve “Boxer” unit some two decades earlier, with factory type reference 116 B, and then 116 C.
It also marked a return to the old tradition of the model designation number (456), relating to the approximate swept volume of a single cylinder in cubic centimetres. The interior was sumptuously upholstered in leather as standard, with electronic adjustment facilities for the front seats, which slid forward automatically when the catch was released to afford access to the rear.
Ferrari 456 GT Technical Specifications
| 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 | |
| steering | rack-and-pinion | |
| fuel tank | capacity 110 litres | |
| front tyres | 255/45 ZR 17 | |
| rear tyres | 285/40 ZR 17 | |
| BODYWORK | ||
| type | 2+2 coupé | |
| length | 4730 mm | |
| width | 1920 mm | |
| height | 1300 mm | |
| wheelbase | 2600 mm | |
| front track | 1585 mm | |
| rear track | 1606 mm | |
| weight | 1690 kg (dry) | |
| 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!