The Ferrari 456M GTA represents the automatic transmission evolution of Ferrari’s classic 2+2 grand tourer, offering a perfect balance of performance, elegance, and everyday usability. Introduced in 1998 as part of the updated “Modificata” (M) series, the GTA built upon the success of the original 456 GT—the first Ferrari designed with the 21st century in sight.
At its heart, the 456M GTA retained Ferrari’s front-mounted 5.5-litre V12 engine, producing 442 hp, but paired it with a four-speed automatic transmission developed in collaboration with ZF. This setup was aimed at drivers seeking a more relaxed, refined grand touring experience, without compromising the Ferrari DNA of power and responsiveness. The car could still reach 0–60 mph in just over 5 seconds, with a top speed north of 185 mph, making it one of the fastest four-seat automatics of its era.
The “M” update brought subtle but meaningful improvements to the platform: revised aerodynamics, a redesigned front bumper, improved cooling, and a more luxurious interior, including better ergonomics, updated materials, and enhanced cabin comfort. Despite these refinements, the 456M GTA retained the timeless silhouette that made the original 456 so appealing—long, low, and elegant, yet unmistakably a V12 Ferrari.
With its 2+2 seating layout, the 456M GTA was built to carry four in comfort, offering true grand touring capability with a spacious cabin, large luggage capacity, and smooth automatic performance—ideal for long-distance, high-speed travel.
Production of the 456M GTA was limited, with only 650 units built between 1998 and 2003, making it a relatively rare and underappreciated gem in the modern Ferrari lineup. Today, the 456M GTA stands as a symbol of Ferrari’s ability to blend luxury, practicality, and V12 power in a way few marques could match—offering collectors and enthusiasts a sophisticated entry into Ferrari’s front-engined GT tradition.
Ferrari 456M GTA 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, four valves per cylinder | |
| fuel feed | Bosch Motronic M5.2 injection | |
| ignition | Bosch Motronic M5.2 electronic static, single spark plug per cylinder | |
| lubrication | dry sump | |
| clutch | torque converter | |
| 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 | automatic, 4-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 | 4763 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 298 km/h | |
| acceleration 0-100 km/h | 5.5 sec | |
| 0-400 m | 13.6 sec | |
| 0-1000 m | 23.7 sec | |
Ferrari 456M GTA Servicing (Details)