Ferrari 456GT

I loved this car very much. First of all, it is very stylish. Pininfarina said it is inspired by the Daytona, one of the best looking front engine sports car of all time, but in my opinion 456GT is cleverer because it combines curve surfaces and sharp edges in the most perfect way. It is best to view from the rear, but in front or side it is still beautiful enough to beat other front-engined GTs.

Secondly, I love its quality and luxurious cabin. Even the best British craftsmen can hardly made better leather seats and trim, in style. Moreover, spacious cabin can seat 4 adults without difficulty. Ferrari has improved its build quality a lot in recent years. It even introduced robotics to upgrade the build quality, not productivity. Among its model line-up, 456GT is unquestionably the best built.

Thirdly, 456GT has a wonderful power train - its 5.5 litres V12 is so powerful (442hp) and smooth that no other competitors can match with. Compare with Aston Martin's supercharged V8, the Maranello tradition V12 is overwhelming smoother and sound a lot more beautiful. Compare with BMW 850CSi's sohc motor, 456GT's is a lot stronger and sporty, with similar refinement. The engine is mated to a close-ratio 6 speed manual transmission through a long linkage, since the gearbox is located near the rear axle ( so-called "Transaxle" ) in order to provide a 50 : 50 weight distribution. Although the linkage is long, gearchange is precise. A light clutch and an optional automatic gearbox would satisfy those demand more driving ease, especially American.

Fourthly, its handling is very nimble, if not as involving as other lighter and sportier Ferrari models. Considering its size and weight, 456GT's handling is nothing other than remarkable, beating all other heavy-weight GTs convincingly. Ride is one of its strongest points, which is very important in this class. It has an electronic damping system with 6 different settings. Computer chooses the best setting according to the steering angle, speed of steering inputs, brakes and road speed. It really works.

456M and 550M

Ferrari's flagship GT, 550 Maranello, was derived directly from the 456GT and is deemed to be a 2-seat version of the front-engined 2+2. The wheelbase was chopped by 100 mm to 2500mm, enable weight reduction of more than 100 kg and a nimbler handling. Variable intake and exhaust were added to the same V12. The 6-speed transaxle was unchanged, although automatic is no longer available for the performance-biased 2-seater.

In 1998, Ferrari updated 456 GT and 456 GTA into 456 M GT and 456 M GTA respectively. Modifications are limited to reshaped front / rear bumpers and rear spoiler for the benefit of aerodynamic stability, carbon fiber instead of aluminium as the material for bonnet, revised firing order to the V12 and re-calibrated suspension setting. Performance is unaltered.

Specifications

Model	456M GT
Layout	Front-engined, Rwd
Dimension	L / W / H / WB: 4730 / 1920 / 1300 / 2600 mm
Engine	V12, dohc, 4v/cyl.
Capacity	5474c.c.
Power	436 hp
Torque	398 lbft
Transmission	6M
Suspensions	All wheels double wishbones
Tyres	F: 255 / 45 ZR17; R: 285 / 40 ZR17
Weight	1823 kg
Top speed	186 mph*
0-60 mph	5.1 sec*
0-100 mph	11.6 sec*

* Tested by Autocar