Ferrari F355

Infobox Automobile


name=Ferrari F355
manufacturer=Ferrari
parent_company = Fiat Group
aka =
production=1994–1999
assembly =
predecessor=Ferrari 348
successor=Ferrari 360
class=Sports car
body_style=Berlinetta
Targa top
Spider
layout = RMR layout
platform =
engine=3.5 L 5V V8
brake horsepower = 380 bhp @ 8250 rpm
torque = 268 ft·lbf @ 6000 rpm
redline = 8500 rpm
transmission =6-speed manual
6-speed 'F1' semi-auto
wheelbase = 2451 mm (96.5 in)
length = 4249 mm (167.3 in)
width = 1900 mm (74.8 in)
height = 1171 mm (46.1 in)
ground_clearance =
front_track = 1514 mm (59.6 in)
rear_track = 1615 mm (63.6 in)
weight = 1444 kg = 3183 lb (88l fuel)
top_speed = 297 km/h (184.6 mph)
acceleration (0-60mph) = 4.5s
acceleration (0-100mph) = 10.3s
acceleration (0-124mph) = 16.2s
related =
similar =
designer =The Ferrari F355 is a sports car built by Ferrari from May 1994 to 1999. It is an evolution of the Ferrari 348 and was replaced by the Ferrari 360. It is a mid-engined, rear wheel drive V8-powered 2-seat coupe. One major difference between the V8 in the 348 and that in the F355, apart from the displacement increase from 3.4 to 3.5 L, is that the F355 features a 5-valve per cylinder head and that it is considerably more powerful. Like its predecessors and descendants, the F355 is a fairly common car (for a Ferrari) with 11,273 units produced.

At launch, two models were available: the coupe Berlinetta, and the targa topped GTS. The Spider (convertible) version was introduced in 1995. In 1998 the Formula One style paddle gear shift semi-automatic transmission was introduced with the Ferrari 355 F1 (note the dropping of the F before the 355) adding £6,000 to the dealer asking price.

The nomenclature does not follow the formula from the previous decades, ie. engine capacity + cylinder number (eg. 246 = 2.4 litres + 6 cyl, 308 = 3.0 litres + 8 cyl, and same for the 328, 348, 512 etc). This time, Ferrari used engine capacity plus number of valves per cylinder, as they were proud to boast about this technological advancement, ie 355 = 3.5 litres engine capacity and 5 valves per cylinder.

F355 Challenge

In 1995 Ferrari introduced a race ready F355 Challenge model for use specifically in the Ferrari Challenge.Cite web|url=http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z11189/default.aspx|title=1996 Ferrari F355 Challenge|accessdate=2007-09-01|work=conceptcarz.com] The Ferrari F355 Challenge shares the exact same performance and dimension specifications as the original; Ferrari simply added racing seats, a downforce wing, and a roll cage. 109 were produced. Each F355 Challenge has an emblem on the rear which specifically denotes 'F355 Challenge'.

Performance

* 0-100 km/h: 4.7 sCite web|url=http://www.ferrariworld.com|title=ferrariworld.com/Cars/Yesterday/F355 GTS|accessdate=2007-09-01|work=ferrariworld.com]
* 0-160 km/h: 10.8 s
* 0-400 m: 12.9 s
* 0-1000 m: 23.7 s
* Top speed: Auto kmh|295

355 Serie Fiorano

To signify the end of the 355 model Ferrari built 100 units with the designation 'Serie Fiorano', the car was introduced in Geneva Salon 1999 together with new 360 Modena.Cite web|url=http://www.qv500.com/ferrarif355p5.php|title=Spider Serie Fiorano|accessdate=2007-09-01|work=qv500.com] These variants are slightly lower than the standard model with a special handling package and remapped fuel chip. Serie Fiorano cars are Spiders and can easily be identified by the numbered plaque on the dashboard.

References

*

External links

* [http://www.ferrari355registry.com Ferrari 355 Registry]
* [http://www.ferrariworld.com/ Official Ferrari Website]
* [http://www.the355.com/ Ferrari 355 Buyers guide and other information]
* [http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z11189/default.aspx F355 Vehicle Specifications, Summary, and Pictures]