Ferrari 456M GT GTA - model information

Introduction

456M GT-GTA

Design

The 456M embodied concepts that exemplify the appeal of owning a 2+2 Ferrari GT: excellent performance and driving pleasure, without sacrificing passenger comfort. The styling of the 456M perfects this philosophy, matching the aggressive shape to supple lines. Special care was taken to enhance interior volume and ergonomics. The result is a complete synthesis of beauty, controlled aggression, and functionality. The 456M was the contemporary bench-mark for high-performance 2+2s.

Instantly recognizable as a Ferrari, the 456M was less extreme in form than the other models in the contemporary Ferrari range, yet it remained highly innovative and special. Compared to the previous 456 GT, the 456M has a long, lightweight carbon-fibre bonnet with two crease lines and a redesigned front bumper and integrated spoiler. The front indicator lenses have been repositioned for improved visibility and the air intake with integral fog lights has a modified shape and size for improved engine and brake cooling. On the sides a new moulding for the windows runs along the door edge. At the rear is a revised bumper with integrated lower spoiler.

As with other aspects of the 456M, aerodynamics were improved over the 456. New weather-strips between windows and body enhance air flow and aesthetics. Downforce and drag at the front were both improved by the revised bonnet, front bumper, and spoiler. The latter directs air flow to the rear wing, ensuring a low drag coefficient for high speed stability.

The 456M took traditional Ferrari construction to the next level with modern materials, a then first for the high-performance 2+2 genre. The 456M had an extremely rigid tubular steel chassis welded to a light aluminium alloy body for structural rigidity.

Technical Features

The 456M engine is designed to get high power and torque at low and medium revs. The 65-degree V12 with its 436bhp remained mainly unchanged, but the Ferrari engineers still managed to introduce some improvements. The firing order was changed (to 1-7-5-11-3-9-6-12-2-8-4-10), for example, to make the engine smoother. A Bosch Motronic M5.2 system controls ignition and fuel delivery. Injection is sequential multi-point with a bi-angular spray pattern and special throttle control.

The 456M GT manual transaxle is at the rear. Drive is transmitted to the gearbox through a three-bearing driveshaft housed in a steel pipe rigidly connecting engine and gearbox. The six-speed-plus-reverse box has double-cone synchronizers with a low-friction direct sixth gear. The 456M GTA automatic transmission has four electronically controlled gears and, like the manual unit, is integrated with the differential for unrivaled weight distribution. The 456M GTA transmission housing is hydraulically attached to the strengthened chassis, and the driveshaft housing has been stiffened. The V12/'s power and flexibility combine with the calibration of the hydraulic torque converter to ensure unparalleled performance in an automatic 2+2. The GTA transmission is managed by twin computers in the transmission and Bosch Motronic M5.2 system monitoring parameters such as the throttle position, the accelerator control speed, vehicle speed and engine speed. The multiple logic transmission ECU continuously identifies the best settings for the car.

Like all Ferraris, the 456M features double wishbones all round, with aluminum gas-operated shock absorbers with helical coaxial springs, and anti-roll bars front and rear. Shock absorber calibration control is electronic, and combines with a self-levelling rear suspension to maintain constant ground clearance under various loads.

The key improvements to driving precision, comfort, and especially more efficient damping on uneven roads in the 456M over previous models, come from new anti-dive front-suspension geometry, shock absorbers with special low-speed control, and low friction front shock absorbers.

The suspension is electronically controlled by the driver through the use of a "Normal" and "Sport" switch which interacts with ASR. Depending on steering angle, speed, longitudinal and vertical acceleration, throttle opening, and brake circuit pressure, the system can control roll during acceleration and braking. An ECU manages the calibration variation of each shock absorber via four motors.

The 456M braking system has been designed to offer deceleration commensurate with the car's performance capabilities. The addition of a pneumatic brake booster has improved the 456M's system, especially at high speeds. The ultra-lightweight system includes four vented discs with aluminium calipers and 4-channel ABS, integrated with ASR and EBD (rear electronic braking corrector).

To improve performance and control even in extreme situations, the 456M has an ASR system fitted for dynamic stability control. The system optimizes the traction of the driven wheels, detecting possible slip, through the combined action of the ABS and the engine control system. The driver can choose three levels of ASR through a dashboard switch - Normal, Sport (integrated with suspension control) and Off - ensuring almost complete control of the car's lateral and longitudinal dynamic and offering excellent safety.

The 456M's rack and pinion steering, is equipped with a Servotronic speed-sensitive power-steering device and retuned software, for more precise driving. The same steering force is required whether in a parking lot, on the highway, or on the track.

Technical Specification

Engine: Front, Longitudinal, 65 degree V12
Bore and Stroke: 88x75 mm
Unitary Displacement: 456.1 cc
Total Displacement: 5473.9 cc
Valve Gear: Twin Overhead Camshafts
Number of Valves: Four per Cylinder
Compression Ratio: 10.6:1
Ignition: Bosch Motronic M 5.2
Electronic injection
Coolant: Water
Front Suspension: Independent, Double
Wishbones, Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar, Gas Dampers
Rear Suspension: Independent, Double Wishbones, Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar, Self-Levelling Dampers
Brakes: Disc
Steering: Rack and Pinion
Fuel Tank: 29 gallons
Front Tires: 255/45 ZR 17
Rear Tires: 285/40 ZR 17
Lubrication: Dry Sump
Maximum Power: 435 bhp at 6250 rpm
Specific Power: 79.6 bhp/ liter
Transmission: Rear-Wheel Drive
Clutch: Dry Single-Plate
Gearbox: in Unit with Engine, 6-Speed Manual
or 4-speed Automatic
Body: Four-Seater Coupe
Chassis: Tubular Steel
Wheelbase: 102.4 in.
Front Track: 62.4 in.
Rear Track: 63.2 in.
Length: 186.2 in.
Width: 75.6 in.
Height: 51.2 in.
Curb Weight: 3902 lbs (Automatic) 3726 lbs (Manual)
Top Speed: over 186 mph

Interior

The 456M redesigned interior offered improved room and ergonomics. A primary problem in four-seater's is access to the rear seats. The automatic forward travel of the 456M's self-repositioning front seats was increased, providing rear-seat passengers with easier access, and the rea seats themselves were redesigned to increase room and comfort.

Central to the driver are the new, lighter three-spoke steering wheel, redesinged instrument panel and the gearbox lever, which is now more ergonomic with a larger operating clearance between it and the gate. Document pockets behind the front seats, the new transmission tunnel, and the new rear parcel shelf offer greater interior storage, and special care was paid to inner sound-deadening for comfort. The climate control system has an integrated sun radiation sensor and new software for temperature control.