Are you a fan of the Ferrari F355? Do you want to learn more about this iconic and beloved sports car of the 1990s? If so, you are in the right place. In this article, you will discover:

• The history of the Ferrari F355 and how it improved on the Ferrari 348
• The different models and variations of the Ferrari F355 and their features
• The performance and specifications of the Ferrari F355 and what makes it so special
• Some interesting facts and trivia about the Ferrari F355 and its legacy

Let’s get started!

History of the Ferrari F355

The Ferrari F355 was launched at the 1994 Geneva auto show as a 1995 model year replacement for the much-maligned 1990-1994 Ferrari 348. The 348 was criticized for its poor handling, outdated design, and lackluster performance compared to its rivals, such as the Acura NSX. Ferrari needed to improve its mid-engine V8 sports car, and the F355 was the answer.

The F355 was designed by Pininfarina and featured a sleek and elegant body that retained some of the elements of the 348, such as the rear flying buttress, the oval-shaped central grille, and the horizontal side ducts. However, the F355 also introduced new features, such as the pop-up headlights, the curved rear spoiler, and the round taillights. The F355 was available in three body styles: the GTB Berlinetta (closed coupe), the GTS with a removable targa roof, and the Spider with a full convertible top.

The F355 also received a major upgrade in the engine department. The 3.5-liter V8 engine was a bored-out version of the 348’s engine, with a displacement increase from 3.4 liters to 3.5 liters. The engine also featured a five-valve cylinder head, titanium connecting rods, and a Bosch Motronic engine management system. The result was an impressive 375 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque, making the F355 the most powerful production car per liter at the time. The engine was paired with either a six-speed manual transmission with a metal-gated shifter, or a six-speed F1 automated manual transmission that debuted in 1997.

The F355 also improved the driving dynamics and comfort of the 348. The F355 had a steel monocoque chassis with a tubular steel rear subframe, and a suspension system with independent, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs over gas-filled shock absorbers with electronic control servos and anti-roll bars. The F355 also had a selectable damper setting, allowing the driver to choose between “Comfort” and “Sport” modes. The F355 also had a hydraulic power steering, a coolant heat exchanger for the gearbox oil, and a progressive clutch take-up, making the F355 easier to drive in different conditions and environments.

The F355 was produced from 1994 to 1999, with a total of 11,273 units made. The F355 was succeeded by the all-new Ferrari 360 in 1999, which was a radical departure from the F355 in terms of design and technology. However, the F355 remains a popular and sought-after car among Ferrari enthusiasts and collectors, as it represents the last of a certain era of Ferrari design and engineering.

Models and Differences of the Ferrari F355

The Ferrari F355 was offered in three main models: the F355 Berlinetta, the F355 GTS, and the F355 Spider. Each model had its characteristics and features, as well as some variations and special editions. Here is a brief overview of each model and its differences:

• F355 Berlinetta: The F355 Berlinetta was the base model of the F355, and the most common one. It was a two-door coupe with a fixed roof and a rear window that could be opened to access the engine bay. The F355 Berlinetta had a curb weight of 1,483 kg (3,270 lb) and a top speed of 295 km/h (183 mph). The F355 Berlinetta was also the only model that was available with the Challenge package, which was a factory option that prepared the car for racing in the Ferrari Challenge series. The Challenge package included a roll cage, racing seats, harnesses, fire extinguisher, and various performance and weight reduction modifications.
• F355 GTS: The F355 GTS was similar to the F355 Berlinetta, but with a removable targa roof panel that could be stored behind the seats. The F355 GTS had a slightly higher curb weight of 1,488 kg (3,280 lb), and a slightly lower top speed of 293 km/h (182 mph). The F355 GTS was the second most popular model of the F355 and was favored by some drivers who wanted the option of open-air driving without sacrificing the rigidity and aerodynamics of the coupe.
• F355 Spider: The F355 Spider was the convertible version of the F355, and the first Ferrari road car with a fully electric retractable soft top. The F355 Spider had a redesigned rear end to accommodate the folding roof mechanism, and a glass rear window instead of the metal grille. The F355 Spider had the highest curb weight of 1,497 kg (3,300 lb), and the lowest top speed of 291 km/h (181 mph). The F355 Spider was the most expensive model of the F355, and the least common one. However, it was also the most desirable one for some drivers who wanted the full experience of the wind and the sound of the V8 engine.

In addition to the three main models, the F355 also had some special editions and variations, such as:

• F355 Serie Fiorano: The F355 Serie Fiorano was a limited-edition variant for the final 1999 model year of production, with only 100 units made for the U.S. market. The F355 Serie Fiorano was based on the F355 Spider with the F1 transmission and featured some enhancements and upgrades, such as cross-drilled brake rotors, a handling pack with stiffer springs and larger anti-roll bars, a suede-covered steering wheel, a quick steering rack, a Ferrari Challenge-style rear grille. The F355 Serie Fiorano also had a plaque on the dashboard with the serial number and the signature of Piero Ferrari, the son of Enzo Ferrari.
• F355 Barchetta: The F355 Barchetta was a one-off custom car made for the Sultan of Brunei, who was a famous and wealthy Ferrari collector. The F355 Barchetta was based on the F355 Spider, but with a lower and more raked windshield, tonneau covers instead of a folding roof, and a unique blue color. The F355 Barchetta was never officially sold to the public, and its existence was only revealed in 2009 when it was auctioned by RM Sotheby’s for $1.76 million.

Performance and Specifications of the Ferrari F355

The Ferrari F355 was a remarkable car in terms of performance and specifications, especially for its time. The F355 had a powerful and high-revving V8 engine, a smooth and precise transmission, a balanced and agile chassis, and a refined and comfortable interior. The F355 was also praised for its sound, which was described as a symphony of mechanical and exhaust notes. The F355 was capable of delivering exhilarating driving experiences, as well as relaxing and enjoyable cruising moments.

Here are some of the key performance and specifications of the Ferrari F355:

Interesting Facts and Trivia about the Ferrari F355

Here are some fun and fascinating facts and trivia about the Ferrari F355 that you may not know:

• The name F355 stands for Ferrari, 3.5 liters, and 5 valves per cylinder.
• The F355 was the first Ferrari to have a 5-valve cylinder head, which improved the intake and exhaust flow and increased the power output.
• The F355 was the first Ferrari to have an F1-style transmission, which used paddles behind the steering wheel to shift gears electronically.
• The F355 was the last Ferrari to have pop-up headlights, which were discontinued for safety and aerodynamic reasons.
• The F355 was the last Ferrari to be hand-built, before the introduction of the automated production line for the 360.
• The F355 was featured in several movies and video games, such as GoldenEye, The Rock, Bad Boys, Need for Speed, and Gran Turismo.
• The F355 was driven by celebrities such as Michael Jordan, Nicolas Cage, Eddie Murphy, and David Beckham.

Conclusion

The Ferrari F355 is a car that has a special place in the hearts of many Ferrari fans and enthusiasts. It is a car that combines beauty, performance, and emotion in a way that few cars can. It is a car that represents the best of Ferrari’s tradition and innovation. It is a car that is still relevant and desirable today, as it offers a pure and authentic driving experience that is hard to find in modern cars. The Ferrari F355 is a car that deserves to be celebrated and appreciated, as it is one of the finest examples of Ferrari’s art and engineering.

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