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456
Designed by Lorenzo Ramaciotti
at Pininfarina, the 456 grand tourer
was first publicly on show during
October 1992 where it debuted in
Paris. At the time of production
the 456 was dubbed as one of the
fastest production four-seaters, as it
Produced
1992-2003
Engine Size
5473 cc
Cylinders
12
0-60 mph
5.2 secs
Top Speed
188 mph
Power Output
436 bhp
Transmission
Manual
Gears
6 Speed
Length
186.2 in (4730 mm)
Width
75.6 in (1920 mm)
Height
51.2 in (1300 mm)
Weight
3726 lb (1690 kg)
Wheelbase
102.4 in (2600 mm)
(Specifications refer to the 456
base model)
could push 188 mph while carrying
four passengers. Boasting 436 bhp
coupled with an impressive 0-60
in 5.2 seconds, it was no wonder
that the 456 put Ferrari back on
the map with this 65˚ V12 front-
engined model. While elements of
the chassis design were evidently
inspired by the Daytona, the 456
featured a sleek new body curvature
and was the last ever Ferrari model
to feature the signature retractable
headlights. Manufactured using the
common steel tube frame, the 456
was covered largely with aluminum
panels, specially welded to the
steel using a sandwich material
called Feran: a specially formulated
composite material that allowed the
two distinctively different metals to
be welded. The 456 later underwent
some improvements with regard to
its aerodynamic design and some
engine cooling upgrades when the
456 M was released in 1998.
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