In 1993 Ferrari launched the 348 GTB as part of the "relaunch" of the Ferrari 348 line. It was in fact a modified version of the 348 TB. The 348 GTB remained into production for only one year, when in 1994 it was replaced by the Ferrari 355.
The 348 GTB was a two-seater berlinetta with dynamic performance characteristics worthy of the marque’s highest traditions. Its sports orientation was best expressed on the track, as proven by the 348 Challenge, which saw this car race on circuits in Europe and the US. Its styling was harmonious and aerodynamically efficient, and the mid-mounted V8 engine ensured perfect weight distribution and class-beating power.
The 348 GTB was distinguished by were body color-coded sills and chromed Cavallino Rampante’s mounted between the rear light clusters ( this decorative item having always been finished in matte black on first series cars).
> More
In 1993, in the same time with the coupe version, Ferrari unveiled the 348 GTS - a model that replaced the 348 TS. Like its coupe brother, the 348 GTS remained into production for only one year.
This two-seater convertible offered the same specifications as the 348 GTB, with the choice of open or closed-top motoring and a layout that had by now become a Ferrari classic: as on the outgoing TS, the hard top was stowed away in the space behind the seats.
The GTS retained the stiff, stress-bearing chassis (featuring various section tubular front and rear sub-frames) of the coupe version while the styling, which remained unmistakably Ferrari, married elegance with excellent aerodynamics.
> More
The spiders built by Ferrari have always been a perfect expression of their sporting heritage. It was this very heritage that inspired Pininfarina stylists as they set about designing the spider to clothe the refined 348 series chassis. The result was a car that offered the same impressive performance as the berlinetta, with a remarkably flex-free chassis, as well as the possibility of true top-down motoring.
Revealed in 1993, the 348 Spider represented the first fully open Ferrari in over 20 years. It came to replace the Mondial Cabriolet.
> More
.
In 1993 at the Turin motor show Ferrari unveiled the special edition 348 GT Competizione. Produced into the middle of 1994, only 56 units were made, eight of which were right-hand drive. Also known as the 348 GTC, it was Ferrari’s last 348 road car and featured the hottest specification of all.
In order to differentiate it from the other 348 models, for the Competizione the doors, sills and bumpers were made from a mixture of super lightweight Kevlar and carbon fibre composite. The car sat on polished 17-inch split rim Speedline wheels.
On the interior Ferrari added Kevlar sill panels, lightweight door trim and cloth-trimmed Kevlar racing seats. All the carpeting was removed from the passenger wells in order to make the car as light as possible. There were also drilled aluminum pedals and a steering wheel inscribed with each cars serial number.
> More
.
In 1994 Ferrari unveiled the F355 - a model that remained into production until 1999 and with 11,273 units produced it became the most successful Ferrari in history. The F355 was the first model to be produced under the new leadership of Luca di Montezemolo.
New for the F355 has been the nomenclature: engine capacity plus number of valves per cylinder: 355 = 3.5 liters engine capacity and 5 valves per cylinder (until now it was engine capacity + cylinder number).
The F355 GTS (along with the Berlinetta) was the first model in the series, with a Spider version following in 1995. It featured a hard top that could be stowed away behind the seats. The F355 GTS featured a stress-bearing semi-monocoque steel chassis with variable-section, tubular front and rear sub-frames and electronically controlled suspension. The V8 engine produced a specific power of 109 bhp per liter and, mated to a close-ratio 6-speed gearbox, ensured very high performance.
> More
.
In 1994 Ferrari replaced the 348 series with the F355. The car was once again designed by Pininfarina and had a similar layout and proportions to the 348. New on the 355 was the V8 engine, who now featured 5 valves per cylinder (2 exhaust and 3 inlet).
In 1997 the F1-style gearbox management system became standard on each version: berlinetta, GTS (targa topped) and spider. The F355 changed into 355 F1. Derived directly from Formula 1, where it made its debut in 1989 winning the Brazilian Grand Prix, the electro-hydraulic system was operated by paddles behind the steering wheel using the F355’s conventional 6-speed manual gearbox. The new transmission guaranteed lightning-quick gear changes, with the additional advantage that both the driver’s hands could stay on the wheel at all times.
> More
.
In 1994 Ferrari unveiled the F355 - a model considered to be one of the greatest production sports-car of the 20th Century. The F355 remained into production until 1999 and with 11,273 units produced it became the most successful Ferrari in history. The F355 was the first model to be produced under the new leadership of Luca di Montezemolo.
In 1997 Ferrari offered the F1-style gearbox management system standard on all three models: berlinetta, GTS and spider, this is where the "F1" nomenclature comes from. It was the first ever road car to be equipped with a F1 gearbox.
Derived directly from Formula 1, where it made its debut in 1989 winning the Brazilian Grand Prix, the electro-hydraulic system was operated by paddles behind the steering wheel using the F355’s conventional 6-speed manual gearbox. The new transmission guaranteed lightning-quick gear changes, with the additional advantage that both the driver’s hands could stay on the wheel at all times.
> More
.
In 1992 Ferrari unveiled the 456 GT - the 456 GT was also the first modern Ferrari to revert to a front engine, rear-wheel drive layout, with the gearbox in unit with the rear differential for ideal weight distribution as well as plenty of space for passengers and luggage. The 456 GT (Gran Turismo) continued a tradition that have begun in 1966 when Ferrari unveiled their first 2+2 model: the 250GT.
The 456M, in its GT and automatic gearbox GTA guises, is the evolution of Ferrari’s highly successful interpretation of its traditional 2+2 models. First introduced in 1992, the 456 GT was the marque’s first car designed with the 21st century in mind and has been much appreciated by Maranello’s clients for the way it provides saloon-class comfort and roominess combined with class-leading performance and all-round ability.
The 456M (M for modified) GTA (automatic transmission) was revealed in 1998.
> More
.
In 1994 Ferrari unveiled the F355 - a model considered to be the greatest production sports-car of the 20th Century. The F355 remained into production until 1999 and with 11,273 units produced it became the most successful Ferrari in history.
This was the first ever road car to be equipped with the innovative F1-style gearbox management system, available on all three versions: berlinetta, GTS and spider. Derived directly from Formula 1, where it made its debut in 1989 winning the Brazilian Grand Prix, the electro-hydraulic system was operated by paddles behind the steering wheel using the F355’s conventional 6-speed manual gearbox. The new transmission guaranteed lightning-quick gear changes, with the additional advantage that both the driver’s hands could stay on the wheel at all times.
> More
.
In 1968 at the Geneva Motor Show Ferrari unveiled the 250 P5 Berlinetta Speciale, a concept car built as a collaboration between Ferrari and Pininfarina. It is the work of a 29 years old designer, Leonardo Fioravanti. The concept features many design elements which appeared on later Ferrari models.
The P5 featured gull-wing doors, a glass-covered mid-engine and styling that was low and curvy. The most notable thing about the concept was that it featured clear rear glass over the engine, much like many modern Ferrari do today.
Pinifarina also produced another similar prototype called the Alfa Romeo 33 Coupe Prototipo Speciale.
.
Picture Gallery
Post a comment
RSS -
Webmaster free news |