Ferrari 456
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The Ferrari 456 and 456M is a high-performance Ferrari front-engined grand tourer. The 456 was introduced in 1992 as a replacement for the mid-engined Mondial as the company's 4-seat car. The updated 456M was replaced in 2004 by the 612 Scaglietti.
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[edit] 456
The original 456 was available in GT and (from 1996) GTA forms. The difference in name signifies the transmission: the former has a six-speed manual and the latter has a four-speed automatic, only the fourth automatic transmission ever offered by Ferrari. The flowing lines matched the 1990s Pininfarina aesthetic, replacing the hard edges of the previous models.
The 5.5 L (5474 cc) 65° V12 engine was derived from the Dino V6 rather than the more conventional 60° V12s used in the 412 and Daytona. It produced 442 hp (later cars produced 436 hp) with 4 valves per cylinder and could push the 3726 lb car to 186 mph. Acceleration to 60 mph was just 5.1 seconds, with a 13.4 second quarter mile time.
The name 456 is derived from the fact that each cylinder displaces 456cc, which times 12 equals 5.5 litres. It is essentially a detuned version of the engine that appears in the 550.
Approximately 2600 of all versions where built. Of these, 141 GTs and 61 GTA's were made for the UK. Only 6 of the 141 GTs were Rossa Corsa (racing red) - 4 had crema interiors, 2 in black. There were also only 2 Rossa Monza (Burgundy) cars, most 456s in the UK being silver or grey cars. They were also extremely popular in Le Mans Blue, with tan leather interiors. Only 37 M GTs where made for the UK.
[edit] 456M
The Modificata 456M appeared in 1998. Many changes were made to improve aerodynamics and cooling, and the interior was freshened with new seats and other conveniences. Power and torque were the same as for later versions of the 456GT, though performance remained the same.
[edit] Rare body styles
While the 456 fastback coupe was the only version to hit showrooms, three other rare body styles exist:
- The rarest is the Ferrari 456 GT Sedan. Two of these 4-door sedans were built by Pininfarina especially for the Sultan of Brunei. They are the only known Ferrari sedans in existence.
- An estate wagon called the Ferrari 456 GT Venice was also built. Only a small handful were made by Pininfarina. Prince Jefri of Brunei ordered seven to be built. After Pininfarina designed and built them, the prince only purchased six.
- A convertible version called the Ferrari 456 GT Spyder also exists. Two of these convertibles were built by Pininfarina especially for the Sultan of Brunei. There are also two aftermarket conversions made by the R. Straman Company of Costa Mesa, California. Boxer Mike Tyson bought one such convertible.
[edit] Today
The 456 family has descended through the depreciation spiral that affects most of the 4 seater Ferrari models, and can these days be picked-up from any number of non-franchise specialists for the price of a mid-range luxury saloon/sedan. Potential purchases need to exercise caution however, as the 456 is noted for several key problems, such as faulty side-window regulators, suspension and cooling hoses.
[edit] Awards
The 5.5 L V12 engine won the "over 4 liter" class of the International Engine of the Year award for 2000 and 2001.
[edit] Links
456gt.com a register of 456GT's plus other owner information
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