Ferrari F355 Challenge, 1996 F355 Challenge Pictures, News, Reviews, and Info | Conceptcarz.com - Pictures, Wallpaper, Pricing, Information, History

Overview

For the F355, Ferrari developed a new 3.5 liter 90° V8 engine developing 375bhp at 8250 rpm with a redline of 8500 rpm. Maximum torque was 268 lbs-ft at 6000 rpm. The specific output of this remarkable 5-valve unit was 109bhp per liter.
The engine's aluminum block had Nikasil-coated wet steel liners. Peculiarly light forged aluminum alloy pistons drove the crankshaft through titanium alloy con rods previously seen only in Formula 1 engines. The engine's greatest innovation is its five-valves per cylinder, three intake and two exhaust, that combined high revs with high intake

permeability maximizing gross efficiency. The aluminum head was ultra-high strength with variable rigidity dual valve springs. The radial intake valves made conical cam profiles necessary and the high rotation speed necessitated a high lift for both reliability and long-term performance. The control lobe for the central intake valve was slightly offset, reducing pulse stress and the emission of un-burned hydrocarbons. The valves were actuated by hydraulic tappets with automatic play take-up, a first for engines that rev over 8000rpm. In accordance with racing design, Ferrari engineers created an extremely compact high-swirl combustion chamber of 11:1 compression ratio. The engine was controlled by a Bosch Motronic M2.7 twin hot wire electronic injection-static ignition system, and lubricated by a dry sump engine oil circuit.

The exhaust system was insulated stainless steel and featured twin-branch delivery to the catalysts: one main branch to a ceramic matrix catalyst and one by-pass branch to steel matrix catalysts. The by-pass branch only comes into play at high speeds in response to the opening of a throttle valve controlled by the Motronic system. This optimizes engine performance by reducing exhaust back-pressure.

The F355's drivetrain featured a 6-speed transverse gearbox or an optional F1 electro-hydraulic transmission system with paddle shifters, derived directly from current Formula 1 technology. The manual, all-synchronized system offered short travel through the classic Ferrari gated shifter actuating rigid rods for a positive feel. The ratios were designed to make the most of the torque curve, thereby enhancing the driveability and sporty performance of the car. The differential was a multi-plate limited slip type with segmented lock that adopts a differentiated drive and over run. The single dry plate clutch was hydraulically actuated, its housing being magnesium alloy. A water/oil heat exchanger ensured the gearbox oil was rapidly brought to optimal operating temperature.

Ferrari's 6-speed F1 electro-hydraulic transmission, debuted on the F355, signaled a new era in drivetrain design and performance. The driver shifts a sequential system controlled with paddles behind the steering wheel, exactly as on a Formula 1 car. There is no clutch pedal. The system has four driver-selectable modes of operation: sport, normal, auto, and low grip. The Ferrari 'Fl-type power train management' is the best solution for racing and road use. The system guarantees almost instantaneous gear changes, allowing the driver's desired gear to be engaged without either taking the hands off the wheel or operating the clutch, even during hard cornering. For safety, it is impossible to avoid engaging intermediate gears during rapid downshifts. The system can be used in a fully automatic mode without impacting fuel consumption, and the software that controls the system is integrated with other systems in the car to increase control in varied conditions.

The design of the Ferrari 348 was modified by the famous Italian design studio, Pininfarina resulting in the Ferrari F355. The Ferrari F355 was produced from 1995 through the close of the century with nearly 2700 examples created; making it one of the most popular Ferraris's of all time. When introduced it was available in fixed-head Berlinetta and was later followed by a Targa and Spyder variant.

The F355 was a 348 with design modifications and engine enhancements that included five valves per cylinder. With an improved DOHC engine the F355 produced 80 more horsepower than its predecessor. The 380 horsepower engine drove the nearly 3000 pound vehicle from zero-to-sixty in just 4.6 seconds. Top speed was accomplished at just over 180 mph. In 1988, the vehicle became similar to F1 styled vehicles with the introduction of paddle shifters located on the steering wheel that allowed the driver to easily shift from gear to gear. Performance was further upgraded from its 348 counterpart with an improved suspension and chassis. The suspension was adjustable by the driver to accommodate all types of driving conditions. Ventilated Brembo disc brakes provided excellent stopping power. The body was created from steel and aluminum which added rigidity while remaining light-weight.

The 'Challege' series was introduced in 1995 and produced until 1999, designed to be raced in a one manufaturer series. 109 examples were produced with races transpiring in both Europe and the North America. Little was needed to prepare the F355 for the Challenge series, just the addition of safety equipment including a roll cage and a wing.

Ferrari Challenge Series

The heritage of Enzo Ferrari has always been about racing. The road going cars he created were primarily for financial support to fuel his racing program. The road cars were created in close specifications and dimensions to the racers allowing privateers to drive their cars to the track and race them.

The Ferrari Challenge Series was founded in 1993 as a way for Ferrari owners to enjoy their sports cars to there fullest potential. As stated by Ferrari, the series was created 'to allow Ferrari customers to enjoy their cars in a structured, competitive environment, racing against other Ferrari owners on some of the great racetracks of North America.'

The Challenge Series cars are not production vehicles but identically prepared race cars outfitted with the necessary safety equipment. Found within the cockpit are the standard modern safety equipment such as roll cages, fire suppression system, and safety harnesses. The engine is left completely stock with the only mechanical updates occurring on the suspension and the brakes. The result is a nearly stock Ferrari, with ample safety equipment, and identical specifications across the board. This creates a competitive forum for the owners to rely on their skill and abilities to negotiate their machines around the track faster than the others.

The first Challege series Ferrari was the 348 which was later replaced by the 355 near the close of the 1990s. The 355 was superseded by the 360 in 2000 and has recently been replaced with the 430. The 360 Challenge Stradale was a derivate of the Challenge Series vehicle, sold in limited numbers, and capable of being driven on the street. Just like the Challenge Series vehicle, it is void of amenities and luxury items except for air conditioning. The interior is without proper sound insulation and carpeting, all in an effort to reduce the weight of the vehicle.

This 'gentleman's' series is highly competitive and closely matched. There are drivers, crew chiefs, pitt crews, team names, trailers, and more. The racing venues are all located in North America and include Infineon Raceway, Road Atlanta, Quebec's Circuit Giles Villeneuve, Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant in St. Jovite, Lime Rock Park in Connecticut, and Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, CA.

Photos grouped by event
Concorso Italiano	Shell Ferrari Historic Challenge at Moroso	Cavallino Classic at Moroso	2006 Palm Beach Cavallino Classic

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