1999 Ferrari F355

The Ferrari F355 (Type F129) arrived in the spring of 1994 and retained nearly identical dimensions to its predecessor, the 348, yet it was virtually a new car, evident by its stunning coachwork. Extensive wind tunnel testing perfected the harmonious shape, incorporating an F1-style flat bottom with channeled airflow generating enough downforce to offset any lift. From design to specification, the F355 was precise and powerful, blending road-going comfort with track performance and endowed with enough driving aids to keep novice drivers in check. For experienced drivers, these aids could be disengaged, allowing the exploration of the vehicle's limits.

The 'F355' name bucked the traditional Ferrari nomenclature from the previous decades (engine capacity in liters followed by the number of cylinders), with the first portion of the name representing the 3.5-liter engine capacity, with the final '5' for 5 valves per cylinder.

Engine
Both the 348 and F355 were equipped with a mid-mounted V8 engine, the main differences being the increase in displacement from 3.4 liters (3,405 cc) to 3.5 liters (3,495 cc), and the five-valve cylinder head of the F355 which provided better intake permeability and greater horsepower. The 90-degree, aluminum block V8 engine of the F355 received a 2mm larger stroke than the 348's engine (now measuring 77 mm) and produced 375 horsepower at 8,250 RPM and 268 lb.-ft of torque at 6,000 RPM. It had an 11:1 compression ratio, Ti6-Al-4V titanium alloy connecting rods, a dry sump oiling system, and a Bosch Motronic 2.7 engine control unit. Beginning in 1996, the engine control unit was upgraded to a M5.2 unit. The 180-degree crankshaft produced equal firing intervals on each cylinder bank for perfect exhaust timing. The use of belt-driven dual overhead camshafts and hydraulic tappets was rewarded with quiet operation, even up to its 8,500 RPM redline.

Transmissions
The gearbox now had six speeds with a new type of synchromesh making changes so much smoother (the 348 had a transverse five-speed manual gearbox). The transverse gearbox of the 348 was the first application of a street Ferrari to use this design, a setup initially developed for the Ferrari 312T F1 car. The longitudinal V8 of the 348, and its mid-engine placement, was also one of the first uses of this design in a Ferrari road car, after the 288 GTO.

A paddle shift electro-hydraulic transmission, initially developed for Maranello's Formula 1 efforts, was introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show of 1997. This upgrade would set the buyer back an additional $6,000, but most buyers did not shy away from the cost, as it proved to be a popular choice as it noticeably improved acceleration times and eliminated the need for a clutch pedal. Drivers could choose between Sport and Touring settings, which provided smooth shifting for normal driving or fast shifts for a thrilling driving experience.

Chassis and Dimensions
Ferrari changed its Berlinetta formula during the 1970s from two-passenger front-engine V12s to a mid-engine V8 with the introduction of the 308 GT. Over the years, this formula evolved as technology progressed, with the F355 of 1994 representing a major leap forward in the design, particularly in regards to aerodynamics.

The Ferrari F355 had a steel monocoque frame with a tubular steel rear sub-frame. Measurements included a 96.5-inch wheelbase, an overall length of 167.3 inches, a width of 75 inches, and stood 46.1 inches tall (the 348 had a 96.5-inch wheelbase, a 167-inch length, a width of 74.6 inches, and a height of 46.1 inches). The F355 weighed between 3,270 to 3,300 lbs, while the 348 weighed approximately 3,300 lbs.

The suspension was independent with unequal-length wishbones, coil springs over gas-filled telescopic shock absorbers with electronic control servos and anti-roll bars. New electronically adjustable shock absorbers varied their stiffness within milliseconds to suit the road surface. The electronically managed variable shock-absorber system reads data from various sensors and adjusts damping forces to control wheel movement. The level of this system could be controlled by the driver, even shutting it off entirely from the cockpit of the car.

Unlike the 348, power-assisted TRW steering offered improved low-speed drivability. This feature could optionally be replaced with a manual steering rack setup like earlier Ferraris.

Design, Aerodynamics, and Bodystyles
Penned by Maurizio Corbi at Pininfarina and perfected through 1,300 hours of wind tunnel analysis, the shape of the Ferrari F355 was aesthetically pleasing and aerodynamically efficient. The F355 would be the last mid-engine Ferrari with the Flying Buttress rear window, a feature first bestowed upon the 1965 Dino 206 GT.

At the rear of the F355 was a nolder profile on the trunk (boot) lid complemented by a fairing on the underbody, creating downforce when the car is at speed. The slope of the hood and the rake of the windscreen were similar to the 348s, along with pop-up headlights at the front. The straked side air intakes of the 348, a design similar to those used by the Testarossa, were replaced with a large, circular opening on the F355.

Initially offered as a Berlinetta, a Spider (convertible) and the GTS (Targa) soon followed, arriving in 1995.

Production
- 4,871 road-going Berlinettas (3,829 with 6-speed / 1,042 with F1 transmissions)
- 3,717 Spiders (2,664 with 6-speed / 1,053 with F1 transmission)
- 2,577 GTS models (2,048 with 6-speed / 529 with F1 transmission)
- 11,165 total road-going F355 produced from 1955 to 1999

- 108 F355 Challenge models

Limited Edition Fiorano
A limited production run of F355 Spider models was built in the 1999 model year as 'Serie Fiorano.' Introduced in March 1999, a total of 100 units were initially intended to be produced, but that figure was slightly exceeded, with 104 units built. A total of 100 examples were sent to the United States market, with 74 having the F1 paddle-shift transmission and 26 with the 6-speed manual. Three examples were European models, and one was sent to South Africa.

Performance modifications bestowed upon the Serie Fiorano included a competizione-sourced steering rack, competizione-derived Fiorano suspension pack (wide track, stiffer springs, and a thicker anti-roll bar), and drilled and ventilated brake discs and competition brake pads. It was given a suede-covered steering wheel, Challenge rear grilles, enameled Scuderia Ferrari shields, a numbered plaque affixed to the dashboard (U.S. delivered examples), and carbon-fiber inserts (door sills, paddle-shifters, and center console).

Fiorano Handling Pack
The Fiorano Handling Pack was offered on European-destined F355 & 355 F1 models built during the final year of production. This package included a lowered ride height, uprated springs, wider track, thicker anti-roll bars, Challenge EVO suspension ECU, quick steering rack & pump, and upgraded brake pads with red calipers and drilled discs.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2005