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2001 Ferrari 456M GT

The Ferrari 456 was produced from 1992 to 2003 with 3,289 examples built. They were designed by Pietro Camardella at Pininfarina and given front-engine, four-seat configuration with pop-up headlamps. It replaced the previous front-engine 412 and equipped with a 5,473.91 cc, 65-degree V12 engine with four valves per cylinder, Bosch Motronic M2.7 engine management system, and offered 436 horsepower. Examples equipped with the six-speed manual were known as the GT, and those with the four-speed automatic (from 1996 forward) were GTA models. The automatic, developed in partnership with FF Developments, in Livonia, MI, was the second and last conventional hydraulic automatic transmission with a torque converter to be offered by Ferrari.

Although the 456 replaced the 412, it did not do so right away, as production of the 412 ended in 1989. When it was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 1992, it had shed the flamboyance and excess of the 1980s and embraced a more elegant and mature design. The aluminum coachwork was chemically bonded to a tubular steel chassis, with a wheelbase size of 102.4-inches and an overall length of 186.2-inches. Its 436 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque V12 engine made it the most powerful Ferrari ever produced, apart from the F40. It was the world's second-fastest production four-seater automobile behind the Porsche 959. It could race from zero-to-sixty mph in 5.2 seconds with a top speed achieved at 188 mph. At Ferrari's Fiorano test track, the new four-seater, front-engined Grand Tourer was quicker than its existing mid-engines supercars, the 348 and 512TR.

In 1998, the 'Modificata' 456M GT was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. Refinements included an upgraded Bosch Motronic 5.2 and altered firing pattern which improved smoothness and increased horsepower to 442 bhp. Aerodynamics and cooling improved, and a fixed underbody spoiler replaced the motorized one. A larger grille was applied to the nose and used in conjunction with a sharper, more pointed design treatment.

The interior continued to feature Connolly leather throughout, but new seats were fitted and ergonomics were improved. In front of the six-speed open gate gear-lever (rather than behind) was a new becker stereo head unit. A four-speed automatic remained optional.

Ferrari produced 1,951 examples of the 456 and 1,338 of the 456M. Of those, 1,548 were 456 GTs and 403 were 456 GTA models equipped with automatic gearboxes. 688 examples were 456M GTs and 650 were 456 GTAs. Production of Ferrari's flagship Grand Tourer lasted until 2003 with a total of 3,289 examples built, in all guises. It represented the start of many new technologies and design integrations, but also marked many lasts as well, such as Ferrari's use of pop-up headlights. Replaced only by the 612, the 456 exudes luxury and performance that only Ferrari can deliver.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Chassis number: ZFFWL44A810122507

This Ferrari 456M GT is finished in the unique color scheme of Grigio Ingrid, the flagship color chosen by Pininfarina when unveiling their creation. The interior is done in two-tone Cuio Naturale and Crema interior featuring Daytona seats. Under the hood is the 5,474cc dual overhead camshaft V12 engine with electronic fuel injection and delivering 442 horsepower at 6,250 RPM. It has a six-speed manual transaxle, an independent suspension system, and four-wheel disc brakes. It has spent most of its existence in California and currently has 25,000 miles on the odometer. When new, this car had an MSRP of $242,000.

by Dan Vaughan

At the 2002 Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari introduced a special two-tone version of the 456M GT as a further example of the personalisation opportunities offered by the Carrozzeria Scaglietti personalisation programme, presently adopted by 90% of Ferrari's clientele.

In the case of the 456M GT displayed on the Ferrari stand, and expressly designed for Michael Schumacher, the dominant characteristic is the two-tone paint finish. This elegant 'tone on tone' personalised colour mix was obtained through a specific study – personally commissioned by Schumacher - on the chromatic tones of grey, then also applied to other exterior details as the wheel rims and the radiator grille.

The personalised options are also extended to the car's interior with the new graphics for the dials, while the cross-drilled brakes contribute to adding a more sporty note to the two-tone 456M GT 'Scaglietti'. The tailoring process has also been applied to many leather interior details, such as the steering wheel, the door trims and the rear parcel shelf. The seats are characterised by micro-perforated leather to the central part, whilst the crimson stitching contributes to the even more personalised style of the interior. The final personalisation 'touches' are a special version of the hi-fi stereo system and the radio-satellite navigation system.

by Ferrari

by Ferrari

The 456M (M for modified) GT represents the evolution of a Ferrari for those wanting four seats and diverse sporting ability. Though a Ferrari is a two-seater by birth, 2+2 versions have long represented an important tradition for the marque. 1948's Turin Show saw the Touring four-seat version of the 'Barchetta' that won the 1949 Le Mans 24-hours, demonstrating the direct relationship between practical road car and state of the art sports racer. The 456M likewise represents the optimum balance of 12-cylinder performance with the comfort of a 2+2 GT Ferrari.

In 1966 '2+2' first appeared on a Ferrari: Pininfarina's 250GT. Since then, Pininfarina has risen to the challenge of designing every Ferrari 2+2. The quality of Pininfarina's original 456 styling was so fine that redesign would have been premature. Evolution was chosen to improve and refine mechanicals and aerodynamics while keeping the successful interpretation of a 2+2 with V12 coupled to a rear transaxle. The 456M enjoys aerodynamic and thermal improvements, more functional cockpit, improved space efficiency, and finer performance, ergonomics and safety.

Design

The 456M embodies concepts that express the satisfaction of owning a Ferrari GT 2+2: excellent performance and driving pleasure, without sacrificing passenger comfort. The styling of the 456M considers this philosophy, matching the aggressive shape to supple lines. Special care was taken to enhance interior volume and ergonomics. The result is a

complete synthesis of beauty, controlled aggression, and functionality. The 456M is the bench-mark for high-performance 2+2s.

Instantly recognizable as a Ferrari, the 456M has a less extreme shape than other cars in the current Ferrari range, yet it remains highly innovative and special. The 456M has a long, smooth carbon fibre bonnet, emphasized by the retractable headlights and two tension lines. Seen from above, the front aspect is more rounded than the previous 456, thanks to the redesigned bumper and integrated spoiler. The front turn-signals have been repositioned for improved visibility and the air intake with integral fog lights has a modified shape and size for improved engine and brake cooling. On the sides a new moulding for the windows runs along the door edge. At the rear is a revised bumper with stabilizer wing.

Structure

The 456M takes traditional Ferrari construction to the next level with modern materials, a first for the high-performance 2+2 genre. The 456M has an extremely rigid tubular steel chassis welded to a light aluminum body for structural integrity and rigidity. Because aluminum and steel cannot be welded directly together, a steel foil chemically treated with Feran is placed between the metals, allowing proper welds to be achieved. Light aluminum and sturdy steel are thus joined to provide a perfect platform for this super 2+2.

To further reduce weight while maintaining torsional rigidity, the 456M has a carbon fibre front hood. The side windows are flush with the door frames and feature an automatic device that perfectly controls window travel to achieve optimum sealing. The 456M is designed to feel both light and 'of a single piece', a remarkable achievement for a four-seat GT.

Drivetrain

The 456M engine is designed to get high power and torque at low and medium rotational speeds, from a smaller, lighter package. The V12, 65° engine, with its 436bhp required no major modifications, but Ferrari engineers still improved its function for the purpose. The ignition order has been changed for smoother operation enhancing overall comfort. The new firing order is 1-7-5-11-3-9-6-12-2-8-4-10. The crankcase, heads and oil sump are in light alloy, with added aluminum liners.

Valve timing is controlled by four overhead camshafts. There are two intake and two exhaust valves per cylinder, arranged at a very sharp angle. The intake runners have a rectilinear form and the combustion chambers have a low surface:volume ratio for greater efficiency. The lubrication system has two scavenger pumps and one delivery pump, double filtration and a radiator. A duct sprays oil directly on the underside of each piston for improved cooling.

A Bosch Motronic M5.2 system controls ignition and fuel delivery. Injection is multi-point, timed, and sequential, with bi-angular spray pattern and special throttle control. The fuel supply system includes two submersed pumps with compact filters. Ignition is static, with two six-outlet coils. The system includes a static stroke sensor and a toothed wheel on the engine flywheel.

The 456M GT manual transaxle is at the rear. The hydraulic clutch acts directly on the engine flywheel. Drive is transmitted to the gearbox through a three-bearing driveshaft housed in a steel pipe rigidly connecting engine and gearbox. The six-speed-plus-reverse box has double-cone synchronizers with a low-friction direct sixth gear. The transmission is pressure lubricated with a pump and oil radiator. The gearbox control features the Ferrari standard aluminum gearshifter and polished aluminum gate. The differential is a ZF, fin-type, with limited slip and differentiated calibration.

Suspension

Like all Ferrari's, the 456M takes advantage of modern four wheel-independent suspension technology for optimal comfort and road-holding. The advanced geometry features cross quads and triangle arms, aluminum gas-operated shock absorbers with helical coaxial springs, and anti-roll bars front and rear. Shock absorber calibration control is electronic, and combines with a self-leveling rear suspension to maintain constant ground clearance under various loads.

The key improvements to driving precision, comfort, and especially more efficient damping on uneven roads in the 456M over previous models, come from new anti-dive front-suspension geometry, shock absorbers with special low-speed control, and front shock absorbers with a reduced coefficient of friction.

The suspension is electronically controlled by the driver through the use of a 'Normal' and 'Sport' switch which interacts with ASR. Depending on steering angle, speed, longitudinal and vertical acceleration, throttle opening, and brake circuit pressure, the system can control rolling during acceleration and braking transitions. An ECU manages the calibration variation of each shock absorber via four motors.

The 456M braking system has been designed to offer deceleration commensurate with the car's other performance capabilities. The addition of a pneumatic brake booster has improved the 456M's system, especially at high speeds. The ultra-lightweight system includes four ventilated discs with aluminum calipers and 4-channel ABS, integrated with ASR and EBD (rear electronic braking corrector).

To improve performance and control even in extreme situations, the 456M has an ASR system fitted for dynamic stability control. The system optimizes the traction of the drive wheels, detecting possible skidding, through the combined action of the ABS and the engine control system. The driver can choose three levels of ASR through a dashboard switch - Normal, Sport (integrated with suspension control) and Off - ensuring almost complete control of the car's lateral and longitudinal dynamic and offering excellent safety.

The 456M's rack and pinion steering, is equipped with a Servotronic, condition-aware, speed-sensitive power-steering device and retuned software, for more precise driving. The same steering force is required whether in a parking lot, on the highway, or on the track.

Interior

The 456M has a redesigned interior offering greater space efficiency. With attention to the sometimes antagonistic twins - functionality and performance, and comfort and elegance - the interior space was redefined and rationalized.

A primary problem in 4-seat coupes is access to the rear seats. The automatic forward travel of the 456M's self-repositioning front seats has been increased, providing rear-seat passengers with all necessary space. The front seats are partly constructed from a special new foam rubber and have nine-way electronic adjustments with position memory. The capacity and comfort of the rear seats have been improved through a clever redesign.

Improving usability, the instrument panel has been fully redesigned to better define each display. The classically styled instruments reside behind the steering-wheel, and offer the most important information: engine speed, road speed, and distance traveled. Smaller analog displays for water temperature and oil pressure flank the central multi-function display for operational and emergency information. Ancillary instruments are fully visible above the console.

Central to the driver are the new, lighter three-spoke steering wheel and the gearbox lever, which is now more ergonomic with a larger operating clearance between it and the gate. Document pockets behind the front seats, the new transmission tunnel, and the new rear parcel shelf offer greater interior storage, and special care has been paid to inner sound-deadening for comfort. The climate control system has an integrated sun radiation sensor and new software for temperature control.

by Ferrari

by Ferrari

The 456 2+2 GT was debuted at the Paris Motorshow in 1992. The engine was mounted in the front and driving the rear-wheels. It was a 65-degree V-12 with four camshafts and capable of producing 436 bhp. The aluminum body panels were welded onto the tubular steel frame. By mounting the six-speed manual gearbox in the rear transaxle, a fifty-fifty weight distribution was achieved. A small wing located in the rear bumper would slide out at speeds of 75 mph or greater. The purpose of the flap was to maintain stability.

In 1996 the production version of 456 GTA was introduced . This version had a four-speed automatic gearbox. In 1998, the 456M arrived on the scene in both the GT and GTA flavors. The 456M was an aesthetically updated version both interior and exterior.

by Dan Vaughan