2003 Ferrari 456M
Expert Reviews
By Jim Flammang
Cars.com National March 26, 2003Vehicle Overview
Unchanged for 2003, Ferrari’s only 2+2 model has front bucket seats and a small, two-place backseat. Ferrari calls its 456M GT/GTA a berlinetta, which means “little sedan” in Italian, but the sports car is also referred to as a coupe.
As the company has explained, the 456M GT/GTA is “the evolution of a very popular concept amongst Ferrari clients who want a real Ferrari with the practicality of rear seats for two additional passengers.” The 2+2 models are intended to deliver “saloon-class comfort and roominess combined with class-leading performance.”
In contrast to the mid-engine 360 Modena — Ferrari’s least costly model that carries a V-8 behind the seats — the 456M GT/GTA has a front-mounted V-12 engine that generates 442 horsepower. A six-speed-manual transmission goes into the 456M GT, while a four-speed automatic is used in the 456M GTA. Introduced in 1992, these two cars have been the most expensive Ferrari models sold in the United States, albeit eclipsed by the new Enzo.
The “M” in its model designation signifies modifications made in 1998, which include improved aerodynamics. The rear bumpers incorporate a lower fixed wing to enhance downforce provided by the flat, rear underbody and diffuser. According to Automotive News, Ferrari sold a total of 1,080 cars in the United States during 2002.
Exterior
Like other Ferrari models, the 456M GT/GTA was styled by Pininfarina, a legendary Italian design studio that’s been responsible for many illustrious models in the company’s history. The cars’ body lines are softer than those of other Ferrari models, coupled with a crosshatch grille and large bodyside scallops. The car’s classic look is accentuated by its long-hood and short-deck profile. The body panels are constructed of aluminum, the chassis is made of steel, and the hood is composed of carbon fiber.
Measuring about a foot longer than the 360 Modena, the 456M GT and GTA come in at 187.5 inches long overall and ride on a 102.4-inch wheelbase. They stand 51.2 inches tall, and the tires are 17 inches in diameter.
Interior
Leather upholstery is standard in the 456M GT/GTA. Ferrari fanciers are accustomed to sitting securely in snug bucket seats and are ready to enjoy a spirited driving experience — even if that happens to take place on a crowded urban expressway. Gaining access to the backseat is made easier because the front passenger seat automatically slides forward when its backrest is tilted. But passengers shouldn’t expect an abundance of space back there.
Minor gauges are positioned atop the transmission tunnel and angled toward the driver. Standard air conditioning incorporates a solar sensor.
Under the Hood
Developing 442 hp at 6,250 rpm, the 5.5-liter V-12 engine generates 398 pounds-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. A six-speed-manual gearbox goes into the GT model, and the 456M GTA gets a four-speed-automatic transmission that was developed specifically for this installation. The manual transmission is in a unit with the ZF limited-slip rear differential. Ferrari claims that the 456M GT accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 5.1 seconds, while the 456M GTA performs that task in 5.4 seconds.
cars.com Posted on 3/26/03 |
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