FERRARI 355

More Ferrari 355 Pics And Sounds

    The 355 is an outstanding performer: its 109 bhp/litre is exploited by a transverse closely-geared 6-speed transmission and intelligent suspension that adapts instantly to the driver's demands.  The 355's impressive specific power and torque also reflect the use of five valves per cylinder.  This 3496 cc naturally aspirated V8 engine delivers 380 bhp.
    The 355 is a versatile, high performance car that has been manufactured in two different models.  Derived from the Berlinetta is the 355 GTS with a rigid detachable top that can be lodged behind the seats and the F355 Spider which was the first Ferrari equipped with an opening and closing electronic soft top.
    Two-seater Berlinetta, GTS and Spider were designed by Pininfarina.  The design of the body took over 1800 hours of wind tunnel analysis.  The shape is aimed at maximizing both aerodynamic efficiency and stability, and at meeting the technical requirements of performance.  Research was then concentrated on optimizing vertical loads on the wheels.  This was done by analyzing the factors affecting the front spoiler and rear bonnet to create an ideal shape. This stage also involved analysis of the underbody and the creation of a floor pan shape that made the distribution of the aerodynamic load independent of ground clearance.
    In depth analysis was devoted to the internal air flows.  The air vents that cool the side radiators and the brakes were designed with great care.  The result is a better airflow to maintain an ideal temperature in all elements and in racetrack conditions.
    The 355 was designed to out-perform any previous Ferrari with an 8-cylinder aspirated engine.  This meant that the body had to be designed to the highest aerodynamic specifications.  On the one hand the designers had to achieve a front and rear Cz (negative lift effect) to match the car's performance.  At the same time they had to ensure that cooling air flows met the requirements of the power of the engine.  The aerodynamic efficiency of the solutions chosen for the 355 Spider is not changed by the different shape of the car.
    The front bumper incorporates an air intake that cools the brake discs while the spoiler area was shaped to optimize the air flow channeled forward and into the underbody for negative lift.  On the sides the air ducts are generous and merge into the aerodynamically shaped sills which contribute to fairing the wheels, an important element on a car filled with wide section tyres.
    At the rear, wind tunnel experiments have produced a forceful tail profile which incorporates a "nolder" to enhance grip.  The 18" wheels offer a dynamic interpretation of the classic 5-spoke arrangement.
    There were 2 main development goals for the aerodynamic characteristics, they were:  

    Thanks to the experience gained with Formula 1 cars in the wind tunnel with boundary layer belt, the underbody was integrated into the exterior effect achieving a result consistent with the continuous improvement of Ferrari cars.
    The Ferrari 355 adopts a stress-bearing frame of welded, variable section steel tubes plus a tubular sub-frame that holds the engine and suspension assemblies.  The layout adopts the racing model format with a central stress-bearing shell to which the engine assembly and suspension are attached. The monocoque construction technology also involves the use of sophisticated laser welding techniques for the double-thickness sheet steel. This means that torsional and bending rigidity can be enhanced while reducing weight.
    For the 355 Ferrari developed a new 90° V8 213.3 cubic inch engine with a 3.35 x 3.03 inch bore and stroke.  This develops 375 bhp at 8250 rpm and revs up to 8500 rpm.  Its maximum torque is 268 Lb. ft. at 6000 rpm.
    Timing is by four overhead cams with tapered lateral intake cams valves designed especially for Ferrari and 5 valves per cylinder (3 radial intake, 2 exhaust).  In order to reduce exhaust emissions and maintenance flexibility, hydraulic tappets with automatic play take-up appear for the first time on engines with revs above 8000 rpm.  In addition, the variable rigidity valve double springs raise the resonance potential state to over 10,000 rpm.
    The pistons are made of a forged aluminum alloy and are coupled with Nikasil-coated "wet" steel liners.  These are wet-sunk into the aluminum engine block.  For optimum engine efficiency at high speeds the 355 adopts Ti6al4V titanium alloy finite element designed conrods previously only seen on Formula 1 engines.
    The 355 also features Bosch Motronic M2.7 electronic injection-static ignition management.  The dry sump engine oil circuit incorporates twin scavenge and one pressure pump plus a thermostatic control valve.
    The outstanding performance of the new engine can be synthesized by the 109 bhp/litre achieved with a displacement of 213.3 cubic inches.  The brake mean effective pressure (BMEP) which represents thermal stress, is equal to 1.5 kg/em2.  The mean piston speed (Cm), which indicates mechanical stress, is equal to 21.8 m/sec.  Weight, reliability and easy maintenance are the outstanding characteristics of this engine, which develops 375 bhp at 8500 rpm.

Spec.

Front-mounted 3.5 litre V8 engine
Power: 375BHP @ 8500RPM
Top speed: 183MPH
0-60MPH: 4.6 seconds
0 - 100MPH: ?
Weight: 2976lbs
Weight distribution: ?
Length: 167.3 inches
Width: 74.8 inches
Height: 46.1 inches

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