The Ferrari 456 GT

Table of Contents:

Ferrari 456 GT – Key Details

The Ultimate Guide to the Ferrari 456 GT

FERRARI 456 GT – THE BEST LOOKING 2+2 EVER?

The Ferrari 456 GT is an understated, mature Ferrari; one you wouldn’t mind driving your mother around in. And, with space for 4 adults, the 456 could indeed make a decent family car. The front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout allows for enough space in the rear seats for 2 extra people, and the boot actually offers enough space for a weekend trip. Once you, your friends, and all of your luggage is situated inside, however, the 456 is capable of providing thrills you never thought possible in a 90s saloon car.

Launched in 1992, the Pininfarina-designed 456 GT was Ferrari’s replacement for the 412, which had been out of production for 3 years at that point. The “456” in the name comes from the fact that each cylinder displaces exactly that many cubic centimetres. This V12, displacing 5.5 litres total, was awarded engine of the year in the over 4 litre category of the International Engine of the Year awards for 2000 and 2001. 

Peak power is achieved at only 6250 rpm, relatively low for a high-performance vehicle. Not having to cope with astronomical redlines has allowed these V12s to enjoy great reliability as the 456 GT ages. In addition, the 456 GT held the distinction as the world’s fastest four-seater, capable of hitting 188 mph flat out. Along the way to that phenomenal top speed, 62 mph is reached in a mere 5.2 seconds. While those kinds of numbers might not blow you away today, back in 1992 it was mind-bending acceleration for a 1690 kg 4-seater.

Because this is the GT version, you know there is a 6-speed manual transmission at work. Under the aluminium skin, the 456 GT used a tubular steel spaceframe chassis. If this were a 456 GTA, there would be a 4-speed automatic instead. The 456 received extensive updates for 1998, becoming the 456M, a model which soldiered on until it was replaced by the 2004 612 Scaglietti.

Ferrari 456 GT – Photo Gallery

Ferrari 456 GT – Technical Specifications

Ferrari 456 GT – Registry & Videos

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