By refining every aspect of the design Ferrari turned the excellent 348 into the superb F355. Both in performance and quality, the F355 was the first Ferrari of a new generation. Initially launched as a fixed head Berlinetta in 1994, the F355 line-up eventually consisted of the Berlinetta, a Targa model and a full Spyder. With well over 11000 examples produced when it was replaced in 1999/2000, the F355 is one of the most popular Ferraris ever and set new performance benchmarks in its class, which were a hard act to follow by its competition.
Although it was stroked by just 2 mm, the V8 engine in the F355 was quite a departure from the 348's. Incorporated in the two cylinder heads was some state of the art technology that boosted the power by 80 bhp to 380 bhp. Like Ferrari's contemporary F1 racers, the head was equipped with five valves per cylinder; three intake and two exhaust. These valves are operated by two overhead camshafts, which allow for variable valve timing, greatly improving the engine's performance. In 1998 further F1 technology was introduced in the shape of a paddle operated sequential gearbox in the aptly named 'F1' models.
Pininfarina smoothed out the 348's design and removed the horizontal louvres on the side intakes. Under the steel/aluminium body, the chassis and suspension were updated, greatly improving the handling, an area where the 348 was not known to excel. The suspension was driver adjustable, with two damper settings available for normal and sporty driving. Five spoke alloy wheels hid the large ventilated Brembo discs, which made sure the F355 stopped as fast as it went.
The 355 series cars are so sexy in design. Not really outrageous in other Ferrari designs but clean and simple. The 355 spyder is no exception. So passionate, so fluid and pure are the lines of this car that was masterfully styled by Sergio Pininfarina. Next to the 360 spyder, the 355 is the ultimate expression of class, power, and style. It commands instant respect and admiration by those who happen to see it's presence. And lets not forget about the revolutionary engine. Mash the throttle and the engine howls with a tone that turns heads everywhere (especially if outfitted with Tubi exhaust). I dream of owning a red 355 spyder and driving it down the Califoria coast-line. Thanks again Ferrari for giving us car afficionados something to dream about.
doing 100 in a 30
skyline2424 14-3-2003
i remmber when i was younger i dad used to have one of these. it was the funnest car in the world. it was a spider and so you could hear everything that came out of the engine behind you.we originally had a red one with ta intreior, but after about 2 years it was stolen out of the dealer lot in the garge area, they ended up giving us a brand new one in metallic silver so we wouldnt sew. it was worth it, not much tops the feeling of owning a ferrrari and being able to drive it everyday. the car became my dads everyday driving car, it was fairly easy to drive. but the only complaint he had was that it was a bit annoying to shift that racing ferrari gear box every time he came to a red light or an intersection. i still remember the day we brought the car home. we were coming close to my neighborhood and my da floored it. we must have been doing at least 100, only tihng is its a 30 mph speed zone. but even if we werent doing 100, when you put it in second gear and your going 75, you feel like your going 120. tihs is an amazingly crafted italian sportscar.
F355 GTS over this!
AntiDomestic 15-1-2003
This car is really niice and all but I don't like spiders so I'd pick the F355GTs over this anyday! I like the Targa top on the GTS and you get enough air in your hair in that,I don't see the point of a Rag-top? I think it just makes the car look incomplete and rather girly,lol.
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F355 Spider
By refining every aspect of the design Ferrari turned the excellent 348 into the superb F355. Both in performance and quality, the F355 was the first Ferrari of a new generation. Initially launched as a fixed head Berlinetta in 1994, the F355 line-up eventually consisted of the Berlinetta, a Targa model and a full Spyder. With well over 11000 examples produced when it was replaced in 1999/2000, the F355 is one of the most popular Ferraris ever and set new performance benchmarks in its class, which were a hard act to follow by its competition.
