The 355 F1 Spider brought this spirit to a whole new level by melding the berlinetta and the GTS's acknowledged performance with a superbly efficient electronically-operated semi-automatic soft top. The
factors that made the F355 such a successful model made the transition unaltered to the Pininfarina-styled 355 F1 Spider: a very elastic 380 hp engine with five valves per cylinder, 109 hp/litre specific power output,
4.7-second 0 a 100 km/h sprinting and 37 Kgm of torque. With respect to the F355 Spider, the 355 F1 Spider had an F1-style gearbox management system. Just like the one used for the single-seater, the electro-hydraulic system
controlled the manual gearbox using sophisticated software. It was itself operated via two paddles, one on each side of the steering wheel, which meant that the driver did not have to take his hands off the steering wheel
whilst changing gears either.
The two-seater 355 F1 Spider had an aluminium and steel body. Its styling was moulded around an aerodynamically severe design that included a full-body undertray designed to equalise
downforce (Cl) between the two axles. The cabin was designed with both safety and driving pleasure in mind. The seats and trim were Connolly leather. Composite racing seats were also available to order.
Engine
Type.................................rear, longitudinal 90° V8 Bore/stroke.........................85 x 77 mm Unitary displacement............436.94 cc Total displacement...............3495.50 cc
Compression ratio................11 : 1 Maximum power...................279 kW (380 hp) at 8250 rpm Power per litre....................109 hp/l Maximum torque..................363 Nm (37 kgm) at 6000 rpm
Valve actuation...................twin overhead camshafts per bank, five valves per cylinder Fuel feed............................Bosch Motronic M5.2 electronic injection
Ignition..............................Bosch Motronic M5.2 static electronic, single spark plug per cylinder Lubrication..........................dry sump Clutch................................single-plate
Chassis
Frame................................steel monocoque with tubular steel rear sub-frame Front suspension..................independent, unequal-length wishbones,
coil springs over gas-filled telescopic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar
Rear suspension...................independent, unequal-length wishbones,
coil springs over gas-filled telescopic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar
Brakes...............................discs Transmission.......................electro-hydraulic F1 6-speed + reverse Steering.............................rack-and-pinion
Fuel tank............................capacity 82 litres Front tyres.........................225/40 ZR 18 Rear tyres..........................265/40 ZR 18
Bodywork
Type.................................two-seater berlinetta, two-seater targa-top or two-seater spider Length...............................4250 mm Width................................1900 mm
Height...............................1170 mm Wheelbase..........................2450 mm Front track.........................1514 mm Rear track..........................1615 mm
Weight...............................1350 kg (dry)
Performance Top speed..........................295 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h.........................4.7 sec
0-400 m.............................12.9 sec 0-1000 m...........................23.7 sec
<1990
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