The Ferrari 456 GT, a grand tourer produced by the Italian automaker from 1992 to 2003, is a fantastic Ferrari with touches of elegance, power, and comfort. Under the hood, it boasts a 5.5L V12 engine with an impressive 436 horsepower. Pricing-wise, the 456 GT has a price tag north of $100,000, reflecting the brand's exclusive reputation. The 456 GT lineup showcased two primary trim levels: the original 456 GT, equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox, and the later 456 GTA, introduced in 1996, featuring a 4-speed automatic transmission developed by ZF. Both variants received praise for their performance, but the choice ultimately depends on the driver's preferences. The 456 GT's timeless design, performance ability, and the Ferrari pedigree make it a thrilling option for any automobile enthusiast. In this Ferrari 456 GT review, we'll highlight all aspects of the car and why you should consider it.
The origins of the 456 GT were from the late 1980s at a time when Ferrari, facing economic challenges, needed a car to bridge the gap between the sporty Testarossa and the luxurious Ferrari 412. Enter the codenamed "Project F116," a collaboration between Ferrari's engineering team and the legendary Pininfarina design house. This collaboration gave birth to the 456 GT in 1992, a significant leap forward in design and technology, featuring aerodynamic styling and a potent V12 engine. Its moniker '456' stems from the capacity of 5.5 liters, divided by the number of cylinders, rounding off to 456cc per cylinder. This 456 was the first Ferrari for road use to incorporate adaptive suspension, which balanced comfort and sportiness. The Pininfarina design, with its sleek, elegant lines and spacious interior, was a nod to the luxury grand tourers of the 1960s. Ferrari produced the 456 in two trims, as mentioned earlier - the 456 GT and the 456 GTA. The GT was the initial model with a 6-speed manual transmission, while the GTA, introduced in 1996, featured a 4-speed automatic transmission. Surprisingly, Ferrari sold more automatic units than the manual units. 1998, Ferrari introduced a limited edition of the 456, the 'M' or 'Modificata,' featuring minor aesthetic and mechanical upgrades. Ferrari also produced several unique custom-ordered versions, like the Venice. Ferrari manufactured 3,289 units of the 456 series during its 11-year production run from 1992 to 2003. This included 1,548 units of the 456 GT, 403 units of the 456 GTA, and a combined total of 1,338 units for the M GT and M GTA, making this grand tourer one of the most exclusive and desirable Ferraris of its era.
Regarding performance, the Ferrari 456 GT is powered by a 5.5-liter V12 engine, delivering 436 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. This engine enables the car to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. The top speed of the 456 GT stands at a breathtaking 188 mph, which is remarkable since it's as fast as the Ferrari 288 GTO. The Ferrari 456 GT uses Ferrari's advanced engine technology to provide a smooth, powerful, and responsive drive. The engine is refined and reliable. Fuel efficiency is not the 456 GT's strongest suit; it averages around 11 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway. It's low compared to today's standards but was typical of high-performance cars of its era. Compared to other vehicles in its category, the 456 GT's engine feels excellent. Cars such as the Aston Martin Virage and the Lamborghini Diablo, competitors of the 456 GT, also offered powerful V12 engines but could not match the smooth power delivery and balance of performance and luxury offered by the 456 GT.
The Ferrari 456 GT's interior is a beautiful blend of luxury and sportiness, designed with the utmost attention to detail. The cabin atmosphere is exquisitely comfortable and invites you with sumptuous, hand-stitched leather seats, offering excellent support to accommodate different body types and driving positions for only the front passengers. High-quality materials extend beyond the seats to the dashboard, which features a combination of leather and brushed aluminum, giving it a sophisticated yet sporty look. The driver-focused layout of the dashboard enhances the driving experience. With its distinctive Ferrari red dials, the gauge cluster is easy to read and adds to the sporty feel. Part of the gauge cluster spills to the center console, too, with some dials occupying the topmost position where the radio would have been. The steering wheel, wrapped in fine leather, is perfectly sized and provides excellent feedback. The power-assisted steering is responsive and precise, making the 456 GT a joy to drive. The center console houses the control for the air conditioning system, the premium radio system, a slick shift lever, controls for your trunk, and the adaptive suspension on the car. As mentioned earlier, the radio is placed in a surprising spot with an elegant ashtray to its side. It doesn't affect the radio's functionality in any way - Ferrar wanted to achieve a distraction-free driving view. The sleek door handles are intuitively designed for effortless door operation from the inside. The doors also feature AC vents for the rear passengers - funny placement, but it ensures the passengers in the back seat get some of the air. The Ferrari 456 GT also has a spacious glove compartment, convenient for storing documents and other essentials. Cabin noise is remarkably low, thanks to extensive sound insulation, which allows for quiet and peaceful drives even at high speeds. Despite being a 2+2 coupe, the 456 GT offers a surprisingly decent space in the rear seats. The back seats are suitable for short trips, providing comfort and luxury consistent with the rest of the interior. Kids can also ride in the back for longer periods. High-end finishes, such as the polished aluminum accents and the optional wood trim, add sophistication to the interior, enhancing the luxurious ambiance.
The exterior of the Ferrari 456 GT showcases a design that somewhat takes cues from older Ferraris while adding a touch of modernity to the mix. The front fascia of the 456 GT is dominated by a distinctive, wide, black front grille, which also houses the relatively small fog lights (on older models) and the prancing horse symbol. Ferrari added a larger foglight to the grille for the later model years. Moving to the side profile, you'll notice that the 456 GT has an elongated, sleek silhouette, accentuating its grand tourer character. The hood extends prominently to the windshield and the wheel arches that accommodate the large, ZR-rated 17-inch alloy wheels with 255/45 front and 285/40 tires at the rear. These high-performance tires enhance the car's visual appeal and contribute significantly to its handling prowess. The door handles are seamlessly integrated into the car's bodywork, ensuring a clean, unbroken line, and the doors themselves open wide, allowing easy access to the cabin. The sleek side mirrors enhance the car's aerodynamics and provide excellent rear visibility. The car's low, wide stance, accentuated by subtly sculpted side skirts, adds to its sporty appeal. The car's rear design is as impressive as the rest of it. The tail lights, featuring a classic circular design, are unique. Below them are the polished dual exhaust tailpipes symmetrically placed on either side of the rear bumper. They highlight the car's sporty nature and produce that pleasant V12 exhaust note you hear whenever you rev the engine. The Ferrari 456 GT has a front-mounted engine, which means its trunk is in the rear. The trunk area of the 456 GT is both stylish and functional. The trunk offers a reasonable storage space, a rarity in high-performance sports cars. This attention to practicality underscores the 456 GT's grand tourer credentials, further enhancing its desirability. When the 456 GT was released brand new, Ferrari added an optional extra where you can purchase a Ferrari-clad luggage set designed to fit into the trunk of your 456 GT. Talk exclusivity! Overall, the design of the Ferrari 456 GT exterior exudes elegance and sportiness.
The Ferrari 456 GT comes equipped with Ferrari's state-of-the-art ABS and Traction Control systems, which enhance the car's stability and handling. The 456 GT's advanced suspension system is another noteworthy technological feature. Its electronically controlled adaptive damping system adjusts the car's shock absorber settings based on road conditions and driving style, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride. The car's technology features extend to the cabin as Ferrari added a sound system via the radio with speakers strategically positioned throughout the cabin for optimum sound quality. Additionally, a climate control system keeps all the occupants cooled when turned on. The 456 GT also features an ignition-disabling device to prevent the engine from starting if the correct original manufacturer key is not used, providing additional security for the car. On the convenience front, the Ferrari 456 GT offers controls for the windows and mirrors, which are fundamental features in modern vehicles.
The Ferrari 456 GT, like all of its brothers from the prancing horse family, carries a price tag that undoubtedly reflects its exclusivity and performance credentials. Upon its launch in the mid-1990s, the 456 GT came with a suggested retail price of over $200,000, a substantial figure by today's standards. Fast forward to the present day, and the 456 GT has found its place in the used car market, where prices can vary significantly based on factors such as the car's mileage, condition, and maintenance history. Exceptionally preserved low-mileage examples can command prices in the $75,000 - $100,000 range, whereas higher-mileage or less meticulously maintained cars might be acquired for as little as $45,000 - $60,000.
The Ferrari 456 GT is a grand tourer in all ramifications, combining exquisite craftsmanship, powerful performance, and advanced technology. Its iconic status in the automotive world is unquestionable, making it a sought-after model for Ferrari enthusiasts and discerning collectors. Exotic Car Trader offers an easy online platform that simplifies car buying and selling processes for those in the market for this remarkable car or anyone wishing to sell their vehicle. Exotic Car Trader provides a seamless experience, catering to their customers unique needs. Its platform is user-friendly, transparent, and designed for the user's convenience. Whether you want to buy a Ferrari 456 GT or sell one, Exotic Car Trader simplifies the entire process, removing the traditional complexities associated with auto trading. They handle every detail, ensuring a smooth and successful transaction. In conclusion, the Ferrari 456 GT represents a fusion of speed, luxury, and retro-futuristic design. With its elegant yet sporty exterior, powerful V12 engine, and state-of-the-art technology, this grand tourer continues to cement itself as a remarkable Ferrari.
Exotic Car Trader is the fastest growing marketplace built specifically for automotive enthusiasts. Click below to learn how you can sell your car with us.
LEARN MORE
