The Ferrari 456M GTA, with its sleek design and powerful engine, is a standout model in the world of grand tourers. Introduced in 1998 as an upgrade to the original Ferrari 456, this model notably features an automatic 4-speed transmission (hence the 'A' in GTA), a departure from Ferrari's traditional manual transmission in its predecessor. The 456M GTA houses a front-engined 5.5-liter V12 capable of producing an impressive 436 horsepower. This allows the car to seamlessly transition from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, striking an excellent balance between speed and stability. On the pricing front, as expected of a luxury sports car, the Ferrari 456M GTA comes with a price tag that falls between $75,000 and over $100,000 for a well-maintained model. This Ferrari 456M GTA review will spotlight the vehicle and why you should consider getting it. Let's get started.
The Ferrari 456M GTA, an upgrade of the original 456 model, was first introduced in 1998. The 'M' in the model name stands for 'Modificata,' signifying the significant modifications made to enhance the car's performance and aesthetics. One of the 456M GTA model distinctions lies in its 4-speed automatic transmission system, which was a deviation from Ferrari's usual manual systems in the 456 series. It also marked a significant milestone in Ferrari's automotive history. The production of the 456M GTA was carried out at the Maranello plant in Italy, with Pininfarina taking the helm for the car's design. The model upheld Ferrari's reputation for producing high-performance vehicles that combined speed, power, and breathtaking design. The 456M line presented the 456M GTA and the 456M GT. The GTA had an automatic transmission, while the GT featured a 6-speed manual gearbox. Both trims were produced concurrently, catering to different preferences among car enthusiasts. Ferrari made approximately 688 units of the 456M GTA. The end of production in 2003 marked the closing of a significant chapter in Ferrari's history.
The Ferrari 456M GTA features a 5.5-liter V12 engine that produces 436 horsepower. This formidable engine, coupled with a torque of 406 lb-ft, allows the car to transition from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. It's just slightly lower than the 5.2 seconds on the GT models. The overall performance of the 456M GTA is further enhanced by its exceptional power-to-weight ratio. With a curb weight of 1,690 kg, the 456M GTA can quickly reach a top speed of 186 mph, further testament to its remarkable engine performance. The engine of the 456M GTA checks the boxes for reliability and smooth power delivery, which ensures you get a delightful driving experience. The 32-valve DOHC V12 engine uses a Bosch Motronic M5.2 fuel injection and ignition control system, contributing to the vehicle's overall fuel efficiency. The car boasts a mileage of approximately 13 mpg in city driving and about 17 mpg on the highway, an impressive figure for a vehicle in its class. The meticulous engine design minimizes noise levels, ensuring a smooth and quiet ride, which sets the 456M GTA apart from other grand tourers of its era. When placed against the manual variant - the 456M GT- the automatic 456M GTA offers a less engaging but more comfortable and smoother driving experience. The automatic transmission caters to drivers who prefer seamless gear changes and ease of use. The 456M GTA's engine performance aligns well with its contemporaries in the grand tourer category. Its main strengths lie in its smooth power delivery, reliability, and responsive automatic transmission.
Stepping inside the Ferrari 456M GTA, you'll be greeted by luxury materials like hand-stitched leather seats, available in various colors to match the exterior or personal preferences. They provide optimal comfort and support. The seats are fully adjustable, allowing for a customized and comfortable driving position. Don't expect memory seats - they weren't a thing in Ferraris of this time. The dashboard, designed with the driver in mind, is straightforward and orderly, featuring an array of necessary instruments and controls. With its clear markings, the gauge cluster provides clear visibility of the car's vital statistics. The center console is neatly laid out and features an array of controls for the air conditioning system, power windows, and the much-vaunted Ferrari Becker radio system with a CD changer. The sleek aluminum gear lever, a standout feature of the automatic 456M GTA, contrasts the rich leather surroundings. There's also the ashtray, as in other 456M models. The interior door handles are elegantly designed and intuitively located. The center console and doors offer limited storage options, in line with the minimalist and functional approach of Ferrari's design philosophy. The compact glove compartment provides additional storage for your items. Even with the high-performance capabilities of the Ferrari 456M GTA, cabin noise levels remain low, thanks to the carefully designed insulation. One of the unique attributes of the 456M GTA is the inclusion of rear seats. While these back seats are not as spacious as those in a conventional sedan, they provide adequate room for children or brief adult use, enhancing the car's versatility. The 456M GTA's interior parallels many grand tourers' high-end finishes.
Pininfarina designed the Ferrari 456M GTA's exterior, which is sleek and elegant, with a long, graceful bonnet that houses its V12 engine. The 456M GTA features pop-up headlights like its other 456 series counterparts and many cars of that era. This design enhances aerodynamics and adds a hint of suspense to the vehicle's appearance. The lights are powerful halogen bulbs illuminating the road well in various weather conditions. They somewhat encase the grille in the center when they pop out. With its modest size, the front grille does not follow the contemporary trend of large, pronounced grilles. Instead, it is neatly tucked under the front bumper, providing adequate airflow to the engine without compromising the car's streamlined aesthetics. The doors on the 456M GTA have a traditional opening style and feature door handles that are elegantly integrated into the car's design, staying flush with the surface until needed. This design choice maintains the smooth, uninterrupted flow of the car's side profile. The side profile of the 456M GTA is smooth from the front to the rear. The elongated hood even becomes more pronounced when you look at the car from the sides. The exterior mirrors are adjustable, giving excellent visibility of the road behind. Moving to the wheels, the 456M GTA is fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped with high-performance tires—size 255/45 ZR17 at the front and 285/40 ZR17 at the rear. The wide tires contribute to the car's handling prowess and provide excellent grip and stability in various road conditions. The rear design of the 456M GTA is as stylish as the front, featuring a slightly tapered-off tail. The car's taillights are a classic combination of red and amber, providing clear signals to following traffic. The dual exhaust tailpipes on either side of the rear bumper enhance the car's sporty aesthetic while delivering the 456M GTA's unique V12 growl. The trunk, with a capacity of about 227 liters, provides enough room for a weekend getaway luggage set and places the 456M GTA in the league of grand touring sports cars with large trunks. In all ramifications, the Ferrari 456M GTA is a visually appealing car with design cues from older prancing horses.
There's little going on technologically with the 456M GTA. It sports the electronically adjustable adaptive suspension as with the other Ferrari 456 models. This system lets the driver modify the car's damping settings to suit varying road conditions and driving preferences, ensuring optimal handling and comfort. Moreover, the vehicle has a state-of-the-art Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), vital for maintaining steering control under heavy braking. It also features a Traction Control System (TCS), which prevents wheel slip during acceleration, especially on slippery surfaces, offering the driver enhanced control. Regarding in-car technology, the 456M GTA boasts a top-notch climate control system and the Becker radio system. On the safety front, the car is fitted with dual front airbags for driver and passenger and an engine immobilizer that adds an extra layer of protection against theft. All these technological advancements work harmoniously to deliver an unmatched grand touring experience.
When it debuted in the late 1990s, the Ferrari 456M GTA commanded a premium price tag indicative of its status as a high-end grand tourer. Based on recent listings, the average price range for a Ferrari 456M GTA currently falls between $50,000 and $100,000. However, this is just a ballpark figure, and individual cars can deviate significantly from this range based on factors like mileage and condition. A well-kept model with low mileage could fetch upwards of $70,000, while higher mileage examples might be found for about $40,000 to $50,000.
The Ferrari 456M GTA, with its blend of power, unique design, and luxury features, stands out as the quintessence of a grand tourer. This stalwart of the Ferrari stable is refined and provides an exciting drive every time you get behind the wheel. Look at the many listings on Exotic Car Trader if you're seeking to tap into this excitement. With an extensive collection of high-end vehicles and an easy-to-navigate online platform, they streamline buying and selling cars. Whether you're looking to acquire a 456M GTA or put one in the hands of a fellow enthusiast, their platform simplifies the process, making it more accessible than ever before. In conclusion, the Ferrari 456M GTA combines the raw power of a 5.5 liter V12 engine with luxe comfort. Whether cruising down the highway or tackling a twisty mountain road, the 456M GTA ensures every journey is memorable.
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