The Ferrari F355 GTS is one of the iconic mid-engine sports cars of the 90s with a striking body design and high-revving V8 engine sending roars down the highway, the Ferrari F355 GTS carved out its place in automotive history. Under the long hood lies a 3.5-liter V8 power plant pushing out 375 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. This launches the lightweight two-seater from 0-60 mph in under five seconds. Its performance credentials are without question, but what truly defined the F355 GTS was how it blended these acceleration numbers with balanced handling, a comfortable and luxurious cabin, and long-range refinement - all wrapped in a body that turns heads wherever it goes. In this F355 GTS review, we'll closely examine what makes the F355 GTS such a special car more than twenty years after it debuted and why it remains deeply cherished amongst collectors.
The history of the Ferrari F355 GTS began in the early 1990s when Ferrari was looking to replace its 348 series. The aim was to create a vehicle that not only overcame the identified weak spots of the previous model but also pushed the boundaries of performance and aesthetic appeal. Introduced in 1994 at the Geneva Motor Show, the F355 GTS quickly gained fame for its advanced technology and striking beauty. The F355 GTS was a notable upgrade from its predecessor, the 348. It adopted a new 3.5-liter V8 engine, a significant leap forward with its five-valve-per-cylinder design - an unprecedented move for Ferrari. This innovative design led to a considerable increase in the engine's power output, elevating the Ferrari driving experience to a new level. Throughout its production run from 1994 to 1999, the F355 GTS remained essentially unchanged. Ferrari produced 2,577 units of the F355 GTS, each with the performance and Italian styling of the other. Even today, the F355 GTS holds a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts and collectors who know its worth.
The Ferrari F355 GTS dons a uniquely powerful 3.5-liter V8 engine. With its 5-valve-per-cylinder design, this exceptional power plant significantly contributes to the car's remarkable performance. The engine generates 375 horsepower and delivers 267 lb-ft of torque. These figures enable the F355 GTS to sprint from 0-60 mph in about 4.7 seconds, with a top speed clocked at 183 mph. The engine, although compact, is high in performance and efficiency, making the car surprisingly agile and lightweight, with a total weight of around 1,350 kg. The engine's configuration ensures a smooth and responsive drive, balancing performance across various RPMs. Its distinctive exhaust sound is powerful yet not overbearing. Regarding fuel efficiency, the F355 GTS's V8 offers around 13mpg/city and 17mpg/highway. While these figures may not seem very impressive, they are decent for a high-performance sports car of its era. Compared to other models in the Ferrari F355 lineup, the GTS's engine stands out due to its Targa top, allowing the driver to experience the engine's thrilling sound more directly. Meanwhile, compared with other cars in its category, like the Lamborghini Gallardo, which features a larger 5.0-liter V10 engine producing 500 horsepower, the F355 GTS holds its own quite well. Even with its smaller engine, the F355 GTS delivers an engaging driving experience that is dynamic and refined.
The Ferrari F355 GTS's interior design is comfortable and luxurious and shows excellent attention to detail. There's a good mix of leather, aluminum, and high-quality plastic materials in the car's interior. Firstly, let's talk about the steering and gauge clusters. The three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel, adorned with the iconic Ferrari logo, is compact and feels firm. It's devoid of the regular wheel-mounted buttons, and given its era, it delivers a good steering response. The gauge cluster, designed to be highly legible, includes a large rev counter in the middle. The rev counter is flanked by a speedometer and other necessary gauges that provide vital vehicle information at a glance. The seats stand out in the F355 GTS's interior, offering top-notch comfort but no adjustability. The seats are covered in premium leather and offer a high degree of bolstering to keep you comfortable. The dashboard, as you would expect, is elegantly designed. Made from high-quality plastic with a soft-touch finish, it offers a pleasing tactile experience. The top of the dashboard is covered in leather to reduce reflections. The center console has an array of controls for the car's various features. Here, you'll find the climate controls, the sound system controls, the buttons for the power windows, and other miscellaneous functions. The center console also hosts the iconic open-gate manual transmission shifter. As for the noise level, the F355 GTS is as refined as expected. While the thrilling sound of the V8 engine does make its way into the cabin, it does so in a harmonious way. The F355 GTS, being a two-seater, does not offer any back-seat space. Instead, the space behind the seats serves as additional storage, complementing the limited cargo space in the front trunk.
Starting with the front of the car, the F355 GTS features an iconic low-slung design that is instantly recognizable as a Ferrari from the 90s. The headlights are a pair of pop-up units and are a classic sports car design trait from the 90s. They ensure optimum visibility without disrupting the car's sleek profile when not in use. Below the headlights, you will find a pair of round fog lights beside the large air intake grille. The side profile of the F355 GTS is characterized by its long, sloping hood, compact cabin, and short rear deck. Again, it's a layout that is reminiscent of classic Ferrari models. The doors are designed to curve upwards towards the roof, easing ingress and egress. They feature recessed door handles that seamlessly blend with the car's body. The F355 GTS rides on 18-inch alloy wheels with high-performance tires, measuring 225/40 at the front and 265/40 at the rear. The large, body-colored side mirrors are well-positioned for excellent rear visibility and complement the car's sporty design. Moving to the rear, the F355 GTS carries forward Ferrari's iconic round tail light design. Four circular tail lights are placed symmetrically on either side of the prancing horse logo. Below, you'll find a pair of twin exhaust tailpipes that look sporty and produce the car's V8 exhaust note. The rear design is completed by an integrated spoiler, which provides additional downforce to enhance high-speed stability. Over two decades later, the Ferrari F355 GTS still looks as beautiful as when it first got off the line.
The Ferrari F355 GTS is embedded with various technological features that enhance its performance, safety, and convenience. It features an engine that utilizes 5-valve cylinder head technology, which improves air intake and exhaust flow. The F355 GTS also introduces the electronic damper control system known as the "Ferrari adaptive suspension." This advanced system constantly adjusts the car's shocks based on road conditions and driving style. The car also features ABS for improved braking performance and safety. You'll also get an automatic climate control system, ensuring the cabin remains comfortable. The sound system comprises an AM/FM radio and a CD player. Power-adjustable mirrors and windows add an extra convenience layer, while the car's alarm system and immobilizer enhance security.
Pricing for a Ferrari F355 GTS heavily depends on the car's condition, mileage, maintenance, and ownership history. Pre-owned prices for a Ferrari F355 GTS range in the ballpark of $70,000 to $100,000, with exceptional, low-mileage examples or vehicles with significant provenance potentially fetching even more. The Ferrari F355 GTS comes in a single trim level with some customization options. The primary optional feature was the F1-style transmission, which replaced the standard 6-speed manual transmission with an electronically controlled automatic shift mode. Additionally, the Ferrari F355 GTS offered a range of color and interior options, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicle to their tastes. Some of these choices can add to the car's value in today's pre-owned market, mainly if they are rare or desirable combinations.
In summary, the Ferrari F355 GTS strikes an impressive balance between classic Italian design and thrilling performance. Acquiring such a masterpiece is made remarkably easy by platforms like Exotic Car Trader. Known for its user-friendly online platform, Exotic Car Trader simplifies buying and selling cars. Their comprehensive listings and efficient processes ensure that every transaction is streamlined so you can have a good experience buying or selling an exotic vehicle. The Ferrari F355 GTS's timeless appeal, potent V8 engine, and comfortable interior make it a desirable vehicle for any automobile enthusiast.
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