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The Ferrari 355F1 Spider, besides being one of the world's best looking convertibles is also one of the  world's most fun cars to drive. Much of the credit for this goes to the out of this world power generated by the 40 valve 3.5 litre normally aspirated V-8 engine. This engine develops 375 hp at 8,250 rpm and redlines at 8500 rpm about a foot away from your ears! The sounds this engine makes are awesome.
One blast through a long tunnel with the top down and you will be hooked.
The F1 type 6 speed transmission is a direct descendent of the type of systems Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher uses in Formula One. You upshift with a small "paddle" behind the right side of the steering wheel and downshift with an identical paddle on the left. Four shifting programs (normal, sport, low grip and full auto) let you choose a performance schedule to match your mood. Even drivers that cannot master a clutch pedal will find the 355 F1 enjoyable and easy to drive. Take-off from a stop is like using an automatic transmission but instead of the driver working a gear lever and clutch pedal to change gears, hydraulic actuators attached directly to the mechanical  systems do the pushing and pulling. When the 355 F1 changes gears or comes to a stop, a computer signals the hydraulics to disengage the clutch. The Ferrari's paddles operate with perfect microswitch precision. They make you feel like a race driver, are fun to flick and far more pleasing than the balky-shifter gates of Ferrari manuals. In sport mode, upshifts are completed "at the speed of a professional driver driving to the limit of his ability".
Advantages of the F1 system include no missed shifts or over revved engines, better performance due to faster shifts, and safer handling because a driver can keep both hands on the wheel at all times. The F355 is the first Ferrari convertible with a power top, electric seats, power steering, anti-lock brakes, ground effects downforce and twin airbags. It was designed to the very highest active and passive safety standards. Every car enthusiast should own a Ferrari sometime. For my money the 355F1 spider is the one. Not only is the performance breathtaking, but the high pitched scream of the Ferrari V-8 engine approaching redline is worth the price of admission. The 355 chassis is so competent and well balanced, it explodes from the apex with an athletic poise that will make you gasp. A 355 can outperform many of Ferrari's own 12 cylinder machines. At Ferrari's own Fiorana test track a F355 Berlinetta lapped a full three seconds quicker than Ferrari's bigger and more costly 12 cylinder 512TR Testarossa. Is it any wonder that Ferrari's President Luca di Montezomolo keeps a Ferrari 355 Spider as his daily driver? |
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| Ferrari 355 F1 Spider Performance |
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| Ferrari Factory | Road & Track | Car & Driver | |
| 0 - 60 mph | 4.6 seconds | 4.8 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| 1/4 mile | 13 sec@112 mph | 13.3 sec@ 110.3 mph | 13.3 sec@ 108 mph |
| Top Speed | 295 kph | 290 kph | |
| Skid pad | ---- | 0.98g | 0.97g |
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