🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ferrari

Model:

456

Model Designation:

456 GT / 456 M GT

Generation:

First Generation (456 GT) / Second Generation (456 M GT)

Chassis Code:

F116 (456 GT), F116/B (456 M GT)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

A front-engine, V12 grand tourer, positioned as a luxurious and high-performance coupe with a 2+2 seating configuration, designed to compete with other elite GT cars of its era.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed with vehicles like the Aston Martin DB7, Bentley Continental R, and Mercedes-Benz SL variants, offering a blend of exotic styling, powerful performance, and sophisticated comfort.

Key Features:

Naturally aspirated V12 engine, rear-wheel drive, Pininfarina styling, luxurious interior appointments, advanced (for its time) electronic aids, and a focus on high-speed touring comfort.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

General Information, Specifications, Technical Features and Description, Rigging Information, Troubleshooting, Electrical System, Fuel System, Power Unit, Lower Unit, Bracket Unit, Maintenance, Index, Appendix

Page Count:

Not specified in product information, but described as 'a lot of information' and 'very easy to use' implying comprehensive coverage.

Manual Type:

Service Repair Factory Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine (including V12 power unit), Fuel System, Electrical System (including wiring diagrams), Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Transmission (manual and automatic variants), Drivetrain, Suspension (front and rear), Steering System, Braking System (including ABS), Climate Control System, Bodywork and Chassis, Interior Trim and Upholstery, On-Board Diagnostics.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, scheduled servicing, detailed repair procedures for all major systems, troubleshooting guides, diagnostic procedures, component removal and installation, torque specifications, fluid capacities and types, electrical system diagnostics, wiring harness repair, bodywork repair, suspension alignment, brake system bleeding and service.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance tasks to in-depth diagnostic and repair procedures suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts. The description highlights 'step by step in details' for self-repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

Digital (Zoomable on computer). Quality is dependent on the source scan, but described as clear for viewing part numbers and procedures.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V12

Engine Code:

F116 E

Displacement:

5.5 Liters (5474 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

82 mm x 87 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Horsepower:

438 hp (322 kW) @ 6300 rpm

Torque:

385 lb-ft (522 Nm) @ 4500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic M2.7.2 (456 GT), Bosch Motronic M5.2 (456 M GT)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)

Valvetrain:

DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Engine Mounting:

Front-engine, longitudinally mounted

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed Manual (standard on 456 GT), 4-speed Automatic (optional on 456 GT, standard on 456 M GT)

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic (Flavia Transmission for 456 GT)

Clutch:

Dual dry-plate clutch (manual transmission)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (Refer to manual for specific Ferrari part number)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III or equivalent (Refer to manual for specific Ferrari part number)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4730 mm (186.2 in)

Width:

1920 mm (75.6 in)

Height:

1300 mm (51.2 in)

Wheelbase:

2600 mm (102.4 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1770 kg (3894 lbs) (Manual), Approx. 1790 kg (3946 lbs) (Automatic)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not specified, but typical for a GT in this class.

Trunk Volume:

240 Liters (8.5 cu ft) (estimated)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

No official published crash test ratings due to its low production volume and exclusivity, as per industry practice for such vehicles.

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS - on some models).

Passive Features:

Driver and front passenger airbags, crumple zones, reinforced chassis structure, 3-point seatbelts.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic, often featuring a Ferrari branded radio/cassette player with CD changer input. Some later models may have had aftermarket upgrades.

Driver Assistance Features:

ABS, Traction Control (on some models).

Connectivity Features:

Limited to basic audio inputs. No factory navigation or modern connectivity features available on original models.

🔧 Maintenance

Minor Service Interval:

12,500 miles or 1 year (whichever comes first) - typically oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks.

Major Service Interval:

25,000 miles or 2 years - includes timing belt replacement, spark plug replacement, and comprehensive system checks.

Engine Oil:

Synthetic SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 (API SG/SH or ACEA A2-96/A3-98) - Refer to manual for specific Ferrari Approved oil.

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to manual for specific Ferrari approved coolant.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 (low viscosity) - Refer to manual for specific Ferrari recommendation.

Power Steering Fluid:

Hydraulic fluid or ATF (refer to manual for exact specification and part number).

Known Issues:

Timing belt tensioner wear, early clutch wear (especially for aggressive drivers), potential for catalytic converter failure, electrical component degradation (e.g., window regulators, seat motors), aging rubber hoses and seals, gearbox synchromesh issues (manual transmission).

Timing Belt Kit:

Refer to manual for specific Ferrari part number (crucial for correct fitment and tension).

Oil Filter:

Refer to manual for specific Ferrari part number (e.g., 110465).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Ferrari, established in 1939 by Enzo Ferrari, has a legendary history in motorsport and road car production, synonymous with performance, luxury, and Italian design.

Model Evolution:

The 456 GT was introduced in 1992 as the successor to the 412. It was updated in 1998 as the 456 M GT (Modificata), featuring styling and mechanical refinements. Production concluded in 2003, succeeded by the 612 Scaglietti.

Production Years:

1992-2003

Production Volume:

Approximately 3,289 units (combined 456 GT and 456 M GT).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While specific awards are not widely publicized for the 456, it was critically acclaimed for its performance, styling, and comfort by automotive journalists upon its release, solidifying Ferrari's reputation for luxury GT cars.

Ratings:

Consistently praised in period reviews for its exceptional V12 engine and Grand Touring capabilities.