REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

A Masterpiece on Wheels

If they could come back, do you think that Da Vinci, Picasso and Gaugin would redo their works of art? Never, you might say, and no doubt you’re right. You never rework a masterpiece for fear of robbing it of its magic. Yet the Pininfarina team, which gave shape and colour to several generations of Ferrari models, has been successful in revising one of its many milestone accomplishments: the 456.

The operation began by dropping the GT suffix and replacing it with the letter M (for Modificata) and continued with the removal of the vents that used mark the hood (now made of carbon fiber) and the addition of two fog lamps to the grille. And the 456’s insides are equally attractive, believe me.Pininfarina, Ferrari’s official styling genius, deserves a medal for his 456M. A sublime work of art on four wheels catches attention from all sides even before it has the chance to show its real prowess out on the road. All those who dare to claim that the 456M doesn’t send shivers up their spines, raise your hands! This model is just as magnificent on the inside, although it seems to bask in the nostalgia reminiscent of the 1960s, as witnessed by its circular air vents.

This 2+2 coupe has four leather bucket seats; in the front, they have been redesigned to offer more comfort but travelling in the rear isn’t a very pleasant prospect. To maintain the proper weight distribution on the 456M with automatic transmission (weight distribution has gone from 51/49 to 49/51), Ferrari has mounted the gearbox/differential duo on the rear end. However wise this decision may have been, it does cut down on trunk volume.Ferrari freaks will be outraged by the decision to replace the 456’s V12 with an automatic transmission, but the truth is that 90% of the 456s sold in North America have one. All we can do is deplore the fact that the automatic transmission doesn’t show as much refinement as everything else on this car does. First of all, it has only four speeds but worse, it blocks the engine at 6,750 rpm, while the manual transmission gives it free rein up to 7,200 rpm. In contrast, it’s best appreciated in bottleneck traffic and is much better than the six-speed transmission, whose clutch is a real challenge if you don’t have a foot and leg of steel.

This being said, remember that the 456M is not for the weak- hearted. Its acceleration power can put your heart in your mouth, its pickup is terrifying and its top speed will leave you gasping for breath. However, it still has a friendly personality and unlike other products of the same make, you can take it on long outings without the fear that driving it will wear you down and out. This is true because of an even more sufficient suspension, with variable-travel shock absorbers that offer more adjustment possibilities.

Automatic level control also ensures that your (small) rear- seat passenger don’t throw off the car’s balance. Lastly, and this is good news, the 456M has inherited the traction control system that used to be available exclusively on the 550 Maranello.

Obedient and well-mannered, the 456M doesn’t mind if you drive with running shoes or comfy Gucci loafers on, it can accommodate every driving style and every mood!

PROS
Exquisite styling
Constantly better finishing
Civilized ride

CONS
Automatic transmission limitations
Astronomical price
Incredible repair costs