Ferrari 456 GT & GTA Structure

While debuting new styles for a Pininfarina-designed 2+2 coupe, the 456 GT and GTA bodywork was of conventional structure. The light aluminum alloy panels were Feran spot-welded to a structurally optimized tubular steel chassis, guaranteeing structural integrity. Feran is a steel foil chemically treated in a way that differentiates between the two faces, enabling one side to mate with the steel of the chassis, and the other with the aluminum of the body.

The hood and the retractable headlamp covers were of a sophisticated material that guaranteed rigidity and comprised a sandwich of two composite skins with a honeycomb layer. The door windows, flush with the body, were equipped with a device to lower them automatically during the opening and closing of the door improving perimeter sealing. The fixed sides were co-molded with a matching profile. The aluminum sill covers incorporated air outlet grilles for the engine compartment, and two more air outlets were carved in the engine hood.