Ferrari F355 Structure

The F355 Berlinetta, GTS and Spider were all formed of aluminum and steel, with composites employed where appropriate. Body parts were welded to the chassis for strength and rigidity. The removable roof of the F355GTS was made of composites. The electronically-controlled roof of the F355 Spider was a synthesis of various rich fabrics formulated to seal the occupants from the outside world. The Spider's roof mechanism coordinated the soft-top movements with those of seats and side windows for optimum function.

The Ferrari F355 employed a stress-bearing frame of welded, variable section steel tubes plus a tubular sub-frame that carries the engine and suspension assemblies. The layout adopted the racing format of a central stress-bearing shell to which the engine assembly and suspension were attached. The monocoque construction technology also involved the use of sophisticated laser welding techniques for the double-thickness sheet steel. This means that torsional and bending rigidity were enhanced while weight was significantly reduced.