Why no 1996 456s? | FerrariChat
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Why no 1996 456s?

Discussion in '456/550/575' started by asgor, May 26, 2017.

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  1. asgor

    asgor Formula Junior

    Sep 8, 2016
    714
    Virginia, USA
    #1 asgor, May 26, 2017
    It is my understanding that 456s were first imported in this country in 1995. Then, in 1998 the Modificata (456M) replaced the original model introducing the well-known modifications to both body (many) and internals (few).

    So the original 456 model was sold here in 1995, 1996, and 1997. However I have never seen a 1996 456 for sale in the USA: only 1995 and 1997. Do you happen to know why?

    Inquisitive minds need to know ;-)
     
  2. greyboxer

    greyboxer F1 World Champ

    Dec 8, 2004
    12,652
    South East
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    Jimmie
    #2 greyboxer, May 26, 2017
  3. asgor

    asgor Formula Junior

    Sep 8, 2016
    714
    Virginia, USA
    #3 asgor, May 26, 2017
    Last edited: May 26, 2017
    Touché!

    But still, were no 1996 456 models imported in the US because of soft demand? Too many unsold 1995 cars? Other reasons? Surely the OBDII issue would not have prevented that year's model to be sold, as it seems it only involved a "recall" of sorts.
     
  4. cls

    cls Formula 3

    Jun 12, 2007
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    Los Angeles/Montreal
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    Chris
    #4 cls, May 26, 2017
    I do believe that's been the consensus. I.e. there was no 1996 because Ferrari had too many problems with the 456 and decided to re-work some things, but it's also possible (especially in that era) that they were having trouble meeting government(s) requirements. I wish they hadn't changed the hood on the M though. I think it's a beautiful and aggressive looking feature.
     
  5. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
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    Brian Crall
    #5 Rifledriver, May 26, 2017
    Not at all. The recall involved making the data available to any reader by a minor modification to the wiring. The point was 95 was not OBD 2 compliant in any way and the 97 was. It required a complete change of engine management system. Ferrari is such a small customer to Bosch they are not high on the list of priorities for them. It is the same reason the 512 TR was delayed for a year, availability of Bosch components.
     
  6. asgor

    asgor Formula Junior

    Sep 8, 2016
    714
    Virginia, USA
    #6 asgor, May 26, 2017
    ahhhh, hence the 2.7 -> 5.2 engine management system found in the 1997 456 models. I see.
     
  7. Mo34t

    Mo34t Rookie

    Feb 2, 2015
    11
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    Ralf Steinkuehler
    #7 Mo34t, Jun 15, 2017
    Another reason might be that production and assembly of 456 bodies was shifted from Pininfarina to Ferrari/Scaglietti at some point in 1995/1996, causing an interruption in production. The early cars made at the Pininfarina factory can be identified by the Pininfarina badge ("f" emblem) in addition to the "pininfarina" script. Newer cars only carry the pininfarina script - without the emblem.
     
  8. tazandjan

    tazandjan Three Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jul 19, 2008
    39,097
    Clarksville, Tennessee
    Full Name:
    Terry H Phillips
    #8 tazandjan, Jun 15, 2017
    No, it was driven by the EPA mandate for OBDII on 1 January 1996. Rest of world CY 1996 456s exist (no model year) and were still being sold. Ferrari introduced the GTA model with the 1997 MY in the States, so between shifting from 2.7 to 5.2 for EPA and the GTA, there was a delay getting them here. They actually came out mid-1996 as 1997 models. Just like Brian said.
     

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