‘Peak analog’ 355 restomod break cover

Here’s one that makes us all feel old: The Ferrari F355 is classic enough to be considered ripe for a rebuild. It’s not just old Porsches, Fords, MGs and Alfas that have been redesigned for the 21st century – now the junior supercars from the 90s are getting the upper hand. But after the initial surprise, it’s easy to see why the old V8 might appeal to companies like Evoluto Automobili for a bit of optimization.

The first is that 40 valve engine, obviously one of the best sounding internal combustion engines of all time and paired with an open gate manual for quite a lot of 355s (as it was on sale in the really early days of paddle shift manuals). ). There’s probably no better time to celebrate one of Ferrari’s finest berlinettas, launched 30 years ago this year and last built 25 years ago. As a very heavy modification of the 348, the 355 is relatively simple by modern standards and will undoubtedly benefit significantly from updated tire, brake and suspension technology. Let’s not forget the target market either: those millennials who grew up lusting after the F355 once Lord Clarkson called it the best car of all time, the GTS stole the show at the start of Goldeneye, and SEGA created the F355 Challenge game are now just right. the kind of people who might aspire to build an Evoluto. At least the rich ones.

The design is described as “faithful to the original ethos of the iconic Italian supercar,” which would mean that this 355 doesn’t differ significantly from the original (images were only made available after this story was written). There have been comments from Callum Designs who were involved with the R-Reforged Vanquish, so it might be worth checking out what kind of upgrade to expect. But don’t worry, the pop-up lights remain, they now use LEDs including daytime running lights. There’s a new front end for improved cooling, bigger wheels and a “more muscular stance that conveys the power that lies beneath,” though everything so far points to the Evoluto being recognizably a 355. Yuck.

However, in the best restyled fashion, there’s a lot more to this car than meets the eye. Most notably, the donor chassis benefits from a substantial 23 percent increase in torsional stiffness thanks to carbon fusion, stiffening of fixed points and reduced flex. The body panels are now also carbon fibre, which should reduce the weight to 1250kg. The all-new electronic architecture, designed in-house by Evoluto, aims to improve the reliability and performance of all the car’s systems. It’s also said to be easier to maintain than stock, which is sure to be welcome news to anyone stuck in vintage Italian electrics. Paying attention to less sexy things like wiring is also an encouraging sign of project thoroughness.

There’s a lot of hot stuff in this 355, but rest assured. Evoluto’s focus is on what it calls “the ultimate analogue driving experience”, which means the six-speed manual transmission is more tactile than ever, upgrading the brake discs, piping and fluid with a Brembo kit (and offering a ceramic variant for the very dedicated). , plus the fitment of road-focused Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires that allow “the ability to break traction and explore the dynamics of the redesigned chassis in skid-friendly environments.” A noble effort if ever there was one. There’s not much information yet on the suspension, just a note that it’s been tuned for “improved handling and stability,” though some high-end aftermarket hardware seems likely.

Similarly, there isn’t much information yet about the interior of the Evoluto 355, other than the usual restomod promises of everything being custom made and surrounded by beautiful materials. It will probably have CarPlay, things like that. Nice stuff to spend that money on, sure, but certainly not the main reason to sink a small fortune on a reworked 1990s Ferrari. That’s what the engine is for…

While retaining the same 3.5 liter displacement, the flat V8 now boasts 420bhp (up from 380bhp) thanks to over 200 new or reworked engine bits. So there’s coil-on-plug ignition for better timing and efficiency (plus “explosive” throttle response), a CNC ported head, larger intake valves, solid cam lifters, a new intake cam, and an Evoluto quill upgrade that ties the engine together. into the gearbox, which promises less vibration and better reliability. Particular attention has also been paid to the exhaust, which is good to hear given the 355’s reputation as one of the best-sounding Ferrari V8s ever. The titanium system boasts equally long headers that reduce back pressure and increase flow, with Evoluto promising “increased power and torque, especially at higher revs, along with optimized engine tuning and an emotional acoustic profile.” So it won’t sound scary.

Evoluto will only build 55 of these amazing things, with the car on display at the Festival of Speed ​​this weekend and set to make its US debut at Monterey. Price? As with most builds like this, it will depend on individual specs, but expect a lot. A good donor F355 will cost at least £90k and carbon panels don’t come cheap. No forged wheels, no Callum Designs expertise or ceramic brakes. But the potential for something amazing with the 355 by Evoluto is clear to see. Let’s hope the reality is up to par.