For many petrolheads, the F355 is peak Ferrari, with just enough modernity to compete with modern-day sports cars, but retaining much of that old-school analogue nature that is amiss with a lot of today’s performance machines. Alas, most F355 examples are on the weary side, given that earlier examples are nearing 30 years old now. On the bright side, there are many new restomods based on the F355, and one such example is the new ‘355 by Evoluto’, with just 55 bespoke examples to be made. In my opinion, it’s a pretty faithful homage to the original car, without going too far and losing much of what we love with the original F355, like its engine.
With a lot of careful fine-tuning by the folks at Evoluto Automobili, the F355’s old powertrain now includes 200 new components, with a strong emphasis on improved reliability and much more explosive throttle response. The result is a delightful 420hp naturally-aspirated V8 that revs all the way up to an ear-piercing 8,500RPM. Some of the changes made include a whole new engine management system, with Evoluto’s bespoke mapping and coil-on-plug ignition, both of which entail better fuel economy and more responsiveness. Additionally, you’ll get a proprietary quill shaft that was made to reduce vibrations and improve power transfer.
A Heart Transplant For A Prancing Horse
Some other updates to help modernise the F355’s 30-year-old V8 engine include a new CNC ported head. Thanks to their larger inlet valves, they offer much better airflow and combustion efficiency. Aside from that, the ‘355 by Evoluto’ comes with a unique exhaust system, which doesn’t just sound good, but these lightweight titanium pipes and those equal-length headers result in a more balanced power output. Last but not least, the other noteworthy upgrade is the inclusion of solid cam lifters and bespoke camshafts, ones that provide better power and stability at higher RPMs. Evoluto has, of course, done more than just re-tune the engine.
That marvel of a V8 engine is now housed within a carbon-infused chassis, resulting in a 23% improvement in torsional stiffness, aiding in minimising body flex. Altogether, you could expect the ‘355 by Evoluto’ to offer a more composed and agile ride, and a bit more sharpness when compared to the original. This should go well with the reworked gearbox and new electronics, which ought to (hopefully) be way more reliable and more performant. Besides that, Evoluto will throw in a set of Brembo GT brakes to yield more consistent stopping power. Or, you can also choose a set of carbon CCMR brakes, particularly if you want to track your new F355.
What Is Old Has Become New Once Again
Despite all these additions and modern creature comforts, the ‘355 by Evoluto’ still remains a lightweight machine, tipping the scales at just 1,250kg. This is thanks to Evoluto’s use of a lot of carbon fibre componentry, as well as some custom 19-inch forged alloys. Speaking of, they are then wrapped with a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, offering you a nice mix of top-notch traction and power-sliding playfulness. Although most of the F355’s exterior design remains the same, which is the right thing to do, Evoluto has commissioned the one and only, Ian Callum, a renowned automotive designer in his own right, to make a few neat changes.
For starters, the bodywork boasts a select few carbon fibre panels, which don’t just help with reducing weight, but it give Evoluto the chance to give the old F355 a more muscular stance. Meanwhile, step inside the new ‘355 by Evoluto’, and you’ll find a lovely mixture of old-school, analogue trim pieces, as well as modernised, state-of-the-art technology. For the lucky few who’ll be able to afford one, Evoluto will no doubt offer pretty much limitless amounts of personalised, custom touches, so you can spec your ‘355 by Evoluto’ to be a truly unique, one-of-one machine. Prices start from the £690,000 range, but they can only higher from there.
