In technical terms, the F355 Berlinetta was a big step ahead of these earlier cars. It was mechanically based on the 348, but the engine was heavily modified. The new innovative V8 engine with a ventilator per cylinder, whose displacement increased from 3.4 to 3.5 litres, had the highest specific horsepower per litre of any naturally aspirated engine (power increased to 380 bhp compared to the 348's 300 bhp). It featured titanium connecting rods from F1, as well as lightweight forged alloy pistons, a flat crank and dry sump lubrication. Maximum revs were a brisk 8500 rpm, and the engine's innovative design with five valves per cylinder improved intake. It was by far the best V8 engine Ferrari had built up to that point. And the most melodic too.
