Design emphasis for the F355 was placed on significantly improved performance, as well as drivability across a wider range of speeds and in different environments (such as low-speed city traffic).

Engine internals are produced using lightweight materials; the connecting rods are forged in Ti6-Al-4V titanium alloy.

[2][6] The F355 was the last in the series of mid-engine Ferrari models with the Flying Buttress rear window, a lineage going back to the 1965 Dino 206 GT, unveiled at the Paris Auto Show.

Derived directly from Formula 1, where it made its debut in 1989 resulting in a win at the Brazilian Grand Prix, the electro-hydraulic system was operated by paddles behind the steering wheel using the F355's conventional 6-speed manual gearbox.

The new transmission guaranteed faster gear changes, with the additional advantage that both of the driver's hands could stay on the wheel at all times.

[3] Ferrari produced 4,871 road-going Berlinetta models during the entire production run, of which 3,829 were equipped with the 6-speed manual and 1,042 with F1 transmissions.

The F355 Spider debuted in 1995, its Pininfarina-penned lines honed by 1,800 hours[7] in the wind tunnel, resulted in a blend of elegant style and aerodynamic performance.

The GTS model was based on the Berlinetta but offered a removable "targa-style" hardtop roof, which could be stored behind the seats.

The kit initially was more substantial than the 348 Challenge and the engine, gearbox, and shock-absorbers were sealed with special tags to prevent unauthorized modifications.

The kit included the following components/modifications:[9] The F355 Challenge shares the same engine and physical dimensions as the standard F355 Berlinetta.

Launched in March 1999, this limited production run of 100 planned units (104 actually produced) included a number of enhancements increasing the track performance much closer to the Challenge versions:[10] There were 100 Serie Fiorano units delivered to the U.S. market, 74 with the F1 paddle-shift transmission and 26 with the 6-speed manual.

[citation needed] Although not a limited edition model a "Fiorano Handling Pack" was offered as a track focused factory option upgrade to the F355 & 355 F1 in Europe to road cars built in the final year of production - these featured upgrades straight from the Challenge Evo parts bin.

The Fiorano Handling Pack (FHP) included – Quick steering rack & pump, lowered ride height, uprated springs, wider track, thicker anti-roll bars, Challenge EVO suspension ECU and upgraded brake pads with red callipers and drilled discs specifically for the road car.

In November 2009, Ferrari recalled about 2,400 1995–99 355s and 355F1s in the United States because of improperly placed screw clamps that could damage the fuel-supply pipes and allow fuel to leak into the engine compartment.