Ferrari 400 i 

1979 to 1985
Overview
Production	1979–1985 422 (GT) & 883 (A) produced
Powertrain
Engine	4.8 L F 101 D V12
Transmission	5-speed manual 3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,700 mm (106.3 in)
Length	4,810 mm (189 in)
Width	1,798 mm (70.8 in)
Height	1,314 mm (51.7 in)
Curb weight	1,830 kg (4,034 lb) (empty)

The carburetors on the 400 were replaced with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection in 1979. As in the smaller 308i, power was down to 310 PS (228 kW), but emissions were much improved, complying with U.S. standards. Top speed was 240 km/h (149 mph). Initially differences between the 400 and 400 i were limited to the fuel injected engine and "i" badge on the tail.

Towards the end of 1982 the 400i was updated. New camshaft profiles and exhaust headers raised engine power to 315 PS (232 kW). The interior was significantly revised, gaining differently upholstery, door panels, centre console and new electronic switchgear. On the exterior a narrower grille left the rectangular foglights exposed; the venting on the engine bonnet was changed from silver to body-colour. New, more elegant wing mirrors were fitted, bearing a small Ferrari shield. Around the back the tail panel was body-coloured instead of matte black, and foglamps were fitted in the bumper. Lower profile Michelin TRX tyres were adopted, on metric sized wheels. A total of 1305 examples were produced, 883 Automatics and 422 GTs.

 

Legacy

Today, its sleek, Pininfarina-designed lines and relatively limited production numbers have made many enthusiasts consider it a classic. It has not been universally admired however, and is listed at #18 in the BBC's book of "Crap Cars" and Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear described it as "awful in every way". However, there have been many other favorable articles about the 400 series in the motoring press, including one by the highly respected UK motoring journalist L.J.K. Setright in CAR magazine in August 1984, in which the author described it as "one of the few most beautiful, and one of the two most elegant, bodies ever to leave the lead of Pininfarina's pencilling vision".