Part of a long line of elegant 2+2 V12 Ferraris, the 456 was the first modern V12 Ferrari. When it appeared, it was exceptionally sophisticated in terms of both its technology and its performance. With a new V12 engine, it was Ferrari’s most powerful roadgoing V12 produced to date, and was paired for the first time with a 6-speed gearbox which was mounted at the rear, making it the first transaxle 2+2 Ferrari, a configuration previously reserved for Ferrari’s two seat cars. With its 192 mph top speed, the 456 was the fastest 4-seat car available new at the time, and was only marginally slower than the 195 mph 512TR that was simultaneously available. The car genuinely represented a quantum leap forward. Midway through the 456’s life it was updated to create the 456M (for modificata), which employed a new front fascia including carbon fiber hood, revised engine, and updated interior to modernize the styling in a fashion more consistent with the interior of the 550.