Retrofit: Peak Evoluto massacres the Ferrari F355

Now 30 years old, the legendary Ferrari F355 is being remastered by the tuner Evoluto. Sacrilege?

Should a Ferrari, designed by Pininfarina in the early 1990s, be stylistically revised by a bunch of tuning enthusiasts? The debate is vast, even endless, as Peak Evoluto is not inventing anything. Mansory, Novitec, Koenig, there are many names among tuners.

We are being harsh because the disappointment is great, but this “remastered” (according to the culprits) Ferrari F355 has been redesigned by Ian Callum, a big name in automotive design. But that doesn’t grant a privilege. It’s even worse: a great designer should know to keep away from such sacrilege. Who is Ian Callum compared to Pininfarina? Who could name a creation by the English designer?

In absolute terms, modernizing and making reliable a Ferrari that’s 30 years old is not reprehensible if it allows it to cover many more kilometers. But here, the scope of modification is very broad: full carbon body, mechanical components, interior interaction. Are we still dealing with a Ferrari F355?

The 355 Evoluto retains the atmospheric V8, but the power rises from 380 to 420 horsepower at the unchanged 8500 rpm. Peak Evoluto boasts having modified 200 elements of the engine to extract more performance and reliability said to be “21st century.” What’s the point? The infamy extends to writing: “Evoluto® paid special attention to the acoustic and performance attributes of an all-new lightweight titanium sport exhaust system. The equal-length headers enhance performance by ensuring that the exhaust gases from each cylinder reach the collector at regular intervals, improving exhaust flow and reducing back pressure. This results in a more consistent cylinder pressure, balanced power, and better engine breathing. The result is an increase in power and torque, especially at higher revs, as well as an optimized emotional acoustic profile.” An optimized emotional acoustic profile… How ridiculous! For anyone who has ever heard the 3.5-liter V8 of the Ferrari F355, changing its sound is frankly stupid.

The ‘Beauf’ Ferrari!

The chassis is stiffened by 23% by adding carbon reinforcements. From then on, the road feel is different, the flavor too. With its carbon attire in particular, the targeted weight gain is 100 kg, thus establishing itself at 1250 kg empty. Transmission, gearbox, braking (Brembo with 6 and 4 pistons), everything is revisited. Inside, materials are changed, as is the ambiance.

Ultimately, this Peak Evoluto 355 is aimed at ‘beaufs’ seeking existence and notoriety. 55 copies are planned. Let’s hope they don’t all see the light of day…

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