The transaxle layout maintained the GT’s near ideal weight distribution, and an innovative torque converter ensured virtually identical acceleration and top speed to the manual version. This 2+2 Coupé 2+2 continued the great Ferrari Grand Tourer tradition. Penned by the legendary Pininfarina, the 456 GTA was an entirely original design whose sleek forms were shaped around its front engine and rear-mounted gearbox-differential assembly.

The 456 GTA combined benchmark 2+2 performance with the kind of comfort and liveability expected by Ferrari clients looking for a very versatile sports car. Particular attention was lavished on its aerodynamics to ensure maximum efficiency in all kinds of conditions. A retractable wing integrated into the rear bumper changed angle as speed changed.
The 456 GTA had an aluminium and feran bodyshell with composite engine bay and retractable headlamp covers with honeycomb insert.
The Connolly leather-trimmed cabin had four seats. The driver position included seat and steering wheel controls as well as climate control and stereo buttons. A five-piece bespoke luggage set fitted neatly into the boot.

The 456 GTA had a tubular steel spaceframe chassis. It featured independent suspension on all four wheels with coil springs and telescopic dampers front and rear with three calibration settings that could be selected manually. There were both front and rear stabiliser bars too. The steering was rack and pinion (Servotronic) while the ventilated disc brakes had the ATE mark IV 4-channels ABS system.
The longitudinal front-mounted 65° 5,474 cc V12 punched out 442 hp. The four valves per cylinder were controlled by twin overhead cams. It also featured Bosch Motronic 2.7 engine management and dry sump lubrication. The car had a four-speed (plus reverse) automatic gearbox in unit with the rear-mounted self-locking differential (transaxle).