The 156/85 was Ferrari's Formula 1 car for the 1985 season. The name is easy to decode: 15 stands for 1.5 liters of displacement, 6 for the turbo V6, and /85 for the year. From its predecessor, the 126 C4, it carried over the chassis, monocoque (now reinforced with boron fibers), and suspension, while the engine and aerodynamics were completely overhauled. The drivers were Michele Alboreto and René Arnoux, who was replaced from the second race by Stefan Johansson after a falling-out with Enzo Ferrari. With two victories and 82 points, Ferrari finished second in the Constructors' Championship, just as it had the previous year.
Summarized from the sources cited below; every figure in the text was automatically verified against the sources.
Learn moreAerodynamics · The turbo V6 · From front-runner to reliability plagued
Aerodynamics
New was the body contour dubbed the "Coke bottle," which improved airflow around the car, particularly around the rear wheels. The new sidepods aided the heat exchangers as well as the water and oil coolers. In addition, there was a large rear diffuser into which the exhaust tailpipes were integrated as Venturi nozzles, allowing shorter and lighter exhaust systems to be used.
The turbo V6
The Tipo 031/2 produced around 750 bhp during the 1985 season. Compared to the 126C4, the exhaust systems were now located outside the vee, as were the two turbochargers, one per cylinder bank. Consequently, the intake plenums sat inside the vee. The Italian data table differs, listing 780 PS at 11,000 rpm and around 900 PS in qualifying trim; fuel capacity was 220 liters.
From front-runner to reliability plagued
Initially, the 156/85 was fast and reliable, boasted plenty of mechanical grip, and finished second in Monaco. From the Dutch Grand Prix onward, performance dropped alarmingly, turbochargers caused Ferrari headaches, and the drivers qualified only in the lower midfield. Alboreto retired from four of the final five races, while Johansson took two fifth-place finishes and one fourth.
Summarized from the cited sources; every figure was automatically verified against the sources.
Frequently asked questions about the Ferrari 156/85
When was the Ferrari 156/85 raced?
The Ferrari 156/85 was raced in 1985.
How much power does the Ferrari 156/85 have?
Power of the Ferrari 156/85: 750 hp at 12'000 /min.
What engine does the Ferrari 156/85 have?
Engine of the Ferrari 156/85: 1496 cm³ 120° V6 turbo Ferrari Tipo 031/2. It sits behind the seats as a mid-engine.
How fast is the Ferrari 156/85?
Top speed of the Ferrari 156/85: 330 km/h.
Who engineered the Ferrari 156/85?
Engineering of the Ferrari 156/85: Harvey Postlethwaite (Technical Director); Jean-Claude Migeot (Chief Designer); Ildo Renzetti (Chief Designer).
Who drove the Ferrari 156/85?
Drivers of the Ferrari 156/85: Michele Alboreto, René Arnoux, Stefan Johansson.
How many races did the Ferrari 156/85 win?
The Ferrari 156/85 took 2 wins in 16 races.
What are the predecessor and successor of the Ferrari 156/85?
Predecessor: 126C4. Successor: F1/86.
