The Ferrari F355 Spider - F1 (convertible), along with its Berlinetta - F1 (couple) and GTS - F1 (semi-convertible) siblings, were the first-ever road cars to be equipped with the innovative Formula 1-style gearbox operated by paddles behind the steering wheel, using the F355's conventional 6-speed manual gearbox. The new transmission guaranteed faster gear changes, with the additional advantage that both of the driver's hands could stay on the wheel at all times. It was powered by the same engine found in the other F355 variants, a 3.5 liter V8, capable of 375 hp. Between 1998 and 1999, Ferrari produced 1,053 Spiders with the F1 transmission, The F355 Spider - F1 direct successor was the Ferrari 360 Spider - F1 in 1999.