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The 1989 introduction of the Ferrari
348 was the most eagerly anticipated automotive debut of the
year. It marked the end of an era for Ferrari as the 348
replaced the most successful and influential two-seat road car
ever produced in Italy: the Ferrari 308/328. Happily, the 348
began a new era for Ferrari road cars, bridging the gap between
the original three liter V8 cars and the F355, probably the
finest sports car ever produced. In its time, the 348 laid claim
to that title with equal authority.
The 348 was not simply a freshened 328, it was an entirely
new car in every sense, except its sense of fun. The exterior
styling was a radical departure, though it provided a strong
visual connection to its contemporaries, the Ferrari Testarossa
and F40.
The chassis of the 348 was most distinct in its advancement,
heralding a new epoch at Ferrari. The interior styling provided
a subtle but firm departure from previous Ferrari V8s. The
engine and drivetrain were thoroughly new, providing enough
power and finesse to impel the new eight cylinder sports car to
the status of "supercar". Though Ferrari's price
leader, the 348 was able to outperform almost any vehicle other
than its more expensive brethren from Ferrari.
The 348's 3.4 liter engine, combined with the Berlinetta's
3258lb dry curb weight (3269lbs for the targa-top, 3207lbs for
the Spider) could propel the car to 60mph in about 5.5 seconds
and on to a top speed of about 170mph. This places the 348
firmly in supercar territory, the complete package of speed and
beauty belying the car's price. More important to owners, the
348's ability and reliability belie its exoticism. It is
difficult for a car to make a niche for itself when it replaces
a legend, but the 348 accomplished the feat and became a high
seller for a Ferrari though it was mostly produced during a
depressed sports and exotic car market. |
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Years Made: |
Number Made: |
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348 tb |
1989-1993 |
2895 |
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| 348 ts |
1989-1993 |
4230 |
| 348 Challenge |
1992-1995 |
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| 348 Serie Speciale |
1993 |
100 |
| 348 Spider |
1993-1995 |
1090 |
| 348 GT Competizione |
1993-1994 |
50 |
| 348 GTB |
1993-1995 |
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| 348 GTS |
1993-1995 |
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| Dimensions
& Weight |
TB/TS/GTB/GTS |
Spider |
Serie
Speciale |
| Length |
166.5 in |
166.5 in |
166.5 in |
| Width |
74.6 in |
74.6 in |
74.6 in |
| Height |
46.1 in |
46.1 in |
46.1 in |
| Wheelbase |
96.4 in |
96.4 in |
96.4 in |
| Front track |
59.1 in |
59.1 in |
59.1 in |
| Rear track |
62.1 in |
62.1 in |
64.1in |
| Weight (Dry) |
tb/GTB: 3258 lbs
ts/GTS: 3269 lbs |
3207 lbs |
GTB: 3240 lbs
GTS: 3251 lbs |
| Wheels front |
7.5J X 17 |
7.5J X 17 |
7.5J X 17 |
| Wheels rear |
9J X 17 |
9J X 17 |
9J X 17 |
| Tyres front |
215/50 ZR 17 |
215/50 ZR 17 |
215/50 ZR 17 |
| Tyres rear |
255/50 ZR 17 |
255/50 ZR 17 |
255/50 ZR 17 |
| Engine |
TB/TS/GTB/GTS |
Spider |
Serie
Speciale |
| Engine Type |
90° Alloy V8 mounted
longitudinally rear amidship |
90° Alloy V8 mounted
longitudinally rear amidship |
90° Alloy V8 mounted
longitudinally rear amidship |
| Displacement |
3405cc |
3405cc |
3405cc |
| Bore & Stroke |
85mm X 75mm |
85mm X 75mm |
85mm X 75mm |
| Compression |
10.4:1 |
10.4:1 |
10.4:1 |
| Valvetrain |
Dual Overhead Camshafts |
Dual Overhead Camshafts |
Dual Overhead Camshafts |
| |
Four Valves per Cylinder |
Four Valves per Cylinder |
Four Valves per Cylinder |
| Fuel Delivery |
Fuel Injection |
Fuel Injection |
Fuel Injection |
| Fuel Metering System |
Bosch Motronic 2.5 or
Motronic 2.7 |
Bosch Motronic 2.5 or
Motronic 2.7 |
Bosch Motronic 2.5 or
Motronic 2.7 |
| Ignition System |
Bosch Motronic |
Bosch Motronic |
Bosch Motronic |
| Maximum Power |
300 bhp @ 7200rpm |
300 bhp @ 7200rpm |
312 bhp @ 7200rpm |
| Maximum Torque |
237 lb-ft @ 4200rpm |
237 lb-ft @ 4200rpm |
237 lb-ft @ 4200rpm |
| Specific Output |
88 bhp / liter |
88 bhp / liter |
92 bhp / liter |
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