Ferrari 348

The Ferrari 348 is a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive V8-powered 2-seat sports car by Ferrari S.p.A., replacing the 328 in 1989 and continuing until 1995.
The 348, badged 348 tb for the coupé and 348 ts for the targa versions, features a normally aspirated 3.4-litre version of the quad-cam, four-valve-per-cylinder V8 engine which was originally found in the 288 GTO sports car. As with its predecessors, the model number was derived from this configuration, with the first two digits being the displacement and the third being the number of cylinders. The engine, which produced 300 hp, was mounted longitudinally and coupled to a transverse manual gearbox, like the Mondial t with which the 348 shared many components. This was a significant change for Ferrari, with most previous small Ferraris using a transverse engine with longitudinal transmission. The "T" in the model name 348 tb and ts refers to the transverse position of the gearbox. Overall, 2,895 examples of the 348 tb and 4,230 of the 348 ts were produced.

The 348's styling differed from previous models with straked side air intakes and rectangular taillights resembling the Testarossa. The F355 that replaced it returned to the styling cues of the 328 with round tail lights and rounded side air scoops. Fifty-seven "Challenge" models were built for owners who wanted a more "track-ready" car.

The 348 was fitted with dual-computer engine management utilizing twin Bosch Motronic ECUs, double-redundant anti-lock brakes, and self-diagnosing air conditioning and heating systems. Late versions have Japanese-made starter motors and Nippondenso power generators to improve reliability, as well as the battery located within the front left fender for better weight distribution.

U.S. spec 348's have OBD-I engine management systems, though European variants do not come with the self-test push button installed, which is needed to activate this troubleshooting feature.

Similar to the Testarossa but departing from the BB 512 and 308/328, the oil and coolant radiators were relocated from the nose to the sides, widening the waist of the car substantially, but making the cabin much easier to cool since hoses routing warm water no longer ran underneath the cabin as in the older front-radiator cars. This also had the side effect of making the doors very wide.

The 348 was equipped with a dry-sump oil system to prevent oil starvation at high speeds and during hard cornering. The oil level can only be accurately checked on the dipstick when the motor is running due to this setup. The 348 was fitted with adjustable ride-height suspension and a removable rear sub-frame to speed up the removal of the engine for maintenance.

This vehicle also served as a test mule for the Ferrari Enzo. Three of these were made.

Between 1992 and 1993 Ferrari made 100 units of 348 Serie Speciale of tb and ts versions. It was a limited edition only made for US market. The revised engine produced 312 bhp  at 7,200 rpm. Externally, the grate between the taillights was removed and a larger front spoiler was fitted. The rear track was wider by 25 mm. An additional 15 units were also made with Kevlar sport seats.

In late 1993 the 348 was revised, featuring subtle styling changes and more power, this time producing 312 bhp and 320 hp from the same 3.4-litre engine, with an improved engine management system - Bosch Motronic 2.7, new exhaust system.

The revised cars are called 348 GTB and GTS and were presented to the public as the 348 GT versions, equipped with the F119H engine. The F119H engine got a bump in compression ratio up to 10.8:1 vs the F119D & F119G 10.4:1 compression ratio, taller intake plenums, fuel pressure was raised from 3.4 bar to 3.8 bar, and different camshaft timing.

For these models, both the engine hood panel and lower body skirts were body-colored instead of black, and the rear track was one inch wider due to the mounting area, on the inside, of the rear wheels being thicker. The suspension geometry was revised which greatly enhanced its handling, ride and body control. The fuel tank was also smaller in order to reduce overall weight and provide space to improve chassis rigidity.

The 348 Spider model was also introduced, in-line with the phasing out of the Mondial Cabriolet. 1,090 units were made of this style.

For 1994 only, Ferrari also made 360 hp to 500 hp 348 Competizione race models in conjunction with the Michelotto performance house. These 348 GTCs had Kevlar front and rear bumpers, Kevlar seats, Kevlar door panels, whilst the Le Mans race models used F40 half-shafts.

Between 1991 and 1992, a number of adventurous owners let Zagato extensively modify their 348 TBs into Zagato Elaboraziones. While the cars certainly looked faster than their stock counterparts, the engine and running gear remained identical to the 348 TB.

At the front of the car a new bumper removed the original’s fake central grille and also replaced its prancing horse. Each side was flanked with enlarged NACA ducts. At the rear Zagato fabricated a new engine cover with a clear glass section to reveal the V8 below, a new triple light arrangement and an electronically-operated spoiler were added. Probably the only subtle modification made was the double bubble roof which was a signature Zagato touch. The idea was that Zagato could lower the roofline of a car, but retain enough headroom for each occupant. Other Elaborazione modifications included custom OZ Racing alloy wheels, external fuel filler caps and a completely reworked interior including a three-inch rear view screen and suede upholstery. Zagato initially announced a production run of 22 examples, but only 10 or 12 cars were made.

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