After a very successful history of more than fourteen years, the 308/328 series was finally replaced in 1989. And even if on the exterior there weren’t many significant changes the big changes on the new 348 models was made under the hood. The 348 series remained into production between 1989 and ’95, and it was built in berlinetta, targa and spider body styles, with a few special editions being offered: the US-market only Serie Speciale and the GT Competizione.
The 348 series was produced in order to allow Michelotto-prepared cars into the GT3 class of international endurance racing. IN its five years time existence it turned out to be a very successful model: firstly it experienced some notable success against Porsche’s mighty 911 RSR’s, but it also became the most commercially successful models in Ferrari’s history with over 9000 units sold.
On the title, the ’348’ is referring to the 3.4 V8 and the ’T’ to the transverse gearbox mounted at the rear of the engine and B to Berlinetta (S was for the spider version). The 348 was the first completely new model announced by the company subsequent to the death of Enzo Ferrari in August 1988.
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In 1993 Ferrari launched the 348 GTB as part of the "relaunch" of the Ferrari 348 line. It was in fact a modified version of the 348 TB. The 348 GTB remained into production for only one year, when in 1994 it was replaced by the Ferrari 355.
The 348 GTB was a two-seater berlinetta with dynamic performance characteristics worthy of the marque’s highest traditions. Its sports orientation was best expressed on the track, as proven by the 348 Challenge, which saw this car race on circuits in Europe and the US. Its styling was harmonious and aerodynamically efficient, and the mid-mounted V8 engine ensured perfect weight distribution and class-beating power.
The 348 GTB was distinguished by were body color-coded sills and chromed Cavallino Rampante’s mounted between the rear light clusters ( this decorative item having always been finished in matte black on first series cars).
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In 1993, in the same time with the coupe version, Ferrari unveiled the 348 GTS - a model that replaced the 348 TS. Like its coupe brother, the 348 GTS remained into production for only one year.
This two-seater convertible offered the same specifications as the 348 GTB, with the choice of open or closed-top motoring and a layout that had by now become a Ferrari classic: as on the outgoing TS, the hard top was stowed away in the space behind the seats.
The GTS retained the stiff, stress-bearing chassis (featuring various section tubular front and rear sub-frames) of the coupe version while the styling, which remained unmistakably Ferrari, married elegance with excellent aerodynamics.
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The spiders built by Ferrari have always been a perfect expression of their sporting heritage. It was this very heritage that inspired Pininfarina stylists as they set about designing the spider to clothe the refined 348 series chassis. The result was a car that offered the same impressive performance as the berlinetta, with a remarkably flex-free chassis, as well as the possibility of true top-down motoring.
Revealed in 1993, the 348 Spider represented the first fully open Ferrari in over 20 years. It came to replace the Mondial Cabriolet.
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In 1993 at the Turin motor show Ferrari unveiled the special edition 348 GT Competizione. Produced into the middle of 1994, only 56 units were made, eight of which were right-hand drive. Also known as the 348 GTC, it was Ferrari’s last 348 road car and featured the hottest specification of all.
In order to differentiate it from the other 348 models, for the Competizione the doors, sills and bumpers were made from a mixture of super lightweight Kevlar and carbon fibre composite. The car sat on polished 17-inch split rim Speedline wheels.
On the interior Ferrari added Kevlar sill panels, lightweight door trim and cloth-trimmed Kevlar racing seats. All the carpeting was removed from the passenger wells in order to make the car as light as possible. There were also drilled aluminum pedals and a steering wheel inscribed with each cars serial number.
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Even thought this Ferrari 348 could be almost twenty years old, that’s still no way to treat an Italian beauty. It seems a twenty-four year old man in Haren, Netherlands was out for a joy ride/test drive and lost control of the car.
The driver escaped with no injuries, well, at least until the local Ferrari club caught up to him.
The 348 was powered by Ferrari’s 3405cc V8, introduced with the car in 1989. The 90° light alloy V8 had 10.4:1 compression and 48 valves actuated by four overhead camshafts. It produced 300bhp at 7200rpm and 237lbs-ft at 4200rpm. The V8 was installed longitudinally in the 348, bolted along with the transmission and rear suspension into the removable tube-steel rear sub-frame, a significant innovation.
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