Why the ‘348 and 355’ were popular at the start of Ferrari’s iconic V8 midship (1989-1997)[دليل فيراري]| GENROQ Web

In 1989, the main models “348 tb” and “348 ts” appeared

Ferrari’s 308/328 series mid-series 8-cylinder became a hit model in terms of sales as Ferrari’s most popular car. It is possible that the awareness of mass production, that is, mass production, was born at Ferrari with the 308/328 series, and there is no doubt that the intention of parent company Fiat was strongly reflected there.

Production of the final evolution 328 GTB/GTS was very short for Ferrari up to that point, and finished in the short span of about four years. The immediate reason for this was that the production process of the steel tube space frame and body used in the 328 was complicated, and it was difficult to control the quality for mass production again. After all, Ferrari has developed a new generation of V8 midship that follows the 328 series in response to Fiat’s will. These were the 348 TB and 348 MT models that were announced at the 1989 IAA (Frankfurt Motor Show).

Design similar to Testarossa

The only difference between these two models is that the body is the coupe “b (Berlinetta)” and the Targa top “s (Spider)”, but the mechanism is basically the same.

The first big topic was the adoption of a monocoque chassis, which had become mainstream in sports cars at the time, instead of the adoption of the traditional steel tube space frame structure. The steel tube space frame remains at the rear, but the engine can be connected and disconnected with the rear subframe during service, which greatly improves maintainability.

The bodywork was, of course, designed by Pininfarina, and the body sides and rear grille were given the beautiful cut-outs common to the Testarossa, making the exterior design quite eye-catching.

Vertical drive + horizontal transmission

The mid-mounted engine has a displacement of 3404Copy90 degree V-Type 8 cylinder set to . Unlike the 308/328 series, which are mounted vertically, the inline transmission is mounted horizontally as indicated by the “t (transverse)” in the vehicle’s name.

The 348 Series has undergone various minor changes even after its debut. To give a few examples, from the mid-1990’s the chassis was beefed up and the engine management system changed. It is said that the damper and spring settings were changed from 1991 to 1992.

Minor change version improved to 320PS

In February 1993, the long-awaited fully open 348 Spyder was born. In November of the same year, the Coupé and Targa Top also underwent minor changes to match the Spyder, and the nomenclature was standardized as “348 GTB”, “348 GTS” and “348 Spyder”.

The engine has been boosted from 300 HP to 320 HP. The rev limit has also been increased from 7,500 rpm to 7,750 rpm.

The very popular F355 series is born

Production of the 348 Spider continued until 1995, but the coupes and Targa Blazes (GTB and GTS) underwent major minor changes in the fall of 1994 and became the “F355” series, which is still very popular with many Ferrari stars. change model.

The body shape is common to the 348 series, but the side vents have been eliminated and the exterior has been changed to a more sporty look.

The V8 is a 5-valve spec. A 6-speed semi-automatic was added later

The monocoque chassis used in the 348 was inherited as it was, but it was also improved here, and the mid-spec V8 also became a 3495cc 5-valve. The camshaft, which was driven by a single toothed belt in the 348, is now one on each bank in the F355, improving durability and reliability.

The excessive use of lightweight parts such as forged aluminum pistons and titanium connecting rods in response to high rotations was also an important topic of the time. At its inception, the transmission was only a 6-speed MT, but in 1997, a 6-speed pedal F1matic (semi-AT) was added.

The Series 355, which had a maximum output of 380 horsepower, was very popular, and sales of the GTB, GTS and Spider were very strong. Looking back, this may be the first chapter in Ferrari’s success story that continues to this day.

Customize

Ferrari 348 TB / 348 TS

Year type: 1989
Engine: 90 Degree V8 DOHC (4 Valve)
Displacement: 3404 cc
Maximum power: 221 kW (300 hp) / 7,200 rpm
Dry weight: 1393 kg
Maximum speed: 275 km / h

Ferrari 348 GTB / 348 GTS / 348 Spider

Year type: 1993
Engine: 90 Degree V8 DOHC (4 Valve)
Displacement: 3404 cc
Maximum power: 235 kW (320 hp) / 7,200 rpm
Dry weight: 1370 kg
Maximum speed: 280 km / h

Ferrari F355 GTB / F355 GTS / F355 Spider

Year: 1994 (Spider only 1995)
Engine: 90 Degree V8 DOHC (5 Valves)
Displacement: 3495 cc
Maximum power: 279 kW (380 hp) / 8,250 rpm
Dry weight: 1350 kg
Maximum speed: 295 km / h

Ferrari 355 F1 GTB / 355 F1 GTS / 355 F1 Spider

Year type: 1997
Engine: 90 Degree V8 DOHC (5 Valves)
Displacement: 3495 cc
Maximum power: 279 kW (380 hp) / 8,250 rpm
Dry weight: 1350 kg
Maximum speed: 295 km / h
Transmission: 6-speed semi-automatic (combined with F1matic)

* All values ​​published by the manufacturer

Commentary / Motohiro Yamazaki

I want to read together

Revaluation of 2 + 2 models from “456 GT” to “612 Scaglietti” (1992-2004)[دليلFerrari:19]

The 400 series, which has been responsible for Ferrari’s 2+2-seater model for 17 years, is now more modern.

I want to read together

Ferrari Midship 3 Test Drive! “What is the point of electrifying Ferrari?”

Many people feel that the most attractive Ferrari is still the mid-engine. Currently, Ferrari has 3…