Ferrari 348TB and TS sports car

Ferrari 348-Performance, technical data, features, rival comparisons, history and used price details for this classic sports car

From classic to modern

car

Ferrari 348TB

Launched in 1989, the Ferrari 348TB sports car was a replacement for one of Ferrari’s best-selling sports cars, the 328 and 308 series.

The 348 is offered as both a TB Berlinetta Coupe and a Targa-style TS variant, with a “T” indicating that the gearbox is laterally positioned.

In line with its predecessor nomenclature, the car’s name “34” indicates engine capacity and “8” indicates the number of cylinders.

The 348 TB was the first model to be announced since the death of Ferrari’s founder in 1988.

The body styling was by Pininfarina, showing a clear similarity to the Ferrari Testarossa, especially with regard to the side air intakes and rectangular rear lights.

A monocoque chassis bolted to the engine subframe was used to facilitate engine removal during maintenance. Like the body panels, both were made of steel.

In previous front radiator models, the coolant hose passed under the cabin. Now, on the 348, both the oil radiator and the coolant radiator have been moved to the sides, making it easier to keep the cabin cool.

As a result, the front radiator grille no longer serves a useful purpose, except that it retains the traditional image of the front section of the car.

Suspension parts are designed to allow the ride height to be adjusted to general conditions.

The interior was well-equipped and included air conditioning, leather seats with adjustable head support, electric windows and door mirrors.

It featured ABS-linked vacuum-assisted vent disc brakes and two Bosch Motronic 2.5 engine control units.

In later models, the battery was moved to the left front wing to improve weight distribution.

When production ended in 1995, a total of 2,895 units of 348TB were manufactured.

Ferrari 348TS

Introduced alongside the 348TB in 1989 was the 348 TS sports car with a Targa top, both with the same specifications.

By 1995, when production ended, 4,230 348TS had been manufactured.

That engine

Both variations featured a mid-engined double overhead cam V8 unit with four valves per cylinder, previously mounted on the 288 GTO.

It was placed vertically with a horizontal gearbox, creating a very balanced and stable placement.

It was equipped with a Bosch Motronic unit that controls both the fuel injection and ignition system, a 5-bearing crankshaft and a 10.4: 1 compression ratio.

The 348 TB produced 300 bhp at 7000 rpm (with a red line at 7500 rpm) and 229 ft / lbs at 4000 rpm.

Equipped with a 5-speed manual all-synthrome gearbox, the top speed was 171 mph and the 0-60 mph time was 6.0 seconds.

Uses dry sump lubrication to eliminate oil shortages when driving and cornering.

competition

The Ferrari 348’s direct competition consisted of the Porsche 964 Carrera, TVR Griffith and Lotus Esprit Sport 300. Ferrari Performance:

Sports car for sale

In the second-hand market, a well-conditioned Ferrari 348TB sports car was put up for auction for nearly $ 75,000.

On the other hand, the Ferrari 348 TS in good condition gets $ 50,000, but the showroom example demands $ 85,000.

A more classic car from Ferrari.

This concludes the review of the Ferrari 348TB and TS sports cars.