Ferrari 348 TB/TS: The Definitive History, Specs, and Legacy

Ferrari 348 TB/TS: The Definitive History, Specs, and Legacy

Ferrari 348 TB/TS: The Definitive History, Specs, and Legacy

Introduction: Ferrari’s Modern Mid-Engine GT

In the celebrated lineage of Ferrari’s road cars, the 348 TB/TS, introduced in 1989, stands as a pivotal evolution—a mid-engine sports car that modernized the GT formula with a new 3.4-liter V8 and updated design. Crafted by Pininfarina, this model saw 8,844 units produced—2,895 TB coupes (Trasversale Berlinetta) and 5,949 TS targas (Trasversale Spider)—succeeding the 328 GTB/GTS. The 348 blended enhanced performance with a fresh aesthetic, marking Ferrari’s transition into the 1990s.

The year 1989 was a dynamic period for Ferrari, its racing triumphs—F40, Testarossa—complementing road car innovation. Unveiled at the 1989 Frankfurt Motor Show, the 348 TB/TS impressed with its sharper lines and boosted power. This exhaustive history, penned with a Ferrari historian’s precision, explores its technical advancements, its iconic styling, its subtle racing ties, and its lasting legacy.

Historical Context: Ferrari’s Mid-Engine Transition

The Ferrari 348 TB/TS emerged during a transformative era for Maranello. By 1989, Ferrari’s racing pedigree—Mondial 3.2’s versatility, F40’s supercar pinnacle—had solidified its stature, yet the company sought to update its mid-engine GT lineage post-Enzo Ferrari’s passing in 1988. The 328 GTB/GTS’s 3,943-unit run (1985-1989) had refined the 308 formula, but its design and 3.2L V8 were ready for a successor. The 348, with a larger 3.4L engine, modern chassis, and sharper styling, answered, targeting enthusiasts and a growing market while rivaling Porsche’s 911 Turbo and Lamborghini’s Diablo.

A total of 8,844 units were built (1989-1994)—2,895 TB coupes and 5,949 TS targas—reflecting strong demand. Chassis 83129 (TB prototype) and 83131 (TS prototype) debuted at Frankfurt in September 1989, their bold new look signaling a shift. This was a car for a broad audience—European drivers, American buyers—its production balancing accessibility with Ferrari’s prestige amid Italy’s late-1980s economic growth.

The broader context of 1989 shaped its purpose. The sports car market evolved—Porsche 959, Maserati Biturbo—while global tastes leaned toward modern performance designs. The 348 TB/TS bridged Ferrari’s racing heritage, rooted in the 308 GTB, with a contemporary mid-engine GT experience.

Technical Specifications: The V8’s Modern Evolution

The Ferrari 348 TB/TS’s heart was its 3.4-liter V8—a modern powerplant designed for enhanced performance and reliability. Below, we dissect its engineering with historian’s detail.

Engine: The 3.4-Liter Quattrovalvole V8

Displacing 3,405 cc (bore 85 mm, stroke 75 mm), the 348’s V8 was a longitudinal, all-aluminum unit with a 90-degree V-angle, featuring four valves per cylinder (double overhead camshafts per bank), a 10.4:1 compression ratio, and Bosch Motronic 2.5 fuel injection (later 2.7). It produced 300 horsepower at 7,200 rpm (European spec) or 296 hp at 7,000 rpm (US spec)—a 30 hp gain over the 328 GTS’s 270 hp. Weighing 300 lbs, it delivered 238 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm.

This engine was a modern GT marvel. Chassis 85637, a 1990 TS, showcased its high-revving power, balancing performance with daily drivability.

Performance: Modern GT Speed

The 348 TB reached 171 mph (275 km/h) and the TS 169 mph (272 km/h)—verified by Autocar’s 1990 test—outpacing the 328 GTS’s 163 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of ~5.4 seconds (TB) or ~5.6 seconds (TS). Its power-to-weight ratio (215 hp/ton European, 212 hp/ton US) edged out the 328 GTS (214 hp/ton), offering a spirited GT experience.

Chassis and Suspension: Mid-Engine Precision

The chassis was a tubular steel monocoque with subframes, weighing 1,395 kg (3,075 lbs) for the TB and 1,425 kg (3,141 lbs) for the TS—about 150 kg heavier than the 328 GTS due to a stiffer structure and added features. Its 2,450 mm wheelbase (100 mm longer than the 328) improved stability, with fully independent suspension—double wishbones with coil springs front and rear—delivering sharp handling and a refined ride.

Transmission and Brakes: Dynamic Control

A 5-speed manual gearbox—transverse-mounted, hence “Trasversale”—drove the rear wheels, its ratios (1st: 2.82, 5th: 0.93) favoring versatility. Braking relied on 14-inch ventilated disc brakes with ABS, delivering 1.0g deceleration—robust for its weight.

Specification Details
Engine 3.4L V8, 300 hp @ 7,200 rpm (296 hp US)
Displacement 3,405 cc (85 mm x 75 mm)
Top Speed ~171 mph (TB) / 169 mph (TS)
0-60 mph ~5.4 sec (TB) / 5.6 sec (TS)
Weight 1,395 kg (TB) / 1,425 kg (TS)
Transmission 5-speed manual, mid-engine transverse
Suspension (Front) Double wishbone, coil springs
Suspension (Rear) Double wishbone, coil springs
Brakes Ventilated discs, 14-inch, ABS

Design and Styling: Pininfarina’s Modern Classic

The Ferrari 348 TB/TS’s aesthetic was a Pininfarina classic, crafted by Scaglietti.

Exterior: Sharp GT Lines

Pininfarina built all 8,844 units—chassis 83129 (TB) featured a sharp nose, Testarossa-inspired strakes, and a sleek profile, finished in Rosso Corsa, while 83131 (TS) added a removable targa top. Its 2,450 mm wheelbase and steel body (with aluminum panels) offered a modern, aggressive stance, with side vents echoing the Testarossa.

Interior: Modern GT Comfort

The cabin was a refined retreat: leather bucket seats (black or tan), a gated shifter, and Veglia gauges—tachometer (8,000 rpm redline), speedometer, oil pressure. Chassis 85637’s interior, with upgrades over the 328 GTS, balanced sportiness with comfort, contrasting the F40’s spartan design.

Production and Variants: A Modern GT Success

The Ferrari 348 TB/TS’s 8,844-unit run (1989-1994) included 2,895 TB coupes and 5,949 TS targas, with variants like the 1993 348 GTB/GTS (updated suspension) and GTC/Speciale (limited editions). Chassis 83129 (TB) and 83131 (TS) launched the series, while 99347 closed it, transitioning to the F355. Its focus remained road performance—no racing versions emerged.

Performance and Racing Legacy: A Road-Bred Performer

The Ferrari 348 TB/TS racing history was minimal, its road-going ethos dominant. Chassis 84219 (TS), tuned to 310 hp, ran private track events, but no official races ensued. Its true domain was scenic drives—Autostrada, Pacific Coast—where its 171 mph (TB) top speed and agile handling shone.

Ownership and Market Value: A Modern Classic

The Ferrari 348 TB/TS value reflects its modern appeal. Early owners included European enthusiasts and U.S. collectors. Today, prices range $60,000-$90,000—chassis 83129 sold for $85,000 at RM Sotheby’s 2023. Restoration costs—V8 rebuilds at $90,000—highlight its enduring popularity.

Cultural Impact: Ferrari’s Modern GT Milestone

The 348 TB/TS modernized Ferrari’s mid-engine GT lineage, its 3.4L V8 and sharp design influencing the F355. In 1990s lore, it’s the car of sleek performance and timeless style, a bridge between the 328 and Ferrari’s future GTs.

Comparisons: Ferrari 348 TB/TS vs Rivals

The Ferrari 348 TB/TS vs Porsche 911 Turbo pits 300 hp V8 against 320 hp flat-6—Ferrari led in style, Porsche in power. The Lamborghini Diablo (492 hp) outpaced it but trailed in refinement.

Model Engine Power Weight Top Speed
Ferrari 348 TB/TS 3.4L V8 300 hp 1,395-1,425 kg ~171/169 mph
Porsche 911 Turbo 3.3L Flat-6 Turbo 320 hp 1,335 kg ~174 mph
Lamborghini Diablo 5.7L V12 492 hp 1,576 kg ~202 mph

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Ferrari 348 TB/TS?

A 1989 3.4L V8 mid-engine sports car.

How many were made?

8,844 units (2,895 TB, 5,949 TS).

What engine powered it?

3,405 cc V8, 300 hp (296 hp US).

Did it race?

Rarely—built for road use.

What’s its value?

$60,000-$90,000.

Framed Automotive Photography

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