The Ferrari 328 GTB and GTS (Type F106) are mid-engine V8, two-seat sports cars created by Italian automobile manufacturer Ferrari. It was the successor to the Ferrari 308 GTB and GTS. While mechanically still based on the 308, modifications were made to the body, chassis, and engine, most notably an increase in engine displacement to 3.2 L for increased power and torque output. The 328 is still considered by some enthusiasts to be one of the most reliable and functional Ferraris; unlike other models, much of its maintenance can be performed without lowering the engine from the vehicle. In 1989, the 328 was succeeded by the 348.

"GTB" refers to the Gran Turismo Berlinetta (coupé) (fixed roof) body, while "GTS" signifies a Gran Turismo Spider (targa top).

The "328" numbers in the model title referred to the total cubic capacity of the engine, 3.2 litres, and 8 for the number of cylinders. The new model was introduced at the 1985 Frankfurt Salon alongside the Mondial 3.2 series.

Overview

thumb|left|1987 328 GTS, with original concave wheel design.

thumb|left|1989 328 GTB, equipped with ABS and convex wheel design.

left|thumb|1988 328 GTS interior

The 308 and 328 are considered a family of Ferrari road cars, as they share similar (but not identical) body and appearance designs, chassis designs, and engine designs. Essentially, the new 328 was a revised version of the 308, which had survived for eight years without any radical change to the overall shape, albeit with various changes to the 3-litre engine.

The 328 was the final evolution of the transversely mid-mounted, conventionally aspirated 90 degree V8 Dino engine. The transversely mounted engine is a popular way to save space on the rear-mid, rear wheel drive layout.

The 328 has been described as one of the most usable classic Ferraris because of its durable road record, history of appreciating value, and classical aesthetics.

Design

The original Pininfarina design was carried over from its predecessor but included subtle changes from the carrozzeria. The effect was both aesthetic and an improvement in overall aerodynamic characteristics. The car's body was still largely built by hand coming from the coachbuilder Scaglietti works.

Optional equipment available was air conditioning, a leather dashboard, leather headlining to the removable roof panel plus rear window surround, metallic paint, Pirelli P7 tyres, and a rear aerofoil (standard on some market models).

One minor problem was the design of the oil hose from the lower part of the engine to the oil cooler. This proved to be too short. The hose, being under constant pressure along with the motion of the running engine, would eventually separate from the oil cooler. The separation would in time cause the oil cooler to crack. One fix was to connect the oil hoses for the oil cooler (to and from the engine) "up side down". This configuration provided more slack for the lower hose (itself now connected to the top of the oil cooler).

1988 Update

thumb|1988.5 update Ferrari 328 GTS

Ferrari gave the 328 its only major mechanical update late in the 1988 model year, an anti-lock braking system (ABS). The mid-1988 models are often referred to as MY 1988 1/2. The wheel changes are a visual differentiator for the later models. In 1988 and 1989, the side view door mirrors also wore small Cavallino Rampante emblems.

The story is that while the technical departments were pleased with the performance of the prototype, the marketing influence feared that as a convertible, it would compete with the Mondial Cabriolet model. It was subsequently produced, like its predecessor, only in Berlinetta (GTB - coupe) and removable hard top Spider (GTS - targa) variants. As of 2018, cabriolet chassis number 49543 was still in existence and registered for road use in Italy.

| predecessor = Ferrari 208 GTB/GTS Turbo

| successor = None

| sp = uk

In 1986, Ferrari launched a two-litre, turbocharged and intercooled variant of the 328, designated simply GTB Turbo and GTS Turbo—replacing the previous 308-based, non-intercooled, Ferrari 208 GTB/GTS Turbo. This version was developed specifically for the domestic Italian market, where cars with a displacement of over 2-litre like the 328 were subject to a 38% value added tax, up from the normal 18%. There were four overhead camshafts driving two valves per cylinder; Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection was carried over from the 208. Whereas 208 Turbos had used a KKK turbocharger, these new 328-based cars used a water-cooled IHI unit running at of boost. Charge air was cooled by a Behr air-to-air intercooler mounted on top of the engine. Output was at 6,500 rpm and at 4,100 rpm;

thumb|left|Ferrari GTB Turbo, rear view. Note ventilation slots in rear bumper and NACA duct behind the door.

Other than the engine, differences between the two-litre Turbo and the regular 328 were minimal. Accommodating the top-mounted intercooler required a redesigned engine cover, as well as ducting and NACA intakes (positioned just forwards of each rear wheel arch) to feed it with fresh air. The rear bumper sported five ventilation holes. A black roof spoiler, optional on the 328, was standard; inside a boost pressure gauge was added to the instrument cluster. The gearlever shows numbers in red instead of white colour.

According to the manufacturer top speed was and took 6.3 seconds. and 828 GTS Turbos.

References

  • ferrari.com/328 GTS (1985)