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| Ferrari 328 | |
|---|---|
| Name | Ferrari 328 |
| Manufacturer | Ferrari |
| Production | 1985–1989 |
| Assembly | Maranello, Italy |
| Predecessor | Ferrari 308 |
| Successor | Ferrari 348 |
| Class | Sports car |
| Body style | 2-door coupé / targa |
| Layout | Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Engine | 3.2 L V8 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 2400 mm |
Ferrari 328 The Ferrari 328 is a two-seater sports car produced by Ferrari in Maranello between 1985 and 1989. It succeeded the 308 series and preceded the 348, representing an evolutionary refinement in styling, Enzo Ferrari's production lineage, and the marque's V8 road-car program. The 328 combined road-going performance with coachbuilt aesthetics influenced by contemporary Italian design houses and homologation-era engineering practices.
Introduced during a period marked by competition from Porsche AG, Lamborghini, and Aston Martin, the 328 updated chassis dynamics and powertrain packaging established by the 308. Production coincided with economic and regulatory shifts in the 1980s, including emissions standards shaped in part by policies in United States and European Economic Community markets. Its launch was announced at events attended by representatives from automotive press such as Autocar, Car and Driver, and Motor Trend.
Development traced back to the design studios of Pininfarina and engineering from Ferrari's workshop in Maranello under technical leadership influenced by personnel who had worked with Giorgetto Giugiaro and other Italian designers. The 328's bodywork retained the 308's proportions while incorporating revised bumpers, slightly increased wheel arches, and improved aerodynamics evaluated in wind tunnels at facilities like Tecnologie Aerospaziali. Interior updates referenced ergonomics explored at Centro Stile Ferrari and components sourced from suppliers who also served Fiat S.p.A.. The targa GTB/GTS roof options reflected coachbuilding traditions dating to Carrozzeria Scaglietti and touring variants favored by collectors linked to events such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The 328 used a 3.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 with a 90° bank angle, dry-sump lubrication, and Weber/Marelli fuel and ignition components originally developed with input from engineers who worked on racing projects like those for the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One program. The engine produced approximately 270 PS at 6,600 rpm and torque near 300 N·m, channeled through a 5-speed manual transaxle derived from earlier models with limited-slip differentials supplied by companies including ZF Friedrichshafen AG. The tubular steel spaceframe chassis evolved from the 308’s structure, with suspension geometry using double wishbones and coil springs by suppliers that had collaborated with Abarth and Alfa Romeo on performance projects. Braking systems featured ventilated discs and ABS options consistent with components from manufacturers such as Brembo.
Ferrari offered the 328 as the GTB (Gran Turismo Berlinetta) coupé and GTS (Gran Turismo Spider) targa, following naming conventions seen in historic models like the 250 GTO and 365 GTB/4. Special editions and coachbuilt examples were occasionally realized by firms such as Pininfarina and bespoke restorers who later worked with collectors at auctions run by RM Sotheby's and Bonhams. In certain markets, homologation and emissions adaptations aligned with standards in California and the United Kingdom, resulting in minor variant code distinctions and equipment packages addressing local regulations enforced by agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency.
Contemporary road tests by publications including Road & Track, Evo, and Top Gear recorded 0–60 mph times in the low six-second range and top speeds around 160–165 mph, reflecting the car’s power-to-weight ratio and drivetrain efficiency. Handling characteristics emphasized balance derived from the rear mid-engine layout, with feedback and turn-in tuned through suspension settings influenced by chassis work at Maranello and testing on circuits such as Monza and Nürburgring. Tire and wheel partnerships often used products from Pirelli and Michelin, affecting lateral grip and ride compliance reported by professional drivers like Nigel Mansell when invited to demonstration drives.
Approximately 7,400 units were produced during the 328's run, distributed through Ferrari dealerships and importers in regions including North America, Europe, and Japan. Reviews from critics at The New York Times automotive sections and trade journals praised the 328's refinement over the 308, while collectors at concours events such as Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and auctions by Bonhams later elevated well-preserved examples. Market pricing responded to macroeconomic conditions of the late 1980s and early 1990s, with values tracked by industry analysts at J.D. Power and classic car valuation guides.
The 328 reinforced Ferrari's V8 lineage that extended into successors like the 348, F355, and later mid-engined models, informing chassis and engine philosophies applied to limited-run models and Scuderia-derived variants. Its combination of accessible performance and coachbuilt aesthetics continued to influence collectors, restoration specialists, and historic racing entrants appearing at events such as the Goodwood Revival. Museums and foundations including the Museo Ferrari preserve examples, while aftermarket firms and parts specialists in regions like Modena and Maranello support ongoing preservation and authenticity efforts.
Category:Ferrari automobiles