Introduction
Ferrari's fixed roof 328 GTB (berlinetta) and removable roof 328 GTS (spider) debuted together at the 1985 Frankfurt Auto Show. While often considered the final evolution of the 308 series, the 328 was a substantially new car. Extremely high performance, incredible 308-derived Pininfarina styling, improved road holding, and greater comfort, ensured the 328's desirability.
Ferrari's challenge was to consolidate market share gained through 1970s and early 80s by improving an icon without alienating its acolytes. The 328 easily became the most successful model in Ferrari's history to that time. It remains a highly sought after sports car almost two decades after its introduction.
Design
Without hampering the magnificent balance of the 308 design, Pininfarina made significant though subtle changes to modernize the looks of the 328 and improve its aerodynamics. The designers smoothed out the 308's sharpness and produced in the 328 a lighter crispness of flatter planes and more integrated shapes. Though it appears slightly flatter and longer, giving the car an even lower appearance, the roof line of the 328 is basically the same as that of its ancestor and the 328 is almost half an inch taller than the 308qv. Contributing to the illusion is an optional body-color rear spoiler to guide air over the rear of the cabin.
The windshield, curved rear glass and rear quarter windows (featuring full louvered covers on the GTS versions) were unchanged from the 308. The GTS version also kept its vinyl-covered fiberglass roof section. The buttressed C-pillars connected the roof to the rear deck in a unifying sweep. The rear deck itself was given a cleaner look by combining all the vents into a single, large, slightly raised wraparound unit.
Behind the engine bay, the luggage compartment provided adequate space for light touring or shopping. Protected by a thick canvas and vinyl zippered cover, the luggage was accessed through the single rear deck lid.
Drivetarin
Other changes included the replacement of shrunk-in cast iron and nikasil cylinder liners with shrunk-in aluminum/nikasil cylinder liners. A larger, redesigned oil cooler system was added to the larger, hotter engine and new spark plugs were also assigned. The Marelli Microplex single module ignition system was adopted. Intake camshafts were revised to complement throttle body and intake manifold changes. The piston casting was also new, helping to produce a compression ratio of 9.2:1. Efficiency and reliability were increased along with power and torque.
Much was retained from the three liter V8. Along with the block casting, the 308qv's four-valve per cylinder dual overhead camshafts and five main bearing crankshaft were kept. All engine components were balanced and matched. The free-flowing exhaust system of large diameter tubing was altered only by further changes to emission control requirements. The Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection and metering system, the best then available, continued from the 308. This helped ensure that the 328 had Ferrari's most trouble-free engine to that point.
Power was produced with full emission controls in place, a testament to Ferrari's development prowess. Even with its larger wheels and tires, the greater power and lower weight of the 328 rocketed it to 60 mph in well under six seconds, with a terminal speed of 150mph. The 328 was something of a rarity in being able to hit its redline in fifth gear, a further testament to its design and ability. The 328's driver knows the car's full potential is always available.
The close ratio, 5 speed transmission of the 328 was similar to that of the last 308, except for a shorter first gear. This helped to provide neck-snapping acceleration off the line, and more than made up for the torque lost to increased wheel diameter. The gears were connected to the shifter by rods, providing precise gear changes with the tactile "click" Ferrari owners have long enjoyed. The unit was all synchromesh and received power from the engine via an unassisted single plate clutch. From the transmission, power was fed to the rear wheels through a limited slip differential and solid driveshafts with constant velocity joints.
Specifications
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 168.7 in | |
| Width | 68.1 in | |
| Height | 44.4 in | |
| Wheelbase | 92.5 in | |
| Front track | 57.9 in | |
| Rear track | 57.7 in | |
| Weight (Dry) | GTB 3134 lbs GTS 3163 lbs | |
| Wheels front | 7J X 16 | |
| Wheels rear | 8J X 16 | |
| Tires front | 205/55 VR 16 | |
| Tires rear | 225/50 VR 16 | |
Engine | ||
| 90° Alloy V8 mounted transversely rear amidship | ||
| Dual Overhead Camshafts, Four Valves per Cylinder | ||
| Displacement | 3185cc | |
| Bore & Stroke | 83mm X 73.6mm | |
| Compression | 9.2:1 | |
| Fuel Delivery | Fuel Injection | |
| Fuel System | Bosch K-Jetronic | |
| Ignition System | Marelli Microplex | |
| Maximum Power | 260bhp @ 7000rpm | |
| Maximum Torque | 214lb-ft @ 5500rpm | |
