1985
Ferrari 328 GTS
Pininfarina paid particular attention to styling details that influenced the car’s CD and aerodynamic lift characteristics – with impressive results. Cabin ergonomics were improved and the shape of the seats revised to better suit the sporty driving style this type of car deserved. On all versions, low profile tyres and 16″ alloy wheels were available as an option.
The 328 GTS model, together with the fixed roof 328 GTB, were the final developments of the normally aspirated transverse V8 engine 2 seat series. The 328 figures 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.
Essentially the new model was a revised and updated version of the 308 GTS, which had survived for eight years without any radical change to the overall shape, albeit with various changes to the 3 litre engine.
THE BODY
The 328 model presented a softening of the wedge profile of its predecessor, with a redesigned nose that had a more rounded shape, which was complimented by similar treatment to the tail valance panel. The revised nose and tail sections featured body colour bumpers integral with the valance panels, which reflected the work done concurrently to present the Mondial 3.2 models, with which they also shared a similar radiator grille and front light assembly layout.
Thus all the eight cylinder cars in the range shared fairly unified front and rear aspects, providing a homogenous family image. The exhaust air louvres behind the retractable headlight pods on the 308 series disappeared, coupled with an increase in the size of the front lid radiator exhaust air louvre, which had been introduced on the 308 Quattrovalvole models, whilst a new style and position of exterior door catch was also provided.
The interior trim also had a thorough overhaul, with new designs for the seat panel upholstery and stitching, revised door panels and pulls, together with more modern switchgear, which complimented the external updating details. Optional equipment available was air conditioning, metallic paint, Pirelli P7 tyres, a leather dashboard, leather headlining to the removable roof panel plus rear window surround, and a rear aerofoil (standard on Japanese market models).
In the middle of 1988 ABS brakes were made available as an option, which necessitated a redesign of the suspension geometry to provide negative offset. This in turn meant that the road wheel design was changed to accommodate this feature. The original flat spoke “star” wheels become a convex design, in the style as fitted to the 3.2 Mondial models, whether ABS was fitted or not.
the engine
The main European market 328 GTS models had a tubular chassis with a factory type reference F106 MS 100. Disc brakes, with independent suspension via wishbones, coil springs, and hydraulic shock absorbers, were provided all round, with front and rear anti roll bars. There were various world market models, each having slight differences, with right and left hand drive available.
The V8 engine was essentially of the same design as that used in the 308 Quattrovalvole model, with an increase in capacity to 3185cc, with a bore and stroke of 83mm x 73mm, and a type reference number F 105 CB 000. The engine retained the Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system of its predecessor, but was fitted with a Marelli MED 806 A electronic ignition system, to produce a claimed power output of 270bhp at 7000rpm. As with the preceding 308 models the engine was mounted in unit with the all synchromesh five speed transmission assembly, which was below, and to the rear of the engine’s sump.
The 328 GTS continued in production for four years, until replaced by the 348 ts model in the Autumn of 1989, during which time 6068 examples were produced in the chassis number range of 59301 to 83136, the GTS production outnumbering the GTB version almost five to one. The early part of the series was numbered in the Ferrari odd number road car chassis sequence, and later examples (post chassis number 75000) in the continuous number sequence.
Ferrari 328 GTS Facts
The Ferrari 328 GTS has a top speed of 263 km/h.
There were 6068 Ferrari 328 GTS models produced from 1985-1989.
The Ferrari 328 GTS model was assembled in Maranello, Italy.
specifications
engine
Type
rear, transverse, 90° V8
Bore/stroke
83 x 73.6 mm
Unitary displacement
398,22 cc
Total displacement
3185.76 cc
Compression ratio
9.8 : 1
Maximum power
199 kW (270 hp) at 7000 rpm
Power per litre
85 hp/l
Maximum torque
304 Nm (31 kgm) at 5500rpm
Valve actuation
twin overhead camshafts per bank, four valves per cylinder
Fuel feed
Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical injection
Ignition
Marelli Microplex electronic, single spark plug per cylinder
Lubrication
wet sump
Clutch
single-plate
Chassis
Frame
tubular steel
Front suspension
independent, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs over telescopic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar
Rear suspension
independent, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs over telescopic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar
Brakes
discs
Transmission
5-speed + reverse
Steering
rack-and-pinion
Fuel tank
capacity 74 litres
Front tyres
205/55 VR 16
Rear tyres
225/50 VR 16
bodywork
Type
two-seater targa-top
Length
4255mm
Width
1730mm
Height
1128mm
Wheelbase
2350mm
Front track
1485mm
Rear track
1465mm
Weight
1273kg (dry)
Performance
Top speed
263km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h
6.4sec
0-400 m
14.3sec
0-1000 m
25.7sec
