Did You Know Ferrari Produced a 328 Turbo?
In 1986 the Italian market “tax break” model, the GTS Turbo, together with its fixed roof cousin, the GTB Turbo, became the final developments of the transverse V8 engine 2 seat Ferrari series. Essentially the GTS Turbo was, as the name implies, a turbocharged variant of the 328 GTS, but fitted with a 2 litre engine. Like the 328 GTS, the GTS Turbo model presented a softening of the wedge profile of its predecessor, the 208 GTS Turbo, with a redesigned nose that had a more rounded profile, that was complimented by similar treatment to the tail valance panel.
Ferrari Lines We Love
The revised nose and tail sections featured body colour bumpers integral with the valance panels, which reflected the work done concurrently on 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 homogeneous family image. The exhaust air louvres behind the retractable headlight pods disappeared, with an increase in the size of the front lid louvre introduced on the “QV” series, and a new style and position of exterior door catch was provided.
Classic Ferrari Cabin
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 combined to reflect the external updating details. The GTS Turbo model had some differences that differentiated it from its normally aspirated cousin, notably a different engine lid louvre and raised central panel arrangement, a NACA duct forward of each rear wheel arch, and a row of five slim exhaust air slots in the rear valance panel. It also featured the rear of roof aerofoil, which was optional on the 328 series, as standard equipment.
The GTS Turbo chassis carried type reference F 106 AS/TR. Disc brakes, with independent suspension via wishbones, coil springs, and hydraulic shock absorbers, were provided all round, with front and rear anti roll bars.
Turbocharged Ferrari Engine
The V8 engine was essentially of the same design as that used in the 208 GTS Turbo model, with a bore and stroke of 66.8mm x 71mm, and a type reference number F 106 N 000.
The engine retained the Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system of its predecessor, but was fitted with an IHI turbocharger with a Behr intercooler operating at a boost pressure of 1.05 bar, with a Marelli MED 807 A electronic ignition system, to produce a claimed power output of 254bhp at 6500rpm.
As with the earlier 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 GTS Turbo model continued in production for three years, during which time 828 examples were produced in the chassis number range 63739 to 83148. The early part of the series was numbered in the Ferrari odd number road car chassis sequence, and later examples in the continuous number sequence.
It is interesting to note that this model, with its 2-litre turbo-charged V8, offered performance comparable to the 328, which was powered by the naturally aspirated version of the 3.2-litre.
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