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| | View more photos Designer: Pininfarina Chassis Num: ZFFRG36A4R0098176 |
The 348 GTS Challenge series was a dual-purpose sports car intended for both road and track. The Challenge Series was established in 1994 with races in North America, Europe and Japan. An overall winner was determined by runoffs at Mugello in Italy. A year later, the series grew by hundreds of competitors, all eager to take part in this new series.
The 348 GTS Challenge cars have improved safety features, upgraded suspension, and factory-sealed engines. This was done to guarantee equal cars among the field.
It is believed that this car has not yet taken part in the series. The series is still run in modern times and this would be a welcomed entrant at one of those events. At auction, this car found a new owner, selling well below the estimated value. The final sale price was $59,400.
The 348 was powered by Ferrari's 3405cc V8, introduced with the car in 1989. The 90° light alloy V8 had 10.4:1 compression and 48 valves actuated by four overhead camshafts. It produced 300bhp at 7200rpm and 237lbs-ft at 4200rpm. The V8 was installed longitudinally in the 348, bolted along with the transmission and rear suspension into the removable tube-steel rear sub-frame, a significant innovation.
The new block had a revised basic geometry. It featured a five-main bearing crankshaft and nikasil-steel cylinder liners surmounted by heads with revised geometry and centrally mounted spark plugs for a high efficiency, high volume, high speed flow for spark and combustion efficiency. The valves were actuated through bucket tappets by dual overhead camshafts. A dry sump lubrication system provided necessary lubrication under all conditions. A pair of side-mounted radiators cooled the engine.
Fuel was delivered from the center mounted tank to the intake runners through fuel injectors by a high pressure pump. Air was delivered from the high side scoops through articulated rubber and steel tubes to a filtered square airbox above the transmission and from there through twin throttle bodies to the intake manifolds situated above the engine. An advanced Bosch Motronic M2.5 fuel injection and ignition system controlled delivery and spark until 1993 when the M2.7 replaced it. Exhaust gasses flowed through a steel manifold and a tuned exhaust system with catalytic converters.
Power was transmitted from the flywheel to the rear wheels through the clutch, gears, final drive and constant velocity joints. The new transmission was mounted across the rear of the engine in the style of pre-turbo Formula 1 racing Ferraris. The clutch sat at the rear of the drivetrain. The new configuration sited the entire drivetrain four inches lower in the chassis than had the previous model.Source - Ferrari
The new block had a revised basic geometry. It featured a five-main bearing crankshaft and nikasil-steel cylinder liners surmounted by heads with revised geometry and centrally mounted spark plugs for a high efficiency, high volume, high speed flow for spark and combustion efficiency. The valves were actuated through bucket tappets by dual overhead camshafts. A dry sump lubrication system provided necessary lubrication under all conditions. A pair of side-mounted radiators cooled the engine.
Fuel was delivered from the center mounted tank to the intake runners through fuel injectors by a high pressure pump. Air was delivered from the high side scoops through articulated rubber and steel tubes to a filtered square airbox above the transmission and from there through twin throttle bodies to the intake manifolds situated above the engine. An advanced Bosch Motronic M2.5 fuel injection and ignition system controlled delivery and spark until 1993 when the M2.7 replaced it. Exhaust gasses flowed through a steel manifold and a tuned exhaust system with catalytic converters.
Power was transmitted from the flywheel to the rear wheels through the clutch, gears, final drive and constant velocity joints. The new transmission was mounted across the rear of the engine in the style of pre-turbo Formula 1 racing Ferraris. The clutch sat at the rear of the drivetrain. The new configuration sited the entire drivetrain four inches lower in the chassis than had the previous model.Source - Ferrari
Replacing one of the most popular models ever, the Ferrari 348 took over the 308 / 328 lineage that stretches back to 1975. With its high standard of build quality, along with exceptional performance, the Ferrari 348 was a popular choice. Built in Berlinetta, Targa and Spider body styles, the 348 was produced for more than five years between 1989 and 1995. A mid-engined, rear wheel drive v8 powered, the Ferrari 348 was a 2-seat sports car. Several limited edition versions were also made. A factory homologation special was produced, the GT Competizione and in the US-market only Serie Speciale.
The Ferrari 348's achieved some notable success in the competition against the Porsche's impressive 911 RSR's. More than 9000 348's were produced by the time production ended in 1995, in an array of various guises which made the 348 one of the most commercially successful models in all of Ferrari's history.
A huge monumental departure from its V8-engined predecessors, the chassis on the Ferrari 348 featured a pressed steel chassis with tubular engine sub frame rather than the earlier 308 and 328 models that utilized a tubular steel chassis. The steel chassis was the first Ferrari to universally comply with global crash testing regulations.
Following a tradition that had begun in 1967 with the Dino 20 GT, the engine was mid-mounted for all smaller capacity production Ferrari's to feature this competition inspired layout. Though unlike the Dino's, 328's and 308's, the Ferrari 348 ad its engine dry sumped Tipo F119D 3.4-liter V8 engine placed longitudinally, like the Ferrari's 288 GTO and the F40.
Due to the 90 degree V8, the displacement was increased to 3405cc because of a bore and stroke of 85 x 75mm respectively. Not on tap at 7200rpm, the output was increased with 300bhp with compression being set at 10.4:1 and Bosch Motronic M2.5 fuel injection controlling both cylinder banks. Mounted on the rear of the engine, a transverse gearbox eliminated any rear end luggage room. This lack of space was compensated with extra space beneath the front lid.
Zero to sixty was achieved in only 5.5 seconds, with the top sped of 165 mph. Created by the famous Turinese styling house, the 348's body and interior were created through the partnership between Pininfarina and Ferrari. The five year old Testarossa was the influence behind the 348's body, along with the full width rear grills that covered the tail lights and the straked engine cooling ducts.
The body of the Ferrari 348 was extremely attractive with its all-steel body. Unfortunately the aluminum trunk and hood were the only downfalls. The Ferrari 348 was available in closed Berlinetta form like the 246, 308 and the 328, along with the Targa topped spider specs. Resembling the previous family of Ferrari's at that period, the interior of the 348 was similar though with a brand new and understated design.
All Ferrari 348 models were produced with dual-computer, double-redundant Anti-Lock Braking systems. All 348's were shipped with on-board self-diagnosing Air Conditioning and heating systems. Aftermarket options included Traction Control and Launch control that were available through Gemballa, among others. The list of options included a set of leather fitted luggage that was designed by the well-known Italian firm Schedoni, and metallic paint. Following its introduction at the Frankfurt Salon in September of 1989, the Ferrari 348 was ordered in great abundance throughout the globe.
While European variants of the Ferrari 348 needed to have lightbulbs placed into the dash to activate it, U.S. 348s had functioning on-board OBDI engine management systems.
During its production several updates were made, and these included different shock absorbers and mounting points, revised fuel injector systems and relocated batteries. Over 8,000 Ferrari 348's were produced during its production. After late 1993 both the TB and TS models were replaced.
The 348 was revised in this same year with additional power that now reached 312 bhp on the U.S. models and 320 bhp on European models while keeping the same 3.4 liter engine. Body-colored rather than black, the revised vehicles, the 348 GTB and GTS had a rear track that was now one inch wider due to addition of spacers and suspension geometry that was updated to greatly enhance its super-car-level handling, body control and ride. Phasing out the Mondial Cabriolet, the 348 Spider convertible model was also introduced this year.Elizabeth Johnson
The Ferrari 348's achieved some notable success in the competition against the Porsche's impressive 911 RSR's. More than 9000 348's were produced by the time production ended in 1995, in an array of various guises which made the 348 one of the most commercially successful models in all of Ferrari's history.
A huge monumental departure from its V8-engined predecessors, the chassis on the Ferrari 348 featured a pressed steel chassis with tubular engine sub frame rather than the earlier 308 and 328 models that utilized a tubular steel chassis. The steel chassis was the first Ferrari to universally comply with global crash testing regulations.
Following a tradition that had begun in 1967 with the Dino 20 GT, the engine was mid-mounted for all smaller capacity production Ferrari's to feature this competition inspired layout. Though unlike the Dino's, 328's and 308's, the Ferrari 348 ad its engine dry sumped Tipo F119D 3.4-liter V8 engine placed longitudinally, like the Ferrari's 288 GTO and the F40.
Due to the 90 degree V8, the displacement was increased to 3405cc because of a bore and stroke of 85 x 75mm respectively. Not on tap at 7200rpm, the output was increased with 300bhp with compression being set at 10.4:1 and Bosch Motronic M2.5 fuel injection controlling both cylinder banks. Mounted on the rear of the engine, a transverse gearbox eliminated any rear end luggage room. This lack of space was compensated with extra space beneath the front lid.
Zero to sixty was achieved in only 5.5 seconds, with the top sped of 165 mph. Created by the famous Turinese styling house, the 348's body and interior were created through the partnership between Pininfarina and Ferrari. The five year old Testarossa was the influence behind the 348's body, along with the full width rear grills that covered the tail lights and the straked engine cooling ducts.
The body of the Ferrari 348 was extremely attractive with its all-steel body. Unfortunately the aluminum trunk and hood were the only downfalls. The Ferrari 348 was available in closed Berlinetta form like the 246, 308 and the 328, along with the Targa topped spider specs. Resembling the previous family of Ferrari's at that period, the interior of the 348 was similar though with a brand new and understated design.
All Ferrari 348 models were produced with dual-computer, double-redundant Anti-Lock Braking systems. All 348's were shipped with on-board self-diagnosing Air Conditioning and heating systems. Aftermarket options included Traction Control and Launch control that were available through Gemballa, among others. The list of options included a set of leather fitted luggage that was designed by the well-known Italian firm Schedoni, and metallic paint. Following its introduction at the Frankfurt Salon in September of 1989, the Ferrari 348 was ordered in great abundance throughout the globe.
While European variants of the Ferrari 348 needed to have lightbulbs placed into the dash to activate it, U.S. 348s had functioning on-board OBDI engine management systems.
During its production several updates were made, and these included different shock absorbers and mounting points, revised fuel injector systems and relocated batteries. Over 8,000 Ferrari 348's were produced during its production. After late 1993 both the TB and TS models were replaced.
The 348 was revised in this same year with additional power that now reached 312 bhp on the U.S. models and 320 bhp on European models while keeping the same 3.4 liter engine. Body-colored rather than black, the revised vehicles, the 348 GTB and GTS had a rear track that was now one inch wider due to addition of spacers and suspension geometry that was updated to greatly enhance its super-car-level handling, body control and ride. Phasing out the Mondial Cabriolet, the 348 Spider convertible model was also introduced this year.Elizabeth Johnson
| Ferrari Challenge SeriesThe heritage of Enzo Ferrari has always been about racing. The road going cars he created were primarily for financial support to fuel his racing program. The road cars were created in close specifications and dimensions to the racers allowing privateers to drive their cars to the track and race them. The Ferrari Challenge Series was founded in 1993 as a way for Ferrari owners to enjoy their sports cars to there fullest potential. As stated by Ferrari, the series was created 'to allow Ferrari customers to enjoy their cars in a structured, competitive environment, racing against other Ferrari owners on some of the great racetracks of North America.' The Challenge Series cars are not production vehicles but identically prepared race cars outfitted with the necessary safety equipment. Found within the cockpit are the standard modern safety equipment such as roll cages, fire suppression system, and safety harnesses. The engine is left completely stock with the only mechanical updates occurring on the suspension and the brakes. The result is a nearly stock Ferrari, with ample safety equipment, and identical specifications across the board. This creates a competitive forum for the owners to rely on their skill and abilities to negotiate their machines around the track faster than the others. The first Challege series Ferrari was the 348 which was later replaced by the 355 near the close of the 1990s. The 355 was superseded by the 360 in 2000 and has recently been replaced with the 430. The 360 Challenge Stradale was a derivate of the Challenge Series vehicle, sold in limited numbers, and capable of being driven on the street. Just like the Challenge Series vehicle, it is void of amenities and luxury items except for air conditioning. The interior is without proper sound insulation and carpeting, all in an effort to reduce the weight of the vehicle. This 'gentleman's' series is highly competitive and closely matched. There are drivers, crew chiefs, pitt crews, team names, trailers, and more. The racing venues are all located in North America and include Infineon Raceway, Road Atlanta, Quebec's Circuit Giles Villeneuve, Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant in St. Jovite, Lime Rock Park in Connecticut, and Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, CA. |
1994 Ferrari 348 GTS Challenge |
|
| Year | 1994 |
| Make | Ferrari |
| Model | 348 GTS Challenge |
| Engine Location | Mid |
| Drive Type | Rear Wheel |
| Body / Chassis | Unibody |
| Production Years for Series | 1989 - 1995 |
| Body Designer | Pininfarina |
| Weight | 2980 lbs | 1351.7 kg |
| Combined MPG | 0.00 |
| Chassis / Engine Numbers Shown | |
| Chassis Number | ZFFRG36A4R0098176 |
| Engine | |
| Engine Configuration | V |
| 90-degree | |
| Cylinders | 8 |
| Aspiration/Induction | Normal |
| Displacement | 3405.00 cc | 207.8 cu in. | 3.4 L. |
| Valves | 32 valves. 4 valves per cylinder. |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Horsepower | 310.00 HP (228.2 KW) |
| HP to Weight Ratio | 9.6 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio) |
| HP / Liter | 91.2 BHP / Liter |
| Main Bearings | 5 |
| Fuel Feed | Fuel Injected |
| Vehicles with similar horsepower and weight | |
| Standard Transmission | |
| Gears | 5 |
| Transmission | Manual |
| In rear transaxle | |
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