The 348, badged 348 TB for the coupe and 348 TS for the targa versions, features a naturally aspirated 3.4 litre version of the quad-cam, 4-valve per cylinder V8 engine which was originally found in the 288 GTO supercar. The engine produced 300 hp (224 kW) at launch and sits longitudinally with a transverse gearbox, like the Mondial t with which the 348 shares many components. This was a major switch for Ferrari, with most previous small Ferraris using a transverse engine with longitudinal transmission.
All 348s were shipped with dual-computer, double-redundant Anti-Lock Braking systems. Traction Control and Launch Control are 348 aftermarket options available through Gemballa, among others.
Likewise, all 348s were shipped with on-board self-diagnosing Air Conditioning and heating systems.
U.S. 348s have functioning on-board OBDI engine management systems, though European variants need to have light bulbs placed into the dash to activate this trouble-shooting feature.
Similar to the Testarossa but departing from the BB 512 and 308/328, the oil and coolant radiators were relocated from the nose to the sides, widening the waist of the car substantially, but making the cabin much easier to cool, since hoses routing warm water no longer ran underneath the cabin as in the older front-radiator cars. This also had the side effect of making the doors very wide.
All Ferrari 348s use racing “dry-sump” oil systems to prevent oil starvation at high speeds and in hard corners. The oil level can only be checked (accurately) on the dip-stick when the motor is running due to this setup.
Likewise, all 348s have independent, corner-adjustable ride/height/weight adjustment abilities built in to each suspension, as well as a removable rear sub-frame to speed up the removal of the engine for maintenance.
Scribbled on December 19th 2006 in Ferrari, Ferrari 348TS
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