Ferrari 348 Design

The 348 marked a new style for 'small' Ferrari. As well as a clean sheet, Pininfarina had a very different chassis to cover. Although longer, wider, and taller than the 328, the 348's rear radiator and transverse transmission placed behind the engine made a rear trunk impractical. Deft styling allowed Pininfarina to create for the 348 a mostly pressed steel body two inches longitudinally shorter than its predecessor, and which appeared generally smaller.

The 348 was styled for efficiency and ease of use with inspiration drawn from the Ferrari F40 and Testarossa. The F40 influence was immediately apparent from the front, where the shape of the hood, bumper cap and angulation are reminiscent of the contemporary sports-racer. The Testarossa influence was seen in the 348's head and tail light assemblies, grille and airdam, and most especially in the side strakes. The rest of the car was styled with hints of the 328 from which it evolved, but with more than enough differentiation for the 348 to proclaim itself new.

The side aspect showed the 348 to its best and most striking effect. The sizeable doors made for simple ingress and egress. The flush glass and generous mirrors increased outward visibility and reduced wind noise. The aluminum deck covering the engine bay originally included a matte black section intended to minimze reflection, but this proved unneccessary thanks to the car's aerodynamically efficient design. This was seen again where the doors arced inward beneath the large strakes in the doors and sills.

GTB and GTS:

The 348's exterior was freshened in 1993. The 348GTB replaced the tb and the 348GTS replaced the ts. The new models were unchanged on the outside except that the matte black pieces became body colored and the anodized aluminum Cavalino Rampante on the front and rear grilles were chromed.

Serie Speciale:

The 100-car 348 Serie Speciale was distinguished by changes to the body color airdam, and removal of the grille covering the rear lights.

Competizione:

The 1994 348GT Competizione was a 50 copy limited edition available only in Europe. From outside, it looked like identical to the 348GTB apart from the 348GT Competizione badge at the rear, an enamel Ferrari shield on the front fenders and split rim wheels, much like those of the F40. Invisible changes included the use of a carbon-kevlar composite to form the door skins, sills and bumper caps.