Positioning:
Entry-level Ferrari supercar of its era, bridging the gap from V8 Dino heritage to more modern V8 platforms.
Competitors:
Porsche 911 (964 generation), Chevrolet Corvette C4 ZR-1, Lotus Esprit Turbo S.
Design Philosophy:
Mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive V8, Pininfarina styling, direct lineage to the Testarossa's V8 powertrain.
Value Proposition:
Accessible entry into Ferrari ownership, classic supercar aesthetics, rewarding driving experience.
Engine:
Complete service, repair, and overhaul for V8 engine
Fuel System:
Fuel injection, throttle body, fuel pump, lines, and filters
Cooling System:
Radiator, coolant flow, water pump, thermostat, fan system
Lubrication System:
Oil pump, oil pan, oil filter, lubrication pathways
Chassis:
Suspension, steering, brakes, wheel bearings, chassis components
Electrical System:
Wiring harnesses, lighting, ignition, starting, charging, accessories, control modules
Transmission:
Manual gearbox service, clutch, linkages
Body:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, convertible top mechanisms (if applicable)
Emission Control:
Catalytic converters, emission sensors, evaporative emission control system
Maintenance:
Periodic maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom analysis, common fault finding
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major components
Disassembly Reassembly:
Complete disassembly and reassembly instructions for major systems
Diagnostics:
Fault code interpretation, diagnostic tool usage (where applicable)
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for DIY and professional mechanics
Diagrams:
High-quality diagrams, exploded views, and illustrations
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring diagrams included
Engine Code:
F119D (US/Japan), F119D/M (Europe)
Engine Type:
90-degree V8, naturally aspirated
Displacement:
3.4 Liters (3405 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
85 mm x 75 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower Ps Eu:
300 PS @ 7200 rpm (early EU), 320 PS @ 7500 rpm (later EU and US)
Horsepower Hp Us:
300 hp @ 7200 rpm (early US), 318 hp @ 7500 rpm (later US)
Torque Nm:
363 Nm (268 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm (early EU), 361 Nm (266 lb-ft) @ 5500 rpm (later EU/US)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic 2.7 fuel injection (dual ECUs)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON+MON)/2
Ignition System:
Distributorless ignition, dual ignition coils
Length:
Approx. 4350 mm (171.3 in)
Width:
Approx. 1750 mm (68.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1130 mm (44.5 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2350 mm (92.5 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1400-1500 kg (3086-3307 lbs), depending on variant
Crash Test Data:
Limited official crash test data available for this era of exotic cars. Designed for performance and driver engagement.
Brakes:
Four-wheel disc brakes, ventilated front and rear. ABS system available on later models.
Steering:
Rack and pinion, hydraulic power assistance.
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard from inception.
Audio System:
Typically a basic factory-installed AM/FM/Cassette player. Upgrades common.
Climate Control:
Manual or semi-automatic climate control system.
ABS:
Available on later models, essential for safety and performance braking.
Features:
Limited to basic vehicle functions; no modern connectivity features.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for specific Ferrari recommendations.
Timing Belt Interval:
Crucial: Replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 5 years, as failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual for exact specification. Typically a high-quality synthetic 10W-40 or 15W-50 API SG or higher.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to manual for specific type.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 high-performance brake fluid. Change every 2 years.
Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific grade (e.g., SAE 75W-90 GL-5 for transaxle).
Engine Mounts:
Degradation of engine mounts leading to increased vibration.
Fuel Lines:
Aging rubber fuel lines can become brittle and leak.
Cabin Filters:
Older models may have rudimentary cabin air filtration or none at all; upgrades may be possible.
Electrical Connections:
Corrosion or degradation of electrical connectors can lead to intermittent faults.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear and tear on suspension and steering bushings affecting handling.
Heritage:
Successor to the highly successful 208 GT4 and Mondial 8. First mass-produced V8 Ferrari in a mid-engined layout since the Dino 206 GT.
Evolution:
Launched in 1989, it represented a significant step forward in design and engineering for Ferrari's V8 lineup. Major updates included the introduction of the GTB (Berlinetta) and GTS (Targa) variants, followed by the GTB 'Concours' and GTS 'Concours' models, and finally the GTB/S 'Evolution' models with improved aerodynamics and slight engine tweaks for homologation.
Production Period:
1989-1995
Total Units Produced:
Approx. 4,225 units (across all variants)
Manufacturing Location:
Maranello, Italy
