Bloodlines: mid-engined V8s – part 1

When the Ferrari 308 GTB debuted 50 years ago, it marked a revolution at Maranello. The first Ferrari-badged road car to feature a V8 and mid-engined layout, the 308 GTB laid foundations for a bloodline spanning five decades and nine core models. In part one of this story, we explore the seminal 308 GTB along with the 328 GTB, 348 TB and F355 Berlinetta that evolved the V8 formula through to the new millennium.

Watch the first two decades of Ferrari mid-engined V8s – from 308 GTB to F355 Berlinetta

1975: Ferrari 308 GTB

Designed by Pininfarina, the 308 GTB’s body perfectly complemented the flat-12-engined BB models with its rakish silhouette, eggcrate grille and quad taillights. But this more compact model placed its 3.0-litre V8 engine transversely behind its driver – an engine already fitted in the mid-engined Dino 308 GT4, which did not initially wear the Ferrari badge.

Up to 255 cv was available from this quad-cam unit, depending on market and emissions equipment. Fuel injection debuted for both models in 1980, and four-valves-per-cylinder in 1982.

All 308 GTBs are built around a tubular steel frame, but early models featured fiberglass bodywork, later examples switched to steel. The GTS ‘Spider’ joined line-up in 1977 – and returned for every subsequent generation.

The 308 GTB was the first Ferrari with a mid-engined V8, slotting neatly between V6 Dino and 12-cylinder 365 GT4 BB 

1985: Ferrari 328 GTB

A decade after the 308 GTB’s launch, the 328 evolved the highly successful recipe with an upgrade to 3.2 litres and power increase to 270 cv – strong performance given the 1263kg dry weight, and enough to accelerate the 328 GTS from 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds.

A gently revised design enhanced aerodynamics with a slightly softer wedge profile and a similarly more rounded tail, while the interior was also upgraded.

The 328 GTB refined the V8 formula with 270 cv performance and extra aerodynamic finesse

1989: Ferrari 348 TB

Where the 328 GTB was evolution, the 348 TB was a clean-sheet design that clearly distilled Pininfarina’s dramatic Testarossa styling cues to the V8 line – most notably the side strakes on each door. Under the skin, the 348 TB used a pressed steel chassis to which a tubular steel subframe was attached at the rear, cradling both powertrain and rear axle – its predecessor used a full tubular frame.

The V8 engine was now longitudinally – rather than transversely – mounted and grew to 3.4 litres with 300 cv. When the revised 348 GTB debuted for 1993, power rose to 320 cv.

The 348 TB was first in the line with a longitudinal V8 engine

1994: Ferrari F355 Berlinetta

Unveiled at Fiorano in May 1994, the F355 Berlinetta updated the 348 GTB’s foundations, and was most obviously distinguished by a new treatment for the side air intakes and quad rear taillights – both of which traded strakes for a cleaner, more contemporary look.

The F355's name referenced its 3.5-litre capacity and new five-valves-per-cylinder technology

Displacement increased to 3.5 litres as the name suggested, but this time the final digit referred to the number of valves per cylinder – a new five-valve layout followed the template of the Ferrari F1-89 Formula 1 car, helping power increase to 380 cv at a thrilling 8250rpm. An ‘F1’ paddleshift gearbox was offered alongside the open-gate manual.

Even greater change lay ahead with the 360 Modena and subsequent models that took the mid-engined Ferrari V8 into the new millennium – all of which we'll explore in the next Bloodlines story.