The Ferrari 308 GTSi, produced between 1980 and 1983, is a timeless representation of Ferrari’s pursuit of excellence in both design and performance. As the spider version of the iconic 308 GTBi, the 308 GTSi brought elegance to the open road, while simultaneously embracing innovation with its new fuel injection system.
Design and Refinement
Visually similar to its carbureted predecessor, the Ferrari 308 GTSi retained the sleek, sculpted lines that made the model an instant classic. However, Ferrari took this opportunity to introduce subtle yet impactful updates. The five-spoke alloy wheels, cast to accommodate Michelin TRX metric radial tires, added a modern touch. For those seeking a more traditional feel, 14-inch Michelin XWX tires or 16-inch Pirelli P7 tires were available as options.
The 308 GTSi’s signature targa roof provided an exhilarating open-air driving experience. The removable roof panel could be conveniently stowed behind the seats, maintaining the car’s elegant profile while allowing drivers to enjoy the thrill of the road. Satin black slatted covers behind the quarter windows added a distinctive, sporty flair to the car’s design.
Performance Meets Precision: Fuel Injection Innovation
The major evolution from the 308 GTS to the GTSi lay under the hood. Ferrari equipped the 308 GTSi with a Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system, marking a shift from carburetion to more efficient fuel injection technology. This upgrade not only improved fuel efficiency but also ensured smoother power delivery, a necessity as Ferrari sought to comply with tightening emissions standards.
However, this change came with a minor trade-off. The cleaner, fuel-injected V8 engines were slightly less powerful than their carbureted counterparts. European models produced a respectable 214 horsepower, while U.S. models delivered 205 horsepower due to additional emission control systems. Despite this, Ferrari’s engineering prowess kept the 308 GTSi competitive, with a top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph) and effortless acceleration that kept drivers fully engaged.
Interior Comfort and Control
Inside, the 308 GTSi continued Ferrari’s tradition of driver-centric design. The cockpit remained similar to the earlier GTS, but with updated bucket seats featuring a new stitch pattern, providing both comfort and style. Key instruments were positioned for easy visibility, with a revised dashboard layout that improved ergonomics.
The steering wheel received a stylish update with satin black spokes and longitudinal slots, while the classic Ferrari gated shifter remained an iconic feature of the center console. The tactile engagement of the gear changes, combined with the car’s rack-and-pinion steering, ensured that driving the 308 GTSi was a pure, mechanical joy.
Engineering Excellence: The V8 Heartbeat
The Ferrari 308 GTSi featured a 2.9-liter, 90-degree V8 engine mounted transversely at the rear, a hallmark of Ferrari’s mid-engine sports car design. The engine’s belt-driven twin overhead camshafts per bank, along with the K-Jetronic fuel injection, made the GTSi a more refined version of the original 308 GTS.
European models were equipped with wet sump lubrication, and the tubular chassis provided exceptional rigidity and handling precision. Independent suspension with coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers ensured that the car hugged the road with confidence, whether cruising at speed or navigating sharp turns. Disc brakes and anti-roll bars rounded out the package, providing precise stopping power.
A Legacy of Performance
In total, Ferrari produced 1,749 examples of the 308 GTSi between 1980 and 1983. Though slightly down on power compared to earlier models, the GTSi’s advanced fuel injection technology marked a key step in Ferrari’s journey toward cleaner, more efficient performance without sacrificing driving pleasure.
The Ferrari 308 GTSi remains a beloved classic, with its unmistakable design, targa top versatility, and precise engineering. It represents a significant chapter in Ferrari’s history, where style and substance coexisted in perfect harmony.
Technical Specifications: Ferrari 308 GTSi
- Engine: 2.9L V8 (rear, transverse, 90° configuration)
- Maximum Power: 214 hp at 6,600 rpm (European models)
- Top Speed: 240 km/h (149 mph)
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Chassis: Tubular steel frame
- Suspension: Independent, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar
- Brakes: Disc brakes (front and rear)
- Weight: 1,297 kg (dry)
- Production Numbers: 1,749 units (1980–1983)
The Ferrari 308 GTSi remains a symbol of elegance, performance, and innovation, embodying Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of driving perfection.
Source: Ferrari
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
