The Ferrari 348 Challenge: A Closer Look at the Performance, Technical Data, Features, Rivals Comparison, History and Used Prices of this Classic Sports Car
from classic to modern
The Ferrari 348 Challenge
CAR
Ferrari’s 348 Challenge sports car was a one-make racing series, first created in 1993 and aimed at amateur drivers. It was initially established in Europe, and within a year, it had spread to the US.
Originally the Series focused on converted 348 Serie Speciale cars, but was later extended to any 348 from 1989 onwards that achieved 348 SS specification.
In 1994, Ferrari introduced a limited run of just 45 cars, consisting of 32×348 TBs and 13×348 TSs, aimed at the US market, which were designated the 348 Factory Challenge.
The Serie Speciale sports cars included sills that were painted the same color as the rest of the car, and this feature was carried over to the Challenge Series.
These Challenge cars had road trim and each received an individually numbered plaque that was placed on the right side door frame.
They were equipped with upgraded engine control units, a large heat shield, and a less restrictive exhaust system, although there was a race version that used straight pipes. also included:
- Harness Attachment Points
- Mounting points for the roll cage
- aluminum pedals
- Brake lines under the car.
- Tow hooks at both ends of the car.
- stiffer springs
- Fiberglass front and rear bumpers
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel with “348” badging
The cost of Ferrari’s optional Challenge kit was $14,000 and they stated that with this kit it would take around 60 hours of work to convert the stock car to a race fit.
The 3.4 liter V8 engine, double overhead camshaft, used in the Challenge series would develop an increase of 320 hp.
The resulting racer would use slick tires and have an improved braking system and improved aerodynamics.
The 1995 season was the last in which the 348 Challenge car was entered at race meetings as, by this time, it had been superseded by the Ferrari 355 Challenge model.
The Ferrari 348 Special Series
CAR
Ferrari’s Serie Speciale sports car referred to a limited edition of 100 modified versions of the 348 TB and TS that was made between 1992 and 1993 and was aimed solely at the US market.
Since the rear wheels used wider tires, the rear track was increased by two inches. It was also equipped with:
- Free flow exhaust system
- highest final drive
- front splitter
- New front and rear grill
- Alternate Tail Light Assembly
- Bumpers and rocker covers parading in the color of the car
- Sports seats and door panels upholstered in leather.
Each sports car was individually numbered with a special plaque placed on the passenger door post.
Finally, in 1994, 15 more units were built as a result of favorable demand.
THE MOTOR
The 348 Serie Speciale was powered by the same 3.4-litre V8 with double overhead camshafts that was fitted to the original variants.
However, this unit was slightly modified and developed 312bhp at 7200rpm, while still producing the same top speed, but with a marginal reduction in 0-60mph time of 5.3 seconds.
COMPETITION
A cross-section of competition from the 348 Challenge and Series Speciale cars included: Corvette ZR1, Honda NSX and Marcos LM500. Ferrari Performance:
This marks the end of my review of the Ferrari 348 Challenge and Special Series sports cars.