The Ferrari 288 GTO
Table of Contents:
Ferrari 288 GTO – Key Details
The Ultimate Guide to the Ferrari 288 GTO
Ferrari 288 GTO – Photo Gallery
Ferrari 288 GTO – Technical Specifications
Ferrari 288 GTO – Registry & Videos
Ferrari 288 GTO – Key Details
Ferrari 288 GTO | Detail |
---|---|
Launched: | 1984 |
Engine: | V8 – Rear Engine |
Power: | 294 kW (400 hp) at 7000 rpm |
Torque: | 496 Nm (51 kgm) at 3800 rpm |
Top Speed: | 305 km/h |
0-62 mph (0-100 kmh): | 4.9 sec |
Replaces: | TBC |
Fiorano Lap time: | TBC |
Did you know: | TBC |
The Ultimate Guide to the Ferrari 288 GTO
FERRARI 288 GTO – HOW THE RACE CAR THAT NEVER RACED BECAME A LEGEND
Technically, the Ferrari 288 GTO is a homologated version of the 308 GTB. Sit the two vehicles side-by-side, however, and it quickly becomes apparent that Ferrari left little of the original car untouched as they transformed the Berlinetta into a world-class racer. Intended to compete in the Group B Circuit races, a series whose time was up before the 288 ever saw the light of day, the 288 GTO has become one of those legendary models that will forever be remembered as one of the greatest Ferraris ever. Because there was no race series for the GTO to compete in, all 272 examples of the 288 GTO would forever remain road cars.
So, how did Ferrari go about turning the handsome-yet-relatively tame 308 GTB into the mighty 288 GTO? First, the engine was turned 90 degrees in the engine bay, eliminating the 308’s trunk space but necessary to allow space for the two turbochargers that allowed the small, 2.9-litre V8 to develop an amazing 400 bhp. Even more impressive than the horsepower, however, was the mental 366 lb-ft of torque produced with the help of those two turbos. This rather unconventional engine arrangement was chosen for its compliance with the Group B specifications. The wheelbase was stretched by over 100 millimetres and the track was widened to fit larger tires. Add in the track-spec suspension, and you have one of the most hardcore road-going Ferraris ever produced. The resulting performance was nothing short of incredible: 0 to 62 in 5 seconds flat, with a top speed of 186 mph, or 300 km/h, making it the first road-legal car to reach that prestigious mark.

As an indication of how proud Enzo was of his new GTO, he offered several examples to F1 drivers, including Niki Lauda and Keke Rosberg. Ferrari’s high estimation of the 288 GTO would eventually be accepted by the motoring world at large: this model has been consistently ranked as one of the greatest sports cars of the 1980s, if not all time. After all, epic good looks combined with unprecedented performance figures are a hard combination to resist.
Ferrari 288 GTO – Technical Specifications
Technical Specification | Detail |
---|---|
Performance | |
0-100 km/h | 4.9 s |
0 -200 km/h | TBC |
Max. speed | 189 mph / 305 km/h |
Engine | |
Type | V8 |
Overall displacement | 2855 cm3 |
Max. power output* | 294 kW (400 hp) at 7000 rpm |
Max. torque* | 496 Nm (51 kgm) at 3800 rpm |
Dimensions & Weight | |
Length | 4290 mm |
Width | 1910 mm |
Height | 1120 mm |
Dry weight** | 1160 kg |
Fuel Consumption | TBC |
Co2 Emissions | TBC |
Ferrari 288 GTO – Registry & Videos
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