Description
The Ferrari GTB Turbo was introduced in 1986 as the successor to the 208 GTB Turbo, continuing Ferrari’s approach of combining a smaller-displacement V8 with turbocharging to meet the specific demands of the Italian domestic market. In Italy, engines over 2.0 liters were subject to significantly higher taxes, so Ferrari offered a 2.0-liter alternative that still delivered performance worthy of the marque. The GTB Turbo represented a substantial improvement over its predecessor, with more power, better handling, and styling updates that aligned it with the contemporary 328 series.
Power came from a 1,991 cc 90-degree V8 equipped with a single IHI turbocharger, Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, and a Behr intercooler. These upgrades boosted output to around 254 horsepower, a notable increase over the earlier 208 GTB Turbo. This allowed the car to reach a top speed of approximately 253 km/h, with 0 to 100 km/h achieved in about 6 seconds — impressive performance figures for a 2.0-liter road car in the mid-1980s. The engine was paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, and the fully independent suspension, ventilated disc brakes, and precise steering ensured that the GTB Turbo retained Ferrari’s trademark agility.
Stylistically, the GTB Turbo adopted the updated design language of the 328 GTB, with smoother, more aerodynamic lines penned by Pininfarina. The body featured a subtly reprofiled nose, integrated bumpers in body color, and revised side air intakes. The NACA ducts ahead of the rear wheels, inherited from the 208 Turbo, remained a distinctive feature, feeding air to the intercooler and engine bay. The GTB Turbo was available only in the fixed-roof berlinetta configuration, with the targa-topped GTS Turbo offered alongside it.
The interior was upgraded in line with the 328, featuring improved ergonomics, more refined materials, and a generally more modern feel. Leather seats, a gated shifter, and clear instrumentation were standard, maintaining the driver-focused layout while adding a touch more comfort for long-distance touring.
Produced until 1989, the GTB Turbo was built in relatively small numbers compared to the mainstream 328 GTB, making it one of the rarer V8 Ferraris of the decade. It remains particularly sought after in Italy and among collectors who appreciate its blend of 1980s Ferrari style, compact yet potent performance, and historical significance as part of Ferrari’s early turbocharged production lineage. Today, it stands as both a technical evolution of the 208 Turbo and a distinctive entry in Ferrari’s mid-engined V8 history.