The Ferrari GTO, often called the 288 GTO (Type F114), is an exotic homologation version of the Ferrari 308 GTB produced from 1984 until 1987 at Ferrari’s Maranello factory. “GTO” stands for Gran Turismo Omologata, Italian for “homologated”.
Ferrari 288 GTO at a glance
| Maker | Ferrari, Italy |
|---|---|
| Type | F114, homologation version of the 308 GTB |
| Built | 1984 to 1987, Maranello |
| Name | GT = Gran Turismo, O = Omologata |
| Engine | twin-turbo 2.9 L V8 (F114B) |
| Target output | 400 bhp from 3,000 cc (133 bhp per litre) |
| Engineer | Nicola Materazzi |
| Developed with | Lancia 2.6 L V8 race engine programme |
| Turbo precedent | 208 Turbo |
English Wikipedia is the only source used here, and only its background and development sections were read; production numbers and performance figures are not given.
History of the Ferrari 288 GTO
Why it was built
The source notes that, contrary to what the press reported, the GTO was not born immediately to compete in the new Group B series of 1982. In 1983 Enzo Ferrari noted that road car sales were falling because of stronger competition and the “excessive gentrification” of Ferrari’s line-up. The success of turbocharging in Formula 1 and new tax laws above a 1,999 cc threshold had led Ferrari to build the 208 Turbo and then to consider a three-litre turbo road car with 330 bhp.
Turbo engine
Ferrari asked Nicola Materazzi, head of powertrain at the racing division, who had come from Osella in 1979 and earlier worked at Lancia Reparto Corse with experience in forced induction, for an opinion on the specification. Materazzi showed confidence that 400 bhp could be reliably extracted from 3,000 cc, 133 bhp per litre, and Ferrari trusted him on condition that he delivered. The F114B road-car engine and the Lancia 2.6-litre V8 race engine were developed closely together, with some draughtsmen borrowed from Abarth to complete detail design.
Design and features
- Engine: turbocharged V8 with an intercooler, unlike the first 208 Turbo.
- Name: homologated, in the tradition of the 250 GTO.
- Production: 1984 to 1987.
Ferrari 288 GTO versions
- 288 GTO (1984–1987).
More Ferrari cars are in our Ferrari collection and more supercars in Exotic Cars.
Sources
- Ferrari 288 GTO, English Wikipedia: background, turbocharging, development
