When Ferrari replaced the 328 mid-engine V-8s, they quickly ran into an obstacle from an unexpected quarter: Japan. Honda introduced an aluminum-bodied semi-exotic: The NSX. The NSX did not have the heritage or cachet of the Ferrari, but was far cheaper and could be maintained or repaired at your local Honda dealer (in Europe) or Acura dealer (in the USA.)
It took Ferrari a while to respond in kind to the assault but in the meantime, they introduced a new 3.4 liter-powered 348 tb and ts in berlinetta or targa-style spider style respectively. The 3.4 offered 300 hp and the 348s came with 17-inch wheels & tires as well; it seemed that Ferrari was back in the game.
In 1993 a true convertible joined the lineup as the 348 spider. At the same time, the other two body styles got a minor facelift.
Despite the competition, Ferrari sold almost 9,000 cars from 1989 to 1994.
The 348 was not universally praised by the motoring press; it was evident that Honda had an impact on the overall market. But Ferrari was awakened by the competition and came back strong with the 348's replacement, the 355. I will cover that model in the future.
Note that the photos show that not all Ferraris are red!
