Ferrari 208 GTB/GTS

(1980-1986)
Overview
Production	1980–1985 & 1985–1986
Body and chassis
Body style	Berlinetta Spider
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L V8 2.0 L turbo V8 (from 1982)

From the mid-1970s through 1988, a small-displacement 208 was produced, generally for tax concessions within the Italian market; it was also listed in New Zealand, due to their taxes on engines above 2 litres. The 208 GTB/GTS replaced the 208 GT4 2+2 in 1980.

The engine was de-bored to 68.8 mm (giving an undersquare design) for a total of 1991 cc displacement, resulting in the one of the smallest V8 engines ever produced. The 208 produced only 155 bhp (116 kW) which meant that performance was underwhelming, especially for a Ferrari. 160 208 GTS and 140 208 GTB cars were produced in 1980 and 1981.

In 1982, turbo-charging and fuel injection increased power output to 220 bhp (164 kW), but initially only available in GTB form; the GTS turbo was introduced in 1983. In 1985, small body-style modifications were made, in-line with the introduction of the 328; production ended in 1986 after 437 GTB turbo and 250 GTS turbo cars were produced.

In 1986 they were replaced by 328-based GTB/GTS Turbo.

Ferrari 208 GTB engine

Among the typically yearly updates to the performance and style of the 308 throughout its run, cars from the same series would have a number of differences between them depending on their intended export market (which is usual for European cars). For example a 308 destined for the American market would sport much larger heavier bumpers and a slightly sturdier frame (and many other smaller details) in order to meet more stringent US road safety standards. American market cars also suffered a performance hit due to a compression ratio of 8.6:1 vs 9.2:1 for most of the rest of the world state emissions legislation which reduced horsepower. As a result of these differences there is often a premium paid for the "purer" European spec car over the federalized car.

Some differences between the Euro-spec and US-spec cars are shown below:

• 240 hp vs. 235 hp
• Different gear ratios
• Lighter, small front bumper that follows the hood line vs. 2.5 mph impact bumper that is extended and has extra “fangs”
• Lighter, small rear bumper vs. impact bumper with spacer
• Exposed dual tip muffler vs. black muffler cover with catalytic converter
• vitaloni style outside mirrors vs. larger flag mirrors that provide a better view for safety
• Small yellow front side marker light with no rear side lights vs. large rectangular yellow front and red rear side marker lights (many euro cars now in the USA had the euro lights converted to USA spec and added the red rear lights)
• No “fasten seat belt” warning light in Euro spec
• Flash to pass driving lights in front grill in Euro spec
• Space saver spare tire vs. full size spare
• Rear engine cover top has only a left and right grill vs. “U” shaped grill that provides a larger cooling area necessary for the added catalytic converter just behind the muffler.
• Overall weight of Euro spec lower because of door beams and bumpers.
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• Ferrari 208 GTB and GTS rear views