Guide: Ferrari Mondial 3.2
Background
At the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1985, Ferrari launched the third evolution of their Mondial line.
Displayed alongside the new 328 (which replaced the outgoing 308), the 328 and Mondial 3.2 were the final act in Ferrari's range-wide mid-eighties revamp.
During the twelve months prior, new and facelifted models had been launched in line with current fashion. This programme had already seen the BB replaced by the Testarossa and the 400i with the 412i.
Whereas the 328 was a strict two-seater available as a Berlinetta (GTB) or targa-topped Spider (GTS), the Mondial 3.2 was a slightly more refined model that offered 2+2 seating and either Coupe or full Cabriolet bodywork.
Designated 3.2 on account of its new 3.2-litre engine (identical to the one used in the 328), it was the prettiest, most powerful and best driving Mondial yet.
Priced at around 10% more than a 328, Ferrari’s V8 models were offered alongside the aforementioned Testarossa (a mid Flat 12-engined Berlinetta) and the 412i (a front V12-engined four seater). Mid-way through production, Ferrari also launched the F40 which effectively replaced the recently discontinued 288 GTO as the firm’s limited-production flagship.
Chassis
Although the most significant technical modifications made to the Mondial 3.2 focused on its engine, a number of enhancements were also made to sharpen the driving experience. These included a quicker steering rack and front track widened by 25mm for better turn in. Rear track was made 7mm narrower and the fuel tank (mounted underneath the rear seats) was reduced in capacity from 87 to 80-litres.
As usual, the Mondial 3.2’s tubular steel chassis was given a new designation: Tipo F108 CL 100 for the Coupe and Tipo F108 CS 100 for the Cabriolet. Both variants came with a removable rear subframe that enabled the engine, gearbox and rear suspension to be removed as a single assembly.
Fully independent suspension comprised unequal length wishbones, coil springs and Koni dampers plus anti-roll bars at either end.
Ventilated disc brakes were fitted at each corner.
By 1985, Michelin's metric TRX tyres were still in service and required correspondingly-sized wheels. The Mondial 3.2 came with a handsome new set of five spoke Speedline rims that featured a distinctive convex star-pattern design.
Engine / Gearbox
Engine-wise, the wet sump all-alloy 90° V8 used by the Mondial Quattrovalvole was enlarged from three to 3.2-litres. Bore and stroke had both been increased by 2mm (to 83mm and 73mm respectively). This meant displacement rose from 2926cc to 3185cc.
New high lift camshafts, redesigned piston heads and aluminium rather than steel in-liners were also fitted.
Compression was increased from 9.2:1 to 9.8:1 and the horsepower rating jumped from 240bhp to 270bhp at an unchanged 7000rpm. Torque was also improved considerably with 224lb-ft now on tap at 5500rpm compared to 192lb-ft at 5000rpm.
Bosch K-Jetronic fuel-injection was retained and there was a new Marelli Microplex electronic ignition system.
The 3.2 engine was easily identifiable thanks to its bright red intake box complete with Ferrari 3200 Quattrovalvole script.
Although technically identical to the DOHC four valve 328 engine, Mondial units were given their own unique type designations: F105 C 000 for the Coupe and F105 CS 000 for the Cabriolet.
As usual, the engine was mounted transversely and in unit with the five-speed manual gearbox. Transmission was via a single-plate clutch and limited-slip differential.
Bodywork
Perhaps because the Mondial 8 had only been around for a couple of years when Ferrari introduced the Quattrovalvole variant in early 1982, the design wasn't deemed old enough to warrant a cosmetic makeover. However, by 1985, it was looking a little dated, particularly the heavy Cr 25-inspired black bumper treatment.
Accordingly, Pininfarina added new fibreglass body-coloured bumpers and a slim matt black valance that wrapped all the way around the car to give it a slimmer profile.
New front light clusters matched those of the 328. They contained the indicators, fog lights and reflectors in a single cluster.
At the back, the four-outlet exhaust was given a neat shroud that featured full width louvres to improve cooling.
Despite everything above the swage line staying unchanged, the 3.2's reworked bumper and sill treatment transformed the Mondial into a fine looking motor car. With the similarly updated 328 and 412i (plus the wild new Testarossa), Ferrari had its most visually appealing product line up for many a year.
Interior
The original Mondial 8's dated switchgear had been replaced when the Quattrovalvole arrived in 1982.
Most of the updated equipment was still deemed perfectly acceptable. However, a new instrument binnacle with softer corners was installed and the instrumentation was switched to orange-on-black instead of white-on-black.
Another update saw the old aluminium door catches that were mounted on the armrest deleted in favour of new black plastic door pulls located ahead of the grab handle. There was also a new storage bin housed between the rear seats but the seats themselves were unchanged.
Leather upholstery was standard. Connolly hide covered the seats, lower door panels, lower dash and centre console. The upper dash and upper door panels were trimmed in black leatherette.
Air-conditioning, tinted glass, electric windows, electric mirrors and a stereo with electric aerial were standard on both body styles. The Coupe also came with a heated rear windscreen.
Options
Fitted luggage and metallic paint could be specified at extra cost.
The Coupe could be ordered with an electric sunroof.
Cabriolet buyers could add a leather hood tonneau.
Weight / Performance
Weight was 1410kg for the Coupe and 1400kg for the Cabriolet.
Ferrari quoted a top speed of 155mph and 0-62mph time of 6.5 seconds for both variants.
USA Version
Mondial 3.2s destined for the USA had a variety of extra safety and emissions equipment to include catalytic converters, a reinforced rear bulkhead and more effective bumpers.
Thankfully, output differences between regular and US variants had been reduced since the introduction of fuel-injection and four valve cylinder heads.
In this instance, the American Mondial 3.2 developed just 10bhp less than Euro market cars (260bhp at an unchanged 7000rpm).
The extra equipment did mean a weight penalty of over 100kg though.
Mondial 3.2s built to US specification were identifiable by their rectangular side marker lights and all-amber upper front light clusters.
Production Changes
Following its introduction at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1985, relatively few changes were made during the Mondial 3.2's life.
In late 1987, a leather dashboard, leather headlining and ABS brakes were added to the options list.
The anti-locking brake system subsequently became standard equipment in 1988.
End of Production
Production ended in early 1989, by which time 1797 examples had been completed.
This figure comprised 987 Coupes and 810 Cabriolets. Of these, 91 Coupes and 57 Cabriolets were built with right-hand drive.
The 3.2 made way for the last-of-the-line Mondial t which most notably had its new 3.4-litre engine mounted longitudinally instead of transversely.
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Ferrari - https://www.ferrari.com
