The 348 was powered by Ferrari's 3405cc V8, introduced with the car in 1989. The 90° light alloy V8 had 10.4:1 compression and 48 valves actuated by four overhead camshafts. It produced 300bhp at 7200rpm and 237lbs-ft at 4200rpm. The V8 was installed longitudinally in the 348, bolted along with the transmission and rear suspension into the removable tube-steel rear sub-frame, a significant innovation. The new block had a revised basic geometry. It featured a five-main bearing crankshaft and nikasil-steel cylinder liners surmounted by heads with revised geometry and centrally mounted spark plugs for a high efficiency, high volume, high speed flow for spark and combustion efficiency. The valves were actuated through bucket tappets by dual overhead camshafts. A dry sump lubrication system provided necessary lubrication under all conditions. A pair of side-mounted radiators cooled the engine.
