www.QV500.com - Ferrari Mondial Part 4: Mondial t
 
During March 1989, the most heavily revised Mondial of all was launched – Ferrari's Mondial t. The lower case t in the suffix referred to a new transversely mounted gearbox, the use of which allowed the engine to be mounted lower, improving both handling and weight distribution. There was also a heavily revised engine now positioned longitudinally in the chassis, all previous Mondial's having had their powerplants mounted transversely. Designated Tipo F119 DL (or Tipo F119 G for US specification motors with catalytic converters), the enlarged 3.4-litre V8 featured a displacement of 3405cc thanks to a bore and stoke of 85 x 75mm respectively.
   
Output was up from 270 to 300bhp at 7200rpm (although G motors produced 295bhp), compression being set at 10.4:1 and re-mapped Bosch Motronic M2.5 engine management used. This meant the new t's were the fastest Mondial's of all and cars whose performance was almost on a par with the two-seat 348's. With 0-60 in 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 156mph for the Euro-spec Coupe, these last of the line Mondial's were seriously quick. A number of subtle visual tweaks were also made, most notably rectangular engine air intakes carved out from the reprofiled rear wings. Otherwise, new 328-style door catches and retractable headlights with rectangular lenses were the only major changes. The interior was thoroughly revised though with a more modern dash, switchgear, centre console and four redesigned seats, the back pair having been of fold-down type to provide additional luggage space. By 1993, one particularly interesting option was being offered, Ferrari's Valeo transmission featuring a manually-operated clutchless gearchange. Very few Mondial t's were equipped with the Valeo system and although it worked extremely well, it was quickly forgotten about with the advent of F1-style transmissions in 1997. Between early 1989 and late 1993, 840 Coupe's and 1010 Cabriolet's were built.