308/328 GTS louvers - functional? | FerrariChat
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308/328 GTS louvers - functional?

Discussion in '308/328' started by Gatorrari, Jan 24, 2005.

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  1. Gatorrari

    Gatorrari F1 World Champ
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    Jim Pernikoff
    #1 Gatorrari, Jan 24, 2005
    I had always thought that the rear side window louvers on GTS cars like my 328 were strictly a styling gimmick to further distinguish them from the GTBs. But at the Cavallino Classic I overheard someone say that this was actually done to reduce reflections, presumably on the rear window, when the roof was off.

    Can anyone confirm or deny this claim?
     
  2. GrigioGuy

    GrigioGuy Splenda Daddy
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    #2 GrigioGuy, Jan 24, 2005
    Personally, I haven't seen any difference now that I have the modified louvers on my GTS
     
  3. jaturon

    jaturon Formula 3

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    #3 jaturon, Jan 24, 2005
    This is very interesting as I have never known of any technical usefulness on those louvers.
     
  4. jknight

    jknight F1 Veteran

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    #4 jknight, Jan 25, 2005
    I would wonder why it wouldn't make sense as you've referenced above. It seems to me that on the higher end sports cars every design element serves a real purpose rather than being just another gimick of one sort or another added to the vehicle. JMO

    Carol
     
  5. GrigioGuy

    GrigioGuy Splenda Daddy
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    #5 GrigioGuy, Jan 25, 2005

    Oh? I disagree.

    1) "vinyl-pattern" embossed fiberglass roof panels on the 308/328
    2) "vinyl-pattern" embossed spoilers on the 308/328
    3) embedded shields on the 355+ fenders
    4) slats over the tailights on the 348


    There's lots of gimmick details in most car lines, even (or especially) Ferrari.

    I can tell you that outward 3/4 visibility is greatly increased with the modified louvers, especially on freeway entrances and exits
     
  6. 308GTS

    308GTS Formula 3

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    #6 308GTS, Jan 25, 2005
    I think it cuts glare. I personally can see out of them fine.
     
  7. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    #7 BigTex, Jan 25, 2005
    There's so many light reflections going on out the rear window of a 3X8, I can't see it makes much difference!

    But I don't have them either!
     
  8. Mike C

    Mike C F1 Veteran
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    #8 Mike C, Jan 26, 2005
    Same here (see profile pic for those not familiar with the mod)
     
  9. Auraraptor

    Auraraptor F1 World Champ
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    #9 Auraraptor, Jan 26, 2005
    They increase drag. :rolleyes:
     
  10. Gilles27

    Gilles27 F1 World Champ

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    #10 Gilles27, Jan 26, 2005
    Glare from what?
     
  11. sixcarbs

    sixcarbs F1 World Champ
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    #11 sixcarbs, Jan 26, 2005
    Who looks backwards anyway?
     
  12. Skindiver

    Skindiver Karting

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    Greg
    #12 Skindiver, Jan 27, 2005
    To hide the raised and otherwise exposed fuel cap ?
     

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