In 1981 at the Frankfurt Motor Show Ferrari replaced the 512 BB model with the 512 BBi, the "i" suffix denoting a change from carburettors to fuel injection.The production period ran from 1981 to 1984, when it was replaced by the world market Testarossa model. During that period a total of 1007 examples were produced, in both in right or left hand drive versions, with no USA market versions built.

The 512 BBi featured a few minor changes to the exterior. At the front the plain aluminium egg-crate radiator grille stopped short of the driving lights, which were now exposed in the grille extremities, with small rectangular parking lights mounted in the bumper section above them. At the rear the engine louvre arrangement was modified and a new shroud was provided to the exhaust system, which incorporated hazard warning lights.

A new design of door mirror was fitted, changes were made to the interior, including a black spoked steering wheel, and the availability of "Zegna" wool cloth seat centers as an option. The road wheels became the same width front and rear, fitted with Michelin TRX tyres, which had the effect of increasing the front and rear track to 1508mm and 1572mm respectively.

1981 - 1984 Ferrari 512 BBi

Specifications
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  • Model: 1981 - 1984 Ferrari 512 BBi
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Under the hood Ferrari placed an aluminum flat twelve cylinder engine with the same configuration as its predecessor with a cubic capacity of 4943cc. It was fitted with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection and delivered a total of 340 hp at 6000 rpm. The 512 BBi was capable of a top speed of 280 km/h (173 mph).