Ferrari has unveiled the 296 GTB, introducing a new “concept of fun behind the wheel, guaranteeing pure emotions not just when pushing the car to its limits, but also in day-to-day driving situations”.
Powering the 296 GTB is a 120-degree, V6, petrol-hybrid engine – a first for a road car bearing the Ferrari badge.
“It unleashes its massive 610kW total power output to deliver previously-unthinkable performance levels and an innovative, exhilarating, and unique soundtrack.”
Hybrid V6
The 3.0-litre, turbocharged V6 engine puts out 488kW and couples with an electric motor that generates 122kW, with the combined system producing 740Nm.
“The 296 GTB’s plug-in hybrid system guarantees it is an incredibly-usable car as well as cutting pedal response times to zero and delivering a 25km range in all-electric eDrive mode,” said the company.
The unit connects to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and an E-Diff, and sends power to the rear wheels only.
The result:
- 0-100km/h – 2.9 seconds
- 0-200km/h – 7.3 seconds
- 200-0km/h – 107 metres
- Top speed – 330km/h
“Sound-wise, the 296 GTB rewrites the rulebook by harmoniously combining two characteristics that are normally diametrically opposed: the force of the turbos and the harmony of the high-frequency notes of a naturally-aspirated V12,” said Ferrari.
According to the company, the 296 GTB is the first-ever Ferrari with a rear-wheel-drive only PHEV architecture – with a 7.45kWh high-voltage battery located under the floor to minimise volume and weight.
Aerodynamics
The new 296 GTB features “several radical and innovative solutions” to cooling its most critical parts, while still looking sleek and aggressive.
All of the vital heat-generating engine components have been shifted to the upper centre area of the engine bay, which allows for more efficient heat management of the entire system.
Another innovation that this car has is an active front section that generates downforce rather than manage drag.
In the track-focused Assetto Fiorano package, this can create up to 360kg of downforce at speeds of 250km/h.
“This impressive performance was achieved by seamlessly optimising the car’s volumes,” said Ferrari.
“The result is a car with an extremely clean, elegant design in which all the performance-oriented elements meld effortlessly with the styling.”
An active rear spoiler generates additional downforce to maximise handling and braking performance at high speeds, and a sports suspension system with 20-inch, twin-spoke, alloy wheels keeps it glued to the road.
The car then measures 4,565mm long, 1,958mm wide, and 1,187mm tall.
Cockpit
The 296 GTB’s cockpit was developed around the company’s new digital interface concept, which Ferrari debuted on the SF90 Stradale.
The technological inspiration was taken from the SF90, while a more minimalist, traditional design was followed throughout the remainder of the cabin
The driver gets a touch-capacitive multifunction steering wheel and a large digital instrument cluster, while the passenger has a small screen fitted to the dashboard telling them how fast the car is driving as an optional extra.
Assetto Fiorano
For customers wanting more, a hardcore Assetto Fiorano package is available.
The option will see racing-derived Multimatic shock absorbers, a Lexan rear screen, and lightweight materials fitted – as well as extra carbon-fibre flares at the front that create 10kg of additional downforce.
Redesigned door panels save 12kg, too, and a special Le Mans-inspired livery exclusive to the Assetto Fiorano package makes the car stand out even more.
This makes the Assetto Fiorano variant 15kg lighter in total than the standard 296 GTB, which comes in at 1,470kg.
7-years maintenance
Every purchase of a new Ferrari 296 GTB includes a seven-year maintenance programme.
“This scheduled maintenance programme for Ferraris is an exclusive service that allows clients the certainty that their car is being kept at peak performance and safety over the years. This very special service is also available to owners of pre-owned Ferraris,” said Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB – Photos
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