Few things in life are constant like a new Ferrari making the automotive community go upside down and making the Tifosi (a phrase to describe an army of loyal Ferrari fans) weep with joy. This time however the said “new Ferrari” takes a revolutionary step into the future. The crystal ball gazing can end as the 296 GTB shows what the mid-rear-engined two-seater Berlinetta could be and it includes a V6, albeit with some electrification added into the mix. This is not a replacement for the V8 Tributo but an addition to the stable which is already bursting at its seams with capable thoroughbreds.
Hence the 296 GTB is a sports car with a lot of technology and science embedded in it and all to give it the edge in terms of utmost performance. The name needs explaining as it includes the total displacement (2992) and the number of cylinders. The GTB moniker stands for Gran Turismo Berlinetta and has been given to iconic Ferrari’s of yesteryear like the 308.
In terms of its power train, the 296 GTB is the first Ferrari road car to sport a V6 turbo with a vee with an angle of 120° between the cylinder banks, coupled with a plug-in electric motor. This new V6 has been designed and engineered from a clean sheet by Ferrari and promises to give the authentic experience which we have seen with the V8 or V12 models.
Being integrated with an electric motor at the rear, the Ferrari 296 GTB’s combined maximum power output is 819bhp. That is an ample power output and dwarfs many other such sports cars of its ilk. More than the power Ferrari is also vocal about its use-ability and claims the 296 GTB will go up to 25km in electric power alone.
The technology break up includes V6 turbo ICE, with the 8-speed DCT and E-Diff, and the MGU-K located between the engine and the gearbox. A clutch is set between the ICE and the electric motor to decouple them in electric-only eDrive mode. Lastly, there is a high-voltage battery and an inverter that controls the electric motors.
While all that is impressive for now we can stare at this new shape and marvel at how Ferrari is going back to basics with making beautiful and clean shapes. The 296 GTB is a mid-rear-engined two-seater Berlinetta with a lovely shape and compact proportions. We love the simplicity of the lines and how they pay homage to some of the gorgeous prancing horses of the past.
The interior is sci-fi though and borrows from the SF90 Stradale especially with the screens and the digital touch surfaces. Interestingly, rather than metal, the designers have opted for a thermoplastic cover in the same color as the dash.
For those who want a more focused driving experience then the Assetto Fiorano package is also available with the car from launch. Speaking of which customer cars would be delivered by next year at roughly $277,000 for each without options. The Tifosi can be happy, the 296 GTB is just the right Ferrari for today and tomorrow!
