Is this the end of the naturally aspirated V8 engine commonly used in Ferrari cars? Well, if you don’t know, then you ought to know the house of Maranello has unveiled another fast car, Ferrari 296 GTB, a model which features a new hybridized V6 engine.
The last time Ferrari produced a car riding on a V6 engine was almost five decades ago. With the latest release, it appears Ferrari is looking to tap into its history and modify the technology to inspire future models. A good example is how the new supercar, Ferrari 296 GTB, ushers in a new concept, a turbocharged hybrid V6 engine.
The new Ferrari is not replacing F8 Tributo, but a compliment to this outgoing model, which will exit the market by the end of 2022 once Ferrari delivers all the pending orders. Likewise, The 296 GTB is neither a derivative of LaFerrari nor SF90 Stradale, two Ferrari with a halo hybrid system. Instead, the fast car is unique in its own right. It prides itself as the first car carrying the prancing horse badge that is 100 percent electric.
Engine Performance and Transmission of Ferrari 296 GTB
The new model comes with a drivetrain consisting of a 3-liters twin-turbocharged V6 engine capable of producing 654 bhp. When combined with electric motors mounted on the rear axle, they create a whopping 819 bhp, which is 109 bhp more than what the F8 Tributo can produce despite having a V8 engine. Meanwhile, the total combined torque output reaches a massive 546 lb-ft.
The V6 engine is paired with a plug-in hybrid system that produces a 7.45 kWh lithium-ion battery and 123 kW electric motors. These two combine to generate a total output of 740Nm and 810 kW, which is higher than what the large F8 Tributo generates, considering it rides on a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged engine and only produces 530 kW/770 Nm but features no hybrid tech.
According to Ferrari, this latest supercar sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds, which equals the time set by F8 Tributo. It also takes less than 7.4 seconds to speed up from zero to 200 km/h, while it reaches a top speed of 330 km/h.
In addition, Ferrari offered the 296 GTB four driving modes through the eManettino switch found on the steering wheel. The modes include eDrive, performance, hybrid, and qualify. Each mode has its differing percentage of electric involvement and functionality, like regenerative braking.
Design Layout of Ferrari 296 GTB
The cabin of this fast car adorns black and red leather with prancing horse badges that provide contrast. It also comes with a visor-style windshield that wraps around the side windows, a design commonly seen on limited editions or one-off Ferraris.
Also, the interior features an SF90-derived concept, which includes an entire digital interface, and remains minimalist. The cabin’s displays turn pitch black when the engine is off and light up whenever started. Another inclusion that enhances the performance of this sports car is the Assetto Fiorano package. It comes with upgrades such as new tires, updated suspension, and aerodynamic bits,
The exterior design of this sports car features some striking styling, such as the low shoulder line, slim headlights with brake ducts, and a Kamm tail that hosts jewel-like tail lights. In addition, the automaker refers to Ferrari 296 GTB as the ideal Berlinetta ever to come out of Maranello in the past decade.
From the body design, it’s clear, Ferrari still harbors memories of the previous GTB models. Although the manufacturer incorporated some variation to this mid-engine V6 supercar, the side air intake drew inspiration from the F355. The only difference is that the air intake is above the wheels on this new model. Not only that, the Ferrari 296 GTB features more historical design elements but with a different presentation.
What’s more, aerodynamics are clearly defined. This was not the case with the F8 Tributo, which shared design motifs from the C8 Corvette. But all the same, it is clear now that Ferrari is slowly evolving its rear designs. Just like Roma, the 296 GTB does not feature the iconic taillight design.
The Price of Hybrid Ferrari
Ferrari has yet to announce the selling price for 296 GTB. But since the model competes in the same segment as F8 Tributo, whose price is $277,000. Expect the new fast car to cost more than that when it arrives in the market next year.
Last Take
To sum up, as one model exists, another comes in, and that is how Ferrari maintains its theatrical presence through its vehicles. Here, the incoming fast car has a shorter wheelbase than the outgoing. The same case applies to the engine. But despite downsizing its engine, Ferrari enthusiasts hope the 296 GTB makes it up with improved dynamics, handling, and usability.
