By Otsile Kadiege

Ferrari has revealed a sleek new sports car called the 296 GTB (Gran Turismo Berlinetta). The 296 GTB misses out on the Maranello based automaker’s 8-cylinder powerplant. Instead the 296 GTB is powered by a V6 plug-in hybrid engine making it the first V6 powered Ferrari since the Dino 246 GT. Ferrari claims the 296 GTB redefines the whole 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.

V6 PHEV powertrain

Powering the Ferrari 296 GTB is a turbocharged 3.0 litre V6 plug-in hybrid engine making a total output of 610 kW and 740 Nm. All that power is sent to the rear-wheels via the automaker’s 8-speed DCT allowing the 296 GTB to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds. It has a top speed of 330 km/h and revs all the way up to 8,500 rpm.

The rear-mounted electric motor produces up to 122 kW derived from the Formula 1 application from which it also inherits the MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit, Kinetic) moniker. The electric motor and ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) communicate via the Transition Manager Actuator (TMA) which allows them to be used both together to produce a combined power output of 610 kW  or decouples them to allow the electric motor to run solo. When the eDrive mode is engaged, the high voltage battery with 7.45 kWh capacity allows the 296 GTB to run solely on electric power for up to 25 km.

Assetto Fiorano package

For clients who want to exploit the car’s extreme power and performance to the utmost, the Ferrari 296 GTB Assetto Fiorano package is available. It includes special GT racing-derived adjustable Multimatic shock absorbers optimised for track use; high downforce carbon-fibre appendages on the front bumper that can deliver an additional 10 kg of downforce, a Lexan rear screen, and more extensive use of lightweight materials such as carbon-fibre for both cabin and exterior.

Design and technology

The exterior design of the Ferrari 296 GTB is modern, sleek, simple and uncluttered. Inside, the 286 GTB has a minimalist look thanks to the absence of a separate infotainment display. The latter has been integrated with the digital instrument cluster. It features exclusive Italian leather trim to the seats which is further enhanced by the noble technical materials used on the functional components.