Ferrari 296 GTB: powertrain details

The V6 engine at the core of the plug-in hybrid system is described as the first “six-cylinder engine installed on a road car with the Prancing Horse logo.” Maranello used V6s for entry-level sports cars in the 1960s and 1970s, but these were sold as part of its dedicated and no longer existing Dino brand.

The 296 GTB’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter engine-a new custom power unit developed in-house by Ferrari-produces 654 horsepower, equivalent to 218 horsepower per liter-which is said to be a record for a production car. Ferrari placed the turbocharger between the cylinder banks for the first time-this layout was chosen because of its more compact packaging, lower center of gravity and smaller engine mass. The 120-degree wide-angle configuration of the aluminum block also means that the turbine can be centered, shortening the distance from the combustion chamber to achieve maximum intake efficiency. Despite its forced aspiration and relatively small size, the new V6 is said to deliver the “naturally aspirated V12 high-frequency harmony” used in Ferrari’s top GT models.

The V6 is connected to an electric motor—this is also the first time a Ferrari hybrid is installed in the rear, before the 8-speed automatic transmission—produces 166 horsepower, bringing the total output of the system to 830 horsepower. This is 110 horsepower more than the F8 Tributo powered by the V8.

At the same time, the combined torque output is about 741Nm, which means that the 296 GTB can accelerate from 0-100kph to a top speed of over 330kph in 2.9 seconds. Like the SF90 Stradale, the 296 GTB can be driven by electricity alone (approximately 42 kilometers, speeds up to 135 km/h), thanks to its 7.45 kWh battery under the floor.

Four driving modes-eDrive, Hybrid, Performance and Qualification-are provided through the “eManettino” switch on the steering wheel-each with a different degree of electric motor participation and regenerative braking.

Ferrari 296 GTB: design and styling

Among the “radical and innovative solutions” introduced for the overall design of the 296 GTB is a comprehensive rethinking of the active aerodynamic components used by its recent predecessors.

For the first time in a mid-engine sports car, Ferrari uses active aerodynamics to generate downforce instead of reducing drag. Based on the products used by LaFerrari, the active rear spoiler integrated in the rear bumper is said to be able to generate up to 360 kg of downforce at a speed of 250 km/h, and specifies the track-oriented iron Assetto Fiorano package. Even in standard form, it produces 100 kilograms more than its predecessors. Various defining design clues promoted the visual relationship with other new era Ferraris, including the SF90 Stradale and Roma, while being far away from the F8 Tributo and its closely related 488 GTB predecessors.

However, Ferrari also claims to draw inspiration from classic models, including the 250 LM in 1963, which inspired the design of the B-pillar, rear waist and Kamm tail. At the same time, the wrap-around windshield is a hint borrowed from the disposable P80/C and the Japanese market J50.

By directing hot air under the car, the air intake is made as small as possible (for a cleaner appearance)-which means it is kept separate from the cold air required by the rear intercooler-and the radiator of the hybrid system It is ventilated to the rear, so the front of the car can be aerodynamically optimized with a more tapered design than before.

By using the “Aero” brake calipers inspired by the SF90 Stradale, a large number of downforce enhancement adjustments can also be made. They are cooled by pipes integrated in the headlights to make room for the central part of the bottom of the car, making it as low as possible to the ground, thus “exaggerating the suction generated by the ground effect.”

Ferrari emphasized that the rear-end design specifically marked a break from tradition in combining Spider and coupe style elements, with a clear separation between the roof and the B-pillar, and a pair of fairly large pillars on both sides of the engine compartment. In the absence of a rear windshield from the roof to the rear, these help to guide the air effectively. According to tradition, an open roof spider version is expected to be launched.

Ferrari 296 GTB: Chassis

It is said that the development plan of the 296 GTB is centered on “providing first-class driver participation” while improving general usability and accessibility. To this end, the powertrain was kept as compact as possible, and a large number of new components were introduced, including the Transition Manager Actuator for fast switching between the two power sources, the “world’s first” six-way dynamic chassis sensor and the new “ABS Evo” The function can reduce the brake pedal stroke and ensure “larger stopping distance repeatability”.

The improved ABS system eliminates the yaw rate sensor and measures the acceleration and speed of the three axes to better determine when to intervene. It also reduces the braking distance of 200-0kph by 8.8%.

The wheelbase of the 296 GTB is 50 millimeters shorter than the F8 Tributo, which Ferrari says improves flexibility. The increased weight of the hybrid system is largely offset by the use of lighter gasoline engines and various lightweight materials, which means that the dry weight of the car is 1,470 kg-only 35 kg more than the previous model.

Ferrari 296 GTB: Interior

The 296 GTB relies heavily on the high-tech cabin design of the SF90 Stradale flagship model, and Ferrari says it represents “a clear breakthrough from the past.” The concave instrument panel part is equipped with a digital instrument panel and a steering wheel, while the two panels on the side of the instrument panel are equipped with capacitive touch controls for a series of functions. The head-up display is also distinctive, while the stereo speakers match the dashboard, presenting a simple appearance. However, people’s tribute to the past appears in the form of a shift lever, whose style refers to Ferrari’s classic “H door” design.

Ferrari 296 GTB: India launch plan

Although the launch in India has not yet been officially announced, we expect Ferrari to open orders for 296 GTB in the near future.

See also:

Ferrari 296 GTB image gallery

Ferrari Roma India video review

Ferrari Rome India Review, Test Drive