When we talk about a Ferrari, a beautiful supercar with a big V8 or a naturally aspirated V12 pops into our mind. But with this newest release, Ferrari has shocked everyone. Don't get fooled by its appearance, it may look small on the outside and on paper too, but in reality, it's a whole different animal. Yes, we are talking about the Ferrari 296 GTB. The V6-powered Ferrari is an example of the Italian manufacturer's out-of-box thinking and design capabilities.
Ferrari has left no stones unturned with its newest supercar. It has given the 296 a high revving almost flat V6 engine with the assistance of added hybridization. In the lineup, the 296 GTB slots in between the more powerful SF90 and the twin turbo-V8 powered F8 Tributo. Currently, the 296 is the second Ferrari in the lineup to feature the hybrid powertrain, but it's not the only one thing that is special about this supercar.
It's a 819-horsepower supercar, and it also comes with a ton of unique elements that add to its drama. So, without any further ado let's check out what makes the Ferrari 296 GTB so awesome.
10 First V6 Ferrari In 65 Years
The Ferrari 296 is easily one of the most unique Ferraris to come out of the gates of Maranello. Since the launch of the Dino in 1957, the Italian automaker has not brought a regular production supercar with a V6. Making the 296 GTB the first V6-powered Ferrari in almost 65 years.
What makes this V6-powered Ferrari even more interesting is its distinctive engine design. Ferrari has given its 2.9-liter V6 powerplant a 120-degree V-angle. This has enabled the installation of fast-responding counter-rotating turbochargers in the vee and intakes on the exterior of the cylinder heads. These changes have helped the brand in achieving an overall lower center of gravity as well.
9 Highest Specific Output Per Liter Of Any Production Car
Internally classified as the F163 engine, the V6 engine in the back of the Ferrari 269 produces 654 horsepower on its own without the added hybridization. And with a displacement of 2,992cc (182.58 cubic inches) the per liter horsepower tally of this supercar comes out to be 218. Which makes the 296 GTB engine to become the highest specific output per liter generating engine of any road car available at the moment.
Notably, the Ferrari 296 GTB's engine surpasses the previous record holder the AMG A45 S, which held the record with a particular output of 211 horsepower per liter. Additionally, the specific output of the 296 increases to 277 horsepower per liter if we add the 165 horsepower (123 kilowatts) generated from the electric motors.
8 Comes With A Lightning Fast DCT
It doesn't matter if a supercar comes with a gazillion horsepower, the fun of driving it can be easily tarnished by a slow-shifting transmission. But to everyone's relief, that's not a point to worry about in the 296 GTB. The latest creation from Maranello comes equipped with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The stunning V-6 in the Ferrari 296 GTB is coupled with a very quick eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. The same transmission that is also found in the SF90, Portofino, and Roma. The ridiculous performance numbers are partly a result of the limited-slip differential electronically managed. Speaking of which, the top speed on the 296 GTB is 206 mph, and it only takes a mere 2.9 seconds to go from 0-62 mph.
7 It's A Hybrid Supercar
The spiritual successor to the legendary Dino is a hybrid supercar that borrows its drivetrain from its much more expensive elder sibling - the SF90. The addition of the hybrid elements has resulted in a total output of 818 hp (610 kW) and 740 Nm (546 lb-ft) of torque. That's plenty for a car which is smaller than the Ferrari F8.
The rear-mounted e-motor on the 296 GTB generates a cool 164 horsepower (122 kW) of electrical assistance. That in turn permits a 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) run in 2.9 seconds, matching the F8. Also, the electric motor draws its energy from a 7.45 kWh battery, which allows for up to 15.5 miles (25 km) without using the internal combustion engine.
6 Gets An F1 Inspired Inconel Exhaust
When Ferrari first announced that the 296 GTB will be powered by a six-cylinder almost every automotive enthusiast's heart sank. Not because it would have meant less power, but more so because it would not sound so great. However, to everyone's surprise Ferrari managed to make the 296 sound like a proper supercar.
Ferrari was able to greatly simplify the exhaust system by using fewer bends and pipes and smarter placement of the turbochargers on top of the engine in the "hot V" design. In turn, the unrestricted exhaust flow boosted effectiveness and performance. Inconel, which is primarily utilized in F1, has also been used to create the exhaust and catalytic converter housings for the 296 thus further reducing weight.
5 Clever Aero Features
Like every new modern supercar, the 296 GTB too comes with some clever aero elements to increase its driving abilities and aerodynamics. The first of these elements resides in the front of the car as a carbon fiber splitter to direct air along the underbody. Additional hidden headlamp ducts are integrated to cool those giant carbon ceramic brakes. Meanwhile, on the sides, one massive intake on each side feeds the turbo intercoolers.
In the rear, a dynamic active wing which is more of a gurney flap is concealed between the taillamps. It appears to provide up to 100 pounds of additional downforce when braking. Under load, at a speed of around 155mph, the Ferrari 296 GTB generates a total of 220 lbs of downforce.
4 Assetto Fiorano Package For Track Enthusiasts
If buying a standard 296 GTB seems a little boring to you then you can spice things up by getting the high-performance Assetto Fiorano package. With this package, you will get a host of upgrades. To name some you'll get a Multimac shock absorber optimized for the track, high downforce carbon fiber appendages on the front bumper, a lightweight Lexan rear screen, and extensive lightweight carbon fiber elements both inside and out.
Also in addition to a number of performance upgrades, the Assetto Fiorano package offers a wide range of custom color and design options that go beyond of those offered in the standard 296 GTB. With this package, you can choose from 26 exterior colors, 7 wheel configurations, 5 brake caliper configurations, and a choice of the Giallo Modena or Argento Nürburgring livery, along with plenty more things.
3 Offers An Engaging Driving Experience
What good is a Ferrari without that thrilling driving experience right? Without a doubt, and this applies equally to this stunning machine. This V6 supercar's electrical and turbocharged components work in perfect harmony thanks to the masterminds at Ferrari. The 296 GTB's myriad features all work together to create a supremely pleasurable driving experience.
Flick the all-new eMannetino on the steering wheel, and you can choose from any of the four driving modes. eDrive, Hybrid, Performance, and Qualify are your options. With close to 820 ponies behind your back in the engine bay, you may assume that it will feel overpowered, but in reality, the ride is extremely composed and firm.
2 Gorgeous Styling On The Outside
The 296 GTB is unarguably a stupendous-looking automobile. The low, uncluttered front fascia featuring an elegant set of headlamps along with strong fenders, and a low hood make it a stare-worthy supercar. Moving forward it also adorns a clean crease line that runs along the doors and merges with the large air intakes.
Meanwhile, a glance at the side profile is dominated by a new 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheel set that can also be swapped for full carbon wheels in the Assetto Fiorano package. An integrated retracting active spoiler, a single central exhaust tailpipe, and a carbon fiber engine cover round up the rear of the 296 GTB.
1 Equally Exquisite On The Inside
Like the exterior, Ferrari never misses its aim in the interior designs of its supercars as well. The layout and much of the interior in this new Italian stallion are borrowed from its elder sibling SF90. That is obviously not a bad thing. The 296 GTB features the most cutting-edge technology and just about every inch of the interior is covered with premium Italian leather.
The 296 GTB puts an emphasis on the driver and hence offers a driver-centric layout. Everything that a driver could need during the time of spirited driving is at his driver's fingertips. The majority of instrumentation is situated on the cockpit's driver's side and the center instrument panel is cradled by two visible buttresses.