Ferrari's unveils the brand's first ever V6 powered supercar, the 296 GTB.

Ferrari has unveiled their latest mid-engine supercar, the 296 GTB. The 296 GTB is also Ferrari’s first-ever car powered by a V6 engine. Although, it is worth mentioning that the Dino 246 GT was the last V6 powered car built by Ferrari in the early 1970s.

Let me start by addressing the elephant-in-the-room or the absence of the elephant in this case. Powering the new Ferrari 296 GTB is neither a 12-cylinder nor an 8-cylinder engine, but a twin-turbocharged 2992cc V6 engine with 654hp and is mated to an 8-speed DCT gearbox.

However, the 296 GTB produces peak power of 818hp and 740Nm of torque. The additional power and torque comes from the Formula 1 inspired MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit-Kinetic) which delivers the additional 164hp.

The MGU-K unit is bolted to the 8-speed DCT gearbox to maximise efficiency, and the battery powering the electric motor is a 7.45kWh unit placed under the floor to keep the centre of gravity low.

Performance wise, the new 296 GTB will reach 100kmph from a standstill in just 2.9 seconds, while 200kmph comes in just 7.3 seconds, and the top speed is rated at 330kmph. As per Ferrari, the new 296 GTB lapped their Fiorano test track in just 1 minute, 21 seconds; which is half a second faster than the track focussed Ferrari 488 Pista.

Like the Ferrari SF90, the 296 GTB is a plug-in hybrid and can be driven in electric power alone for up to 25kms. 

One of the things worth mentioning about the 296 GTB would be its engine, it is a 120-degree V6 unit with turbochargers mounted centrally to reduce piping and make it as compact as possible. The engine is also capable of 8500rpm redline for a sonorous soundtrack.

Design wise, the 296 GTB looks clean and follows a similar design language as its elder brother, the SF90. Even the rear houses four square tail lamps that are topped by two LED brake lights.

On the inside, the 296 GTB looks just as focussed as any modern Ferrari with minimal physical buttons. Even the start/stop button on the steering wheel has been replaced by a touch-sensitive button.

There is even an ‘Assetto Fiorano’ pack that adds few more carbon-fibre bits, a Lexan rear windscreen, a set of adjustable Multimactic shock absorbers, and reduces weight by almost 12kg.

Priced at USD 321,000, the new 296 GTB will not replace the F8 Tributo but will be sold alongside it. That being said, the 296 GTB a great addition to Ferrari’s mid-engine lineup, as it will give more options to customers and help Ferrari transit to eco-friendlier drivetrains in future. We also expect the 296 GTB to lot more agile due to its shorter wheelbase. 

 

Athul Z

Content Creator, MYTYRE