A new V6 prances in the Ferrari 296 GTB

MANILA: Ferrari officially unveiled the 296 GTB, the latest version of Maranello’s mid-rear-engined two-seater berlinetta, through a virtual launch event that was livestreamed on the brand’s digital platforms.

The car’s name combines its total displacement (2.992 liters) and the number of cylinders, together with the GTB (Gran Turismo Berlinetta) acronym, to emphasize the engine’s epoch-changing importance to Maranello. The 296 GTB brings in a new V6 era that is distilled from Ferrari’s over 70 years of experience in motorsports.

The 296 GTB’s plug-in hybrid system helps bring the pedal response times down to zero and deliver a 25-km range in all-electric eDrive mode. The car is built with compact dimensions, advanced dynamic control systems, and optimized aerodynamics to let the driver experience agility and responsiveness.

The 296 GTB is powered by a V6 turbo engine with a plug-in electric motor. This new engine has set a new specific power output record for a production car of 221cv/l. With the electric motor at the rear, the 296 GTB’s total maximum power output is 830cv, the highest among all rear-wheel-drive sports cars.

Aside from the V6 turbo ICE, the powertrain is also composed of an eight-speed DCT and E-Diff, and a motor generator unit-kinetic (MGU-K) located between the engine and the gearbox. It also comes with a high-voltage battery and an inverter that controls the electric motors.

To achieve a massive power output, Ferrari introduced the 120-degree "V" configuration with equally spaced firings and positioned the turbos inside the V. This architecture allowed the car to have a much more compact engine and optimally distributed masses.

The 296 GTB is the first-ever Ferrari developed under a rear-wheel- drive-only plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) architecture wherein the ICE is integrated with an electric motor that produces up to 122 kW. The electric motor and ICE connect through the transition manager actuator (TMA) that allows them to be used simultaneously to produce a combined power output of 830cv or separates them to allow the electric motor to be solely used.

To reduce the length of the powertrain and shorten the wheelbase, the MGU-K is designed with a compact size and structure. This improved design allows the car to reach maximum torque of 315Nm.

The car’s high voltage battery has a 7.45kWh capacity and an excellent weight/power ratio. It is situated under the floor to reduce volume and weight. The cell modules contain 80 cells linked in series. Each cell supervisor controller is equipped directly in the modules to minimize volume and weight.

To redefine the identity of the mid-rear-engined two-seater berlinetta, Ferrari Styling Center gave the 296 GTB an extremely compact line with an original, modern look. The car’s contemporary styling is accentuated by headlights that took inspiration from the teardrop-shaped headlights of the past. The two “faired-in teardrops” are equipped into the front of the car like jewels. The car also comes with daytime running lights that serve as the signature of the front fascia.

In the rear, the 296 GTB features a Kammi tail that highlights its compact volumes. Located on the tail’s upper section is a horizontal element that holds the taillights and the integrated retracting spoiler. When the taillights are off, a thin “black screen” line runs horizontally on the rear of the car. When the lights are on, two strips of light are projected on either end. The 296 GTB also features a single central exhaust tailpipe that completes the lower part of the profile of the center of the bumper. It also features a new alloy wheel with a twin-spoke design that depicts the sculptural effect of the starburst shape.

The 296 GTB’s cockpit features an entirely digital interface similar to the SF90 Stradale. When the engine is off, the onboard instruments transform into black, enhancing the minimalist look of the cabin. The seats are wrapped with exclusive Italian leather with noble technical materials on the functional components. Once the driver touches the “Start Engine” button, all of the components gradually spring to life to reveal the car’s modern, ergonomic, and digital interface. The car’s head up display is integrated into the leather trim as part of the brand’s philosophy of maximum formal purity.

For customers who want to experience the car’s peak power and performance, Ferrari offers the Assetto Fiorano package that includes lightweight features and aerodynamic modifications. The package includes special GT racing-inspired adjustable Multimatic shock absorbers tuned for track use, high downforce carbon-fiber appendages on the front bumper that help deliver an extra 10 kg of downforce, a Lexan rear screen, and comprehensive use of lightweight materials such as carbon fiber for both cabin and exterior.

The Assetto Fiorano package also features a redesigned door panel that reduces the overall weight by over 12 kg. A special livery inspired by the 250 Le Mans also comes as an option with the package. It also comes with Michelin Sport Cup2R high-performance tires that are specially designed for tracks.

Every purchase of a 296 GTB comes with a seven-year maintenance program, an exclusive service that maintains the car’s peak performance and safety. The genuine maintenance includes regular maintenance, original spares, and meticulous checks by staff trained directly at the Ferrari Training Center in Maranello. This service is available in all Ferrari markets worldwide and all dealerships in the Official Dealership Network.

Photos from Ferrari

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