Ferrari has launched the successor of the F8 Tributo, the 296 GTB in India at INR 5.4 crore ex-showroom. Unlike its predecessor, it ditches the twin-turbo V8 for a twin-turbo V6 with hybrid tech. Ferrari says the 296 GTB redefines the whole concept of fun to drive, guaranteeing pure excitement when pushing the car to its limit and also during everyday driving.
The plug-in hybrid supercar’s name is a combined acronym for its total displacement (2,992cc) and the number of cylinders with GTB, which stands for Gran Turismo Berlinetta. Since the last 6-cylinder Ferrari came under the ‘Dino’ brand, it also makes it the first road-going ‘Ferrari’ to use a 6-cylinder engine.
Ferrari 296 GTB – Highlights
For the design of the 296 GTB, Ferrari took a few design cues from the 1963 Ferrari 250 LM. Thus, it gets a pronounced B-pillar and haunches. Additionally, the Kamm tail adds another dimension to its design and enhances the rear profile. Meanwhile, the glasshouse takes inspiration from the Japan-only Ferrari J50 and the one-off P80/C. Ferrari has also equipped it with an active rear spoiler which takes inspiration from the LaFerrari. The spoiler generates 100 kg of additional downforce, thus resulting in better handling.
On the inside, it features a tech-laden cabin similar to the flagship, SF90 Stradale. The steering wheel and digital instrument cluster sit in a concave dashboard section and gets touch-capacitive controls on the side panels. The 296 GTB’s gearshift selector also pays tribute to the brand’s classic H-gate design. The passenger side of the cabin also gets a display integrated into the leather trim. This display shows information such as speed, RPM, and the mode selected. It also lets the passenger control functions some functions such as air-conditioning.
The India-spec Ferrari 296 GTB will come with a suspension lift system, black ceramic exhaust pipes, forged 20-inch wheels, a carbon fibre front spoiler, carbon fibre steering wheel, electrically-adjustable Alcantara seats, contrast stitching and more. Ferrari will also likely offer the optional Assetto Fiorano package as an extra.
Ferrari 296 GTB – Technical Specifications
Powering the 296 GTB is a new 2,992cc 120-degree twin-turbo V6. The V6 engine makes 654 HP on its own. The engine is mated to an MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit, Kinetic) that makes 164 HP and 315 Nm of torque. This takes the total combined output of the 296 GTB to 818 HP at 8,000 rpm. Meanwhile, the combined torque output stands at 740 Nm at 6,250 rpm. As for the gearbox, it uses the same 8-speed DCT unit as on the SF90 Stradale/Spider, Roma and Portofino M.
Thanks to a 7.42 kWh battery pack, it has an electric-only range of up to 25 km. The top speed in this mode is limited to 135 kmph. Along with the engine, it helps the 296 GTB accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in 2.9 seconds and reach a top speed of over 330 kmph.
Also Read: Check out the Ferrari 296 GT3 race car
