Ferrari has launched the 296 GTB in India at Rs 5.40 crore (ex-showroom). Ferrari claims the 296 GTB is its first road car with a six-cylinder engine – the previous ones were marketed under the long-defunct Dino brand.
- Ferrari 296 GTB gets a 3.0-litre hybrid V6
- Becomes Ferrari’s first “mainstream” electrified model
- Replaces the F8 Tributo
The plug-in hybrid sportscar, which replaces the F8 Tributo, features a new hybrid-electric powertrain with a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout. The numerical designation in the 296 GTB moniker represents the 2,992cc, six-cylinder engine, while the Gran Turismo Berlinetta establishes it as the latest in a long line of Ferrari sportscars that stretch back to the mid-1950s.
Ferrari 296 GTB: powertrain
The Ferrari 296 GTB is powered by a 645hp, 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V6 engine, which is coupled to a 166hp electric motor, and combined, make 830hp. Combined torque is rated at 740Nm, which, according to Ferrari, helps the hybrid sportscar sprint from 0-100kph in 2.9 seconds, and achieve a top speed of over 330kph. All of the power is transferred to the road via an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
It can be driven solely on electric power too: its 7.42kWh battery lets you drive up to 25km and achieve speeds of 135kph.
While the ‘eManettino’ dial on the steering wheel is found on other Ferraris, the 296GTB gets four driving modes – eDrive, Hybrid, Performance and Qualify – with each offering different degrees of electric power and regenerative braking.
Ferrari 296 GTB: design and interior
For the first time on a mid-engined sportscar, Ferrari has employed an active spoiler that helps generate drag. Integrated with the rear bumper, the active rear spoiler generates up to 360kg downforce at 250kph with the hardcore, track-oriented Assetto Fiorano pack. Interestingly, it still generates up to 100kg more downforce than its predecessor without the said pack.
The exterior design has taken inspiration from the 1963 Ferrari 250 LM with its pronounced haunches, B-pillar design and Kamm tail. The glasshouse takes styling cues from the Japan-specific J50 and the one-off P80/C.
The 296 GTB has a tech-heavy cabin design similar to the SF90 Stradale flagship. The digital gauge cluster and steering wheel are housed in a concave dashboard section, while its side panels have touch-capacitive controls. The gearshift selector has been designed as a tribute to Ferrari’s classic ‘H-gate’ design.
As standard, the India-spec Ferrari 296 GTB comes fitted with Alcantara-wrapped electric seats, suspension lifter, black ceramic exhaust pipes, carbon-fibre front spoiler and steering wheel, 20-inch forged rims, surround-view camera, titanium wheel bolts and contrast coloured stitching on the inside.
Ferrari’s future plans
Up next for the Maranello-based carmaker is its first-ever SUV, the Purosangue, which is due to be unveiled in September. The long-awaited SUV will come with a V12 engine and rival the likes of the Aston Martin DBX 707, Bentley Bentayga W12 and the Lamborghini Urus Performante.
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