• The 296 GTB, the new Ferrari mid-rear-engined sports berlinetta was presented today
• The 296 GTB is equipped with a new Ferrari hybrid V6 architecture capable of delivering up to 830 hp
• The plug-in hybrid system of the 296 GTB maximizes usability, emotions and driving fun
• The 296 GTB is also available in the Assetto Fiorano version, aimed at extreme performance
The 296 GTB, the most recent evolution of the Maranello's mid-rear-engined 2-seater sports berlinetta, was presented today through a digital event broadcast on the Ferrari web and social channels. The 296 GTB redefines the idea of fun behind the wheel to guarantee pure thrills not only when you are looking for maximum performance, but also in everyday driving.
The car represents a real revolution for Ferrari as it introduces a new engine that joins the award-winning 8 and 12 cylinder engines, namely a 663 hp 120 ° turbo V6 coupled to an electric motor capable of delivering an additional 122 kW. (167 cv). This is the first 6-cylinder in history for a road car with the Prancing Horse logo: its 830 hp overall give unparalleled performance, showing off an innovative, exciting and one-of-a-kind sound .
From the name of the car that combines total displacement (2,992 l) and number of cylinders, followed by the initials GTB (Gran Turismo Berlinetta) typical of the best Ferrari sports tradition, we wanted to underline the epochal importance that the new V6 engine, the true beating heart of the 296 GTB and the forefather of a new era which nevertheless has its roots in Ferrari's incomparable over seventy years of experience in the world of racing.
After all, the first Ferrari equipped with a V6 (at the time in a 65 ° configuration and a total displacement of 1500 cm 3 ) dates back to 1957 and is the Dino 156 F2 single-seater. In the following year, two other V6s with increased displacement were presented on some front-engined Sport Prototypes, the 196 S and 296 S, as well as on the Formula 1 single-seater that in 1958 led Mike Hawthorn to victory in the Drivers' title of the World Championship. Formula 1, namely the 246 F1.
The first Ferrari to use a mid-rear V6 was the 246 SP in 1961, which among other things won the Targa Florio that year and the following. Also in 1961, Ferrari won its first Constructors' title in the Formula 1 World Championship with the 156 F1, which was fitted with a 120 ° V6 engine. The centrally positioned turbos were first installed by Ferrari on the 126 CK in 1981 and then on the 126 C2 of 1982, the first turbo car to win the Formula 1 Constructors' World Championship which was followed by the success of 1983 with the 126 C3. . Finally, the V6 turbo hybrid architecture has been fitted to all Formula 1 single-seaters since 2014.
The 296 GTB's plug-in electrical system (PHEV) guarantees extremely high usability, zero pedal response and 25 km of full-electric range . The compactness of the car and the introduction of innovative dynamic control systems, as well as aerodynamics refined in all its parts, allow it to immediately make the driver perceive agility and response to commands. The sporty and sinuous design and compact dimensions visually underline the great modernity of the 296 GTB, which finds valid references in cars such as the 250 LM of 1963, a perfect combination of simplicity and functionality.
The 296 GTB, like the SF90 Stradale, is also available in the Assetto Fiorano version for those who wish to further increase its performance, especially on the track, thanks to weight reduction and aerodynamic modifications.