V6-engined power for latest mid-engined model
Ferrari has revealed its latest road-going model in the form of a mid-engined V6-PHEV with a combined output of 819bhp, named the 296 GTB, Maranello's first road-going six-cylinder engine since 1974.
The new 296 GTB is Ferrari’s first mainstream model with electrified power after the LaFerrari and SF90 Stradale, and is the latest entry into its Berlinetta sports car family, with an all-new hybrid V6 engine arriving in place of the traditional mid-mounted V8.
The 296’s numerical title is a suggestion to its 2996cc six-cylinder engine, while the Gran Turismo Berlinetta name establishes it as the latest in a long line of Ferrari sports cars that stretches back to the mid-1950s.
The new model arrives to sit alongside the F8 Tributo, which will depart in 2022.
The V6 powertrain is Maranello’s first since the prancing horse used a V6 for entry-level sports cars during the 1960s and 1970s, but these were branded as ‘Dino’, and therefore claimed as ‘not a real Ferrari’.
However, the 296 GTB's twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre unit is an all-new and bespoke powerplant developed in-house by Ferrari, it produces 655bhp, and coupled to an electric motor which produces 164bhp, meanwhile the combined torque output is 546lb ft, meaning the 296 GTB can sprint from 0-62mph in just 2.9 seconds and on to a top speed of more than 205mph.
For the first time in a Ferrari the turbochargers sit between the cylinder banks, spinning up to 180,000rpm, a layout which has been chosen because it is more compact, making a lower centre of gravity and reduced engine mass. The aluminium block's wide-angle 120deg structure also means the turbochargers can sit centrally, shortening the distance to the combustion chamber for maximum intake efficiency.
Despite the V6’s small size and turbocharging Ferrari engineers claimed it still has the "harmony of the high-frequency notes of a naturally aspirated V12", and described as a “little V12”, with its 8500rpm redline matching the V12 of the 812 Superfast.
Much Like the SF90 Stradale, the 296 GTB can be driven on electric power alone for up to 16 miles and at speeds of up to 84mph, thanks to its 7.45kWh battery. You also have the option of four driving modes via an 'eManettino' switch on the steering wheel: eDrive, Hybrid, Performance and Qualify, individually with differing levels of electric contribution.
Ferrari's switch from a V8 to V6 powertrain reflects that of McLaren, with the Artura V6 plug-in hybrid.
The design of 296 GTB arrives with several radical and innovative solutions, firstly its aerodynamic package, for the first time on a mid-engined sports car, Ferrari has used an active aero device for generating downforce rather than mitigating drag. Similarly used by the LaFerrari, the active rear spoiler integrated into the rear bumper is said to generate up to 360kg of downforce at 155mph with the hardcore, track-oriented Assetto Fiorano pack specified.
Various aspects of the 296 GTB’s design indicates a graphical relationship with other new Ferrari’s, such as the SF90 Stradale and Roma, Ferrari also claims to have taken inspiration from classic models including the 250 LM from 1963 in particular, provided the designers with inspiration through elements such as the sinuous, sculpted look of the body, the design of the B pillar, the unusual composition of the wings into which the air-intakes are set, and the delicately proportioned Kamm tail.
The headlights take their inspiration from the “teardrop-shaped" headlights of the past. On the 296 GTB, this styling theme is interpreted through two “faired-in teardrops” which are set into the front of the car like jewels. The effect is completed by the formal composition of the DRL, which acts as the signature of the front of this car, and the brake air intake. The central single-grille styling theme has been given a new twist by reducing the height of the grille in the centre. The result is a bar-bell shape which hints at the presence of the two powerful radiators. In the central section is a compact suspended wing, reminiscent of solutions adopted in F1.
The air intakes are made as tiny as feasible and channel hot air underneath the car, meaning it's kept separate from the cool air needed for the rear-mounted intercoolers, while the hybrid system's radiators vent to the rear, so the front of the car could be aerodynamically optimised with a more tapered design than used previously.
The 296 GTB’s other rear-end styling feature is its Kamm tail, a surface carved out of a solid volume, that underscores the car’s compact volumes. The upper section of the tail also incorporates a horizontal element that incorporates the taillights and integrated retracting spoiler. With the lights off, a thin “black screen” line runs horizontally the entire width of the rear. When the taillights are on, two strips of light appear on either end of the rear. The designers chose to reinterpret the traditional twin round taillights by incorporating the other light functions in two semi-circular indents in the rear surface below the side lights.
The 296 GTB features a single central exhaust tailpipe - a modern touch. The exhaust design completes the lower part of the profile of the centre of the bumper, which extends upwards to the taillights at either end, thereby emphasising the horizontal feel of the rear of the car. The central wing is stowed in the bodywork between the taillights and completes the design. This integrated solution is the perfect marriage of functionality, technology and design, guaranteeing that the aerodynamic performance required is delivered without sullying the purity of the design.
The 296 GTB sports a new alloy wheel with a twin-spoke design that accentuates the sculptural effect of the starburst shape. There are also specific five-spoke forged wheels where the effect is highlighted by a diamond-cut finish. Each of the five main spokes is twinned with a second, dynamic, curved element, creating a slot between them that improves air extraction from the wheel arch. There is also the carbon-fibre wheel option, which is 8 kg lighter than their forged counterpart and sets a whole new performance benchmark.
A raft of new components make their debut in the chassis, including the Transition Manager Actuator for quickly switching between the two power sources, a "world-first" six-way Dynamic Chassis Sensor and a new 'ABS Evo' function that can decrease brake pedal travel and ensures "greater repeatability of stopping distances".
The 296 GTB has a new ABS control module developed exclusively for Ferrari and available from the ‘Race’ position upwards. It uses the information from the 6w-CDS to obtain a more precise estimation of speed and optimise braking distribution compared to the Yaw Rate Sensor used up until now. The 6w-CDS measures both the acceleration and the speed of rotation on three axes (X, Y, Z) enabling the other vehicle dynamic controls to more accurately read the car’s dynamic behaviour thus optimising their intervention. This accuracy allows the longitudinal force of the tyres to be better exploited when braking in a straight line and on switchbacks, when the rear axle is subject to the natural compromise between braking performance and lateral stability. The result is an excellent improvement in braking distances: compared to the F8 Tributo the 296 GTB reduces the 200-0 km/h braking distance by 8.8% and also improves the repeat braking efficiency from that speed by 24%.
The revamped ABS system does away with the yaw-rate sensor, measuring acceleration and speed across three axes to better determine when to intervene. It also reduces the 124-0mph stopping distance by 8.8%.
The 296 GTB has a 50mm-shorter wheelbase than the F8 Tributo, which Ferrari said enhances agility, while the added mass of the hybrid system is evened up by the lighter V6 engine and use of various lightweight materials, meaning the car has a dry weight of 1470kg - just 35kg more than its predecessor.
On the inside the 296 GTB has a visor-style windscreen that wraps around onto the side windows. Already adopted on several limited-edition Ferraris, including the J50, and one-offs, such as the P80/C, this theme has now reached its maximum expression on a road car. The wraparound theme at the front connects organically to the flying buttress theme at the rear, together with a transparent engine cover that showcases the engine.
The main instrument cluster is set into a deep cleft carved out of the dashboard trim, itself characterised by a deliberately clean, taut surface. From this styling solution emerges the steering wheel with 4 modes;
· eDrive: the internal combustion engine is off and there is pure electric drive to the rear wheels; with a fully-charged battery the car can cover 25 km at a maximum speed of 135 km/h
· Hybrid (H): this is the default mode on ignition. The power flows are managed for maximum efficiency and the control logic defines the intervention of the internal combustion engine. With the engine on, the car develops its maximum power and performance
· Performance: the ICE is always on and helps maintain the battery efficiency to ensure full power at all times. This is the ideal setting for press-on driving
· Qualify: provides maximum performance but at the cost of lower battery recharging
The steering wheel and the instrument cluster are supported by two visible structural supports, which taper seamlessly into the dashboard. Completing the picture are two side satellites, each with its own capacitive touch area, and an air vent. The passenger side is very minimalistic with the standard passenger-side display, allowing them to live the driving experience very much as a participant.
The sculptural door panel is a seamless continuation of the dashboard in terms of both materials and colour. On the central medallion, the styling cue is a deep lozenge-shaped scoop, a three-dimensional element. This type of architecture makes the entire door panel look extremely light and integrates the theme that connects it to the rear trim. The tunnel incorporates the SF90 Stradale-inspired modern take on the classic gear-shift gate and a compartment for stowing the ignition key with its characteristic Prancing Horse badge. For the 296 GTB, the designers created specific diapason-style seats using contrasting grooves which coordinate aesthetically with the edge strip of the instrument cluster.
An example of the application of Ferrari’s philosophy of maximum formal purity is the HUD (Head Up Display) which is integrated into the leather trim. The design of the speakers follows the same principle. Rather than metal, the designers have opted for a thermoplastic cover in the same colour as the dash.
ASSETTO FIORANO pack, For clients who want to exploit the car’s extreme power and performance to the utmost, the 296 GTB Assetto Fiorano package is available; it is completely uncompromising in terms of maximum performance, thanks to significant weight reduction and aero content. Most notably, these include special GT racing-derived adjustable Multimatic shock absorbers optimised for track use; high downforce carbon-fibre appendages on the front bumper that can deliver an additional 10 kg of downforce, a Lexan® rear screen, and more extensive use of lightweight materials such as carbon-fibre for both cabin and exterior.
The Assetto Fiorano package involves much more than simply replacing elements. Some components required that the standard basic structure be redesigned, including the door panel, resulting in an overall weight-saving of 12-plus kg. Lastly, a special livery inspired by the 250 Le Mans can also be ordered exclusively by owners who opt for the Assetto Fiorano package. Its design runs from the front wings and hugs the central grille and delineates its edges. This styling element continues along the bonnet, creating a hammer motif before running lengthways up to the roof and then down onto the rear spoiler. Other content available to order solely with the Assetto Fiorano package includes an ultralight Lexan® rear screen that brings the overall weight reduction to 15 kg, and Michelin Sport Cup2R high performance tyres which are especially suited to track use because of their grip.
First examples of the 296 GTB will be delivered in European markets beginning in the first quarter of 2022, with prices starting from £231,000, or £259,000 with the track-focused Assetto Fiorano package.