ITALY: Ferrari has been making steady steps towards full electrification of their supercars and made a grand statement with the digitally handled release of the hybrid-powered Ferrari 296 GTB on live streams and various social media channels. The latest, mid-rear-engined, two-seater supercar from the prancing horses’ stable promises hybrid power for the consumer.
Ferrari 296 GTB isn’t the first Ferrari to receive a hybrid drive function. Ferrari has been playing around with the idea since 2010 when it unveiled the 599-based Hy-Kers concept at the Geneva Motor Show. Since then, the tech has been used in the LaFerrari and the SF90 Stradale.
Ferrari 296 GTB is the first 6-cylinder engine to get the Ferrari badge. It’s a 3.0-liter power unit with turbochargers installed inside the V structure. On its own, it produces 663 HP at 8,500 RPM.
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The combustion engine is attached to a rear-wheel-drive PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) system for an additional 167 HP totaling a total system output of 830 HP and 740 Nm at 6250 RPM. Notably, it’s for the first time that Ferrari has mounted the electronic motor at the rear of the car.
Its Power is transmitted through the familiar 8-speed DCT gearbox. Ferrari claims the top speed to be 330 kmph with a 0-100kmph in 2.9 seconds and 200 kmph in 7.3 seconds. It lapped the Fiorano test track in just 1 minute 21 seconds. According to the test data of Ferrari, the 296 GTB has a range of 25 km in the full-electric drive.
The Ferrari 296 GTB takes subtle inspiration from Ferrari’s back catalog. The rear B-pillar, rear haunches, and Kamm tail evoke the 250 LM. While the wrap-around windscreen is inspired by the modern. The so-called entry-level Ferrari 296 GTB costs a whopping $321,400 with the Assetto Fiorano specification costing $360,900.
