Ferrari has recently unveiled the new 296 GTB, its latest V6 supercar.
Yup that's right, although small in number of cylinders, this is quite big news since it marks the return of Maranello's V6 engine and at the same time pays homage to the first V6, the 1957 Dino 156.
First, let's break the 296 GTB name down – 29 denotes its capacity which is 2.9-litre, 6 is the number of cylinder, and GTB means Gran Turismo Berlinetta.
Strangely, the engine actually displaces 2,992cc hence making it a 3.0-litre, so I'll just leave this to Ferrari on why they went with 296 GTB instead of 306 GTB.
Now, do not be fooled with the configuration as the power output matches the V12 812 Competizione.
The 296 GTB will do zero to 100kph in 2.9 seconds, 0 to 200kph in 7.3 seconds and get this; a Fiorano lap time of 1 minute 21 seconds which is equivalent to the V12 Ferrari F12tdf and 1.5 seconds quicker than the F8 Tributo with a V8.
How so?
The 296 GTB is actually a hybrid, yes, a modern turbocharged V6 hybrid Ferrari.
The 2.9-litre V6 makes 654hp on its own, but there's an MGU-K package which is an electric motor with a 7.45kWh battery delivering 819hp and 740Nm of total output.
Power is sent to the rear wheels alone via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (the same unit as the SF90, Roma, and Portofino).
Ferrari claims it sets the new specific power output record for a production road car.
Some insights for engine geeks out there, the block and cylinder heads are aluminium, and the combustion chambers feature tech introduced on the SF90.
The two turbochargers are made out of higher performance alloys compared to those on the F8, and sit inside the 'vee' of the six, between the two cylinder banks.
Spool time is reduced thanks to lighter rotating mass and as a result, zero delay.
The car should react even with a miniscule input from your right foot.
Driving wise, the 296 GTB gets up to 25km of pure electric range and 135kph of top speed in EV mode.
Ferrari claims that the car should offer "very rapid static and dynamic transitions from electric to hybrid/ICE mode and vice-versa".
The eManettino enables you to toggle between a host of driving modes; full EV, hybrid, Performance and Qualify, the latter extracting maximum capability for quickest laptime.
Meanwhile, the Side Slip Control now works together with the power steering for better grip estimation and more controlled sideways action.
Aerodynamic is a key aspect in any Ferrari and the 296 GTB is no exception.
The car gets a front 'tea-tray' for downforce over the front axle, integrated brake cooling intakes in the headlights, manipulation of underbody for optimised airflow, and an active rear spoiler (inspired by LaFerrari) that provides 100kg of rear downforce.
The wheelbase of the GTB is 50mm shorter than earlier rear-mid-engined V8 Ferraris, and thanks to 30kg lighter engine, the car weighs just 1,470kg.
Expect the 296 GTB to be wild through the corners.
The cockpit features clean, minimalist construction.
Everything is digital with haptic surfaces following the cockpit of the Roma and the SF90.
This means that the 296 GTB also gets a central tunnel with Ferrari's classic gearshift-gate control.
If these are not enough, an Assetto Fiorano pack is available, consists of adjustable Multimatic shocks, carbon fibre exterior trims, a lightweight Lexan rear screen, Michelin Sport Cup 2 R tyres, and more carbon in the cabin.
Lastly, there's the option of a special livery that takes inspiration from the 250 LeMans.
Deliveries of the 296 GTB are set to begin early next year with pricing from 269,000 Euros (RM1.47 million) in Italy.
