Ferrari unveils its new 296 GTB

Maranello-based supercar maker Ferrari has pulled back the covers off its new 296 GTB as the latest evolution of the two-seater Berlinetta.

Getting its name from the engine’s displacement as well as the number of cylinders plus its GTB suffix, the six-cylinder engine becomes the first to be installed in a Ferrari road car. 

On the outside, it features a relatively short wheelbase, muscular-looking wings as well as a new vertical rear screen. The external theme is further complemented by a transparent engine cover, central single-grille plus an F1-adopted compact suspended wing. There is a single central exhaust tip, an integrated retracting spoiler plus traditional twin round taillights. 

The new Ferrari 296 GTB rides on new alloy wheels with a twin-spoke design. It can also be had with specific five-spoke forged wheels highlighted by what Ferrari calls a diamond-cut finish. Buyers can also order the sports car with a carbon-fibre wheel option that further reduces weight by eight kilograms when compared to the forged alloys. 

The cabin is fitted with a digital interface plus exclusive Italian leather trim on the seats, while the heads-up display is integrated into the leather trim. 

Ferrari offers the new 296 GTB with the Assetto Fiorano package that aims to reduce weight and add aero content while the shock absorbers are optimised for track use. Motorsport played a large role in this department since the carbon-fibre accompaniments on the front bumper add extra downforce in the region of 10 kg. 

The Assetto Fiorano package sees the redesigning of the standard basic structure of the car shaving off a significant 12+ kg.  

Buyers who opt for the Assetto Fiorano package can also order the special livery inspired by the 250 Le Mans. Also available to order solely with the Assetto Fiorano package is an ultra-light Lexan rear screen that shaves an additional 15 kg as well as Michelin Sport Cup2R high-performance tyres that are specifically designed for track use. 

It all comes together with a 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo screamer, coupled with a single performance-aiding electric motor equating to a total power output of 610 kW and 740 Nm of torque. In layman’s terms, that’s enough to permanently reconfigure your default facial expressions. 

Tipping the scales at 1,470 kg, the 296 GTB hurtles from a stop to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and will accelerate all the way to a terminal velocity of 330 km/h. The 0-200 sprint is achieved in 7.3 seconds. There are four engine modes on offer ranging from eDrive, Hybrid, Performance and Qualify.