Meet Ferrari’s new Berlinetta sports car, the 296 GTB

KUALA LUMPUR: Redefining the whole concept of fun behind the wheel is Prancing Horse’s all-new 296 GTB sports car that gets the brand’s first-ever V6 hybrid powertrain. It just made its global debut as the latest evolution of Maranello’s mid-rear-engined two-seater Berlinetta that has developed in nearly half a century.

Under the hood, the newly developed 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine producing 654 hp works in conjunction with a 165hp electric motor. The setup combinedly dishes out a whopping power of 819 bhp at 8,000 rpm and a peak torque of 740 Nm at 6,250 rpm. The electric motor is mounted on the rear, ahead of the eight-speed DCT gearbox. It is called MGU-K (motor generator unit - kinetic), derived from F1 terminology.

On electric power alone, the Ferrari 296 GTB can hit a top speed of 135 kmph while covering a range of around 42 km with the help of a 7.45-kWh battery. It can go from 0-100 kmph in 2.9 seconds and 0-200 kmph in 7.3 seconds. Four driving modes on offer are eDrive, Hybrid, Performance, and Qualify. Ferrari has customised each mode with different degrees of electric motor and regenerative-braking functionality.

In terms of design, the younger sibling of the SF90 Stradale looks beautiful with design inspirations taken from vintage models like the 1963 250 LM and the P80/C. With a tapered and aerodynamic-friendly design, the Berlinetta gets an active rear spoiler integrated into the bumper just like the LaFerrari, which generates up to 100 kg more downforce. The flat front end features a wide grille and thin horizontal-set headlights while the rear gets squared twin tail lights, a functional carbon fibre diffuser, and a large exhaust exit.

Inside the cabin, the design is almost similar to the SF90 Stradale as expected. There is a concave housing for the digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, two panels for capacitive touch controls, and an H-gate gear shifter. Interestingly, the Ferrari 296 GTB does not have a central touchscreen for infotainment, rather the media and other functions are available on the instrument display. However, the company offers an optional screen for the passenger side for the display of speed, gear, and revs.

Ferrari’s new Berlinetta sports car is expected to hit the UK showrooms early next year, with a price starting around £230,000 (RM 1,326,571).

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