296 GTB : DEFINING FUN TO DRIVE
The 296 GTB , the latest evolution of Maranello ’ s mid-rearengined two-seater berlinetta , was premiered today during an online event broadcast on Ferrari ’ s social media and web channels . The 296 GTB redefines the whole concept of fun behind the wheel , guaranteeing pure emotions not just when pushing the car to its limits , but also in day-to-day driving situations .
The 296 GTB ushers in an authentic revolution for Ferrari as it introduces a new engine type to flank the marque ’ s multiaward-winning 8- and 12-cylinder power units : a new 663 cv 120 ° V6 coupled with an electric motor capable of delivering a further 122 kW ( 167 cv ). This is the first 6-cylinder engine installed on a road car sporting the Prancing Horse badge ; it unleashes its massive 830 cv total power output to deliver previously unthinkable performance levels and an innovative , exhilarating and unique soundtrack .
The car ’ s name , which combines its total displacement ( 2992 l ) and number of cylinders was chosen , with the addition of the GTB ( Gran Turismo Berlinetta ) acronym in finest Ferrari tradition , to underscore this new engine ’ s epoch-changing importance to Maranello . It is not simply the living , beating heart of the 296 GTB , but it also ushers in a new V6 era that has its roots deep in Ferrari ’ s unparalleled 70-year-plus experience in motor sports .
The very first Ferrari V6 , in fact , featured a 65 ° architecture and debuted on the 1957 1500 cc Dino 156 F2 single-seater .
This was followed in 1958 by bigger displacement versions on the front-engined sport prototypes - the 196 S and 296 S - and F1 cars , such as the 246 F1 which powered Mike Hawthorn to the F1 Drivers ’ Championship title the same year .
The very first Ferrari to sport a mid-rear-mounted V6 was the 246 SP in 1961 , which won the Targa Florio both that same year and in 1962 , amongst many others . Also in 1961 , Ferrari secured its first Constructors ’ title in the Formula 1 World Championship with the 156 F1 , which was powered by a 120 ° V6 . Ferrari first installed turbos between an engine ’ s cylinder banks on the 126 CK in 1981 and subsequently on the 126 C2 in 1982 , which became the first turbo-charged car to win the Formula 1 Constructors ’ World Championship title . This was followed up with a second title in 1983 with the 126 C3 . Lastly , V6 turbo hybrid architecture has been used on all Formula 1 single-seaters since 2014 .
The 296 GTB ’ s plug-in hybrid ( PHEV ) system guarantees it is an incredibly usable car as well as cutting pedal response times to zero and delivering a 25km range in all-electric eDrive mode . The car ’ s compact dimensions and the introduction of innovative dynamic control systems as well as meticulously honed aero ensure that the driver will instantly experience its astonishing agility and responsiveness to commands . Its sporty , sinuous design and extremely compact dimensions also visually underscore its exceptional modernity , brilliantly referencing the likes of the 1963 250 LM , the perfect marriage of simplicity and functionality .
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