The result is a very compact car in which the cabin is visually inset into the surrounding volumes .
The 296 GTB reveals all of its elegance in the side view , which is characterised by the sinuous muscle of the wings . A clear , strong crease line runs along the doors and melds with the large air intakes positioned at the most aerodynamically efficient point . The cylindrical volume of the air intakes gives rise to the protrusion of the muscular rear wing . The cross section of the rear wing was meticulously designed to guarantee that the air flow to the spoiler was sufficient to deliver the high aerodynamic performance required of this car .
The 296 GTB ’ s front volumes are very pure , clean and extremely compact , a result that demanded meticulous honing of the geometry of the surfaces . Compared to previous midrear engine V8 models , the front of the 296 GTB is much more tapered . Seen from above , the crest of the front wing delineates the entire perimeter of the front of the car , creating a styling theme that elegantly divides the functions of the headlight assemblies .
The headlights take their inspiration from the “ teardropshaped " headlights of the past . On the 296 GTB , this styling theme is interpreted through two “ faired-in teardrops ” which are set into the front of the car like jewels . The effect is completed by the formal composition of the DRL , which acts as the signature of the front of this car , and the brake air intake . The central single-grille styling theme has been given a new twist by reducing the height of the grille in the centre . The result is a bar-bell shape which hints at the presence of the two powerful radiators . In the central section is a compact suspended wing , reminiscent of solutions adopted in F1 .
The upper surface of the ultramodern tail is dominated by an imposing flying buttress . At its base , it incorporates the engine bay cover which has a unique , three-dimensional glass surface .
The central section features a striking body-coloured element that references a styling theme dear to Maranello that can be traced all the way back to the iconic likes of the Ferrari Testarossa and F355 GTB .
The 296 GTB ’ s other rear-end styling feature is its Kamm tail , a surface carved out of a solid volume , that underscores the car ’ s compact volumes . The upper section of the tail also incorporates a horizontal element that incorporates the taillights and integrated retracting spoiler . With the lights off , a thin “ black screen ” line runs horizontally the entire width of the rear . When the taillights are on , two strips of light appear on either end of the rear . The designers chose to reinterpret the traditional twin round taillights by incorporating the other light functions in two semi-circular indents in the rear surface below the side lights .
The 296 GTB features a single central exhaust tailpipe - a modern touch . The exhaust design completes the lower part of the profile of the centre of the bumper , which extends upwards to the taillights at either end , thereby emphasising the horizontal feel of the rear of the car . The central wing is stowed in the bodywork between the taillights and completes the design . This integrated solution is the perfect marriage of functionality , technology and design , guaranteeing that the aerodynamic performance required is delivered without sullying the purity of the design .
The 296 GTB sports a new alloy wheel with a twin-spoke design that accentuates the sculptural effect of the starburst shape . There are also specific five-spoke forged wheels where the effect is highlighted by a diamond-cut finish . Each of the five main spokes is twinned with a second , dynamic , curved element , creating a slot between them that improves air extraction from the wheelarch . There is also the carbon-fibre wheel option , which is 8 kg lighter than their forged counterpart and sets a whole new performance benchmark .
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