The Gentleman Magazine | August 21 | Page 46

COCKPIT
The 296 GTB ’ s cockpit was developed around the new concept of an entirely digital interface which Ferrari first debuted on the SF90 Stradale . This interior layout draws on the latter ’ s stylistic coherence for its forms . While with the SF90 Stradale the designers wanted to highlight the presence of the advanced technology and underscore a clear break with the past ; in the case of the 296 GTB , the idea was to clothe that technology in a sophisticated way . The result is a pure , minimalistic connotation characterised by a powerful elegance that , on an aesthetic level , perfectly mirrors the design of the exterior .
The 296 GTB ’ s cabin raises the concept of the formal purity of the functional elements to new heights . From a formal perspective , when the engine is off , the onboard instruments go black , enhancing the minimalist look of the cabin . Exclusive Italian leather trim to the seats and trim is further enhanced by the noble technical materials used on the functional components .
Once the capacitive ‘ Start Engine ’ button is touched , all of the components gradually spring to life and the 296 GTB reveals its technological glory in the form of an exceptionally modern , ergonomic and completely digital interface . The main instrument cluster is set into a deep cleft carved out of the dashboard trim , itself characterised by a deliberately clean , taut surface . From this styling solution emerges the steering wheel and the instrument cluster supported by two visible structural supports , which taper seamlessly into the dashboard . Completing the picture are two side satellites , each with its own capacitive touch area , and an air vent . The passenger side is very minimalistic with the standard passenger-side display , allowing them to live the driving experience very much as a participant , almost a co-driver .
The sculptural door panel is a seamless continuation of the dashboard in terms of both materials and colour . On the central medallion , the styling cue is a deep lozenge-shaped scoop , a three-dimensional element . This type of architecture makes the entire door panel look extremely light and integrates the theme that connects it to the rear trim . The tunnel incorporates the SF90 Stradale-inspired modern take on the classic gearshift gate and a compartment for stowing the ignition key with its characteristic Prancing Horse badge . For the 296 GTB , the designers created specific diapason-style seats using contrasting grooves which coordinate aesthetically with the edge strip of the instrument cluster .
An example of the application of Ferrari ’ s philosophy of maximum formal purity is the HUD ( Head Up Display ) which is integrated into the leather trim . The design of the speakers follows the same principle . Rather than metal , the designers have opted for a thermoplastic cover in the same colour as the dash .
ASSETTO FIORANO
For clients who want to exploit the car ’ s extreme power and performance to the utmost , the 296 GTB Assetto Fiorano package is available ; it is completely uncompromising in terms of maximum performance , thanks to significant weight reduction and aero content . Most notably , these include special GT racing-derived adjustable Multimatic shock absorbers optimised for track use ; high downforce carbon-fibre appendages on the front bumper that can deliver an additional 10 kg of downforce , a Lexan ® rear screen , and more extensive use of lightweight materials such as carbon-fibre for both cabin and exterior .
The Assetto Fiorano package involves much more than simply replacing elements . Some components required that the standard basic structure be redesigned , including the door panel , resulting in an overall weight-saving of 12-plus kg . Lastly , a special livery inspired by the 250 Le Mans can also be ordered exclusively by owners who opt for the Assetto Fiorano package . Its design runs from the front wings and hugs the central grille and delineates its edges . This styling element continues along the bonnet , creating a hammer motif before running lengthways up to the roof and then down onto the rear spoiler . Other content available to order solely with the Assetto Fiorano package includes an ultralight Lexan ® rear screen that brings the overall weight reduction to 15 kg , and Michelin Sport Cup2R high performance tyres which are especially suited to track use because of their grip .
7 YEARS MAINTENANCE
Ferrari ’ s unparalleled quality standards and increasing focus on client service underpin the extended seven-year maintenance programme offered with the 296 GTB . Available across the entire range , the latter covers all regular maintenance for the first seven years of the car ’ s life . This scheduled maintenance programme for Ferraris is an exclusive service that allows clients the certainty that their car is being kept at peak performance and safety over the years . This very special service is also available to owners of pre-owned Ferraris .
Regular maintenance ( at intervals of either 20,000 km or once a year with no mileage restrictions ), original spares and meticulous checks by staff trained directly at the Ferrari Training Centre in Maranello using the most modern diagnostic tools are just some of the advantages of the Genuine Maintenance Programme . The service is available on all markets worldwide and from all Dealerships in the Official Dealership Network .
The Genuine Maintenance programme further extends the wide range of after-sales services offered by Ferrari to meet the needs of clients wishing to preserve the performance and excellence that are the signatures of all cars built in Maranello .
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