Sculpted by Flavio Manzoni, there’s no denying that Ferrari’s latest creation, the 296 GTB is a looker. With a sleeker, more subtle approach than the marque’s other more recent offerings, the V6-powered Ferrari harks back to the graceful Ferrari’s of yore.
Despite the V6 powertrain, Ferrari says their latest creation will be positioned fairly high up the Prancing Horse food chain. They’re also saying that it’s the brand’s first V6-powered car, although true Ferrari enthusiasts are aware of the Dino of the 60’s. Technically, those cars never wore the famed Ferrari badge, making the 296 GTB the first true Ferrari with V6 power.
The twin-turbo 3,0-litre V6 is mated to an electric motor, sending its power to the rear wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Power is decidedly monumental, with 610 kW and 740 Nm of torque on offer. 0-100 km/h is dispatched in just 2.9 seconds. More impressively, 0-200 km/h is dealt with in 7.3 seconds. The 296 GTB is capable of 330 km/h. Part of this phenomenal performance must be down to the featherweight mass, the 296 GTB tipping the scales at just under 1.5 tons.
The electric motor helps not only with performance, but is rather environmentally friendly too. The Prancing Horse claims the 296 GTB can travel up to 25 km on silent electric power.
Inside, the interior reflects the exterior’s subtle, clean design approach. While classy - trimmed in fine leather and high-quality materials - the 296 GTB still has a very driver-centric approach. Many of the controls are housed on the steering wheel, with very little cluttering the minimalist facia.
