The new Ferrari 296 GTB - redefining fun to drive

Enzo Ferrari didn't much like small engines, and even less so when they were fitted in the middle of a car. In his words, "The horse pulls the cart, doesn't push it." However, Enzo's son, Alfredo 'Dino' Ferrari recommended to his father that they develop a V6 engine to be used in the Formula 2 race category. Sadly, before the engine could be used in a production car, Dino passed away at the age of 24 from Duchenne muscular dystrophy. 

To honour his son, Enzo Ferrari registered the Dino brand name and in 1967 under the newly created brand, the Dino 206 GT was unveiled. As the name implies, the small two-seater coupe came fitted with a 2.0-litre, V6 petrol engine. At a later stage, it was decided that the engine capacity need to be increased for more performance which resulted in the Dino 246 GT. 

Although the small coupe came nowhere close to producing the levels of power as the V12 engines that still powered Ferraris at the time, it still managed to compete well within its class. Today we celebrate those models as they started a new lineage in Ferrari's product range which can be traced all the way up to the Ferrari F8, SF90 and now the 296 GTB.

The 296 GTB follows in the footsteps of the Dino 208 GT, however, even with the smaller engine capacity and fewer cylinders, manages to outperform even the turbocharged V8 in the F8 Tributo.

Design

You don't have to look at the 296 GTB for long to notice that it is distancing itself from the likes of the F8 or 488 models. In fact from various angles, the new coupe very much look like the SF90 Stradale with a few hints from even the Roma. But like many Ferrari's the latest model borrows a few design cues from iconic models, like the B-pillar, rear fenders and tail that very much resembles that of the 1963 250 LM.

However, not all the lines are for aesthetic purposes, in many areas, form follows function. Take for instance the rear spoiler, an active aero device that is employed for the first time on a mid-engined sports car to not mitigate drag, but rather generate downforce. In fact, the rear spoiler fitted on the 296 GTB with a track-oriented Assetto Fiorano pack specified will generate up to 360 kg of downforce.

In designing the new mid-engined model, Ferrari re-looked at the way they have gone about directing airflow. The air dams have been made a small as possible and more air is directed underneath the car for improved suction. The brakes make use of 'aero' brake calipers which gets cool air front ducts integrated into the headlamps. 

Chassis and braking

The Ferrari 296 GTB was created to "delivering class-leading levels of driver engagement" while maintaining everyday usability. Ferrari developed a chassis that incorporates a wheelbase that is 50mm shorter than that on the Ferrari F8 models. This enhances the vehicle's dynamics and makes it more predictable in the turns. 

Further enhancing the driver's experience is the six-way Dynamic Chassis Sensor which in combination with the Transition Manager Actuator allows for quickly switching between the internal combustion engine and electric motor. Ferrari also developed and installed what is called the ABS Evo function, this system reduces the brake pedal travel which bolsters the stopping distance of the 296 GTB. 

Interior

Like with the exterior, the interior of the 296 GTB takes a lot of inspiration from the SF90 Stradale, which focuses more on technology than earlier mid-engined models. The driver gains access to a concave dashboard that houses the digital instrument cluster. On either side of the cluster are screens that are touch-controlled and executes a variety of functions such as displaying key vehicle information to the infotainment system.

Drivers also gain access to a head-up display which will make navigating at speed slightly easier as they don't have to look down at the instruments. Another notable feature is the passenger display which allows the passenger to how fast the car is travelling and at what revs at any moment. The display also allows the passenger access to infotainment settings such as skipping tracks and adjusting volume.

Powertrain

The drivetrain is where all the magic happens, as it takes shape as a 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged, 120 degree V6. Not only that but the motor is further bolstered with an electric motor and an underfloor 7.45kWh battery. This allows the driver to not only use both the electric and internal combustion engine in tandem but with a flick of the eManettino switch to eDrive, also driving 27 kilometres and up to a speed of 135 km/h with the electric motor only. 

This is a big step for the Ferrari brand, even though Enzo Ferrari registered the Dino brand, this is the first official Ferrari road car to be offered with a V6 motor, and a powerful one at that. The hybrid configuration is capable of producing 610 kW and 740 Nm of torque, 80 kW more than the turbocharged V8 produces in the F8 Tributo.

Another notable design feature of the aluminium engine is the 120-degree angle. This allows the turbochargers, which can spin up to 180 000 rpm, to sit between the banks, shortening the distance for the air to travel from the turbos to the intake system. This means that most of the heavy and heat-generating components sit together and higher up in the engine bay for better heat dissipation. 

Another first for the Italian automaker is the electric motor from the hybrid system positioned in the rear of the vehicle. The system assists the combustion engine which sends its power through an 8-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels. The combination results in a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 2.9 seconds, 0-200 km/h acceleration time of 7.3 seconds and a top speed of over 330 km/h.

Ultimately while in many ways the Ferrari 296 GTB reminds us of the Dino 208 GT, it clearly separates itself from the past and takes bold steps into the future with its powerful engine and technological advancements.