Ferrari 296 GTB brings back V6 to Maranello

W GTBhile Lamborghini sticks to a two-car main lineup (ignoring the SUV), Ferrari is in no mood to let their lineup go stale. Enter the new Ferrari 296 GTB, the latest prancing horse from Maranello that will replace the F8 Tributo. This is the first V6-engined sports car from Maranello since the Dino, but with the backing of a plug-in hybrid system, it brings in 818 hp. Downsized is well and truly underway at Ferrari.

A V6 Ferrari is basically yet another thing on the internet for people to frown at. But the Ferrari 296 GTB is in no mood to disappoint the ones who grab its wheel. The 296 GTB makes 654 hp from its 3.0-litre V6 combustion engine alone. Couple that with the poison from the plug-in hybrid system, and the 296 GTB churns out a healthy 818 hp. Substantial torque of 740 Nm complements these horses. It uses an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox lifted straight off the SF90 Stradale.

With this firepower, the 296 GTB powers itself from 0 to 100 kph in just 2.9 seconds, the same as the F8 Tributo. In the race to 200 kph, the GTB pips the F8 by half a second, reaching the mark by 7.3 seconds. In contrast, the 296 GTB’s chief nemesis, the McLaren Artura is 0.1 seconds slower to 100 kph, and a whole second slower to 200 kph.

With an optional Assetto Fiorano package, the 296 GTB weighs only 1,470 kg dry. This is just 35 kg more than the petrol-engine only F8 Tributo. With the lower weight and more power, the 296 GTB is claimed to lap the Fiorano test track 1.5 seconds quicker than its petrol-powered sibling.

Expect the new model to be in UAE and GCC showrooms soon. We’re guessing pricing should be similar to the F8 Tributo, at around Dhs 1 million.