The 296 GTB endures as a mainstay of Ferrari’s automotive catalogue. It retains all that is legendary about the Italian brand but with a modern take on engineering in that it embraces plug-in hybrid technology.
The Drive
This premium sector car is the latest evolution of Maranello’s (the home of Ferrari) mid-rear-engined two-seater ‘berlinetta’ (Meaning ‘little saloon’, a design concept) and is a prestige sports car that delivers the whole concept of fun behind the wheel, guaranteeing pure driving pleasure, not just when pushing the car to its limits, but also in day-to-day driving situations. It features a three litre V6 power-plant coupled with an electric motor and is the first six-cylinder engine installed on a road car sporting the Prancing Horse badge. This unit unleashes a massive 818bhp (829 PS) total power output to deliver previously unthinkable performance levels and an innovative, exhilarating and unique soundtrack.
The 296 is several warp speed steps beyond merely fast. The 2.9 second 0-62mph (100kph) time really isn’t representative of the force experienced. Thankfully, the electronic safety technology is subtle in its interventions and helps keep this terrific vehicle on the road. The performance is truly breathtaking and highly addictive. Step aside Rocky; this is the real Italian stallion.
The Italian Beauty
The Ferrari 296 GTB’s design is the result of the desire of the Ferrari Styling Centre to redefine the identity of the mid-rear-engined two-seater ‘berlinetta’ ideal by giving it an extremely compact line with an original, modern look. Thanks to its short wheelbase and its sculpted structure, the 296 GTB is indeed the most compact model to emerge from Maranello in the last decade. The combined effect of the short wheelbase and the composition of elements, such as very powerful wings, the visor-style windscreen, and a new vertical rear screen is very compelling. In short, it looks like a Ferrari should.
The 296 GTB’s impeccably clean, simple architecture makes it look like the designers chose to give the car a unique identity all of its own, underlying the most authentic principles of Italian car design. Its clean lines enhance the 296 GTB’s uncompromisingly sporty character. One of the most recognisable aspects of the 296 GTB’s design is its cabin, which has a visor-style windscreen that wraps around onto the side windows. The wraparound theme at the front connects organically to the ‘flying buttress’ theme at the rear, together with a transparent engine cover that showcases the engine.
The 296 GTB reveals all of its elegance in the side view, which is characterised by the sinuous line 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 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 headlights take their inspiration from the teardrop-shaped headlights of past Ferrari models. On the Ferrari 296 GTB, this styling theme is interpreted through two ‘faired-in teardrops’ which are set into the front of the car like jewels. 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.
The 296 GTB’s other rear-end styling feature is its ‘Kamm tail’ wherein the rear of the car slopes downwards before being abruptly cut off with a vertical or near-vertical surface, thus reducing aerodynamic drag and improving efficiency and reducing fuel consumption. The upper section of the tail also incorporates a horizontal element that incorporates the tail-lights and integrated retracting spoiler. At the back, this car features a single central exhaust tailpipe, a modern touch compared to many sports car’s layouts. Aside from the gorgeous alloy wheels, there is also the carbon-fibre wheel option, which is 8 kg lighter than their forged counterparts. Finally, many apologies for waxing lyrical throughout this article but the 296 is this writer’s favourite car!
The Premium Cabin
The Ferrari 296 GTB’s cockpit was developed around the concept of an entirely digital interface, clothing that technology in a sophisticated way. The result is a pure, minimalistic connotation characterised by an elegance that, on an aesthetic level, perfectly mirrors the design of the exterior.
Initially, when the engine is off, the onboard instruments are black, enhancing the minimalist look of the cabin. Exclusive Italian leather trim to the seats and trim is further enhanced by the technical materials used on the functional components. Once the ‘Start Engine’ button is touched (There’s nothing quite like a ‘start engine’ button, is there?), 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 layout emerges the steering wheel and the instrument cluster supported by two visible structural supports, which taper seamlessly into the dashboard.
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 like a co-driver in fact. The sculptural door panel is a seamless continuation of the dashboard in terms of both materials and colour. 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 again the ‘SF90 Stradale-inspired’ modern take on the classic gear-shift gate and a compartment for stowing the ignition fob with its characteristic Prancing Horse badge.
Ferrari ownership is very special. To drive one is to experience sports motoring at it’s finest. Please check in with us here at MHH International to find out about the current availability of Ferrari cars (they even offer an SUV, the mighty Purosangue) for export from the UK to worldwide destinations like New Zealand, Cyprus, Ireland and Kenya via our tried and tested service. Ask about VAT-free qualifying cars too!
