Ferrari 296 GTB – Hybrid Stunner

 

Batteries, batteries, and more batteries…

The way of the future in the automotive world. Truly a sad eventuality for gearheads such as myself. For now, I will take solace in the fact that Hybrid technology will keep the fossil-fuel-burning portion of automobile powerplants around for another year or ten.

Ferrari is the latest manufacturer to up their battery footprint with the introduction of the 296 GTB. A direct replacement for the F8 Tributo which sported a V-8, the 296 GTB utilizes a twin-turbo V-6 mated to a floor-mounted 7.45 kWh battery energizing an electric motor producing 164 horsepower. Combined with the high-revving V-6 (8,500 rpm), total output rings the bell at 819 horsepower and 545 lb-ft of torque.

The car will scoot...!

Along with the battery pack, there is a mountain of Maranello tech debuting on the 296. 5,000-psi fuel injection, 180,000 rpm turbos, new clutch technology, and a new six-way chassis dynamic sensor unit are part of the package. You cannot see the doodads, but after a drive, you will know they are there.

What you do see is a step up in design language from recent Ferrari forms. The 296 GTB manages a much cleaner flow to the visual aesthetic. While not quite as lovely as Ferrari’s Roma, I approve of what I see here, with fewer nips and tucks than the F8. The interior continues with an evolution of the recent cockpit fitments and is a fine place to conduct the business of piloting this Italian thoroughbred.

Expect pricing for the 296 GTB to ring in just below $300K.

Of note, the folks at McLaren just beat the Italians to market with their V-6 hybrid hypercar, the Artura. It is only a matter of time before the comparisons are made. The Italian has more power, the Brit has less weight. Either will be a worthy drive.

Cheers to batteries? The future of the hypercar is here.