KUALA LUMPUR: Official local Ferrari importer and distributor Naza Italia has introduced the latest Ferrari 296 GTB plug-in hybrid which aims to elevate pure driving excitement to a next level.
Priced from RM1.228mil before duties, customisation options, taxes and insurance, the 296 GTB is the latest evolution of the Prancing Horse’s mid-rear-engine, two-seater berlinetta that redefines the concept of fun behind the wheel.
The 296 GTB’s name is a combination of 2.99-litre engine displacement featuring 6 cylinders and the Gran Turismo Berlinetta (GTB) designation.
Moving away from the usual V12 or V12 engine designs, the 296 GTB gets a 120° V6 turbo charged block that delivers 663CV and 740Nm of torque to the rear wheels.
Featuring the latest Ferrari combustion chamber development introduced on the SF90 Stradale, the engine gets central injectors and spark plug with 350-bar pressure injection system that improves the fuel-air mix in the chamber, performance and reduces emissions.
Its hybrid electric motor offers additional 167CV (122kW) for a total output of 830CV for a 0-100kph dash in 2.9 seconds, 0-200kph sprint in 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 330kph.
The 296 GTB can also brake from 200kph to a complete halt in 107 metres and completes the Fiorano track in 1 minute and 21 seconds.
The new V6 block has been designed and engineered from a clean sheet by Ferrari’s engineers specifically for this installation and is the first Ferrari to feature the turbo chargers installed inside the vee banks.
The IHI turbochargers have been completely redesigned using higher performance alloys to increase maximum revs to 180,000rpm, with a consequent improvement in performance and boost efficiency by 24%.
The engine, which is coupled to an eight-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT), now sets a new specific power output record for a production car at 221cv per litre of displacement.
The shorter V6 powertrain design also allows the 296 GTB to have a shorter wheelbase that increases its agility for the road and track driving.
The 296 GTB also gets a redesigned “hot tube” that is positioned prior to the exhaust gas treatment systems so that it channels the pure sound into the cabin, further enhancing driver involvement and excitement.
Inside the cabin, the engine soundtrack features the pure V12 orders of harmonics which then, at higher revs, guarantee that typical high-frequency treble.
The V6 engine is decoupled from the electric motor in eDrive mode for up to 25km of all-electric driving range powered by a 7.45kWh high voltage battery.
The 296 GTB also has an all-electric top speed of 135kph.
The signature aerodynamic element at the front of the 296 GTB is the ‘tea-tray’ that produces greater downforce over the front axle.
The LaFerrari-inspired active spoiler integrated into the rear bumper allows the 296 GTB to generate a high level of rear downforce when required up to a maximum of 360kg at 250kph in high-downforce configuration with the Assetto Fiorano package.
Inside, the 296 GTB gets a visor-style windscreen that wraps around onto the side windows while the main instrument cluster is set into a deep cleft carved out of the dashboard trim, itself characterised by a deliberately clean, taut surface.
Other features that enhance the 296 GTB’s performance include brake-by-wire system, the ‘Aero’ brake callipers, electric power steering, magnetorheological dampers and a six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor among others.
It also gets the Transition Manager Actuator (TMA) that delivers very rapid static and dynamic transitions from electric to hybrid/engine mode and vice-versa, thereby guaranteeing smooth, progressive torque.
Also available is the Assetto Fiorano package that enhances performance by weight reduction and aero content.
Among the upgrades these include special GT racing-derived adjustable Multimatic shock absorbers optimised for track use; high downforce carbon-fibre appendages on the front bumper for additional 10kg of downforce, a Lexan® rear screen, more extensive use of lightweight carbon-fibre for both cabin and exterior, and grippy Michelin Sport Cup2R high performance tyres.
Naza Corp Holdings Sdn Bhd automotive group CEO Datuk Nik Hamdam Nik Hassan said the 296 GTB is a defining part of Ferrari’s new era of electric technology and takes the marque to thrilling new heights as its first rear-wheel drive hybrid mid-engined V6.
Hamdam (left) and Knechtel.
“Its technology combined with immense power and striking design, make the 296 GTB a definite showstopper and we are delighted to introduce this model to the Malaysian market,” he said at the launch which was also attended by Ferrari Far East Hub and Middle East Hub president Dieter Knechtel.
Covering the 296 GTB is an extended seven-year maintenance programme that underscores Ferrari’s unparalleled quality standards and increasing focus on client service.
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Keyword: Ferrari 296 GTB arrives from RM1.22mil before tax