Ferrari has unveiled their first V6 hybrid mid-rear-engine two-seater supercar, the 296 GTB. This is the first time a road going Ferrari badged sports car has been powered by a V6 engine. The Ferrari Dino, produced in the 1960’s and ’70’s, was also equipped with a V6 but it was badged a Dino, not a Ferrari.

The V6 turbocharged engine in the new 2022 Ferrari 296 GTB generates 654 hp and redlines at 8500 rpm. The electric motor generates an additional 164 hp for a combined 818 Horsepower. All of that power is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed DCT and E-Diff used in the SF90 Stradale, Ferrari Roma, Portofino M and the SF90 Spider. Zero-100 km/h (62.5 MPH) runs can be achieved in 2.9 seconds on the way to a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph).

The name 296 is derived from the engine size, 2992 cc’s, and the number of cylinders, 6. GTB stands for Gran Turismo Berlinetta, Berlinetta is Italian for little saloon, or little sedan.

For drivers who want the ultimate TrackWorthy 296, an Assetto Fiorano package is available. This optional package offers lightweight features and aero modifications that includes special GT racing-derived adjustable Multimatic shock absorbers optimised for track use; high downforce carbon-fibre appendages on the front bumper that can deliver an additional 10 kg of downforce; a Lexan rear screen; and more extensive use of lightweight materials such as carbon-fibre for both the cabin and exterior. A special 250 Le Mans inspired livery can also be ordered exclusively with the Assetto Fiorano package.

The 296 GTB is the first rear wheel drive plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Ferrari and has four driving modes:
1) eDrive: The internal combustion engine is off and there is pure electric drive to the rear wheels; with a fully-charged battery the car can cover 25 km at a maximum speed of 135 km/h.
2) Hybrid (H): This is the default mode on ignition. The power flows are managed for maximum efficiency and the control logic defines the intervention of the internal combustion engine. With the engine on, the car develops its maximum power and performance.
3) Performance: The ICE is always on and helps maintain the battery efficiency to ensure full power at all times. This is the ideal setting for press-on driving.
4) Qualify: Provides maximum performance but at the cost of lower battery recharging. The grip estimator in the Side Slip Control (SSC) system is flanked by a second device based on the electric power steering. By using the information from the EPS and cross-referencing it with the side slip angle estimated by the SSC, it can estimate the grip of the tyres during every steering manoeuvre, including when the car is not being driven on the limit, in order to guarantee that the controllers intervene correctly based on grip conditions. When driving on the track, grip estimation is 35% faster than previous applications.