As was the case with the SF90 Stradale, for clients who want to exploit the car’s extreme power and
performance to the utmost, particularly on the track, the 296 GTB is also available with the Assetto Fiorano
package, which includes lightweight features and aero modifications.
POWERTRAIN
The 296 GTB is the first Ferrari road car to sport a V6 turbo with a vee with an angle of 120° between the
cylinder banks, coupled with a plug-in electric motor. This new V6 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
turbos installed inside the vee. Aside from bringing significant advantages in terms of packaging, lowering
the centre of gravity and reducing engine mass, this particular architecture helps deliver extremely high
levels of power. The result is that the new Ferrari V6 has set a new specific power output record for a
production car of 221 cv/l.
As the V6 turbo is integrated with an electric motor at the rear, the 296 GTB’s combined maximum power
output is 830 cv, putting it at the top of the rear-wheel-drive sports car segment as well as making it
extremely flexible. This is true both in terms of day-to-day contexts (the 296 GTB has a full-electric mode
range of 25 km), and in driving enjoyment (accelerator pedal response is instant and smooth at all engine
speeds).
The powertrain assembly comprises a V6 turbo ICE, with the 8-speed DCT and E-Diff, and the MGU-K
located between the engine and the gearbox. A clutch is set between the ICE and the electric motor to
decouple them in electric-only eDrive mode. Lastly there is a high-voltage battery and the inverter which
controls the electric motors.
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
Thanks to its 663 cv and 221 cv/l, the 296 GTB’s ICE sets the new specific power output record for a
production road car. Central to achieving this result was the introduction of the 120° vee configuration with
equally-spaced firings as well as the positioning of the turbos inside the vee which produces a much more
compact engine and optimally distributed masses.
The architecture is also ideal in terms of combustion sequence and the integration of the intake plenums
and the engine supports on the intake sides of the cylinder heads. The engine is thus lighter and more
compact because of the elimination of the plenums and exterior supports, while the fluid-dynamics benefit
from the reduction in volumes, boosting intake efficiency. The 120° vee architecture, which offers more
space between the cylinder banks than a 90° vee, meant the turbos could be installed centrally, thus
significantly reducing the unit’s overall size and the distance the air has to cover to arrive in the combustion
chamber, maximising the fluid dynamics and efficiency of the intake and exhaust line ducts.
To obtain this specific power output, the pressure in the combustion chamber had to be pushed to new
heights. Boosting the pressure in the chamber demanded exceptional development from both a
thermal-fluid-dynamic and structural point of view without compromising on engine weight and reliability. To
that end, Ferrari poured all of its significant expertise in alloys, dimensioning and components into
engineering the aluminium engine block and cylinder heads. Both components are new and specific to the
new V6 architecture.
The distribution is completely new: drive is transmitted to the pump assembly (water and oil) via a timing
chain and to the valvetrain via an offset sprocket and a dedicated timing chain per cylinder bank. The main
chain has a dedicated hydraulic tensioner, two bush chains with relative hydraulic tensioner and different
calibrations for right and left bank, as well as a dedicated chain for the oil pump assembly. The valvetrain,
which has roller fingers with hydraulic tappets, has specific intake and exhaust valve profiles.
The engine benefited from the latest Ferrari combustion chamber development introduced on the SF90
Stradale: central injector and spark plug with 350-bar pressure injection system that improves the fuel-air
mix in the chamber, performance and reduces emissions. The intake and exhaust ducts were redesigned
and tuned to maximise volumetric efficiency and thus guarantee high levels of turbulence in the chamber.
The IHI turbochargers have been completely redesigned using higher performance alloys. This meant the
maximum revs of the turbos could be increased to 180,000 rpm, with a consequent improvement in
performance and boost efficiency, which increases by 24%. The symmetrical, couter-rotating turbos are of
the mono-scroll type: the technical solutions adopted have reduced the compressor wheel diameter by 5%
and the turbo rotor 11% compared to the V8 applications, despite the very high specific power. The
reduction in the rotating masses (the inertia of the two rotating elements has been reduced by 11%
compared to the 3.9l V8 solution) has reduced the spool up time ensuring instantaneous power delivery.
The crankshaft is made from nitrided steel. To ensure it has a 120° crank angle, after the initial forging of
the rough ingot, the crankshaft is twisted and then subject to a deep nitriding heat treatments (to guarantee
resistance to high loads), machining and balancing. The firing order of the new V6 (1-6-3-4-2-5) is the result
of the crankshaft’s journal geometry. 100% of the rotating masses and 25% of the alternating masses are
balanced, and therefore its level of balance allows loads on the bushings to be reduced without increasing
the weight of the engine.
A new variable displacement oil pump was developed to guarantee that the oil pressure is continuously
controlled right across the engine’s entire operating range. A solenoid valve, controlled by the engine ECU
in a closed loop, is used to control the pump’s displacement in terms of flow and pressure, delivering only
the amount of oil required to guarantee the functioning and reliability of the engine, whilst simultaneously
providing a reduction in the power absorbed by the pump itself. On the oil scavenge side, to minimise
splashing losses, the suction system was made more powerful using six scavenge rotors: three specific
dedicated rotors for the crankcase below the crank throws, one for the distribution compartment and two for
the cylinder head compartments.
In Ferrari engines, the intake plenum is normally located in the centre of the vee. However, the V6 hails a
paradigm shift in that regard: its plenums are on the side of the cylinder heads and are integrated with the
support for the throttle valve. The light thermoplastic material used to make them keeps engine weight
down. This solution boosts performance because of the shorter ducts and consequent fluid-dynamic
detuning, in addition to reducing time-to-boost as a result of the high pressure line’s smaller volume.
The new architecture also led to the development of a more linear exhaust line located in the upper part of
the engine compartment. The shape of the exhaust reduces back pressure and contributes to boosting
performance. The exhaust manifold and catalyser housings are made entirely from Inconel®, a steel-nickel
alloy that reduces the weight of the exhaust and makes it more resistant to high temperatures.
Sound-wise, the 296 GTB rewrites the rulebook by harmoniously combining two characteristics that are
normally diametrically opposed: the force of the turbos and the harmony of the high-frequency notes of a
naturally-aspirated V12. Even at low revs, inside the cabin, the soundtrack features the pure V12 orders of
harmonics which then, at higher revs, guarantee that typical high-frequency treble. This Ferrari’s soundtrack
matches its performance, creating a sense of unprecedented involvement, and marking the turning of a new
page in Maranello’s berlinetta history.
Even to those outside the car, the shrill sound of the engine is instantly recognisable. The first in the F163
engine family, this V6 earned itself the nickname “piccolo V12” (little V12) during the development phase.
The 120° V architecture guarantees a symmetrical firing order while the equal-length, tuned exhaust
manifolds combined with the single exhaust line outside the hot-V amplify the pressure waves. These
characteristics are what lend such purity to the orders of harmonics, which are further helped by a limiter
that hits an impressive 8500 rpm. The patented “hot tube” has been completely redesigned for the 296 GTB
and 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.
ELECTRIC MOTOR
This is the first ever Ferrari with a rear-wheel drive-only PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) architecture
in which the ICE is integrated with a rear-mounted electric motor producing up to 122 kW (167 cv) derived
from the Formula 1 application from which it also inherits the MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit, Kinetic)
moniker. The electric motor and ICE communicate via the Transition Manager Actuator (TMA) which allows
them to be used both together to produce a combined power output of 830 cv or decouples them to allow
the electric motor to run solo.
Aside from the V6 turbo and the 8-speed DCT already adopted on the SF90 Stradale, Ferrari Roma,
Portofino M and the SF90 Spider, the powertrain architecture also includes the MGU-K electric motor
positioned between the engine and gearbox, the TMA to decouple the electric motor from the ICE, the 7.45
Kwh high voltage battery, and the inverter which controls the electric motors.
The MGU-K is a dual-rotor single-stator axial flux motor. Its compact size and its structure allowed the
length of the powertrain to be reduced which, in the final analysis, helped shorten the 296 GTB’s
wheelbase. The electric motor charges the high voltage battery, turns on the ICE, supplies it with additional
torque and power (up to 167 cv) and allows the car to be driven in all-electric eDrive mode. The MGU-K’s
improved design allows it to reach maximum torque of 315 Nm, around 20% more than previous
applications.
The TMA (Transition Manager Actuator) allows very rapid static and dynamic transitions from electric to
hybrid/ICE mode and vice-versa, thereby guaranteeing smooth, progressive torque. Its control software,
which was developed entirely in-house by Ferrari, communicates with the DCT, motor and inverter software
to more efficiently manage ICE ignition and its connection and disconnection to the transmission. Thanks to
new generation components, the TMA allowed the design of an incredibly compact transmission: the
system has an overall impact on the length of the powertrain of just 54.3 mm. Its architecture comprises a
triple-plate dry clutch, a clutch command module in line with the driveline with a clutch control linkage, and
ECUs.
Thanks to an innovative design manufactured using laser welding, the 296 GTB’s high voltage battery has a
7.45 kWh capacity and a competitive weight/power ratio. The battery pack is located under the floor and to
minimise volume and weight, the cooling system, structure and fixing points are integrated into a single
component. The cell modules contain 80 cells connected in series. Each Cell Supervisor Controller is
installed directly in the modules to reduce volume and weight.
The 296 GTB’s inverter is based on two silicon modules connected in parallel, the power deliver mode of
which has been optimised to achieve the MGU-K’s torque increase to 315 Nm. This component converts
the electric energy with an extremely high level of efficiency (over 94%) and can supply the power required
to start the V6 even when there is maximum demand for electric power.
AERODYNAMICS
The 296 GTB bursts into the mid-engined berlinetta sports car range, with several radical and innovative
solutions. The turbo has been installed above the vee of the crankcase in a hot-V configuration. This means
that all of components most critical to heat generation are clustered in the upper centre area of the engine
bay, which in turns allows more efficient heat management both of the engine bay itself and of the electrical
components. This sharp break from the past is further highlighted by aero choices, which have turned the
active aero paradigm introduced from the 458 Speciale onwards, on its head. On the 296 GTB, for the first
time, an active device is being used not to manage drag but to generate extra downforce. The
LaFerrari-inspired active spoiler integrated into the rear bumper allows the 296 GTB to generate a high level
of rear downforce when required: the equivalent of a maximum of 360 kg at 250 km/h in high-downforce
configuration with the Assetto Fiorano package.
This impressive performance was achieved by seamlessly optimising the car’s volumes. The result is a car
with an extremely clean, elegant design in which all the performance-oriented elements meld effortlessly
with the styling, underscoring the inextricable marriage of technology and aesthetics that is the signature of
all Ferraris. The aero development work done on the 296 GTB means that even in low-drag configuration the
car can deliver more downforce than previous applications. In high-downforce configuration, there is an
additional 100 kg in downforce thanks to the active spoiler.
The ICE and the gearbox are cooled by two radiators installed at the front of the car, ahead of the front
wheels, where there are also two condensers for the high-voltage battery cooling. The hot air is evacuated
along the underbody, to avoid it interfering with the cooling air to the intercoolers along the upper part of the
flanks. This choice made it possible to maximise efficiency and thus minimise the size of the air intake,
further streamlining the car’s already clean styling. The radiators for the hybrid system have been given two
vents just below the side sections of the spoiler. This solution frees up the central part of the front of the
car, which has thus been used to generate downforce, and optimises the routing of the various circuits, to
the direct benefit of packaging and weight.
The engine bay incorporates both the usual ICE components, which can function at peak temperatures of
over 900 ° Celsius, and electric and electronic components that must function at lower temperatures. This
led to a complete redesign of the turbo layout and the entire exhaust line.
The brake cooling system was developed around the Aero callipers introduced on the SF90 Stradale with
ventilation ducts integrated into their castings. This brake cooling concept requires a dedicated duct to
correctly channel cool air coming in through the air intakes on the front bumper through the wheelarch. In
the case of the 296 GTB, the intake has been integrated into the headlight design. Just below the DRL, on
the inner section, an aperture connects the wing to the wheelarch via a duct running parallel to the chassis
strut, thus providing the cool air to the brakes.
This made it possible to push the design of the car’s underbody to new extremes, increasing the cooling
capacity of the underbody without having to adopt any active front aero mechanisms. The signature
aerodynamic element at the front of the 296 GTB is the ‘tea-tray’. The arrangement of the radiating masses
at the sides of the car frees up a central volume into which the tea tray is set, framed by the bridge that
perfectly integrates it into the architecture and styling of the front bumper. This aero device uses a concept
widely applied to single-seaters: the rear surface of the bumper works in synergy with the upper surface of
the tea tray to create a high overpressure field, which counteracts the depression field that characterises
the underbody.
The two different pressure regions remain separate as far as the edges of the tea-tray. But at those points,
the two fields of opposing pressure come together once again and the air flow rolls back on itself creating
an extremely coherent and energised vortex that is directed below the underbody. The vortex movement of
the air translates into a localised acceleration of the flow that produces a high level of suction and greater
downforce over the front axle.
Looking at the car from the front, the side volume creases sharply inwards, almost folding up over the side
splitter. The empty volume thus created allows the flow to be more efficiently channelled and maximises the
flow of air in the lower part of the bumper. To exploit the potential of the flow striking the side splitter to the
fullest, the bumper ahead of the wheel is completed by a vertical nolder which generates a local
recompression area that increases downforce and increases the extraction capacity of the hot air from the
radiators. Also on the side of the bumper, the side air curtain channels the air from the front part of the
bumper towards the wheel well, so that it vents through a specially created opening in the wheelarch. The
exit section of this duct is calibrated to contain the transverse expansion of the wake.
The most significant modification to the central section was a localised lowering of the surfaces to the
minimum height permitted under homologation requirements. This brought the underbody closer to the road,
exaggerating the suction created as a result of ground effect, as well as front downforce. Immediately
downstream of the lowered central area, the underbody has been slightly raised above the minimum height
to maximise the quality of air flowing between the underbody and the ground, and also to expose more of
the vertical surfaces of the vortex generator strakes. Their specific geometry and effect on the rear
underbody guarantee that the car remains correctly balanced in all dynamic driving conditions.
The adoption of the ‘Aero’ brake callipers allowed the dedicated cooling system to be created without an
intake duct under the suspension arm. The extra space freed up was used to widen the flat underbody in
that area, which increased the downforce generating surface, and also to add an extra vortex generator with
an innovative L section.
The styling of the tail hails an unequivocal break from traditional Ferrari coupé design by adopting an
architecture that creates a spider-like discontinuity between roof and rear engine cover. This choice makes
the 296 GTB both unique and instantly recognisable and, from an aerodynamic perspective, led to the
addition of a new wing profile on the roof which extends into two side fins that hug the edges of the rear
engine cover.
The main aerodynamic signature of the rear of the 296 GTB is an active spoiler that generates extra
downforce and maximises the car’s handling and braking performance at high speeds. The active aero
concept is actually diametrically opposed to the one introduced on the Ferrari’s berlinettas from the 458
Speciale onwards. In previous applications, flaps on the diffuser allowed a transition from a high-downforce
(HD) configuration to a low-drag (LD) one that allowed maximum speed to be reached on the straight.
However, on the 296 GTB, when the active aero device is deployed it increases downforce.
The active rear spoiler is seamlessly integrated into the bumper design, taking up almost all of the space
between the taillights. When maximum downforce is not required, the spoiler is stowed in a compartment in
the upper section of the tail. But as soon as acceleration figures, which are constantly monitored by the
car’s dynamic control systems, exceed a specific threshold, then the spoiler deploys and extends from the
fixed section of the bodywork. This combined effect results in a 100 kg increase in downforce over the rear
axle which enhances the driver’s control in high-performance driving situations and also minimises stopping
distances under braking.
To avoid compromising the functioning of the rear of the car, it was essential to guarantee that the flow over
the rear remained extremely efficient in both low drag and high downforce conditions. Not having a rear
screen running from the trailing edge of the roof to the tail meant that the flow separation from the roof had
to be meticulously managed, by creating a virtual fairing that would allow the air flow over the roof to strike
the rear of the car correctly, as if it were being channelled by an actual but invisible rear screen. This is how
the very successful duo comprising the wing profile and consequent blown area over the end section of the
cabin work. The latter was a detail specifically calibrated during CFD development and then validated in the
wind tunnel.
The significant development of the front required the effect on the rear to be counterbalanced in low drag
configuration i.e. when downforce over the rear does not benefit from the extra 100 kg. In this regard, the
designers fully exploited the opportunities opened up by the layout of the exhaust line which clustered the
main heat sources in the upper part of the engine compartment. This allowed the ventilation apertures for
the components under the cover to be optimised, thereby clawing back large surfaces for downforce
generation, particularly in the central area under the engine, which avoided damaging impacts on the
efficiency of the underbody flow.
Because the flow upstream from it is so efficient, the diffuser has a very clean, linear design that is in
perfect symbiosis with the upper section of the rear bumper. The central channel of the diffuser is
characterised by a double kink line. Thanks to this device, it is possible to modify the direction in which the
flow sucked along the underbody is released into the car’s wake, thereby containing the vertical expansion
of the car’s wake and thus drag.
VEHICLE DYNAMICS
The 296 GTB’s dynamic development focused around boosting the car’s pure performance, delivering
class-leading levels of driver engagement making full use of the new architectural solutions (V6, hybrid
powertrain, shorter wheelbase) as well as improving the usability and accessibility not just of the car’s
performance, but also the functionalities afforded by the hybrid layout.
The targets were achieved by honing the architecture and keeping all the main vehicle components as
compact as possible, as well as managing energy flows and their integration with the car’s vehicle dynamic
controls. New components were developed specifically for the 296 GTB, not least the Transition Manager
Actuator (TMA) and the 6-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor (6w-CDS) – a world first for the automotive sector.
There are also new functions, such as the ABS evo controller, which uses the data gathered by the
6w-CDS, and the grip estimation integrated with the EPS.
In Ferrari, the way the car handles and provides feedback to the driver (what internally is referred to as the
fun to drive factor) is measured by five different indicators:
Lateral: response to steering wheel inputs, the prompt reaction of the rear axle to steering inputs, effortless
handling
Longitudinal: rapidity and smoothness of the accelerator pedal’s response
Gear shifting: shifting times, sensation of coherent progression through the gears with every gear change
Braking: brake pedal feel in terms of travel and response (efficiency and modular travel)
Sound: level and quality in cabin and progression of engine sound as revs rise.
How easily accessible and usable the performance is is also of significant importance when driving the 296
GTB: for instance, in electric-only eDrive mode, the car can reach speeds of up to 135 km/h without
resorting to the ICE. In Hybrid mode, on the other hand, the ICE backs up the electric motor when higher
performance is required. The transition between electric and hybrid driving modes is managed very fluidly to
guarantee smooth, constant acceleration and to make the power of the powertrain available as rapidly as
possible. Stopping distances in the dry have been significantly shortened by the new ABS evo and its
integration with the 6w-CDS sensor, which also ensures more consistent braking force under repeated
heavy braking.
From a chassis perspective, the wheelbase is 50 mm shorter than previous Ferrari mid-rear-engined
berlinettas to the benefit of the car’s dynamic agility. Other solutions that enhance the car’s handling and
performance include the brake-by-wire system, the ‘Aero’ brake callipers, electric power steering, the rear
active aero device and SCM-Frs magnetorheological dampers.
Meticulous attention was paid to reducing weight to ensure the car’s balance and delicacy of handling:
adding the weight of the hybrid system was offset by a number of different solutions, including the new V6
engine, which weighs 30 kg less than the V8 unit used on previous berlinettas, and the extensive use of
lightweight materials. The result is a dry weight of just 1470 kg that is class-leading in regards to the overall
weight-to-power ratio: 1.77 kg/cv.
Weight was also saved by equipping the 296 GTB with a single electric motor driving the rear wheels only.
With regard to the main charging functions, there is regenerative braking at the rear in normal braking
conditions as well as when ABS intervenes, overbraking on the rear axle on lift-off and battery charging via
combined management of the ICE and electric motor.
Aside from electric traction control and energy recovery thanks to the new brake-by-wire unit, which
guarantees hydraulic and electric blending in all operating modes (including ABS), another traction control
and distribution solution making its world premiere on the 296 GTB is the brand-new ‘ABS evo’. Thanks to
brake-by-wire, pedal travel is reduced to an absolute minimum, which boosts the feeling of sportiness
without neglecting efficiency when braking lightly or the pedal travel feel when on the track. The new ABS
control module, which is integrated with the new 6w-CDS sensor, allows the grip limits of the rear tyres to
be pushed still further, makes for greater repeatability of stopping distances and thus improving performance
when turning into corners.
The transition between electric and hybrid modes is fundamental to the sports car characteristics of the 296
GTB, as is how the powertrain manages the power available. Both play a fundamental role in the integration
with the car’s dynamic functionalities: this is why a power management selector (eManettino) has been
adopted alongside the traditional Manettino. The eManettino has four positions:
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
The 296 GTB has a new ABS control module developed exclusively for Ferrari and available from the ‘Race’
position upwards. It uses the information from the 6w-CDS to obtain a more precise estimation of speed and
optimise braking distribution compared to the Yaw Rate Sensor used up until now. The 6w-CDS measures
both the acceleration and the speed of rotation on three axes (X, Y, Z) enabling the other vehicle dynamic
controls to more accurately read the car’s dynamic behaviour thus optimising their intervention. This
accuracy allows the longitudinal force of the tyres to be better exploited when braking in a straight line and
on switchbacks, when the rear axle is subject to the natural compromise between braking performance and
lateral stability. The result is an excellent improvement in braking distances: compared to the F8 Tributo the
296 GTB reduces the 200-0 km/h braking distance by 8.8% and also improves the repeat braking efficiency
from that speed by 24%.
STYLING
EXTERIOR
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 by giving it an extremely compact line with an original, modern
look. Thanks to its short wheelbase and its monolithic, sculpted structure, the 296 GTB is indeed the most
compact berlinetta to emerge from Maranello in the last decade. The typical berlinetta fastback
configuration has been abandoned in favour of creating a cabin architecture that visually seems set into an
imposing volume – the combined effect of the short wheelbase and the composition of elements, such as
very muscular wings, the visor-style windscreen, robust flying buttresses and a new vertical rear screen.
These forms produce a highly original cabin silhouette that dominates the overall perception of the car.
The 296 GTB’s impeccably clean, simple architecture seems the work of a single pencil stroke. There are
neither artificial optical effects designed to lighten the car’s volumes nor stark colour contrasts. Instead the
designers chose the most convincing archetype to give the car a unique identity all of its own, so unique it
rewrote the entire rulebook by rediscovering the most authentic principles of Italian car design. Its clean
forms and interlocking volumes enhance the 296 GTB’s uncompromisingly sporty character, ensuring it is
the worthy heir to a philosophy that can be traced back to the very roots of Ferrari tradition. Its exceptional
modernity references 1960s’ Ferraris, which made simplicity and functionality their signatures. The 250 LM
from 1963, in particular, provided the designers with inspiration through elements such as the sinuous,
sculpted look of the body, the design of the B pillar, the unusual composition of the wings into which the
air-intakes are set, and the delicately proportioned Kamm tail.
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. Already adopted on several limited-edition Ferraris,
including the J50, and one-offs, such as the P80/C, this theme has now reached its maximum expression
on a road car. 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’s aesthetic and performance prowess are instantly clear at the first glance of the car from the
rear three-quarters. The powerful relationship between body and cabin is emphasised by the cut line of the
roof, the conformation of the flying buttresses and the muscle of the wings. The result is a very compact car
in which the cabin is visually inset into the surrounding volumes.
The 296 GTB reveals all of its elegance in the side view, which is characterised by the sinuous muscle 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 muscular 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 296 GTB’s front volumes are very pure, clean and extremely compact, a result that demanded
meticulous honing of the geometry of the surfaces. Compared to previous mid-rear engine V8 models, the
front of the 296 GTB is much more tapered. Seen from above, the crest of the front wing delineates the
entire perimeter of the front of the car, creating a styling theme that elegantly divides the functions of the
headlight assemblies.
The headlights take their inspiration from the “teardrop-shaped” headlights of the past. On the 296 GTB, this
styling theme is interpreted through two “faired-in teardrops” which are set into the front of the car like
jewels. The effect is completed by the formal composition of the DRL, which acts as the signature of the
front of this car, and the brake air intake. 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. In the central section is a compact suspended wing, reminiscent of solutions
adopted in F1.
The upper surface of the ultramodern tail is dominated by an imposing flying buttress. At its base, it
incorporates the engine bay cover which has a unique, three-dimensional glass surface. The central section
features a striking body-coloured element that references a styling theme dear to Maranello that can be
traced all the way back to the iconic likes of the Ferrari Testarossa and F355 GTB.
The 296 GTB’s other rear-end styling feature is its Kamm tail, a surface carved out of a solid volume, that
underscores the car’s compact volumes. The upper section of the tail also incorporates a horizontal
element that incorporates the taillights and integrated retracting spoiler. With the lights off, a thin “black
screen” line runs horizontally the entire width of the rear. When the taillights are on, two strips of light
appear on either end of the rear. The designers chose to reinterpret the traditional twin round taillights by
incorporating the other light functions in two semi-circular indents in the rear surface below the side lights.
The 296 GTB features a single central exhaust tailpipe – a modern touch. The exhaust design completes
the lower part of the profile of the centre of the bumper, which extends upwards to the taillights at either
end, thereby emphasising the horizontal feel of the rear of the car. The central wing is stowed in the
bodywork between the taillights and completes the design. This integrated solution is the perfect marriage
of functionality, technology and design, guaranteeing that the aerodynamic performance required is
delivered without sullying the purity of the design.
The 296 GTB sports a new alloy wheel with a twin-spoke design that accentuates the sculptural effect of
the starburst shape. There are also specific five-spoke forged wheels where the effect is highlighted by a
diamond-cut finish. Each of the five main spokes is twinned with a second, dynamic, curved element,
creating a slot between them that improves air extraction from the wheelarch. There is also the carbon-fibre
wheel option, which is 8 kg lighter than their forged counterpart and sets a whole new performance
benchmark.
COCKPIT
The 296 GTB’s cockpit was developed around the new concept of an entirely digital interface which Ferrari
first debuted on the SF90 Stradale. This interior layout draws on the latter’s stylistic coherence for its
forms. While with the SF90 Stradale the designers wanted to highlight the presence of the advanced
technology and underscore a clear break with the past; in the case of the 296 GTB, the idea was to clothe
that technology in a sophisticated way. The result is a pure, minimalistic connotation characterised by a
powerful elegance that, on an aesthetic level, perfectly mirrors the design of the exterior.
The 296 GTB’s cabin raises the concept of the formal purity of the functional elements to new heights. From
a formal perspective, when the engine is off, the onboard instruments go black, enhancing the minimalist
look of the cabin. Exclusive Italian leather trim to the seats and trim is further enhanced by the noble
technical materials used on the functional components.
Once the capacitive ‘Start Engine’ button is touched, 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 styling solution emerges the steering wheel
and the instrument cluster supported by two visible structural supports, which taper seamlessly into the
dashboard. Completing the picture are two side satellites, each with its own capacitive touch area, and an
air vent. 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 a co-driver.
The sculptural door panel is a seamless continuation of the dashboard in terms of both materials and
colour. On the central medallion, the styling cue is a deep lozenge-shaped scoop, a three-dimensional
element. 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 the SF90 Stradale-inspired modern take on
the classic gear-shift gate and a compartment for stowing the ignition key with its characteristic Prancing
Horse badge. For the 296 GTB, the designers created specific diapason-style seats using contrasting
grooves which coordinate aesthetically with the edge strip of the instrument cluster.
An example of the application of Ferrari’s philosophy of maximum formal purity is the HUD (Head Up
Display) which is integrated into the leather trim. The design of the speakers follows the same principle.
Rather than metal, the designers have opted for a thermoplastic cover in the same colour as the dash.
ASSETTO FIORANO
For clients who want to exploit the car’s extreme power and performance to the utmost, the 296 GTB
Assetto Fiorano package is available; it is completely uncompromising in terms of maximum performance,
thanks to significant weight reduction and aero content. Most notably, these include 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 cabin and exterior.
The Assetto Fiorano package involves much more than simply replacing elements. Some components
required that the standard basic structure be redesigned, including the door panel, resulting in an overall
weight-saving of 12-plus kg. Lastly, a special livery inspired by the 250 Le Mans can also be ordered
exclusively by owners who opt for the Assetto Fiorano package. Its design runs from the front wings and
hugs the central grille and delineates its edges. This styling element continues along the bonnet, creating a
hammer motif before running lengthways up to the roof and then down onto the rear spoiler. Other content
available to order solely with the Assetto Fiorano package includes an ultralight Lexan® rear screen that
brings the overall weight reduction to 15 kg, and Michelin Sport Cup2R high performance tyres which are
especially suited to track use because of their grip.
7 YEARS MAINTENANCE
Ferrari’s unparalleled quality standards and increasing focus on client service underpin the extended
seven-year maintenance programme offered with the 296 GTB. Available across the entire range, the latter
covers all regular maintenance for the first seven years of the car’s life. This scheduled maintenance
programme for Ferraris is an exclusive service that allows clients the certainty that their car is being kept at
peak performance and safety over the years. This very special service is also available to owners of
pre-owned Ferraris.
Regular maintenance (at intervals of either 20,000 km or once a year with no mileage restrictions), original
spares and meticulous checks by staff trained directly at the Ferrari Training Centre in Maranello using the
most modern diagnostic tools are just some of the advantages of the Genuine Maintenance Programme.
The service is available on all markets worldwide and from all Dealerships in the Official Dealership Network.
The Genuine Maintenance programme further extends the wide range of after-sales services offered by
Ferrari to meet the needs of clients wishing to preserve the performance and excellence that are the
signatures of all cars built in Maranello.
296 GTB – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
POWERTRAIN
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