Ferrari presents its all new V6 sports car, the 296 GTB

Ferrari has today unveiled the brand new 296 GTB, the marque's newest new mid-rear-engine berlinetta sports car.

The 296 GTB heralds a new revolution for the brand - powering the car is Ferrari's first-ever V6 engine fitted on a production road car. Additionally, the car is also a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), with an electric motor at the rear. To be clear, this new car does not replace any other car within Ferrari's range.

Designed from an entirely blank slate, the 3.0-litre V6 engine has a 120 degree V angle within which sits the turbochargers.

This allows the engine to deliver extreme levels of power - the engine's 654bhp sets a new specific power output record for a production car of 218bhp per litre of displacement.

This also lowers the centre of gravity of the powertrain to enhance dynamic performance.

Additionally, the PHEV system also brings additional performance. Beyond being able to provide 25km of electric range, the electric motor can produce 122kW, thus enabling the 296 GTB to produce send a combined 819bhp and 740Nm of torque to the rear wheels. This outrageous performance sends the car from 0-100km/h in just 2.9 seconds.

A key focus of the new car is what Ferrari internally refers to as the 'fun to drive' factor. TO this end, the 296 GTB features a short wheelbase (50mm shorter than the V8 models) to increase agility. And, even with the PHEV system, attention has been paid to keep the car's weight low. 

By making components as compact as possible, including new components developed for this car including the Transition Manager Actuator and the six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor, the car weighs just 1,479kg. Additionally, the 296 GTB also debuts a brake-by-wire system and ABS 'evo' traction control.

The design of the new 296 GTB draws inspiration from the 250 LM, and boasts a short wheelbase, muscular wings, robust flying buttresses and sculpted forms. Compared to previous V8 models, the front of the 296 GTB is more much tapered. At the rear, there is also a highly modern touch in the form of a single central exhaust tailpipe. 

The cockpit draws from the digital interface first featured in the SF90.

There is now a completed digital interface, with capacitive touch controls used to operate the instrument cluster as well as the passenger-side display.

Ferrari has also chosen a much more minimalist approach - when the engine is off, all onboard instruments go black. Only on startup do the digital interfaces come to life.

For customers who want to further exploit the new 296 GTB's extreme performance, Ferrari is also introducing an Assetto Fiorano package, providing significant weight reduction and increased aerodynamics.

Most notably, these include special GT racing-derived adjustable Multimatic shock absorbers, high downforce carbon-fibre appendages on the front bumper, a Lexan rear screen, and more extensive use of lightweight materials for both cabin and exterior.

Buyers who opt for the Assetto Fiorano package can also opt for an exclusive and unique livery inspired by the 250 Le Mans.

The new Ferrari 296 GTB is expected to be made available in Singapore next year, with deliveries estimated by the end of 2022. While exact pricing remains undetermined, the 296 GTB will be priced above the F8 Tributo.