Reveal of Ferrari 296 GTB at Meridien Modena, Hampshire

We were delighted to be invited by Ferrari main dealer Meridien Modena to come and view the next-generation model in the Italian marques line up.

Sample the excitement in this short video

The 296 GTB is Ferrari’s first mid engine hybrid (besides the infamous LaFerrari of course) and pushes out a staggering 830 PS to the rear wheels.

Highlights include

First V6-powered Ferrari since 1974
2.9-litre V6 plug-in hybrid engine
830hp, 740Nm of torque
0-60mph in 2.9 seconds
205mph+ top speed
15 miles of EV range
Assetto Fiorano package available
Doesn’t replace existing models
Pricing around £230,000

Of course there was the usual reluctance to fully embrace the change in direction to both V6 and the EV element but once the stats were explained by the Ferrari team, we all soon recognised the benefits.

The sheer power that can be extracted from smaller and smaller engines these days means that no compromises are made for them being smaller and lighter, where they can fit lower in the body of the car.

The engine note has of course changed and whilst it’s not the classic Ferrari V8 pitch, there is still a satisfying raw that certainly makes the car sound like it means business!

Looks-wise, the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree in terms of the shape. The 458 that started this partuclarly shape blood line goes all the way back to 2009, with improvements being made over the generations that include the 488, the F8, and even the almost hypercar, the SF90.

To be fair to Ferrari, they got it so right with the 458 shape, it is not surprising that more recent iterations haven’t strayed too far.

The car is of course a much more modern-looking car and they have made some great progress to make ensure the shape still competes with the very best from the competition. The rear lights are of particular interest and a new direction from the round rear lights that have become iconic over the years.

We understand the plan from Ferrari is to run the V6 296 alongside the V8 F8, at least for a while but price-wise, the 296 will be a shade more money. No surprise when you factor in the 296 had over 100 hp more than the F8 and weighs in over 150 pounds lighter!

The 296 GTB truly is a new generation of Ferrari bringing the hybrid technology to the supercar buying masses.

It will be interesting to see how popular the car becomes, it doesn’t feel that long ago the pessimists said the 488 wouldn’t sell as it was no longer normally aspirated, but that has been phenomenally successful and the F8 continued that trend.

Thank you to Glenn Butt and Meridien Modena for the invite, the hospitality and your friendly welcome.

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