Ferrari links past, present with 296 GTB plug-in hybrid

Ferrari's latest model aims to lure sports car drivers by combining cutting-edge technology with a link to the brand's roots.

The 296 GTB is the first Ferrari with a V-6 gasoline engine since the Dino was discontinued in 1974. At the same time, it's just the second plug-in hybrid in the brand's 82-year history, joining the SF90 Stradale and signaling Ferrari's increased use of electrification in its range.

Ferrari is downsizing from V-8s because by combining a V-6 with electric motors it can match their performance while also lowering emissions and improving fuel economy. The 296 GTB's hybrid powertrain is expected to be carried over to future models, possibly including the Purosangue, Ferrari's first SUV, which is due to debut in late 2022.

The numbers 296 come from the turbocharged engine's displacement, 2.9 liters, and its number of cylinders. GTB stands for Gran Turismo Berlinetta.

While the 296 GTB and the Dino both have a V-6, Ferrari marketing head Enrico Galliera said they are very different.

First of all, Dino didn't have a Ferrari emblem because at the time it was deemed unworthy of the badge.

Second, the Dino was developed to attract new customers to the brand while Galliera said the 296 GTB's target customer is someone who already drives a sports car -- both Ferrari models and those from different brands.

The 296 GTB starts at 269,000 euros, which is 34 percent more than brand's entry model aimed at new customers, the Roma coupe.

The 296 GTB will also cost 13 percent more than the F8 Tributo sports car, which is more comparable based on performance. Both the Roma and the F8 Tributo feature a V-8 turbocharged engine.

The 296 GTB weighs 140 kg more than the F8 Tributo coupe. Most of that is because of the additional weight of the plug-in hybrid's battery and electric motor. The 296 GTB, however, has a better weight-to-power ratio of 1.79 kg/hp versus 1.87 kg/hp for the F8 Tributo. The weight of the plug-in hybrid components is partly offset by the V-6 engine, which is 30 kg lighter than Ferrari's current V-8.

During development of the 296 GTV Ferrari's aim was to maximize what it calls the supercar's "fun-to-drive" characteristics. It did so by giving it a shorter wheelbase (50 mm less than Ferrari's previous mid-rear-engine sports cars), which improves handling.

The 296 GTB also has a six-way chassis dynamic sensor developed specifically for the model that feeds information to an ABS system, enabling a "significant shortening" of stopping distances in dry conditions.

Ferrari said the V-6 will have the same roar as its V-8s and V-12s.

"Sound-wise, the 296 GTB harmoniously combines two characteristics that are normally opposed: the force of the turbos and the harmony of the high-frequency notes of a naturally aspirated V-12."