Ferrari 296 GTB, Soul Stirrer

FERRARI 296 GTB

Soul-Stirrer

| BY SOMNATH CHATTERJEE

Electrification is perhaps both an enemy or a blessing in disguise for the supercar. Blessing because it uncorks even more potential to quench our insatiable appetite for speed and performance while its lack of emotion is perhaps a glaring disadvantage. But for supercars, a combination of both a petrol engine and an electric motor can yield a favorable outcome. Years back we saw how hybrid power was used for hyper cars but now it has reached a mainstream threshold with electrification being an inevitable fate for all the noisy supercars that we have come to love.

That said, if you can have the noise and the silence is something that Ferrari has best managed with its SF80 and now, the 296 GTB. The 296 GTB happens to the core pillars of Ferrari’s model range and the mid-engined Berlinetta is perhaps the most faithful to the values that this Italian brand is all about. While the Purosangue hogs the limelight along with various specials, the 296 GTB must be the shining light for the Maranello power house. It is all good news though as a detailed drive in the 296 GTB showed how potent the ‘baby Ferrari’ has become.

Compared to the F8 Tributo or the 488, the race of evolution is stronger this time with a shift from V8 to a twin-turbocharged V6 albeit with an electric motor lending a helping hand. The V6 might have been on the iconic Dino, but it is officially the first time seen on a Ferrari. Total power when combined is north of 800 horses and a simple dab at the throttle is enough to see it reach 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds.

However, we went beyond numbers with the 296 GTB and wanted to discover its real personality and whether it feels like a proper Ferrari. Fortunately, it does albeit beneath the veneer of technology. The engine is a packaging masterpiece being much smaller and which revs with nearly the same urgency like a V12. It also manages to replicate that soundtrack which is so important for any Ferrari. There are plenty of drive modes and various configurations to choose from while you also start off in electric mode in total silence.

Hence, at first it is the silence not the noise that impresses you since the days of noisy supercars are coming to an end with cities abhorring them. You can run on electric power for some time and waking up the neighbors is no longer a supercar staple from now on.

That said, it is not as if the 296 GTB is another EV as this is just another facet with the engine waking up with the usual Ferrari pomp and glamour. Hence, the 296 GTB feels fast and revs the way you’d want a Ferrari to when you are in the mood while elsewhere you can amble on the turbocharged torque which is readily available.

It feels playful, the 296 GTB while offering astonishing grip with so much power being presented to the driver. The steering is light and follows on the recent Ferrari’s but is extremely responsive along with a precise amount of feedback. It is the hefty, richly layered steering of old supercars but isn’t aloof too.

The short wheelbase brings in flexibility and you end up enjoying it like it is a much smaller sports car. Hence, the 296 GTB feels like a ballet dancer and has the purity along with the emotion which you expect from a supercar but wrapped up with all the benefits of technology. It is hugely comfortable and easy to drive but also fast and engaging when you want it to. Unlike 1000hp plus hyper cars, speed is not the only thing that the 296 GTB is all about as it merges technology and supercar emotion unlike any other. It is perhaps the best Ferrari right now.