Ferrari enthusiasts have even more to be excited about, as the renowned sports car manufacturer continues to expand its electric and hybrid offerings. Building on the success of its existing electric and plug-in hybrid models, Ferrari is set to introduce a new plug-in hybrid engine that promises to elevate the brand’s performance and sustainability even further.
Ferrari continues to advance their electric lineup
While Ferrari has already made strides with its hybrid vehicles, this latest engine is expected to push the boundaries of speed, power, and efficiency, all while staying true to the company’s commitment to delivering an unforgettable driving experience. For Ferrari fans, this new release marks another milestone in the brand’s innovative journey towards blending high performance with eco-friendly technology.
The newest edition to the Ferrari family, the mid-rear-engined Berlinetta has been capped the 296 GTB. This model combines plug-in hybrid technology with an entirely new V6 turbo engine, marking the debut of the first 120° six-cylinder engine in a Maranello road car. This marks the first time Ferrari has used a 6-cylinder engine in a road car since the Dino.
Details of the new 296 GTB reveal luxury for your daily commute
The new 296 GTB is the first engine in Ferrari’s F163 family to be engineered from the ground up with a unique design, placing the turbos inside the V and using equally spaced firing to create a more compact and well-balanced engine. This innovative configuration has resulted in a record-breaking specific power output of 224ps/l for a production car. The 2,992cc V6 engine delivers a maximum output of 672ps, with a remarkable rev limit of 8,500rpm. To achieve this, Ferrari pushed combustion pressure to new heights, utilizing advanced engineering techniques and materials.
Additionally, Ferrari developed a new, purpose-built aluminum block and cylinder heads. The V6 also incorporates technology first introduced in the SF90 Stradale, including a central injector and spark plug system with a 350-bar pressure injection setup. The intake and exhaust ducts were carefully redesigned and tuned to enhance volumetric efficiency and optimize turbulence within the combustion chamber. In collaboration with IHI, Ferrari also redesigned the mono-scroll turbochargers, allowing them to reach an incredible 180,000rpm, boosting both performance and efficiency by 24%.
The 296 GTB marks Ferrari’s first vehicle to feature a rear-wheel drive-only plug-in hybrid vehicle architecture, where the internal combustion engine is paired with a rear-mounted electric motor generating up to 122kW. The electric motor and internal combustion engine work together seamlessly through the Transition Manager Actuator (TMA), enabling a total combined power output of 841ps. Additionally, the TMA system allows the electric motor to operate independently, providing the option for all-electric driving when needed.
A world where Ferrari goes electric?
Ferrari’s shift toward electric vehicles may meet resistance from some fans who have long admired the appeal of the internal combustion engine which is very much a staple of the world of sports car. For many, the distinctive engine roar and the thrill of driving a Ferrari powered by gasoline are integral to the brand’s identity. However, as the world moves toward stricter environmental regulations and climate goals, the automotive industry, including luxury sports car makers, will need to adapt.
To reach global climate targets, it’s likely that the sports car world as we know it will need to be reinvented, with the internal combustion engine becoming a thing of the past. Embracing electric power could ultimately lead to a new era of performance, combining cutting-edge technology with the passion and excitement that enthusiasts expect, while also ensuring a sustainable future. While a total goodbye to the internal combustion engine will still take some years, it is important that leading automobile companies like Ferrari are investing in technology like the 296 GTB.
