Ferrari unveiled its first hybrid V6 convertible in Europe this week, the 296 GTS with no word when it will appear in North America. The hybrid uses a new 654 horsepower 120-degree V6, coupled with an electric motor capable of delivering a further 122 kW (165 horsepower) which debuted on the 296 GTB. It’s roughly a ~$400,000 version of an open wheel formula racer with a spider wrapping and a 2.9-second zero-to-100km/h elapsed time.
The 296 GTS’s plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system has instant pedal response time and delivers – it’s claimed – a 25km range in the all-electric eDrive mode. “The car’s compact dimensions and the introduction of control systems as well as meticulously honed aerodynamics ensure that the driver will instantly be impressed by its astonishing agility and responsiveness to commands,” Ferrari said.
When the engine is off, the instruments go black, underscoring the minimalist look . Italian leather trim is on the seats. Aerodynamic flaps have been integrated into the rear trim structure to reduce buffeting and increase comfort in open-top driving.
The powertrain assembly contains a turbocharged V6 that supplies umph! to the rear wheels via an 8-speed DCT and E-Diff, and the motor-generator located between the engine and the gearbox. A clutch is between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor to decouple them in electric-only eDrive mode. There are also a high-voltage battery and an inverter, which powers the electric motor.
This is the first 6-cylinder engine installed on a road-going spider with a Prancing Horse logo. Ferrari claims it has “previously unthinkable performance levels, and an innovative, exhilarating and unique soundtrack, further enhanced by the fact that it can be relished with the top down.” The rev limiter is set at 8500 rpm.
It’s also the first in the new F163 engine family. This V6 says Ferrari earned itself the nickname “piccolo V12” (little V12) during the development phase. The 120-degree V architecture provides a symmetrical firing order, while the equal-length, tuned exhaust manifolds combined with the single exhaust line outside the hot-V amplify the pressure waves.
In Ferrari and other engines, the intake plenum is normally located in the center of the vee. However, the V6 has its plenums on the side of the cylinder heads and are integrated with the support for the throttle valve. The light thermoplastic material used to make them keeps engine weight down. This boosts performance because of the shorter ducts, in addition to reducing time-to-boost as a result of the high-pressure line’s smaller volume.
The direct injection engine uses the latest Ferrari combustion chamber developments: central injector and spark plugs with 350-bar pressure injection system to improve the fuel-air mix in the chamber, performance and reduce emissions. The intake and exhaust ducts were redesigned and tuned to maximize volumetric efficiency and thus guarantee high levels of turbulence in the chamber.
With the introduction of the V6, the IHI turbochargers have been redesigned using higher performance alloys. This meant the maximum revs of the turbos could be increased to 180,000 rpm, with an ensuing improvement in performance and boost efficiency, which increases by 24%.
The symmetrical, counter-rotating turbos are of the mono-scroll type. The design has reduced the compressor wheel diameter by 5% and the turbo rotor by 11% compared to the V8 applications, despite the very high specific power output. The reduction in the rotating masses (the inertia of the two rotating scrolls has been reduced by 11% compared to the 3.9-liter V8) has reduced the spool-up time ensuring instantaneous power delivery.
Just like the SF90 Stradale – for affluent buyers who want to use the car’s power and performance on the track – the 296 GTS is also available with the Assetto Fiorano package. This includes lightweight features and aero modifications. These include GT racing-derived adjustable Multimatic shock absorbers optimized for track use; high downforce carbon-fiber add-ons on the front bumper that can deliver an additional 10 kg of downforce, and more extensive use of lightweight materials such as carbon-fiber.
Ferrari says the Assetto Fiorano package involves more than simply replacing elements. Some components required that the standard basic structure be redesigned, including the door panel, resulting in an overall weight-saving of 8 kg. Lastly, a special livery inspired by the 250 Le Mans can also be ordered exclusively by owners who opt for the Assetto Fiorano package. Its design runs from the front wings, hugs the central grille, and delineates its edges. This styling element continues along the bonnet, creating a hammer motif before running lengthways up to the RHT, tonneau cover and then down onto the rear spoiler. Other content available to order solely with the Assetto Fiorano package includes Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2R high performance tires which are especially suited to track use because of their grip.
An extended seven-year maintenance program is offered with the 296 GTS. Available across the entire range, it covers all regular maintenance for the first seven years or 120,000 km of the car’s life. This special service is also available to owners of used Ferraris. Regular maintenance (at intervals of either 20,000 km or once a year with no mileage restrictions), original spares and checks by staff trained directly at the Ferrari Training Centre in Maranello are some of the advantages of the 7-Year Genuine Maintenance Program. The service is available on all markets worldwide and from all Dealerships in the Official Dealership Network.
Thus Ferrari enters a new V6 era?
The first Ferrari V6 had a 65-degree architecture and debuted on the 1957 1500 cc Dino 156 F2 single-seater racer. This was followed in 1958 by larger displacement versions on the front-engine sports prototypes – the 196 S and 296 S – and the 246 F1 car, which powered Mike Hawthorn to the F1 Drivers’ Championship title in 1958.
The question is how many customers are extant for such a Berlinetta spider?
First Look – Ferrari 296 GTS V6 Hybrid
The 296 GTS’s plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system has instant pedal response time and delivers – it’s claimed – a 25km range in the all-electric eDrive mode. “The car’s compact dimensions and the introduction of control systems as well as meticulously honed aerodynamics ensure that the driver will instantly be impressed by its astonishing agility and responsiveness to commands,” Ferrari said.
When the engine is off, the instruments go black, underscoring the minimalist look . Italian leather trim is on the seats. Aerodynamic flaps have been integrated into the rear trim structure to reduce buffeting and increase comfort in open-top driving.
The powertrain assembly contains a turbocharged V6 that supplies umph! to the rear wheels via an 8-speed DCT and E-Diff, and the motor-generator located between the engine and the gearbox. A clutch is between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor to decouple them in electric-only eDrive mode. There are also a high-voltage battery and an inverter, which powers the electric motor.
This is the first 6-cylinder engine installed on a road-going spider with a Prancing Horse logo. Ferrari claims it has “previously unthinkable performance levels, and an innovative, exhilarating and unique soundtrack, further enhanced by the fact that it can be relished with the top down.” The rev limiter is set at 8500 rpm.
It’s also the first in the new F163 engine family. This V6 says Ferrari earned itself the nickname “piccolo V12” (little V12) during the development phase. The 120-degree V architecture provides a symmetrical firing order, while the equal-length, tuned exhaust manifolds combined with the single exhaust line outside the hot-V amplify the pressure waves.
In Ferrari and other engines, the intake plenum is normally located in the center of the vee. However, the V6 has its plenums on the side of the cylinder heads and are integrated with the support for the throttle valve. The light thermoplastic material used to make them keeps engine weight down. This boosts performance because of the shorter ducts, in addition to reducing time-to-boost as a result of the high-pressure line’s smaller volume.
The direct injection engine uses the latest Ferrari combustion chamber developments: central injector and spark plugs with 350-bar pressure injection system to improve the fuel-air mix in the chamber, performance and reduce emissions. The intake and exhaust ducts were redesigned and tuned to maximize volumetric efficiency and thus guarantee high levels of turbulence in the chamber.
With the introduction of the V6, the IHI turbochargers have been redesigned using higher performance alloys. This meant the maximum revs of the turbos could be increased to 180,000 rpm, with an ensuing improvement in performance and boost efficiency, which increases by 24%.
The symmetrical, counter-rotating turbos are of the mono-scroll type. The design has reduced the compressor wheel diameter by 5% and the turbo rotor by 11% compared to the V8 applications, despite the very high specific power output. The reduction in the rotating masses (the inertia of the two rotating scrolls has been reduced by 11% compared to the 3.9-liter V8) has reduced the spool-up time ensuring instantaneous power delivery.
Just like the SF90 Stradale – for affluent buyers who want to use the car’s power and performance on the track – the 296 GTS is also available with the Assetto Fiorano package. This includes lightweight features and aero modifications. These include GT racing-derived adjustable Multimatic shock absorbers optimized for track use; high downforce carbon-fiber add-ons on the front bumper that can deliver an additional 10 kg of downforce, and more extensive use of lightweight materials such as carbon-fiber.
Ferrari says the Assetto Fiorano package involves more than simply replacing elements. Some components required that the standard basic structure be redesigned, including the door panel, resulting in an overall weight-saving of 8 kg. Lastly, a special livery inspired by the 250 Le Mans can also be ordered exclusively by owners who opt for the Assetto Fiorano package. Its design runs from the front wings, hugs the central grille, and delineates its edges. This styling element continues along the bonnet, creating a hammer motif before running lengthways up to the RHT, tonneau cover and then down onto the rear spoiler. Other content available to order solely with the Assetto Fiorano package includes Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2R high performance tires which are especially suited to track use because of their grip.
An extended seven-year maintenance program is offered with the 296 GTS. Available across the entire range, it covers all regular maintenance for the first seven years or 120,000 km of the car’s life. This special service is also available to owners of used Ferraris. Regular maintenance (at intervals of either 20,000 km or once a year with no mileage restrictions), original spares and checks by staff trained directly at the Ferrari Training Centre in Maranello are some of the advantages of the 7-Year Genuine Maintenance Program. The service is available on all markets worldwide and from all Dealerships in the Official Dealership Network.
Thus Ferrari enters a new V6 era?
The first Ferrari V6 had a 65-degree architecture and debuted on the 1957 1500 cc Dino 156 F2 single-seater racer. This was followed in 1958 by larger displacement versions on the front-engine sports prototypes – the 196 S and 296 S – and the 246 F1 car, which powered Mike Hawthorn to the F1 Drivers’ Championship title in 1958.
The question is how many customers are extant for such a Berlinetta spider?