The baby Ferrari also runs the quarter mile in under 10 seconds!
Ferrari is undoubtedly one of the leading supercar manufacturers out there. Its blissful engineering and iconic styling are truly a blessing for car lovers. And its new plug-in hybrid, the 296 GTB, is no exception. Indeed, the entry-level mid-engine supercar sets a new bar for the class despite a smaller-than-usual engine.
Car and Driver recently tested the new Ferrari 296 GTB and found it to be the quickest rear-wheel-drive car it ever tested, managing to record a 0-60 mph sprint in just 2.4 seconds and a quarter mile time of 9.7 seconds @ 150 mph. This makes it faster than anything in its class; even the track-focused Lamborghini Huracan STO and McLaren Artura only ran to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds. Add 0.2 seconds more and that’s Porsche 718 GT4 RS territory.
Car and Driver also remarked on the amazing stopping power of the 296 GTB. Indeed, despite having huge regenerative braking power, thanks to the massive 10-piston calipers up front and the sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires, this beast can go from 70 mph to zero in only 130 feet!
Interestingly, such record-breaking performance wasn’t exactly what we would have expected from the 296 GTB and its tiny 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 only producing a “modest” 654 hp. But let’s not forget Ferrari paired the unit with a 165 hp electric motor located between the engine and the gearbox, powered by a rather small 6.0 kWh battery. As a result, it can only run 8 miles on electric power alone, but that’s enough to bring the total power output to a whopping 819 hp — not far off from its 1000 hp V8 AWD brother, the SF90.
Nevertheless, the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a true testament to Ferrari’s ongoing commitment to innovation and performance excellence. Its record-breaking acceleration, precision stopping power, and hybrid powertrain make it a force to be reckoned with in the world of supercars despite the relatively small displacement. With its stylish design and groundbreaking tech, the 296 GTB has truly set a new standard for the class, redefining what’s possible in a plug-in hybrid supercar.
