On the time of launch, the Ferrari 296 GTB prompted fairly a stir. Carbon emissions targets are pushing all producers to smaller and hybrid engines, and this was the primary Ferrari with a V6 engine. Many have been involved that this was a substitute for the a lot liked Ferrari F8 Tributo, and that will be prematurely ended. However don’t fear.
The Ferrari 296 GTB doesn’t exchange the Ferrari F8 Tributo, and the brand new automotive is creating a brand new section for Ferrari. Each vehicles are nonetheless made aspect by aspect and can proceed to take action into 2023. Nevertheless, the F8 Tributo is unlikely to get replaced when manufacturing involves an finish in 2023 or 2024.
The unhappy factor is although that the Ferrari F8 Tributo is unlikely to have a direct substitute, with any subsequent substitute requiring a hybrid unit to satisfy new laws. However that’s not all dangerous, and as we’ll present you beneath. Progress can really be an excellent factor.
Comparability of Ferrari 296 GTB vs Ferrari F8 Tributo
Engine & Powerplant
At first look, the F8 Tributo simply wins because it has a 3.9L Twin Turbo V8 engine. I imply it doesn’t get rather more legendary that that! Compared, the 296 GTB has a comparatively puny-sounding 3.0L Twin Turbo V6 engine. Sure, two cylinders much less and a complete 0.9L much less in capability.
And sure, you learn that proper. The Ferrari 296 GTB has a V6 engine and is the primary V6 automotive ever to be offered by Ferrari. Earlier than a few of you begin leaping round in anger attempting to inform me in regards to the V6 Dino, don’t neglect that the Dino was by no means badged as a Ferrari, and was the brainchild of Enzo’s son who sadly handed away.
However what makes the 296 GTB particular is that the automotive additionally comes with an electrical motor delivering further energy when it’s wanted. So with this within the combine, the Ferrari 296 GTB delivers 830 CV of energy in comparison with the F8 Tributo’s 720 CV. The smaller automotive delivers extra energy general and is a traditional case of don’t choose a guide by the duvet.
Dimensions & Weight
So now we have already seen that the Ferrari 296 GTB has the extra highly effective powerplant, however absolutely the batteries add bulk and weight. A quicker engine means nothing if the general weight is compromised.
Nicely the Ferrari F8 Tributo is 4,611mm lengthy and 1979mm broad, towards the Ferrari 296 GTB’s 4,565mm size and 1,958mm width. So at first look, the F8 Tributo has the most important footprint.
However you may say that the Ferrari 296 GTB shall be heavier as it’s, weighed down by motors, electrics and batteries which we all know can add appreciable weight. Nevertheless, a few of this weight is offset by the elimination of two cylinders from the engine, so the distinction is probably not as a lot as you assume.
The Ferrari 296 GTB has a dry weight of 1,470 kg towards the F8 Tributo which ideas the scales at 1,330 kg. This provides the 296 GTB a power-to-weight ratio of 0.56 CV per kg, whereas the F8 Tributo manages 0.54 CV per kg.
Regardless of the additional weight, the Ferrari 296 GTB delivered extra energy per kg when in comparison with the F8 Tributo. Fairly spectacular for a smaller engined automotive.
Efficiency
However the query stays, how does the Ferrari 296 GTB carry out? We all know that the automotive is extra highly effective but additionally heavier than the Ferrari F8 Tributo. Can this further energy be transformed into higher efficiency on the street and monitor?
Nicely, the numbers don’t lie, and whereas the F8 Tributo will get from a standstill to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds. The 296 GTB manages it in the identical time. You may say all that further energy is wasted if the automotive is not any quicker.
However that’s not the entire story. 0-200 km/h is 7.8 seconds for the F8 Tributo, whereas the Ferrari 296 GTB achieves it in 7.3 seconds. The quicker you go, the faster it will get!
However its not all gold medals for the Ferrari 296 GTB, as its prime pace maxes out at 330 km/h (205 mph), whereas the Ferrari F8 Tributo goes on to 340 km/h (211 mph). I suppose these further two cylinders within the V8 are helpful in any case!
Dealing with
Straight line speeds are one factor, however how does it carry out on a monitor? EVs like Tesla are nice at straight-line pace, however the battery weight can go away the automotive difficult on corners.
One factor Ferrari has is 75 years of cornering know-how. How is that this translated within the new Hybrid V6? Nicely, actually there is just one statistic it is advisable examine and it tells you all the pieces you wish to know.
Ferrari is lucky to have its very personal check tack reverse the manufacturing facility known as Fiorano. All street and F1 vehicles are examined on the monitor, and the setting of the monitor time is the one barometer price checking. How do these vehicles examine?
The Ferrari F8 Tributo manages a Fiorano lap time of 1 min 22.5 sec whereas the Ferrari 296 GTB achieves the identical lap of Fiorano in 1 min 21 sec. That’s bloody spectacular and an enormous achievement for Ferrari with a V6 hybrid drivetrain.
To place that point into perspective, the mighty Ferrari F40 manages it in 1 min 29.6 sec. That was a stripped-out automotive designed for the monitor, whereas the Ferrari F8 Tributo and Ferrari 296 GTB are vehicles you possibly can take your child to high school in. Such is the tempo of progress
Inside
On paper, the 2 vehicles are very comparable on the within. Each are 2 seaters with the engine mounted behind the cabin. Area is subsequently restricted with minimal area behind the seats.
However in actuality, the interiors are very totally different, the place I’d describe the Ferrari 296 GTB as digital whereas the Ferrari F8 Tributo is analogue. The dials and all buttons on the 296 GTB are digital, contact buttons, and screens, even all the way down to the buttons on the steering wheel itself.
In distinction, the Ferrari F8 Tributo nonetheless feels conventional with an actual transferring tachometer within the centre of the instrument cluster. For my part, this works significantly better than the digital show of the 296 GTB.
Don’t get me improper, there’s nothing improper with the digital show, however the transferring dial will all the time win over a computer-generated one. I really like watches and personal an Apple Watch and a variety of APs. I don’t care how good the digital watch is, one digital watch is greater than sufficient. With APs or one thing comparable you possibly can construct a group of lovely automated watches.
Practicality
The Ferrari F8 Tributo is barely bigger on the within than the Ferrari 296 GTB, though it’s not massively totally different. Each have sufficient area up entrance for the weekend baggage and are large enough for use for mild day by day use.
However I believe the sport changer for the Ferrari 296 GTB is the electrical motor. Clearly, this can make a distinction in gasoline consumption, however the true distinction is the power to drive round city with out attracting undesirable consideration.
Within the Ferrari 296 GTB, you possibly can swap to full electrical mode and glide alongside in silence, though the e-range is barely 25km. Alternatively, you possibly can run the automotive in hybrid mode to offer a larger vary, however for most individuals, 25 km is a day by day commute.
Which might I select?
You is likely to be pondering proper now with a lot positivity in regards to the Ferrari 296 GTB I’d bounce at that. However you’ll be improper, and the automotive I’d select is the Ferrari F8 Tributo. Unusual selection? Learn on.
Firstly, I simply wish to say the Ferrari 296 GTB is excellent. What Ferrari has managed to realize is actually exceptional from a humble V6 with hybrid know-how. It’s important to do not forget that Ferrari is a small-volume producer, which makes it much more of an achievement.
However the purpose why I’d select the Ferrari F8 Tributo is that it’s the final of a line. The top of an period. 5 years from now all the pieces shall be plug-in hybrid. This automotive is analogue in a digital world.
It jogs my memory of the Ferrari 458 Italia, the final of the naturally aspirated V8 engines. No turbos, simply straight energy. The Ferrari F8 Tributo would be the final of the non-hybrids. That’s why the F8 was a tribute. Class act.
The Ferrari 296 GTB Galleries
