Ferrari 296 GTB

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Best of the Current Ferrari Model Lineup

Ferrari continues to be an ever-present figure when it comes to producing some of the world’s most revered and sought after exotic automobiles. Striking a fine balance between forward-looking innovation and staying true to its heritage, the Prancing Horse marque has some exciting and unequivocally Ferrari-esque projects in the pipeline.

While the lineup has been subject to a quantifiable consolidation for 2021 – with the retirement of the legendary 488 and the phasing out of its family-friendly GTC4 Lusso – Ferrari fans still have a lot to be excited about. The Ferrari Roma, unveiled in the later part of 2020, had its first full-season debut for the 2021 model year.

There is also a new Ferrari SUV in the works called the Purosangue, which is slated for release late in 2021 as a MY2022. While the SUV will be the GTC4 Lusso’s logical successor, there is little doubt that it is a direct retort to long-time-rival Lamborghini’s highly acclaimed Urus. Ferrari will look to claim their piece of this real estate and usurp their adversaries in the process, so we should expect something truly epic.

Returnees to the 2021 roster remain fundamentally unchanged, with such models as the Portofino, F8 Tributo, 812 Superfast, and SF90 Stradale each bringing their own unique purpose and interpretations of the Ferrari experience to the table.

Here are the best brand new Ferrari models you can purchase today.

Ferrari F8 Tributo

Base MSRP: $280,000 USD

The Ferrari F8 Tributo continues an impressive line of “entry-level” mid-engined sports cars within the Ferrari model lineup. Of course, no Ferrari will ever be considered economical in the grand scheme of things, and the F8 Tributo certainly doesn’t buck this trend. A car that is greater than the sum of its parts, the F8 Tributo is a highly capable all-rounder, which manages to stand out amongst an elite club of daily supercars which continue to redefine the exotic car experience and move the measuring stick higher.

The Ferrari F8 Tributo in my opinion, is the pragmatist’s choice; the one that will provide you with all of the best characteristics of a Ferrari automobile, in a single package. You just can’t go wrong with this car – it’s just that incredible. Available in both a coupe and Spider configuration.

Ferrari Roma

Base MSRP: $222,620 USD

Ferrari’s latest true grand touring sports car offers something really unique and refreshing. Its design is simple; minimalist you could say, as far as the artistry is concerned. Yet, objectively it is a very beautiful car. The inner workings of the Roma are anything but uncomplicated. It features one of the most high-tech cabins of any Ferrari, or car in its class. Its 3.9L engine is as athletic as it is utilitarian, making for a grand tourer that really molds to the character of its owner – or perhaps, it’s the other way around?

Granted it is a Ferrari, but those who want something flashy should look elsewhere within the line-up; or, depending on your cup of tea, outside the brand as a whole. But with the “gentleman’s sports car” now being in vogue, it’s this very characteristic that makes the Roma one of the most desirable cars of its kind. In a low-key sorta way.

Ferrari 812 Competizione

Base MSRP: $598,000 USD, $600,000 USD (Aperta)

First, the name: it’s officially known as the Ferrari 812 Competizione. But, it can also be called the Ferrari 812 Competizione A(perta). That’s because Ferrari surprised us by unveiling not one, but two versions of this hardcore 812 Superfast variant right from the get go. The latter – meant to replace the 812 GTS – is a Targa counterpart which features a removable carbon fiber roof panel which can be neatly stowed away in a special made-to-measure storage compartment.

Besides the obvious aesthetic differences born from having an open-top configuration, the two cars are identical mechanically. Both the Competizione and Competizione A will be powered by the same 6.5L naturally-aspirated V12 engine. In addition to producing 819 hp and possessing a symphonic 9,500 rpm of vocal range, we now also know that it also churns out 512 lb-ft of torque. Those are the peak figures of course, which are attainable at both 9,250 rpm and 7,000 rpm respectively.

Ferrari 296 GTB

Base MSRP: $280,000 USD (est.)

You’re a hybrid and EV fanatic. Ferrari is your favorite automaker. But the near-7-figure price tag of the SF90 Stradale is a bit of a buzz kill. Well, there’s now a cure for your ailment – the Ferrari 296 GTB. The Ferrari 296 GTB is not a replacement for any models formerly or currently in its product range, with Ferrari stating that it is “creating its own segment”. Price-wise, the 296 GTB is billed as the company’s new ‘entry-level’ mid-engined supercar and is being touted as the automaker’s latest ‘gateway’ to experiencing Ferrari’s race-bred DNA.

In spite (or because) of the car’s hybridized 2.9L twin-turbocharged V6 drivetrain, Ferrari has been emboldened so much by the end-product that they believe it to be the “most fun car to drive in our product range”, both on track and on normal roads. Deliveries won’t begin until 2022, but orders are open right now. No specific word on pricing just yet, though it is expected to hover around the F8 Tributo’s base MSRP of US$277,000.

October 13, 2021 / Comments Off

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Best Ferrari Engines Ever Made

There’s no denying that a Pininfarina-designed silhouette is what often defines a Ferrari car. Such a predisposition is ultimately good for selling those posters that ended up plastered on our bedroom walls – the same ones which reminded the younger versions of ourselves to keep dreaming of one day owning one. As we matured and gained more perspective on what makes these cars so special, we began to understand that it’s really the engines that have made these automobiles into the legends they’ve become.

While Ferrari cars are undoubtedly works of art in and of themselves, they’re automobiles first a foremost. They still need to move us in the most literal of ways – as much (if not more) as they do emotionally – to truly become masterpieces. It’s the power plants that are responsible for injecting soul and essence into these iconic Ferraris.

Here are the Best Ferrari Engines Ever Made.

Ferrari Colombo V12

Originally designed by Gioacchino Colombo, this engine can trace its roots back to the very first Ferrari-branded model designed by Ferrari Enzo – the 1947 Ferrari 125 S – where it debuted as a 1.5L V12. The core design of the engine would persevere for more than 4 decades, growing in size, having various levels of forced induction, and becoming a dual-overhead-cam configuration with EFI along the way. Many credit the motor’s longevity to its reputation for being bulletproof.

Successful in both road-going and race track derivatives, the list of Ferrari cars this engine has graced has no shortage of automotive icons; the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, Ferrari 250 GTO, and Ferrari 365 GTB/4, just to name a few.

Colombo V12 Models:

Ferrari F140

If the F140 had only powered the (2002-2005) Ferrari Enzo – the first Prancing Horse model where it featured – it would have been no less significant or legendary than it is today. The 65-degree V12 engine debuted on the Enzo as a 6.0L naturally-aspirated V12 unit which produced a staggering 651 hp @ 7,800 rpm and 458 lb-ft of torque @ 5,500 rpm. Over the years, 6.3L versions of the F140 have powered the likes of the hybrid LaFerrari and the F12berlinetta.

It has since evolved to its current peak as a 6.5L power plant – dubbed the F140 GA – which produces 819 hp @ 9,250 rpm and 510 lb-ft of torque @ 7,000 rpm in the 812 Competizione; this makes it the most powerful naturally-aspirated production car engine ever produced to this day. This could likely be one of the final generations of Ferrari V12 engines – whether it be naturally aspirated, turbocharged, or even hybridized – so appreciate it while it’s still around!

F140 Models:

Ferrari F106

Ferrari’s F106 V8 engine dates as far back as 1973, where it first featured in the Dino 308 GT4. Right from the get-go, it produced an impressive 250 hp from a 2.9L naturally-aspirated engine, which featured a flat-plane crank and dual-overhead cams.

Such was the longevity and capability of the F106 unit that it continued to be used – with significant updates and revisions along the way, including electronic fuel injection and multi-valve heads – for more than 30 years. Notable models which were equipped with the engine include the F355, 360 Modena, and arguably the most famous Ferrari of them all; the Ferrari F40, which fashioned a twin-turbocharged version of the F106 producing 471 hp.

F106 Models:

Ferrari F136

The F136 succeeded the legendary F106, first appearing as a 4.3L naturally-aspirated engine in the 2004 Ferrari F430, producing 483 hp. Like the F106, the F136 would see widespread application throughout the Ferrari lineup; however, it was also featured on a number of Maserati models in concert with the relationship between the two marques.

Most notably, a 454 hp, 4.7L version of the F136 featured on the Maserati GranTurismo and is widely regarded as having one of the best engine/exhaust notes to come out of the V8. The F136 would reach its zenith in the Ferrari 458 Italia Speciale, where it cranked out a massive 597 hp from its 4.5L naturally-aspirated power plant.

Perhaps the most significant (and regretful) fact about the F136 is that it is the last naturally-aspirated V8 engine Ferrari would ever produce. It was replaced by the twin-turbocharged F154 V8 engine in 2015, where it debuted on the Ferrari 488 GTB.

F136 Models:

Ferrari F163

As the newcomer on this list, there is understandably a lot less that is known or proven about Ferrari’s new F163 engine. In fact, the model it’s going to debut in – the mid-engined Ferrari 296 GTB – won’t begin its production run for at least a few more months (as of the time of this writing). But with everything we do know at this point, there’s every indication that declaring the F163 as one of the greats is by no means speculative. It promises to be something very special, and for so many reasons.

First off, the F163 is a 2.9L twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid. So while that may suggest that the new power plant is a one-off deal from Ferrari, it actually bears some relation to the F154 V8, as well as Alfa Romeo’s variant known as the 690T, which also happens to be a 2.9L twin-turbocharged V6. Being hybridized via the use of electric motors, one could also look at the 296 GTB as the SF90 Stradale’s little brother. Despite its differences, the F163 should ultimately feel familiar and comfortable within the Ferrari line-up – and that can only be a good thing.

Amicably referred to as the “little V12” internally, this new powerplant utilizes a 120-degree V-angle, which Ferrari says was the “best compromise of power, weight, and packaging.” Not only did this allow the engineers to mount the turbos as close to the exhaust outlets as possible – thereby improving throttle response – but it also lowered the center of gravity as well. We’ll have to wait and see as to whether a V6 hybrid engine could possibly be as symphonically gifted as the other engines we’ve listed, but Ferrari has promised a “satisfying sound.” Expect to see the F163 serving a variety of Ferrari models down the line; I wouldn’t be surprised to see some version of this engine in Ferrari’s upcoming Purosangue SUV model, for starters.

F163 Models:

September 8, 2021 / Comments Off

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Ferrari 296 GTS or Spider coming next?

We have only just seen the official introduction of Ferrari’s latest supercar, the 296 GTB, for 2,992 cc of displacement on a turbocharged V6 engine in the Gran Turismo Berlinetta body, the fact it’s a hybrid isn’t shown in the model designation, and while the first customers won’t be receiving their new 818 hp Prancing Horse before 2022, I’m sure Ferrari is already working on a convertible version.

So will Ferrari come up with a 296 GTS, or simply call it the 296 Spider? Whichever it will be, we bring you the first virtual renders on how the upcoming Ferrari 296 GTS might look:

Finished in Blu Corsa over Rosso leather, titanium finished wheels on Rosso calipers, and with the Assetto Fiorano option.

Finished in Blu Corsa over Rosso leather, titanium finished wheels on Rosso calipers, but without the Assetto Fiorano option this time.

Finished in Giallo Modena over Nero leather, black-finished wheels on Giallo calipers, and with the Assetto Fiorano option.

Side view of the Giallo Modena on Nero leather finished 296 GTS, black wheels over Giallo calipers.

Going for the Grigio finish of the Ferrari 296 GTB launch spec, but in Spider form also works perfectly:

Some more side views in different colors … a Ferrari 296 GTS or Spider just doesn’t have a bad looking shade:

June 25, 2021 / Comments Off

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2022 Ferrari 296 GTB Unveiled

Ferrari ‘F171’

Around one week ago, Ferrari had publicly announced that they would be unveiling a brand new model on June 24, 2021 via livestream on social media problems. Since then, Ferrari has been mostly coy about details regarding their “new revolutionary Prancing Horse sports car”, though they did provide a teaser video on Facebook a day before the official reveal. It provides the first real glimpses of the car – in its entirety – while it gets driven in the countryside by Scuderia Ferrari Ambassador and F1 Client Driver Coach, Marc Gené.

Most rumors were suggesting that it would be a twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid supercar, and prototype/mule car spy shots have been assigned with the codename ‘F171’. It was also suggested that this new Ferrari will slot in under the F8 Tributo, becoming the company’s latest ‘entry-level’ mid-engined supercar. This primed the car to become a number of different things, which included:

The possible revival of the Ferrari Dino. This is getting a lot of airtime amongst Ferrari’s most hardcore fans, who have been longing for the return of this legendary badge. Although the new car will be a hybrid, it is the first time since the Dino that Ferrari has used a V6 engine. Hmmmm!
Direct competition for the recently released McLaren Artura, which also interesting features a twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid drivetrain. As 6-cylinder platform, it is likely that Ferrari also has its sights aimed on other similarly-propelled models such as the Porsche 911 Turbo/Turbo S.
The second Ferrari hybrid car – after the SF90 Stradale hypercar – which is also capable of moving on the power of its electric motors alone (albeit for limited distances).

It’s June 24: Here’s What We Now Know For Sure

Official Name

Ferrari 296 GTB

Sorry, Dino romantics. It just wasn’t meant to be. The ‘296’ in the name represents the car’s 2.9L displacement via a 6-cylinder layout for the internal combustion component of its hybrid drivetrain. ‘GTB’ stands for ‘Gran Turismo Berlinetta’, a traditional Ferrari moniker reserved for some of its finest rear-mid-engine 2-seaters in the past, with the 296 GTB therefore a continuation of that lineage.

Where It’s Positioned In The Ferrari Roster

The Ferrari 296 GTB is not a replacement for any models formerly or currently in its product range, with Ferrari stating that it is “creating its own segment”. As we already knew, the 296 GTB is indeed billed as the new ‘entry-level’ mid-engined supercar and is being touted as the automaker’s latest ‘gateway’ to experiencing Ferrari’s race-bred DNA.

During the livestream unveiling, Ferrari went straight to the point, immediately comparing the rear-wheel driven 296 GTB to none other than the brand’s range-topping Ferrari SF90 hypercar. This is an apples-to-apples comparison after all, as the SF90 also has a hybrid powerplant and is only one of two such cars with the 296 GTB now part of the family.

Something along the lines of how the SF90 is for those who want to experience the “peak of performance”, while the 296 GTB gives drivers the opportunity to reach the “peak of emotion”. Basically a clever way of saying that it’s not as fast and not as expensive – but for most people, probably just as good. Plus you don’t have to be Sainz or Leclerc to fully enjoy it.

Ferrari reiterated this by going as far as saying that it believes it to be the “most fun car to drive in our product range”, both on track and on normal roads.

Their “Fun to Drive” philosophy has always been a key component of any Ferrari car, and the 296 GTB is further emboldened by it”. Three ingredients are required to make this happen per Ferrari. The first is ‘sound’ – the symphony provided by the engine. The Second is ‘perceived acceleration’ – not just 0-60 mph and 1/4 mile times, but also how the car transmits the sensation of speed to the driver. The third is ‘go-kart feeling’ – how well the car responds to driver input and its connection to the road.

The epitome of sportiness, performance, and driving thrills at their best. Best in-class performance. Absolute fun to drive. “The best way to explain it, is to drive it”, Ferrari states. Valid point.

And, there’s more!

Ferrari 296 GTB Assetto Fiorano

Also available is a more hardcore version of the car known as the Ferrari 296 GTB Assetto Fiorano, which is named after the company’s iconic test circuit. Not many specifics were revealed about this version, but we were told that it will feature the extensive use of carbon fiber to further reduce the weight. In addition, it will be equipped with a race-derived suspension – for more extreme handling abilities – and racing harnesses. The Assetto Fiorano also gets its own special livery.

Specifications

Engine

2.9L twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid engine mounted in 120 degree “hot V” configuration
663 hp produced from petrol engine
830 hp combined total with electric motor
Almost zero ‘turbo lag’ and instant response from throttle
Most powerful drivetrain in its segment, producing 221 hp per liter – a new world record.
8-speed dual clutch transmission which is ‘fastest shifting’ in the market
Lightweight 7.45 kWh battery provides ~25 km of range when car is powered exclusively by electric motor
0-100 km/h: 2.9 seconds
0-200 km/h: 7.3 seconds

Chassis

New vehicle dynamic controls
Reduced weight as much as possible – achieves a 1.77 kg per hp ratio
Wheelbase is 50 mm shorter than the Ferrari F8 Tributo – less inertia and more agility
6 sensors to help control better the car – includes ABS ‘Evo’ system, which helps to reduce braking distance by almost 10%
Light, sleek and compact architecture

Design

Modern interpretation of classic Ferrari DNA
Rear: Kammtail design with jewel-like tail lights integrated with active rear spoiler. Centrally-positioned tailpipe.
Front: Air intakes integrated with modernized ‘tear-drop’ headlights. Suspended front splitter, similar to that of F1 cars.
More compact than any other Ferrari available right now because of its short-wheel base
Interior: Same design language as exterior – perfect marriage between sportiness and elegance. Ergonomics spot-on. Classic “canceletto” center console. Carbon-fiber bucket seats. Lots of carbon-fiber, metals and high quality leathers.

Pricing & Availability

We’re expecting the first examples of the Ferrari 296 GTB to be delivered in early 2022. No specific word on pricing yet, though it is expected to hover around the F8 Tributo’s base MSRP of US$277,000.

We will provide updates on pricing when more information is available, as well as an in-depth review of the car once journalists have a turn at it.

Image & Video Gallery

June 24, 2021 / Comments Off

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