The 296 GTB, the latest evolution of Maranello’s mid-rear-engined two-seater berlinetta, was premiered recently during an online event broadcast on Ferrari’s social media and web channels. The 296 GTB redefines the whole concept of fun behind the wheel, guaranteeing pure emotions not just when pushing the car to its limits, but also in day-to-day driving situations. Test driving the Ferrari 296 GTB in Kuwait was a thrilling experience that engages the senses with its distinctive sound, exceptional handling, and jaw-dropping acceleration.
Engine Roar and Sound:
As you settle into the driver’s seat of the Ferrari 296 GTB, the first thing that captures your attention is the unmistakable growl of the engine. The car is powered by a hybrid V6 engine, blending the traditional Ferrari V8 sound with an electrifying whirr from its electric motor. The harmonious symphony of these two power sources creates a unique and powerful soundtrack that echoes through the streets of Kuwait.
The 296 GTB ushers in an authentic revolution for Ferrari as it introduces a new engine type to flank the marque’s multi-award-winning 8- and 12-cylinder power units: a new 663 cv 120° V6 coupled with an electric motor capable of delivering a further 122 kW (167 cv). This is the first 6-cylinder engine installed on a road car sporting the Prancing Horse badge: it unleashes its massive 830 cv total power output to deliver previously unthinkable performance levels and an innovative, exhilarating and unique soundtrack.
Engaging the engine, you feel a visceral connection to the car’s performance.
The Ferrari 296 GTB’s sound is not just about volume; it’s about precision and artistry, a melodic representation of the engineering masterpiece beneath the hood. Whether cruising through the city or pushing the car to its limits on the open road, the auditory experience is a testament to Ferrari’s commitment to automotive excellence.
Handling and Precision:
Navigating the streets of Kuwait in the Ferrari 296 GTB is an exercise in precision and control. The car’s aerodynamic design, coupled with advanced suspension systems, ensures a seamless connection between the driver, the road, and the car itself. Whether weaving through tight city streets or taking on winding desert roads, the Ferrari 296 GTB responds with remarkable agility.
The steering is responsive and finely tuned, offering an intimate connection between the driver’s hands and the road. Every turn is executed with confidence, and the car maintains impeccable stability even at high speeds. The 296 GTB’s handling is not just about raw power; it’s a ballet of engineering, a dance between driver and machine that elevates the driving experience to new heights.
Acceleration and Power:
Pushing the accelerator of the Ferrari 296 GTB is like unleashing a force of nature. The hybrid powertrain, combining a turbocharged V6 engine with an electric motor, delivers instantaneous and relentless acceleration. The car propels forward with a surge of power that pins you to your seat, leaving little doubt about its performance capabilities.
The 296 GTB’s plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system guarantees it is an incredibly usable car as well as cutting pedal response times to zero and delivering a 25km range in all-electric eDrive mode. The car’s compact dimensions and the introduction of innovative dynamic control systems as well as meticulously honed aero ensure that the driver will instantly experience its astonishing agility and responsiveness to commands. Its sporty, sinuous design and extremely compact dimensions also visually underscore its exceptional modernity, brilliantly referencing the likes of the 1963 250 LM, the perfect marriage of simplicity and functionality.
The acceleration of the Ferrari 296 GTB is not only impressive in terms of speed but also in its efficiency. The hybrid system seamlessly transitions between the combustion engine and electric power, providing a boost when needed and maintaining efficiency during cruising. This dual-source power delivery results in a driving experience that is both exhilarating and environmentally conscious.
Style and Design:
The Ferrari 296 GTB’s design is the result of the desire of the Ferrari Styling Centre to redefine the identity of the mid-rear-engined two-seater berlinetta by giving it an extremely compact line with an original, modern look. Thanks to its short wheelbase and its monolithic, sculpted structure, the 296 GTB is indeed the most compact berlinetta to emerge from Maranello in the last decade. The typical berlinetta fastback configuration has been abandoned in favour of creating a cabin architecture that visually seems set into an imposing volume – the combined effect of the short wheelbase and the composition of elements, such as very muscular wings, the visor-style windscreen, robust flying buttresses and a new vertical rear screen. These forms produce a highly original cabin silhouette that dominates the overall perception of the car.
In the open stretches of Kuwait’s highways, the Ferrari 296 GTB truly shines. The acceleration is blistering, and the car effortlessly reaches high speeds with a grace that belies its raw power. It’s a testament to Ferrari’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering, creating a car that is as comfortable in the city as it is on the track.
Service and Maintenance:
Ferrari’s unparalleled quality standards and increasing focus on client service underpin the extended seven-year maintenance programme offered with the 296 GTB. Available across the entire range, the latter covers all regular maintenance for the first seven years of the car’s life. This scheduled maintenance programme for Ferraris is an exclusive service that allows clients the certainty that their car is being kept at peak performance and safety over the years. This very special service is also available to owners of pre-owned Ferraris.
Regular maintenance (at intervals of either 20,000 km or once a year with no mileage restrictions), original spares and meticulous checks by staff trained directly at the Ferrari Training Centre in Maranello using the most modern diagnostic tools are just some of the advantages of the Genuine Maintenance Programme. The service is available in all markets worldwide and from all Dealerships on the Official Dealership Network.
Test driving the Ferrari 296 GTB in Kuwait is an experience that goes beyond the mere act of driving. It’s a sensory journey, from the distinctive engine sound that announces your presence to the precise handling that connects you to the road, and finally, the exhilarating acceleration that defines the very essence of Ferrari’s performance legacy. It’s not just a car; it’s a masterpiece of engineering and a testament to the pursuit of automotive perfection.
For more information, please visit the official Ferrari Showroom in Kuwait- Kuwait Automobile & Trading Co located in Al-Rai, on the 4th Ring Road or call 180 8010. Please visit the website safat.ferraridealers.com or follow them on Instagram @ferrarialzayanikuwait.
