Ferrari 296 GTB launched in Malaysia – Get Out Your Chequebook

Naza Italia, the brand custodian in Malaysia for all things Ferrari, has just launched its new mid-rear engine sports car, dubbed the 296 GTB. The team from Maranello has created this two-seater Berlinetta promising fun and excitement (as all Ferraris are).

It’s a plug-in hybrid and the second series-production model after the SF90 Stradale. The car’s name comes from the 2.9-litre V6 engine and “Gran Turismo Berlinetta”, hence 296 GTB. It’s the first V6 model in half a century.

Its lines are beautifully sculpted and take inspiration from the 1963 250 LM. As for its visor-style wraparound windscreen, the designers took cues from the Ferrari P/80C.

The engine producing 654hp coupled with an electric motor that delivers 164hp generate a total power output of 818hp at 8,000 rpm and 740Nm of torque at 6,250rpm. The transmission is an eight-speed wet clutch. Weighing only 1470kg and measuring 4,565mm long, 1,958mm wide and 1,187mm in height, the 296GTB completes the century sprint in 2.9 seconds and has a maximum speed of 330km/h. Blistering.

“The Ferrari 296 GTB is a defining part of Ferrari’s new era of electric technology and takes the marque to thrilling new heights as its first rear-wheel-drive hybrid mid-engined V6. Its technology combined with immense power and striking design, make the 296 GTB a definite showstopper and we are delighted to introduce this model to the Malaysian market,” said Dato’ Nik Hamdam Nik Hassan, Group CEO, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd.

As it has a plug-in hybrid system (PHEV), the first-ever for a rear-wheel drive, the 296 GTB has a 25-kilometre range in all-electric mode and can go up to a speed of 135km/h.

Price is RM1.228 million before duties, taxes and insurance. If you intend to inject more into your ride, there’s the Asetto Fiorano package.

Got your chequebook ready?

Here are some fun facts :

• The very first Ferrari to sport a mid-rear-mounted V6 was the 246 SP in 1961, which won the Targa Florio that same year and in 1962, amongst many other victories.
• In 1961, Ferrari secured its first Constructors Title in the Formula 1 World Championship with the 156 F1, which was powered by a 120° V6.
• Ferrari first installed turbos between an engine’s cylinder banks in the 126 CK in 1981 and subsequently in the 126 C2 in 1982, which became the first turbocharged car to win the Formula 1 Constructors’ World Championship title. This was followed by a second title win in 1983 with the 126 C3.
• The V6 turbo hybrid architecture has been used in all Formula 1 single-seaters since 2014.