Ferrari 296 GTB 3.0 Petrol
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Ferrari 296 GTB 3.0 Petrol Summary
Ferrari 296 GTB 3.0 Petrol Review
What is it?
9
It is too fast, low, loud, and simply too ridiculous to be driven in Mumbai traffic in the middle of the day. And yet here I am, getting acquainted with a Ferrari 296 GTB that I just picked up for a fleeting afternoon drive. It costs 75 times more than the hatchback that I drive every day but somehow I did not lose my grip on reality. Right, then.
Here’s what I experienced after lowering myself into the driver’s seat and driving the 296 GTB (quite gingerly for the most part) across the South end of Mumbai.
What makes the Ferrari 296 GTB so special?
8.5
What makes the 296 GTB special is the fact that it’s a plug-in hybrid; it’s the first-ever Ferrari to come with a turbocharged V6 engine along with an electric motor. The end result is an output of 830bhp and a deeply visceral experience about as over-the-top as the last couple of movies from Shah Rukh Khan.
The 296 GTB is stunning to look at; but then which Ferrari isn’t?
This particular car is finished in a nice shade of blue. It appears black in the dark and I think that gives it a nice sinister look. To some, it’s virtually blasphemous that it’s not red but I love it. There is this sense of harmony to its curvaceous bodywork and dare I say, the 296 GTB looks almost understated next to a Lamborghini Huracan EVO or a McLaren 720S but it still gets all the smiles and gestural approval from the world around you, if you find yourself in stop-and-go traffic like I did.
The 296 GTB is Ferrari’s entry-level supercar but there is nothing entry-level about the way it looks. It is exquisite, to say the least. That goes for the cabin, too, which has been put together using a lot of expensive leather, carbon fibre, and Alcantara. It isn’t perfect, though.
For a mere mortal like me, there is too much going on with the driver’s display, which is actually the hub for navigation, multimedia functions, and the rest of the car’s settings. The only way you can navigate through the menus and submenus is via touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel and that too requires getting used to.
How is the Ferrari 296 GTB to drive?
9
Whether it's standing still or on the move, the 296 GTB is pure theatre. But, there is a caveat. After all, we are living in a brave, new world wherein supercars are trying to be polar bear-friendly with their hybrid powertrain. The 296 GTB has an electric motor between the engine and the gearbox and a battery pack that’s big enough to give it a full-electric driving range of 25km.
The startup process is sedate, by Ferrari standards, because the 296 GTB doesn’t immediately fire up its turbo V6 when you thumb the starter button. Instead, it uses the electric motor to propel the car ahead if you are in eDrive mode. Straightaway not wanting to be at the receiving end of the engine’s wrath, I kept the 296 GTB in eDrive mode until we got closer to the wide open road leading to Bandra Reclamation. At this point, I can say that this is indisputably the fastest car I have ever driven. Normal speeds seem like walking pace and once switched to Performance drive mode, each and every tap on the throttle would have you lunging ahead unrelentingly.
I know it’s an utterly overused cliché in the automotive world but the gearshifts through the metal paddles are actually lightning-quick, and it’s on the Bandra-Worli Sea Link wherein I could finally listen to this V6 engine’s full vocal range. It revs all the way to 8,500rpm at which point it is gloriously loud inside the cabin and you are all tingly and beaming. But at the same time, it’s all fairly civilised; the ride quality isn’t too jarring, and it isn’t very difficult to look out of either, despite sitting so low that your bottom is virtually touching the ground.
Give it enough open space and the 296 GTB has the ability to rearrange your internal organs. I couldn’t go full throttle at any point during the drive but even then, the way it accelerates and reels in the horizon when you boot it, it’s a pleasant assault to your senses. Some might argue that putting so much power and torque through the rear wheels isn’t ideal for our usually dusty and uneven roads. It is a bit much, yes. But it is also unhinged and that’s a lot of fun, if you ask me.
Should you buy the Ferrari 296 GTB?
9
It may not have the pure saccharinity of a naturally aspirated V8 Ferrari but the 296 GTB is as Italian as it comes. It’s gorgeous to look at, sounds glorious when you boot it, and most remarkably, is surprisingly easy to drive. The plug-in hybrid system only adds to the appeal of this remarkable model. Basically, the 296 GTB is everything you would want in a thinking man’s supercar.
Pictures by Kaustubh Gandhi
296 GTB 3.0 Petrol Specifications & Features
- Specifications
- Features
- Specifications
- Features
Specifications
Engine & Transmission
- Acceleration (0-100 kmph)2.9 seconds
Time the car takes to reach 100kmph from a standstill
- Engine2992 cc, 6 Cylinders In V Shape, 4 Valves/Cylinder, DOHC
Timely services will keep a motor efficient and in top shape.
- Fuel TypePetrol
All cars in India either run on petrol, diesel, CNG, LPG or electric power.
- Max Power (bhp@rpm)645 bhp @ 7000 rpm
Gives a good idea of the performance of the vehicle under full thrust. A higher figure here usually means a higher top speed as well.
Higher the power, the peppier the engine but it can also affect fuel economy.
- Max Torque (Nm@rpm)740 Nm @ 6250 rpm
Relates to in-gear acceleration. A higher figure here means better roll-on acceleration, fewer gear shifts, and possibly better fuel efficiency.
The more torque at low RPM range makes the engine feel more responsive. It also allows the engine to run smoothly without too many gear changes.
- Electric Motor Assist809 bhp 741 Nm
A small electrical generator that delivers a certain amount of boost to keep the main engine's power flow constant and smooth.
- Driving Range25 km
Approximate maximum number of kilometers which can be traveled on a full tank of fuel or fully charged battery
- DrivetrainRWD
Cars come with different drivetrain configurations depending on the segment.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) is most common in mainstream cars while expensive cars or SUVs come with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
- TransmissionAutomatic (DCT) - 7 Gears, Paddle Shift, Sport Mode
Type of transmission used to transfer power from the engine to the wheels
A manually operated transmission is the most popular type, thanks to its simplicity and low cost. Varied types of automatic transmissions are also available.
- Emission StandardBS 6
Set by the Indian Government, this governs the amount of air pollutants released by cars to make the atmosphere safer for humans.
- Turbocharger / SuperchargerTwin Turbo
Manufacturers today offer turbochargers to boost engine power without affecting its fuel economy. Superchargers are found in more expensive cars but on the downside, they are not very efficient.
Turbochargers are more effective but require plenty of heat management. Superchargers, meanwhile, offer linear bump in power but they are comparatively more complex.
- Battery7.45 kWh
Keeping the battery terminals free of corrosion prevents starting trouble
- OthersIdle Start/Stop
Dimensions & Weight
- Length4565 mm
The length of the car decides its segment. In India, cars that are less than 4 metres in length enjoy reduced excise duties.
- Length: 4565
Longer length results in more cabin space. It also adds to straight line stability.
- Width1958 mm
A car's width is defined as its widest point without its mirrors.
- Width: 1958
Although more width gives you more lateral space inside the cabin, it makes the car more difficult to park in narrow spots.
- Height1187 mm
The height of the car denotes the highest point of the vehicle from the ground.
- Height: 1187
Taller the car, the more headroom there is on offer inside the cabin. However, a tall boy stance also affect the car’s centre of gravity which can cause more body roll.
- Wheelbase2600 mm
The space between the center of the front and rear wheels.
- Wheelbase: 2600
The longer the wheelbase, the more space there is inside the cabin.
- Kerb Weight1470 kg
The total weight of the vehicle with all the standard equipment and all the required fluids.
A lightweight car will always be more efficient and easier to manoeuvre whereas a heavy car would give you a sense of solidity while driving.
Capacity
- Doors2 Doors
The number of doors define the category of car. For example – four door means sedan, two-door means coupe while five-doors usually refer to a hatchback, MPV or an SUV.
- Seating Capacity2 Person
The number of people that can be seated comfortably in the car, which has also been mandated by the car manufacturer.
- Seating Capacity: 2
- No of Rows1 Rows
Smaller cars usually have two rows which can seat five, but some SUVs and MPVs have three rows and can seat around 7-8 passengers.
- Fuel Tank Capacity65 litres
The official volume of the fuel tank of a car, usually denoted in litres.
If a car has a large fuel tank, it can cover long distances without refuelling.
Suspensions, Brakes, Steering & Tyres
- Front SuspensionIndependent, Double Wishbone
Almost all cars in India use an independent front suspension which is usually the MacPherson Strut type.
- Rear SuspensionIndependent, Multi-link
The rear suspension can either be non-independent or independent.
Most of the budget cars have non-independent suspension while the more expensive ones get independent rear suspension which offers better bump absorption.
- Front Brake TypeVentilated Disc
Most of the vehicles sold in India get ventilated or non-ventilated disc brakes upfront.
- The ventilated discs are more popular thanks to them providing better stopping power and it also works well in hot conditions.
- Rear Brake TypeVentilated Disc
In affordable cars, drums brakes are fitted at the rear as they are cost effective.
Disc setup at the rear is now getting more popular as cars are getting faster in the real world.
- Steering TypePower assisted (Electric)
Almost all steering systems in cars today have an assist to help park them better at low speeds - these can be hydraulic, electro-hydraulic or electric.
- WheelsAlloy Wheels
The wheels used on cars are either steel rims with plastic wheel cover hub or alloy wheels on higher spec models or expensive cars.
Razor cut, or diamond cut alloy wheel design are not getting more popular. Manufacturers usually offer these in top-end trim of their car models.
- Spare WheelSpace Saver
Important in a country with varying quality of roads, spare wheels ensure one doesn’t get stranded when one of the main tyres gets damaged.
Select premium car models feature space savers (smaller than the stock wheels) to save on boot space.
- Front Tyres245 / 35 R20
The profile/dimension of rubber tyre that fits on the front wheels.
- Rear Tyres305 / 35 R20
The profile/dimension of rubber tyre that fits on the rear wheels.
Features
Safety
- Overspeed Warning1 beep over 80kmph, Continuous beeps over 120kmph
Mandatory safety system for cars sold in India, a single beep is emitted after 80kmph and continuous ones after 120kmph
- Emergency Brake Light FlashingYes
The brake lights flash in a quick intermittent fashion to indicate to the following vehicles to slow down quicker than usual
- Puncture Repair KitYes
These enable users to repair a puncture effortlessly, saving the time/effort involved in replacing it with the spare wheel
Avoid driving on a flat/deflated wheel too long as it can cause expensive repairs
- High-beam AssistNo
This feature spots oncoming vehicles at night to shift the headlight between high and low beam
- NCAP RatingNot Tested
The official crash test safety rating given to a car by one of the many testing agencies around the world
- Blind Spot DetectionYes
Blind Spot Detection systems use sensors to detect and alert the driver of any sudden movements in his/her blind spot
- Airbags4 Airbags (Driver, Front Passenger, Driver Side, Front Passenger Side)
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)Yes
A digital gauge that provides the live status of the air pressure in every tyre of a car.
For accurate readings, ensure that the sensors on the rim are not tampered with during any wheel/tyre repairs
- Seat Belt WarningYes
Mandatory fitment in cars sold in India, emits loud beeps when it detects that occupants are not wearing their seatbelts.
Seat belt warning is mandatory for front-seat occupants, but it is recommended that all occupants wear seat belts.
Braking & Traction
- Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)Yes
An electronic system that prevents the tyres from locking and skidding in emergency braking situations by pulsing the brakes (quickly releasing and reapplying the brakes)
ABS is a great accident prevention technology, allowing drivers to steer while braking hard
- Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)Yes
An electronic system that redirects braking forces among the four brakes to stop the car as quickly and stably as possible
- Brake Assist (BA)Yes
A system that increases brake pressure to help the car stop quicker
Even when emergency braking, it is observed that drivers don’t apply maximum brake pressure through the pedal, the BA system provides additional pressure to help stop the car quicker
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)Yes
System designed to improve car stability and control, especially when the car is accelerating.
ESP or ESC cannot increase traction but rather improve control or help regain control in slippery conditions.
- Hill Hold ControlYes
A feature that prevents the car from rolling backwards when stopped on a slope
- Traction Control System (TC/TCS)Yes
This system cuts power to those wheels that are spinning without grip/traction
Given the option, keep traction control on all the time.
- Ride Height AdjustmentNo
A feature that allows the user to alter the ride height of the car
Be it driving over tall obstacles or unloading heavy baggage from the boot; a helpful feature indeed
- Limited Slip Differential (LSD)Yes
This function prevents wheelspin and maximises traction by shuffling torque between wheels
It is also a nifty safety feature since it offers more control over a vehicle's power delivery
Locks & Security
- Engine ImmobiliserYes
A security device that prevents the engine from being started unless the key is present
- Central LockingKeyless
This feature let's one unlock all the doors remotely or with a key
- Speed Sensing Door LockYes
This feature automatically locks the car's doors when it reaches a preset speed
A convenient feature for those who can't remember to lock the doors
- Child Safety LockYes
Such locks are built into the rear doors to prevent rear seat occupants from opening the doors
Comfort & Convenience
- Electronic Parking Brake-
- Air ConditionerYes (Automatic Dual Zone)
The different types of air-conditioning systems used to cool the cabin
Maintaining the lowest temperature and first blower speed offers the best results.
- Front ACTwo Zones, Individual Fan Speed Controls
- HeaterYes
This feature allows warm air to pass through the air-con vents for heating the cabin
- Vanity Mirrors on Sun VisorsDriver & Co-Driver
Compact mirrors fitted to the inside of the sunvisor
- Anti-glare MirrorsElectronic - All
These mirrors negate the glare from headlight beams of cars behind you
Since a large chunk of people love driving around in their high beam, these mirrors come in handy
- Parking AssistReverse Camera with Guidance
A feature that aids drivers park with ease and greater precision using sensors/cameras
It comes as a boon for drivers who are not used to parking in tight spots
- Parking SensorsFront & Rear
Sensors that are usually located on the bumpers of a car to assist/alert the driver while parking
It takes the stress out of manoeuvring in confined spaces
- Cruise ControlYes
A system that automatically controls the speed of the car
- Headlight and Ignition On ReminderYes
An alert that warns one from leaving the car with the headlight and ignition switched on
- Keyless Start/ Button StartYes
When fitted, this system allows the car to be switched on without removing the key from the driver’s pocket or vicinity.
Keyless entry and start/stop (KESS) systems in some cars also include operation via a smartphone.
- Steering AdjustmentTilt & Telescopic
A function where the steering wheel moves up/down, in/out as per the driver's requirement
When both rake and reach adjustments are incorporated, it makes for a tailormade driving position
- 12V Power OutletsYes
This socket provides current to a cigarette lighter style 12 volt plug
It helps charge smartphones, tablets, laptops, rechargeable batteries and other USB chargers. It also powers a compressor that inflates tyres and the humble cigarette lighter!
Seats & Upholstery
- Massage SeatsOptional
- Driver Seat Adjustment4 way manually adjustable (seat forward / back, backrest tilt forward / back)
- Front Passenger Seat Adjustment4 way manually adjustable (seat forward / back, backrest tilt forward / back)
- Seat UpholsteryLeather
When it's time to replace, use a fabric that grips and are inherently cool to the touch
- Leather-wrapped Steering WheelYes
Leather not only grips your palms well, but it also offers a premium feel
- Leather-wrapped Gear KnobNo
- Driver ArmrestNo
The armrest located between the front passengers which helps comfort the driver's arm while driving
- Ventilated SeatsNo
Cooled air from the AC system passes through the perforations on the seat to comfort the occupant
- Ventilated Seat TypeNo
- InteriorsDual Tone
Depicts if the cabin comes with a single or dual-tone colour scheme
- Interior ColoursTortora / Black, Charcoal / Black, Carta Da Zucchero / Black, Blu Medio / Black, Blu Sterling / Black, Nero / Black, Terra Bruciata / Black, Iroko / Black, Cioccolato / Black, Bordeaux / Black, Rosso Ferrari / Black, Cuoio / Black, Beige Tradizione / Black, Sabbia / Black, Crema / Black
The various color shades used within the cabin
- HeadrestsFront
The portion extending from or fixed to the seat that supports the head
Storage
- Driver Armrest StorageNo
The storage space within the armrest that's located between the front passengers
- Cooled GloveboxNo
A feature where cool air from the air-conditioner is diverted to the glovebox
- Sunglass HolderNo
Doors, Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
- ORVM ColourBody Coloured
Mirrors that are placed on the car's exterior, around the door, to aid the driver see behind the vehicle
Placing/sticking wide-angle mirrors on the ORVMs can enhance the rear view tremendously.
- Scuff PlatesOptional
This is fitted where the door meets the frame to protect it from scratches and dust
Not using scuff plates may result in the door sill giving away prematurely.
- Power WindowsFront Only
When the car's windows can be raised/lowered by pressing a button/switch
In emergencies where the power window electronics have jammed, exit the vehicle by kicking out the windscreen
- One Touch DownFront
This feature allows a user to roll down the windows with a single press of a button
This feature reduces the time your hand is away from the steering wheel
- One Touch UpFront
This feature allows a user to roll up the windows with a single press of a button
This feature reduces the time your hand is away from the steering wheel
- Adjustable ORVMsElectrically Adjustable & Retractable
Different ways of adjusting the door mirror to suit the driver's requirement
Tremendously aids driving judgement in a variety of tight situations.
- Turn Indicators on ORVMsNo
Turn indicators are fitted to the door mirrors for improved visibility
- Rear DefoggerYes
A feature that removes condensed water droplets from the rear windscreen to improve visibility
Turning air recirculation off helps gain faster results.
- Exterior Door HandlesBody Coloured
- Rain-sensing WipersYes
When the system detects water droplets on the windshield, it activates the wipers to improve driver visibility
This feature can be intrusive especially while you are negotiating a tricky bend at a higher speed
- Interior Door HandlesChrome
- Door PocketsFront
- Bootlid OpenerInternal with Remote
The various methods of opening the boot lid
Exterior
- Body-coloured BumpersYes
Having parking sensors will save your bumper paint if it brushes by obstacles
- Chrome Finish Exhaust PipeYes
- Body KitNo
Functional or purely aesthetic parts added to the car's body such as side skirts and roof/bonnet scoops
Lighting
- HeadlightsLED Projector
- Automatic HeadlampsYes
Such headlights automatically switch on and off when they sense bright or dark driving conditions
Keeping them switched on at all times gives the user the best results
- Follow Me Home HeadlampsYes
The headlamps remain lit for sometime when the car is locked/unlocked to aid user visibility in dark surroundings
- Cornering HeadlightsActive
These lights turn left and right based on steering inputs to illuminate the sides of the car
- TaillightsLED
Inspect tail lamp bulbs at periodic intervals for optimum safety.
- Daytime Running LightsLED
Lights that automatically switch on during the day for increased visibility
- Ambient Interior LightingNo
Additional lighting apart from the roof-mounted courtesy/map lamps. These are added for a sense of style and luxury rather than utility.
- Puddle LampsYes
Incorporated into the bottom section of a car's door mirrors, they light up the ground underneath the front door when the door is unlocked
- Cabin LampsFront
- Light on Vanity MirrorsDriver & Co-Driver
A lamp that's located around the vanity mirror behind the sun visor
- Glovebox LampYes
- Headlight Height AdjusterYes
Allows adjustment to the height of the headlight beams via a switch on the dashboard
Instrumentation
- Instantaneous ConsumptionYes
It indicates how much fuel is being used that very instant your car is moving
- Instrument ClusterAnalogue - Digital
A screen situated mostly behind the steering wheel displaying information and warning lights regarding the car's various vitals
- Trip MeterElectronic 2 Trips
- Average Fuel ConsumptionYes
The amount of fuel consumed by the engine (kmpl) is displayed on the instrument cluster in real time
A glance will help you maintain better fuel efficiency and save money
- Average SpeedYes
The total distance traveled divided by the time taken to cover that distance
The higher the average speed, the quicker you were on that journey/trip
- Distance to EmptyYes
The approximate distance a car will run with the amount of fuel remaining in the tank
- ClockDigital
- Low Fuel Level WarningYes
This alert should be taken as a final warning to head straight to the fuel pump
- Door Ajar WarningYes
A warning light that pops up on the instrument cluster when the doors are not shut properly
- Adjustable Cluster BrightnessYes
The brightness of the instrument cluster can be adjusted via controls
It comes in handy to improve instrumentation visibility between day and night by toggling brightness.
- Gear IndicatorNo
It notifies the driver about which gear the car is being driven in and can also suggest down- or upshifting to improve efficiency
- Shift IndicatorYes
Notifies the driver about the optimum instances to shift gears
It comes in handy to derive the best fuel efficiency and engine component longevity
- TachometerAnalogue
An instrument that measures engine speed in revolutions-per-minute (rpm)
Ideally, the tachometer helps a driver know when to shift gears in a manual gearbox.
Entertainment, Information & Communication
- Android AutoYes
An Android feature that allows car infotainment displays to mirror parts of the phone screen to ease touch operations while driving.
- Apple CarPlayYes
An Apple (iOS) feature that allows car infotainment displays to mirror parts of the iPhone screen to ease touch operations while driving.
This function bumps up the safety quotient since the use of a smartphone while driving can be hazardous
- DisplayTouch-screen Display
A touchscreen or display that acts as a user's interface to the various functions of the car
- Integrated (in-dash) Music SystemYes
The music player that comes factory fitted
- Speakers6+
Number of speaker units as part of a car’s surround-sound system
- Steering-mounted controlsYes
The widely-used controls are placed on the steering wheel to ease driver usage
- Voice CommandYes
When the car's system responds to the occupant's voice to perform certain features
- GPS Navigation SystemYes
A system that uses satellite signals to help the driver with directions to reach a destination
- Bluetooth CompatibilityPhone & Audio Streaming
Allows devices with bluetooth functionality connect wirelessly to the car's infotainment system
Using Bluetooth functionality offers a cable-free experience
- AUX CompatibilityYes
The car's music player can play tracks off a portable device via an aux cable
Bluetooth can make AUX cables look ancient, but unlike the former, there's hardly any loss in sound quality
- AM/FM RadioYes
Is the music system's capability of playing broadcasted radio channels
If radio signals are weak, one can stream music
- USB CompatibilityYes
When tracks can be played from a USB/pen drive
- Wireless ChargerNo
These pads can charge equipped smartphones without using a cable
Given the option, opt for fast wireless charging.
- Head Unit SizeNot Applicable
The size of the music system fitted to a car. Traditionally 1-DIN or 2-DIN, are being replaced by touchscreen units of varying sizes.
- iPod CompatibilityYes
Manufacturer Warranty
- Battery Warranty (In Kilometres)No
The number of kilometres the EV battery is covered under the manufacturer's warranty
More the kilometres, the better
- Warranty (In Years)3
The automaker can void the vehicle's warranty if the owner has fitted aftermarket components.
- Warranty (In Kilometres)Unlimited
The automaker can void the vehicle's warranty if the owner has fitted aftermarket components.
Other 296 GTB Variants
| Variants | Price | Specifications | |
|---|---|---|---|
Rs. 5.40 Crore | 2 Person, RWD, 740 Nm, 1470 kg, 7 Gears, No, 65 litres, 25 km, No, No, Front, 2.9 seconds, 7 kmpl, 7.45 kWh, Not Tested, 4565 mm, 1958 mm, 1187 mm, 2600 mm, 740 Nm @ 6250 rpm, 645 bhp @ 7000 rpm, Keyless, Yes (Automatic Dual Zone), Front Only, 1, Reverse Camera with Guidance, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, No, 4 Airbags (Driver, Front Passenger, Driver Side, Front Passenger Side), Yes, 1, BS 6, 2 Doors, Petrol, Automatic (DCT), 645 bhp | Get Offers from Dealers |
296 GTB Alternatives
296 GTB 3.0 Petrol Colours
The following 11 colors are available in 296 GTB 3.0 Petrol.
296 GTB 3.0 Petrol FAQs
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