5 things you need to know about the... Ferrari 296 GTB

A handful of facts on Ferrari’s new six-cylinder hybrid supercar. Not a Dafty Duck special – optional two-tone livery is part of the Assetto Fiorano pack.

• 1 IT’S GOT A WHOLE LOT OF POWER We know, it’s a mid-engined Ferrari supercar with a hybridised twin-turbo V6 as opposed to a screaming V8, but wait. Unbelievably, the 296 GTB’s power output matches the V12-engined 812 Competizione. Yep, you’re looking at the thick, scary end of 819bhp and a 2.9secs 0–62mph time.
• 2 IT’S NOT THE FIRST V6-ENGINED FERRARI Nope, that honour rests with 1957’s Dino 156. That car was a racer, though, and in the Sixties neither the Dino 206 GT or the Dino 246 GT was graced with the Ferrari badge. As a result, this is Ferrari’s first production road car to feature this configuration. Oh and the V6 on its own produces a record 654bhp.
• 3 YOU CAN DRIVE ON ELECTRICITY ALONE The 296 GTB’s hybrid system uses a 7.45kWh battery that powers a compact electric motor on the rear axle. Said motor is able to start the V6 as well as teaming up with it for the full hit of power, but it can also drive the rear wheels alone for a range of 15.5 miles and a top speed of 84mph.
• 4 THE DESIGN IS RETRO-INSPIRED Isn’t everything? The 296 is inspired by the 250 LM from 1963, with the air intakes just ahead of the rear wheels being a particular giveaway. As befits any Serious Ferrari, though, there’s lots of complicated aero at play under the skin. The wheelbase is also 50mm shorter than earlier mid-engined V8s to help it through the corners.
• 5 YOU WANT MORE? YOU CAN HAVE MORE An Assetto Fiorano pack is available for the 296, with adjustable Multimatic shocks, a Lexan rear screen, carbon fibre appendages on the front bumper and yet more carbon in and out. You can also option a 250 LM-style livery and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres. Make your Serious Ferrari a Very Serious Ferrari.