Few brands are as illustrious as Ferrari and fewer brands have as much motorsport pedigree. Passion is intrinsically connected to the creations that emerge from Maranello, a place where these two themes conjoin themselves. Yesterday, we had an exclusive preview of the latest 296 Gran Turismo Berlinetta at Scuderia Johannesburg.
The coupe itself first made its international debut in June last year, causing a stir with its impressive but novel V6-hybrid powertrain. While power figures are on par with other models in the portfolio, the 296 Gran Turismo Berlinetta has made history by becoming the first road going model adorned with the Prancing Horse to be powered by a V6. The Dino that you are thinking of technically wasn’t a Ferrari nor did it have the Ferrari emblem fore and aft. 
Speaking of history, the latest berlinetta draws inspiration from its forebears with exterior styling referencing the Ferrari 250 LM, a 1965 Le Mans winner. Other than the strong rear haunches shaped above the wheel arches, the new 296 Gran Turismo Berlinetta boasts modest dimensions too. Not only does this lend itself to everyday usability thus bolstering sales for the Prancing Horse, but the short wheelbase of 2,600 mm should enable agile performance.
That aforementioned performance, coupled with sportiness and driving thrills are concepts central to the latest model. The low slung 120° V6 motor and its hybrid assistance are a big talking point for the newcomer. Not only is it the fruit of years of Formula 1 research and development but also a tribute to an impressive portfolio of V6 powered Scuderia cars spanning all the way back t0 1957 with the 1500 cc Dino 156 F2 single-seater.
The motor alone, which is capable of 488 kW is accompanied in the road car by a 122 kW electric motor which pushes total output to 610 kW. The two turbos are perched between the cylinder heads creating a ‘Hot V’ configuration that enables thermal efficiency. A full electric mode can propel the model silently for up to 25 km with a top speed just over the national limit, but we can’t imagine drivers will opt for silence over the sonorous V6. The silent mode will come in handy if you enjoy having your neighbours like you though. 
The sportier Assetto Fiorano package on the 296 Gran Turismo Berlinetta will also be available to local buyers. This level of trim includes racing-derived suspension for more extreme handling, a 15 kg diet compliments of carbon fibre components and optional aero profiles and aesthetic liveries. 
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