Do you think a Ferrari can be a plug-in hybrid or is it heresy for fans of the brand? Here are the keys to the 296 GTB, the brand’s new model.
Electric mobility is reaching practically all the segments present in the market. At the end of the day, the improvement of the batteries, together with a greater emphasis on the part of the Administrations, is causing this technology to be positioned as the most valued among the public. This, in addition, does not understand fashions, since almost all manufacturers are betting on it.
One of the most reluctant in the midst of the electrical disruption was Ferrari. The late Sergio Marchionne, in his day, made statements that showed how the prancing horse company was not making efforts in the face of an upcoming electrification. Now, years later, the FIAT group subsidiary already has 2 plug-in hybrid models; the SF90 Stradale and the LaFerrari.
Ferrari will bet, even more, on plug-in hybrid mechanics in the future
Given the current situation, are we facing a false step or, in reality, is Ferrari betting on a deep electrical conversion? One of the most anticipated models, the 296 GTB, serves to understand to what extent the ecological transition it is also affecting supercars. The next model of the Italian firm will also, of course, be a plug-in hybrid.
Now, with the aim of testing the combination of various technologies, a test unit is being tested outside the Maranello factory, which enjoy their corresponding camouflage gear in the body. In this way, it is expected that it has a more refined electrical mechanics and that it allows to enjoy a less polluting driving.
Let’s see, therefore, what is known about the next model to be presented, why the 296 GTB is a declaration of intent on the part of the company and, of course, to what extent the transformation of the automobile fleet it will also affect this type of vehicle. And you, do you think that a model with these characteristics loses part of its essential by not having exclusively its V8 engine?
Ferrari and its commitment to sustainable mobility in its sports cars
The first thing to note is that, without a doubt, the 296 GTB will not be a thoroughbred model. After all, the V8 block to which we have referred previously has been replaced by a V6. Combined, thanks to the internal combustion engine and the electric one, it is capable of develop up to a total of 818 hp of power, some figures that are not bad at the present time.
It is an alternative that comes to replace, within the company’s transition plans, the F8 Tributo. Even so, its main distinction lies in the provision of a hybrid mechanics. Thanks to her, it is expected that each unit can enjoy a theoretical range of about 25 kilometers per full charge cycle, a point that seems, of course, ridiculous.
The key to this technology is more related to the possibility of offer an extra performance in other facets. Among them, special mention should be made of acceleration. In fact, according to what can be read in the specialized portal Engine1, it is expected to reach 100 km / h in just 2.9 seconds and, curiously, 200 km / h in just 7.3 seconds.
Well, are they enough numbers to legitimize the change in trend that is taking place within the brand? It is possible to make 2 differential notes. On the one hand, having electrical mechanics is something to highlight, but even more so is the presence of a V6 mechanics, quite a statement of intent when it comes to the practice of downsizing.
A proposal that confirms a change of image within the firm
Much has changed in the company so that now plug-in hybrid mechanics is being seen on every model left the factory at Ferrari. The pressure in the sector is what has led to this transformation. The best example of this is the link between Lamborghini and the Volkswagen group or, of course, Bugatti’s new commitment to the future linked to Mate Rimac.
Are we facing a proposal that could extend its autonomy to new registries? The combination of the electric motor and the internal combustion motor is a somewhat complicated solution from a future point of view. In fact, it is a combination bet, which now has more incentive due to the use of benefits that are achieved with low emission labels.
We will have to wait a while to see if Ferrari confirms its new strategy framed within electric mobility or if, on the contrary, for most of the decade we continue to see plug-in hybrid mechanics as the cornerstone of its competitiveness. And you, do you think there is room for a purely electric model of the brand?