Renowned Ferrari collector David Lee returned to “Jay Leno's Garage” with one of Ferrari's latest creations, the 2023 296 GTB supercar.
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The 296 GTB coupe debuted in 2021 as Ferrari's entry-level mid-engine car and in 2022 it gave birth to a convertible sibling, the 296 GTS.
Lee owns one of the first 296 GTBs in the country, a stunning example finished in Giallo Modena and enhanced with silver details, including silver racing stripes. The stripes are part of the available Assetto Fiorano package, which for the 296 GTB helps save around 33kg thanks to lighter door panels, various carbon-fibre pieces and a Lexan rear windscreen. It also adds Multimatic adjustable dampers, additional aerodynamic elements and super-sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres.
It doesn't add any extra power, though. Each 296 is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 and an electric motor that sits between the engine and an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Maximum power is 818 horsepower, and drive goes to the rear wheels only. Ferrari claims a 0-62 mph time of 2.9 seconds and a top speed of over 128 mph. A 7.5 kWh battery also enables a short electric range.
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Both Leno and Lee are impressed by the 296's smaller size compared to Ferrari's other mid-engine model, the SF90, which Lee describes in the video as taking up an entire lane of traffic. This is especially true in areas with narrow roads, such as Ferrari. Both Leno and Lee also agree that the 296 is one of the most fun to drive Ferraris in the current fleet.
The 296 series is the direct successor to the F8 series, which traces its roots back to the 458 Italia that launched more than a decade ago. While the F8 Tributo has ended production, the F8 Spider is still being built, but will also be retired soon. At that point, Ferrari will no longer have a mid-engine car without an electric drivetrain.
Ferrari has also launched a 296 GT3 race car as a replacement for the 488 GT3. It competes in races such as the IMSA SportsCar Championship and the SRO Endurance Cup.
Watch the video above for more information about the 296 GTB and to see and hear it in action.
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information source: motorauthority.com
