Ever because the Ferrari 296 GTB was first revealed in 2021, I’ve been an enormous fan.
I bear in mind the preliminary negativity towards the concept of a twin-turbo V6, however to me, it felt like an ideal match for the extra entry-level vibe of the automobile. Plus, it hyperlinks again to the Dino and the V6 engine powering that child Ferrari that wasn’t even badged as one. The Dino was criticized when new, too, however it’s now a real collectable that has appreciated tremendously over time.
Oh, and let’s not neglect the 296 GTB is a hybrid. A Ferrari hybrid? I do know some purists nonetheless shudder on the thought, however the best way Ferrari has built-in the hybrid system is the one manner I feel it is sensible for a high-end sports activities automobile.
However this submit isn’t an opinion piece on the GTB; I’ll save that for my upcoming submit on residing with one for per week.
As a substitute, at present, I need to discover how two totally different Indonesian 296 GTB house owners have put their spin on the identical Ferrari mannequin. One automobile is owned by Mr. Jedm, the person behind JEDM Storage in Jakarta, and the opposite belongs to his pal.
Each house owners share a historical past of tuning legendary Japanese machines like GT-Rs, Supras, and NSXs – and now, they’ve turned the modifying bug to Italian exotica with little regard for what Ferrari may suppose!
Let’s check out how they’ve executed it…
Within the black nook, we have now a 296 GTB with the ‘Assetto Fiorano’ bundle, which has extra of a monitor focus by way of much less mass, elevated downforce, and improved efficiency.
Over and above the manufacturing facility enhancements, the proprietor has saved issues understated, choosing a set of BBS LM wheels, which he then despatched to a specialist to work their magic.
Whereas the entrance wheels got here in the fitting dimension and offset for excellent aggressive fitment, the rears needed to be customized re-barreled to 13 inches broad, as BBS doesn’t supply something wider than 12 inches. Why? As a result of this proprietor needed to suit the fattest tires potential to deal with the complete energy and torque of that electric-assisted, turbocharged V6. So for tires, you’ll discover 295/30ZR20 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s up entrance and large 335/30ZR20 Pilot Sport Cup 2Rs out again.
To finish the aggressive look, the automobile was lowered, however the actual cherry on prime is the Brembo brake calipers that chunk down on carbon-ceramic rotors. When inserting his order for the automobile, the proprietor requested Ferrari to color the calipers in the identical gold as these discovered on the R35 Nissan GT-R Brembos, even going so far as to produce the paint code. Speak about a refined nod to JDM tradition on an Italian unique!
Within the grey nook, we have now Mr. Jedm’s 296 GTB, which is a non-Fiorano automobile with a really totally different method taken.
This automobile swaps out its authentic Ferrari wheels for a set of two-piece, solid HRE 521s completed with satin charcoal facilities and polished barrels. The tires are Bridgestone Potenza Sports activities within the OEM sizes – 245/35ZR20 up entrance and 305/35ZR20 within the rear.
Aesthetically, the grey automobile has a number of Novitec upgrades. Up entrance, there are nook spoilers and air intakes, plus carbon fiber mirrors, and at last a ducktail spoiler to boost the rear.
You may see how the black automobile has related lip spoilers to these on the Assetto Fiorano improve.
However the Novitec facet skirts are extra aggressive and likewise function built-in air intakes.
One press of the Begin/Cease button (so long as the drive mode is within the ICE setting) immediately offers away the truth that Mr. Jedm’s automobile is operating an aftermarket exhaust – additionally from Novitec. The recent-vee V6 now has the raucous idle and low-end bark it deserves, disposing of the inventory valves of the unique system.
Inside, the 2 296s have a really totally different really feel.
The grey automobile is about up with consolation and long-distance touring in thoughts.
Yellow-on-black horizontal piping throws again to outdated Daytona seats, bringing that distinction throughout the remainder of the cabin with yellow stitching.
The manufacturing facility choice passenger-side show retains anybody using shotgun entertained – or presumably terrified when the efficiency metrics are proven on display screen.
The Assetto Fiorano inside within the black automobile options carbon fiber reclinable bucket seats – full with 4-point harnesses – upholstered in heat brown suede for a contact of sophistication.
There’s extra carbon trim all through the cabin, together with on the particular door sills and playing cards, including to its motorsport-inspired vibe.
Curiously, the grey automobile contains a clear engine cowl with a extra smoked end – maybe another choice that Ferrari provides.
Opening up the light-weight covers on their gasoline struts reveals Ferrari’s most compact engine – the 120-degree 3.0L twin-turbo V6.
It’s not as visually thrilling because the crackling crimson consumption manifolds of Ferrari’s naturally aspirated engines, however at the very least it’s nonetheless acquired crimson cam covers, in addition to Ferrari logos on the heat-shielded exhaust retailers that sprout out from the centrally-mounted turbos.
So, in spite of everything of this, it’s over to you. Which of those 819hp Ferrari 296 GTB beasts would you like to take dwelling? The track-ready black machine, with its JDM-inspired touches, or the extra refined, comfort-oriented grey automobile with its Novitec upgrades?
Dino Dalle Carbonare
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dino@speedhunters.com