With any new Ferrari, one of the first questions the world has is “how does it sound?” When its engine is a V6 hybrid with two turbos, though, that question matters a lot since it has a few knocks against it from the outset.
Fortunately, Ferrari has already released a video of the brand new 296 GTB in action so that you can judge for yourself. All things considered, the sound isn’t bad, but will it live up to the world’s expectations set by Ferrari?
Whatever people say about the sound, you can hardly complain about the performance. Power is supplied by a 2.9-liter 120-degree V6 engine that makes 654 hp (663 PS/487 kW). Per Ferrari, that’s the highest specific output of any production engine on sale today, making it a pretty impressive start to the proceedings.
Read More: New Ferrari 296 GTB Brings Back V6 With A Turbocharged Hybrid Twist And 819-HP
Between the engine and its eight-speed transmission, there’s a 164 hp (166 PS/122 kW) electric motor that is supplied by a 7.45 kWh battery. It’s enough to get the car moving on electricity alone for 15.5 miles, and lifts the overall output of the vehicle to 819 hp (830 PS/819 kW) and 546 lb-ft (740 Nm) of torque.
It’s all enough to get you off the line and up to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 2.9 seconds and up to 124 mph (200 km/h) in just 7.3 seconds (0.3 seconds faster than the F8 Tributo). Thanks to some clever weight-saving tech, the 296 GTB’s dry weight just 3,241 lbs (1,470 kg), or just 77lbs (35 kg) more than the F8 Tributo, but 165 lbs/75 kg heavier than the McLaren Artura, which uses a similar engine and motor layout.
The 296 GTB will get all the way up to 205 mph (330 km/h) if you let it, and rounds Ferrari’s test track 1.5 seconds faster than the F8 Tributo.
The bold new car may be a departure from the howling V12s and the thumping V8s of old, but with performance like that, does it all sounds good enough to make up for a possibly slightly less exciting engine note?