Ever because the Ferrari 296 GTB was first revealed in 2021, I’ve been a giant fan.
I keep in mind the preliminary negativity towards the thought 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, nevertheless it’s now a real collectable that has appreciated tremendously over time.
Oh, and let’s not overlook the 296 GTB is a hybrid. A Ferrari hybrid? I do know some purists nonetheless shudder on the concept, however the way in which Ferrari has built-in the hybrid system is the one method I believe it is sensible for a high-end sports activities automobile.
However this publish isn’t an opinion piece on the GTB; I’ll save that for my upcoming publish on residing with one for every week.
As an alternative, at the moment, I need to discover how two completely 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 would possibly assume!
Let’s check out how they’ve completed it…
Within the black nook, we’ve got a 296 GTB with the ‘Assetto Fiorano’ package deal, 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 proper measurement and offset for good 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 doable to deal with the total 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 big 335/30ZR20 Pilot Sport Cup 2Rs out again.
To finish the aggressive look, the automobile was lowered, however the true cherry on prime is the Brembo brake calipers that chunk down on carbon-ceramic rotors. When putting 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. Discuss a refined nod to JDM tradition on an Italian unique!
Within the grey nook, we’ve got Mr. Jedm’s 296 GTB, which is a non-Fiorano automobile with a really completely different method taken.
This automobile swaps out its unique Ferrari wheels for a set of two-piece, cast 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 eventually a ducktail spoiler to boost the rear.
You possibly can see how the black automobile has comparable lip spoilers to these on the Assetto Fiorano improve.
However the Novitec facet skirts are extra aggressive and in addition function built-in air intakes.
One press of the Begin/Cease button (so long as the drive mode is within the ICE setting) immediately provides 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 completely different really feel.
The grey automobile is ready up with consolation and long-distance touring in thoughts.
Yellow-on-black horizontal piping throws again to previous Daytona seats, bringing that distinction throughout the remainder of the cabin with yellow stitching.
The manufacturing facility possibility passenger-side show retains anybody driving 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 includes a clear engine cowl with a extra smoked end – maybe an alternative choice that Ferrari presents.
Opening up the light-weight covers on their fuel struts reveals Ferrari’s most compact engine – the 120-degree 3.0L twin-turbo V6.
It’s not as visually thrilling because the crackling pink consumption manifolds of Ferrari’s naturally aspirated engines, however at the very least it’s nonetheless bought pink cam covers, in addition to Ferrari logos on the heat-shielded exhaust shops that sprout out from the centrally-mounted turbos.
So, in any case of this, it’s over to you. Which of those 819hp Ferrari 296 GTB beasts would you favor to take house? 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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