Ever for the reason that Ferrari 296 GTB was first revealed in 2021, I’ve been a giant fan.
I keep in mind the preliminary negativity in opposition to the thought of a twin-turbo V6, however to me, it felt like an ideal match for the extra entry-level vibe of the automotive. 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 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 means I feel it is smart for a high-end sports activities automotive.
However this put up isn’t an opinion piece on the GTB; I’ll save that for my upcoming put up on residing with one for per week.
As an alternative, right this moment, I need to discover how two totally different Indonesian 296 GTB homeowners have put their spin on the identical Ferrari mannequin. One automotive is owned by Mr. Jedm, the person behind JEDM Storage in Jakarta, and the opposite belongs to his pal.
Each homeowners 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’ve got a 296 GTB with the ‘Assetto Fiorano’ bundle, which has extra of a observe focus via much less mass, elevated downforce, and improved efficiency.
Over and above the manufacturing unit enhancements, the proprietor has stored 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 suitable dimension and offset for excellent aggressive fitment, the rears needed to be customized re-barreled to 13 inches vast, 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 big 335/30ZR20 Pilot Sport Cup 2Rs out again.
To finish the aggressive look, the automotive was lowered, however the actual cherry on prime is the Brembo brake calipers that chunk down on carbon-ceramic rotors. When putting his order for the automotive, 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 provide the paint code. Discuss a delicate 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 automotive with a really totally different strategy taken.
This automotive 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 automotive 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 automotive 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 automotive is operating an aftermarket exhaust – additionally from Novitec. The recent-vee V6 now has the raucous idle and low-end bark it deserves, casting off the inventory valves of the unique system.
Inside, the 2 296s have a really totally different really feel.
The grey automotive is about 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 unit possibility passenger-side show retains anybody using shotgun entertained – or probably terrified when the efficiency metrics are proven on display.
The Assetto Fiorano inside within the black automotive 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 automotive includes a clear engine cowl with a extra smoked end – maybe another choice that Ferrari gives.
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 purple consumption manifolds of Ferrari’s naturally aspirated engines, however a minimum of it’s nonetheless acquired purple cam covers, in addition to Ferrari logos on the heat-shielded exhaust shops 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 favor to take house? The track-ready black machine, with its JDM-inspired touches, or the extra refined, comfort-oriented grey automotive with its Novitec upgrades?
Dino Dalle Carbonare
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