The SF90 took over the F8 as the newest V8 masterpiece of the Ferrari stable. Although it's similarly sized to the F8, the LaFerrari-inspired hybrid drivetrain and the PHEV setup made it too extreme to fit into its shoes. Ferrari created a lesser version of the SF90, eschewing its 4WD layout, sizing it to 488 proportions, and chopping two cylinders off.
The result is the Ferrari 296, a V6-powered hybrid supercar that's part of Forza Horizon 5's Italian Exotics Car Pack. It's supposed to be the successor to the Ferrari F8 Tributo, but it has the same know-how as the SF90 and is sized for both road and track.
The Ferrari 296 is the second series-production PHEV from Ferrari after the SF90 Stradale. It is also Ferrari's first V6-powered model in nearly half a century. The 296 has a 3.0L V6 twin-turbo engine coupled with an electric motor with MGU-K, which produces a combined output of 830PS and 740Nm of torque. This configuration enables the 296 to accelerate from 0 to 100kph in just 2.9 seconds and attain a top speed of 330kph. In testing, the 296 lapped the Fiorano circuit in just 1:21.
In addition to its electrified performance, the 296 features eSSC, eTC, eDiff, a brand new 6-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor, a new brake-by-wire system, and ABS evo.
The Assetto Fiorano package includes adjustable Multimatic shock absorbers derived from GT racing, high downforce carbon-fiber appendages on the front, and various lightweight materials throughout the vehicle. It is even offered in a special livery inspired by the 250 Le Mans.
I've been itching to drive the 296 because of its appearance not just on the road, but on GT3-class races from the DTM to IMSA. It even won the 2023 Nurburgring 24-hour race as well. I can't wait to get behind the wheel and feel the power of this hybrid supercar for myself. Because it's here, I have plenty of reasons to enjoy Ferrari's newest masterpiece judging by its brake-by-wire system, the race-derived dynamics, the V6 PHEV powertrain, and its overall Ferrari-ism. Although not as cool as its V8-powered predecessors from the 458 to the F8, it's more than enough to thrill me into bits.
To prove that the 296 is the true heir to the Scuderia's throne, I've lined up against the F8 Tributo, the ultimate V8 masterpiece Ferrari has ever made. With the stadium grounds the main venue, it's time to see if the V6 PHEV horseman can topple its V8-powered predecessor. Roll the tape.
And now, the results...
F8 - 1m04.531s
296 - 1m02.830s
A near-two-second gap between them, proving that the V6-powered 296 can be as good as its V8-powered predecessors such as the F8. That's downsizing done right. You can sacrifice your size without sacrificing performance.
The Ferrari 296 is a true thoroughbred that was tried and tested on the road and track. It proves that Ferrari still kept its head in the game despite costly sacrifices in the pursuit of performance. It showed its worth at the world's most demanding racetracks and here in Horizon Mexico, it shines bright as the sun undergoing a solar flare.
EPILOGUE
Having been pleased with both the F8 and the 296, it's time to give these two Ferrari supercars their moment to shine in a series of exhibition races I've prepared for them. But first...
After doing a little angelus prayer, the F8 Tributo prepared its...you guessed it...fortune carat for the role of Prichan idol Anju. As for its successor, the 296...
The Ferrari 296 is proudly wearing its...how should I say this...Solar Crown as it plays the role of PriMagista Jennifer. Like I said, the toughest ones are always in the Ferrari and Ferrari is the alpha male of the supercar realm. Two Ferrari supercars as the two final bosses from the Pretty Series. Touche...
With the makeover done, the Angelus and the Regia Solis are performing against a pack of fans who can't wait to get their hands on these two Ferrari machines. The F8's going underground against a pack of street racers blasting outside Festival grounds while the 296 battles against a pack of expendable drivers uphill. Let's roll the tapes.
The Angelus or the Regia Solis? Who performed better? Can't say...
The F8's Perfect Finale and the 296's Lux Aeterna. The Angelus and the Regia Solis performed like they've never performed, and watching these two Ferraris showcasing their Ferrari-ism made me fired up for more.
Think you're up against these Ferraris? I'm looking forward to seeing you try.
Dismissed.
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