Here’s What Makes Ferrari 296 GTB’s Motor So Special
Ferrari has revealed that it developed the powertrain of its all-new 296 GTB supercar from scratch, and the result is a masterpiece.
Back in February, we reported on Lugano-based Picasso Automotive’s upcoming 600 HP PS-01 supercar. The Swiss automaker confirmed that its offering will use an Italian V6 powerplant, which has been sourced from a well-known marquee but refrained from confirming the brand. However, rumors suggested that the upcoming supercar will probably feature a Ferrari V6. Now, the Prancing Horse brand has introduced a new V6-powered model of its own.
The Maranello, Italy- based supercar manufacturer introduced the all-new 296 GTB earlier this week. The car is powered by Ferrari‘s new F163 120-degree V6 motor, which produces 654 HP of maximum power from its 2992cc IC engine. Ferrari revealed that it developed the new internal combustion powertrain from scratch, and in the process, the company managed to build the most power-dense engine ever to fit into a production car.
Ferrari managed to achieve this impressive performance target, by designing the V6 motor at a 120-degree angle. This frees up plenty of space and allows the turbocharger setup to be installed as close to the exhaust exits as possible. Ferrari 296 GTB uses IHI turbochargers which have been designed to rev up to 180,000 rpm. The placement of turbochargers also eliminates the need for cumbersome intake components. This allows Ferrari to fashion the intake from a lightweight thermoplastic material.
The housing for the catalytic converter and the manifold is also made out of Inconel to save weight. The 120-degree design of the V6 engine also offers great power to weight ratio, and a low center of gravity, in addition to supporting the most efficient layout for the turbocharger system. The thoroughbred car brand even recomposed the alloy that was used to make the heads and the aluminum block. The result was an engine structure that can withstand high chamber pressure.
The company claims that its new alloy manages to deliver the enhanced performance without compromising the powertrain’s reliability or adding extra weight. Ferrari even redesigned the exhaust duct and air intakes to optimize flow and employed an ultra-high-pressure direct injection unit to funnel fuel at 5000 psi into the chambers of 296 GTB’s powerplant. The entire ensemble comes together to form a mechanical masterpiece.
Image Source: Ferrari