KUALA LUMPUR: Naza Italia Sdn Bhd, the official importer and distributor of the Ferrari brand in Malaysia, is bringing pure excitement to the local roads with the Ferrari 296 GTB.
The 296 GTB is the latest evolution of Maranello-based sportscar manufacturer's mid-rear-engined two-seater berlinetta, redefining the concept of fun behind the wheel.
"The Ferrari 296 GTB guarantees a thrilling experience, not just when pushing the car to its limits, but also in day-to-day driving situations," Naza Italia parent Naza Corp Holdings Sdn Bhd group chief executive officer of automotive group Datuk Nik Hamdam Nik Hassan.
"The Ferrari 296 GTB is a defining part of Ferrari's new era of electric technology and takes the marque to thrilling new heights as its first rear-wheel drive hybrid mid-engined V6.
"Its technology combined with immense power and striking design, make the 296 GTB a definite showstopper and we are delighted to introduce this model to the Malaysian market," Nik Hamdam said at the launch today.
The 296 GTB is available from the base price of RM1.23 million (before duties, customisation options, taxes and insurance).
Ferrari Far East and Middle East president Dieter Knechtel said the 296 GTB ushered in an authentic revolution for Ferrari as it introduced a new engine type to flank the marque's multi-award-winning 8- and 12-cylinder power units: a new 663 cv 120° V6 coupled with an electric motor capable of delivering a further 122 kW (167 cv).
This is the first six-cylinder engine installed on a road car sporting the Prancing Horse badge.
It unleashes its massive 830 cv total power output to deliver previously unthinkable performance levels and an innovative, exhilarating and unique soundtrack.
While the 296 GTB is the Italian marque's first rear-wheel drive hybrid mid-engined model, the first Ferrari V6 debuted on the 1957 in the form of 1500 cc Dino 156 F2 single-seater.
This was followed in 1958 by bigger displacement versions on the front-engined sport prototypes - the 196 S and 296 S - and F1 cars, such as the 246 F1 which powered Mike Hawthorn to the F1 Drivers' Championship title the same year.
The 296 GTB's plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system guarantees it is an incredibly usable car as well as cutting pedal response times to zero and delivering a 25km range in all-electric eDrive mode.
The car's compact dimensions and the introduction of innovative dynamic control systems as well as meticulously honed aero ensure that the driver will instantly experience its astonishing agility and responsiveness to commands.