Ferrari’s first hybrid, Berlinetta, is no slouch. With its 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 linked up to an electric motor, the 296 GTB in its standard flavor offers 819bhp delivered through the rear wheels. As substantial as it is, for one tuning firm, it’s just simply not enough.
Novitec has taken it upon itself to offer a new upgrade package for the 296 that takes total power to a mind-boggling 856bhp. No word on torque, but presumably, there’s a little more than the standard car’s peak of 546 lb-ft.
All that power comes from the V6 itself rather than any alterations to the electric motor, with the F163 engine alone delivering 654bhp from the factory – and now 691bhp with the upgrade package. Changes are relatively small, mind you, with ‘high-efficiency’ turbo inlets and Novitec producing its own stainless steel exhaust system.
Novitec hasn’t said how performance is affected, but we’d imagine the factory-spec car’s 2.9 second 0-62mph time is marginally improved on and with a little less effort required to reach the 205mph top speed.
Not content with just adding more power, Novitec has made some visual changes to the Ferrari 296. It’s worked with alloy wheels specialists Vossen on a set specifically for the Italian supercar, measuring 21 inches at the front and 22 inches at the rear.
There’s a relatively subtle yet pleasingly effective carbon fiber bodywork package available, too. This includes the usual suspects – a new splitter, extended side skirts, and a spoiler. However, the German tuner also offers its own carbon mirror caps, air inlets, and even engine bay covers.
Suspension kits ranging from ride height dropping coils to a full KW hydraulic system are available through the firm, too.
No word on how much any of this will cost, with Novitec presumably operating on an “if you need to ask…” basis.