New Ferrari 296 GTB packs 611kW V6 hybrid

The all-new 2022 Ferrari 296 GTB has emerged, a wild hybrid V6-powered supercar that has been created to raise the stakes against rivals like the McLaren 720S.

This is the first V6-powered model from the Italian marque since the Ferrari Dino 246 GT that was launched back in 1974.

Ferrari was initially thought to be cooking up an entry-level supercar to sit below the current Ferrari F8 Tributo.

Instead, the all-new 296 GTB produces an incredible 611kW and 740Nm from its plug-in hybrid twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre (2996cc) V6 – 81kW more than the F8 Tributo, although the electrified Ferrari does produce 30Nm less torque than its V8-powered stablemate.

Not that you'd notice behind the wheel because the 296 GTB takes just 2.9 seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint and a blistering 7.3sec to complete the 0-200km/h dash.

The latter figure is an incredible 0.4sec quicker than the F8.

Perhaps even more remarkable is the fact that unlike the Ferrari SF90 Stradale hypercar from which it borrows its tech, the 296 GTB remains rear-wheel drive.

On track, Ferrari claims the 296 GTB can lap its Fiorano circuit 0.5sec quicker than the last-gen Ferrari 488 Pista, replicating a time last set by the V12-powered F12 tdf.

Key to unlocking its performance is the all-new 120-degree V6 that packages its turbos within the hot-vee.

Even without electrical assistance, Ferrari says the compact engine that sits low in the chassis is capable of a muscular 488kW, giving it the highest specific output of any production engine.

Its electric motor is mounted within the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission's casing, and with a small 7.45kWh battery on board, the 296 GTB can cover 24km on EV power alone at speeds of up to 135km/h.

Instead of adopting a development of the carbon-fibre monocoque used on the SF90 Stradale flagship, the 296 GTB matches the F8 Tributo and remains on an aluminium spaceframe.

Weight is kept down to 1470kg (dry), and while that's still 75kg heavier than the McLaren Artura, the Ferrari does boast an extra 110kW to offset its extra mass.

Shorter, narrower and lower than the F8 Tributo, the 296 GTB features a 50mm shorter wheelbase.

Helping it deploy all that power through the rear wheels are advanced electronic aids that include the car-maker's latest traction software and Side Slip Control that allows you to perform controlled drifts.

For those who will regularly venture out on track, an Assetto Fiorano pack will also be offered that adds uprated dampers, carbon-fibre trim and redesigned body panels that shave up to 12kg off the kerb weight.

More performance-enhancing options include a Lexan rear screen that saves another 3kg and more aggressive Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres.

There's even a new livery inspired by the classic Ferrari 250 Le Mans racer.

Those beautiful mini-SF90 lines also incorporate advanced air-bending properties that, at the front of the car, include air channels and ducts to direct air towards the car's huge rear diffuser.

At the rear-end, an active spoiler pops up and adds 100kg of downforce. In total, the 296 GTB can generate up to 360kg at 250km/h, if you opt for the Assetto Fiorano pack.

Inside, the Ferrari's cabin is an evolution of the interior design introduced by the SF90 Stradale, with the same clean minimalist look and digital instrument cluster.

Like other Ferrari models, the steering wheel retains its manettino drive mode selector, paddle shifters and indicator buttons.

The passenger also gets an individual screen that can display the engine revs, speed and current gear.

On sale in Europe in the first quarter of 2022, the Ferrari 296 GTB is priced from €269,000 ($A423,500), or €302,000 ($A475,500) for the track-focused Assetto Fiorano version.

In some markets, Ferrari plans to price the new supercar around $55,000 above the F8 Tributo, so with that in mind the new hybrid V6-powered Ferrari could weigh in here at around $540,000.

It's not known how long Ferrari will continue to sell the F8 Tributo and Spyder once the 296 GTB is introduced.