DEFINING FUN TO DRIVE

The tests to assess fuel consumption, CO2 and pollutant emissions are carried out in the laboratory and are based on specific driving cycles. In this way, the tests are reproducible and the results comparable. This is important because only a laboratory test, which follows a standardized and repeatable procedure, allows consumers to compare different car models. On 1 September 2017, the new Worldwide harmonised Light-duty vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) came into force in Europe and will gradually replace the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) protocol. NEDC (New European Driving Cycle): it has been the European driving cycle used so far for the measurement of fuel consumption and emissions from passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. The first European driving cycle came into force in 1970 and referred to an urban route. In 1992 it was also considered to have an extra-urban phase and since 1997 it has been used for measuring consumption and CO2 emissions. However, the composition of this cycle is no longer consistent with current driving styles and distances travelled on different types of roads.  The average speed of the NEDC is only 34 km/h, accelerations are low and the maximum speed is just 120 km/h. WLTP procedure: WLTP uses new Worldwide harmonised Light-duty vehicle Test Cycles (WLTC) to measure fuel consumption, CO2 and pollutant emissions from passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. The new protocol aims to provide customers with more realistic data, better reflecting the daily use of the vehicle. The new WLTP procedure is characterized by a more dynamic driving profile with more significant acceleration. The maximum speed increases from 120 to 131.3 km/ h, the average speed is 46.5 km/h and the total cycle time is 30 minutes, 10 minutes more than the previous NEDC. The distance travelled doubles from 11 to 23.25 kilometers. The WLTP test consists of four parts depending on the maximum speed: Low (up to 56.5 km/h), Medium (up to 76.6 km/h), High (up to 97.4 km/h), Extra-high (up to 131.3 km/h). These parts of the cycle simulate urban and suburban driving and driving on extra-urban roads and motorways. The procedure also takes into account all vehicle’s optional contents that affect aerodynamics, rolling resistance and vehicle mass, resulting in a CO2 value that reflects the characteristics of the single vehicle.

The WLTP procedure will gradually replace the NEDC procedure. The WLTP applies to new passenger car models from 1 September 2017, to all passenger cars registered from 1 September 2018 and is mandatory for all EU Member States. Until the end of 2020, both fuel consumption and CO2 emission values in WLTP and NEDC will be present in the vehicle documents. Indeed, NEDC values will be used to assess the average CO2 emissions of cars registered in the EU throughout 2020. In addition, some countries may continue to use the NEDC data for fiscal purposes. From 2021 onwards, WLTP data will be the only consumption/ CO2 emissions values for all cars. Used vehicles will not be affected by this step and will maintain their certified NEDC values.

ROAD CONSUMPTION AND EMISSIONS OF PASSENGER CARS

The new WLTP test procedure is more representative of current driving conditions than the NEDC procedure, but it cannot take into account all  possible cases including the effect of the driving style that is specific to each individual driver.

Therefore, there will still be a difference between emissions and consumption measured in the laboratory and those resulting from the use of the vehicle in the real world, and the extent of this difference will depend on factors such as driving behavior, the use of on-board systems (e. g. air conditioning), traffic and weather conditions that are characteristic of each geographical area and each driver. For this reason, only a standardized laboratory test allows to obtain values with which it is possible to compare vehicles and different models in a fair way.

WHAT CHANGES FOR CUSTOMERS 

The new WLTP procedure will provide a more realistic criterion for comparing the fuel consumption and CO2 emission values of different vehicle models as it has been designed to better reflect real driving behavior and take into account the specific technical characteristics of the individual model and version, including optional equipment.

The front has a pure, polished, compact volume. The 296 GTB’s front end is more tapered than in previous models of similar proportions. Seen from above, the crest of the front mudguard outlines the perimeter of the front and creates a theme that breaks up the front light clusters; the headlight lens are on the outside, while the inside features the DRLs under which the brake air intake is located.

The 296 GTB seems to spring from a single pencil stroke, without optical effects of lightening or stark chromatic contrasts. The car has a unique identity, rewriting the rules while rediscovering the authentic principles of a distinctly Italian design. Formal cleanliness and clear-cut lines enhance the sportiness of this worthy heir to a philosophy deeply rooted in Ferrari tradition. Its modernity refers back to cars of the 1960s with their simplicity and functionality, including the 1963 250 LM, which provided notable elements of inspiration such as the cut of the “B” pillar, the rear haunches and the truncated tail.

The rear is dominated by a ring-shaped flying buttress that houses the engine compartment cover, developed on an unusual three-dimensional glass surface. The central part of the car stands out with a body-colored element that represents a style theme dear to the Maranello marque. Another characteristic of the 296 GTB is the truncated tail that enhances its compactness. The tail incorporates a horizontal element that encloses lights and an integrated spoiler.

The active mobile spoiler stands out at the rear. Its philosophy is opposite to that of previous Ferrari berlinettas. In the past, the flaps switched from the HighDownforce (HD) to LowDrag (LD) configuration to hit top speed on the straight, while on the 296 GTB the active splitter aims to boost downforce. The spoiler is integrated into the bumper; when maximum downforce is not necessary, it is hidden in the tail, but as soon as the acceleration exceeds a given threshold, it raises. The LaFerrari-inspired active spoiler integrated into the rear bumper allows the 296 GTB to generate a high level of rear downforce when required: the equivalent of a maximum of 360 kg at 250 km/h in high-downforce configuration with the Assetto Fiorano package. This results in a 100 kg increase in rear downforce, increasing driving fun in performance conditions and minimizing stopping distances.

The chassis has a 50 mm shorter wheelbase than previous mid-rear engine Ferrari berlinettas, which improves dynamic agility. Also noteworthy are the revamped brake-by-wire system and ‘Aero’ brake caliper, as well as SMC-FRS magnetorheological dampers.

The new ABS control module, which is integrated with the new 6w-CDS sensor, allows the grip limits of the rear tyres to be pushed still further, makes for greater repeatability of stopping distances and thus improving performance when turning into corners.

Meticulous attention was paid to reducing weight to ensure the car’s balance and delicacy of handling: la 296 GTB is class-leading in regards to the overall weight-to-power ratio: 1.77 kg/cv.