It is hard to be objective and practical about cars like the Ferrari 296 GTB, but it's part of my job to view things with a neutral perspective. Sports cars are quite impractical, considering India's road conditions. They are low-slung, which means large speed breakers and/or potholes are an issue. They also have a taut chassis with firm suspensions to handle well, which means a hard ride. They seat mostly two persons. Still, it is hard not be completely drawn in. They light a fire in your belly and spark love in your soul. They tug at your heartstrings with their performance, open your wallet with how they look and make you feel like a superhero when you are behind the wheel.
The Ferrari 296 GTB is not only all that, but also one of the most practical sports cars I have driven. Intrigued? Well, so was I.
I set off from the Ferrari showroom at Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in search of a short stretch of empty road. Trundling through the traffic and the under-construction roads, the first thing that strikes me is the silence I move away in. There is no snorting exhaust at start-up. The 296 GTB is a plug-in hybrid with two electric motors responsible for this silent getaway. You can run up to 25km on electric power alone. Silent Ferrari? Don't jump to conclusions just yet.
Esta historia es de la edición December 01, 2023 de Mint Mumbai.
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Esta historia es de la edición December 01, 2023 de Mint Mumbai.
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