Recognized as “The Green Hell,” Germany’s Nurburgring stands as one of the world’s toughest racetracks due to its demanding features, including a bumpy surface, intricate layout, and a formidable 12.9-mile (20.8-kilometer) stretch.
Undoubtedly, Nurburgring’s North Loop (Nordschleife) is not for the faint of heart. This is precisely why records achieved on this section carry significant significance, distinguishing it from less challenging tracks.
In April, German car magazine Sport Auto established a remarkable record, and the recently released video showcases the achievement.
Behind the wheel of the Ferrari 296 GTB, Sport Auto’s test driver, Christian Gebhardt, piloted the car to become the fastest road-legal Ferrari on the Nordschleife at the renowned Nurburgring.
The Ferrari 296 GTB has not only achieved the distinction of being the first-ever Ferrari to complete a lap on Nurburgring’s North Loop in under seven minutes but also set an impressive time of 6:58.7 minutes.
This time is nearly two seconds quicker than the next Ferrari on the record, the 488 Pista, and almost three seconds faster than a Dodge Viper ACR equipped with an Extreme Aero Package, which recorded a time of 7:01.3.
It is noteworthy to mention that the Ferrari 296 GTB, which accomplished the sub-7-minute lap time, was equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, known for their semi-slick design.
Additionally, it was enhanced with the Assetto Fiorano pack, featuring Multimatic adjustable shocks and various weight-saving elements. These modifications transform it into a more track-oriented powerhouse compared to its standard base model counterpart.
Ferrari states that the 296 GTB boasts a dry weight of 3,241 pounds (1,470 kilograms). Its hybrid powertrain, comprising a centrally positioned 3.0-liter V6 engine and two electric motors, generates an impressive total output of 819 horsepower and 546 pound-feet (740 Newton-meters) of torque.
Furthermore, for those who prefer a quieter driving experience in densely populated city areas, the coupe offers a full-electric driving mode.
This mode utilizes the integrated 7.45-kilowatt-hour battery to power the electric motors, enabling emission-free travel for up to 16 miles (25 km).
It’s important to note that the Ferrari 296 GTB is a plug-in hybrid, allowing the high-capacity battery to be recharged conveniently from an electric vehicle charger.
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Source : motor1.com