A mid-engine Ferrari has been a poster car for a long time and the latest version would be the 296 GTB. However, it isn’t sunshine and roses with the latest and greatest Ferrari as the car has garnered negative attention for having a V6. But it still makes 800hp and looks like a Ferrari. However, for critics who didn’t like the “standard” 296 version, Novitec has launched the 296 N-Largo with 880hp and an Inconel exhaust that is eargasmic even for a V6!
The styling of the 296 GTB wasn’t controversial to begin with. The typical silhouette of a mid-engined Ferrari looks aesthetic and suits it well. But Novitec thought about how they could improve it and made some interesting changes to the exterior. For starters, the body gets a wash from carbon fibre. Towards the front, you will notice extra cooling vents in the front arches joint with the revised carbon bits on the bonnet. It has a “mandatory” big wing which can be optioned without and will come with a ducktale spoiler. The single rectangular exhaust housing is swapped for an aggressive set of twin exit exhaust tips! The N-largo is also lowered up to 35mm via beefed-up suspension. The wheels are also changed with the Twin 5 spoke wheels which look a lot more “Tuner Boy” rather than a rich aspirational buyer Ferrari may want to appeal towards.
In the engine bay, you will find new turbo inlets and metal catalysts which, in combination with the Inconel Exhaust, allow for the 3.0 Litre Twin Turbo V6 to produce 880hp. The difference isn’t as radical as the equally insane 819hp which the GTB produces in stock form but it is the visceral experience that commands a premium!
Speaking of the interior, the 296 N-Largo can be customised to the owner’s whims and fancies, according to Novitec. Something that they will not mention is that they will do it all at a handsome premium. If you were to ask me, for the seat design, get what your mother would choose for the bedsheets as that will be made of cloth which will be cheapest as compared to the “plebian” black Alcantara and would look quintessentially Middle Class.
A significant part of the N-Largo is the driving experience. You may feel an improvement in handling but frankly, unless you’re Charles Leclerc, you wouldn’t notice daily. However, you will make note of the sound signature of the V6. The engine feels like it has been given a new lease of life thanks to the Inconel exhaust and engine upgrades! It feels more visceral when compared with the standard 296 and delivers an experience similar to the 296 GT3 racecar.
