The Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Masterpiece Redefining the Supercar Landscape
For a decade, I’ve navigated the exhilarating, ever-evolving world of performance automobiles. In that time, I’ve witnessed seismic shifts, from the roar of naturally aspirated engines to the precision of forced induction, and now, the electrifying embrace of hybrid technology. Among these advancements, the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a particularly potent testament to innovation, a machine that has not only captivated enthusiasts but also set a new benchmark against which rivals, like the anticipated Lamborghini Temerario, must now be measured. This isn’t just a car; it’s a declaration of intent from Maranello, a bold step into a future where electrifying performance coexists with visceral driving engagement.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a profound departure for Ferrari’s mid-engined supercar lineage. Abandoning the celebrated, award-winning twin-turbo V8 that had powered its predecessors, Maranello opted for a revolutionary new twin-turbo V6, augmented by an electric motor. This strategic pivot positioned the 296 GTB at the vanguard of the supercar segment, a segment still in the nascent stages of its transition to hybrid powertrains. At its debut, its primary adversary was the Lamborghini Huracán, a naturally aspirated V10 marvel that, while perhaps outgunned in outright power, offered an intoxicating blend of V10 charisma and raw auditory drama. The McLaren 720S, with its formidable twin-turbo V8, also presented a compelling challenge, a car that prided itself on its power-to-weight supremacy. However, the landscape is rapidly shifting. The emergence of the 903bhp, 10,000rpm, twin-turbo V8 hybrid Lamborghini Temerario is a direct and potent riposte to Ferrari’s hybridised Berlinetta, which produces a staggering 819bhp. The Ferrari 296 GTB has undeniably raised the stakes.
Indeed, the Ferrari 296 GTB packs an astonishing amount of firepower. Its all-new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, paired with an electric motor, exclusively drives the rear wheels – a distinction from the SF90 Stradale. This potent combination yields a colossal 819bhp, a figure that fundamentally rewrites the supercar playbook. It’s easy to become mesmerized by such stratospheric power outputs, prompting questions about where this performance escalation will ultimately lead (and whether the Ferrari 296 GTB’s rivals, like the Lamborghini Temerario, will even surpass it) and, more pertinently, where one can truly exploit such capabilities. But that, as they say, is a story for another day.
The Ferrari 296 GTB is not just a technological tour de force; it’s a car steeped in history and innovation. It represents Ferrari’s first V6-powered road car (a nod to the legendary 246 GT Dino, though it never bore the Prancing Horse badge in its era), the first to feature a “hot-vee” turbocharger configuration, and critically, it’s a plug-in hybrid with an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles. This compact V6, mounted low within a new aluminum chassis, features a wheelbase reduced by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, with occupants positioned slightly further forward. The electric motor contributes an impressive 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 alone churns out a remarkable 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined output culminates in the headline 819bhp figure. Ferrari, perhaps wisely, refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the engine and electric motor. However, it’s safe to assume this figure is nothing short of immense. The V6, incidentally, shaves 30kg off the weight of Ferrari’s V8 engines and is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a sleek, elongated structure, is neatly housed behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without a sophisticated suite of electronic chassis management systems, and the Ferrari 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has introduced its six-axis sensor, dubbed 6w-CDS, capable of measuring acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. This advanced sensor replaces traditional yaw sensors, and in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of driver intent and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This information is then utilized to optimize systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, maximizing cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability. Furthermore, it enables a groundbreaking new system, ABS-evo, active in RACE mode and above. Coupled with the 296’s brake-by-wire system, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also significantly enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners.
For the first time, Ferrari is employing its active aerodynamics not for drag reduction, but for downforce generation. The manufacturer quotes a figure of 360kg at 155mph, with a substantial 100kg of that generated by the deployable rear wing. The cooling system is a masterclass in thermal management. Two radiators in the front handle engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two condensers dedicated to battery cooling. Hot air is expelled underneath the car, meticulously routed to avoid interfering with the airflow directed into the intercoolers along the flanks. Small apertures below the headlamps serve to cool the brakes, while the aerodynamically integrated wing at the rear of the roofline creates a “virtual” rear screen, expertly channeling air to the rear of the car as if guided by a surface. The vast majority of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s downforce is generated from beneath the car, with particular emphasis placed on not only the channelling of air and the rear diffuser but also on the underbody’s ground clearance to maximize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The Ferrari 296 GTB models we sampled on the launch circuit were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units, derived from GT racing technology, and adds further carbon fiber aerodynamic enhancements to the front, boosting front downforce by an additional 20kg. The cabin also benefits from increased carbon fiber usage, including the door panels, along with exterior carbon elements, contributing to an overall weight saving of 12kg. This figure can be further enhanced to 15kg with the optional Lexan rear engine cover. For those seeking ultimate grip, the Fiorano package can be specified with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, a significant upgrade over the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Fiorano-clad cars can also be ordered with a striking exterior graphics package, a clear homage to the iconic 250LM from the 1960s. Observing the Ferrari 296 GTB in person, its aesthetics are undeniably captivating – a striking departure from anything else on the road, possessing an elegance that, even without the optional livery, echoes the timeless lines of the 250LM.
Initiating forward motion in the Ferrari 296 GTB is a straightforward affair. A double press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear, brings the car to life. It defaults to Hybrid mode, engaging electric power for initial acceleration unless otherwise dictated. Gentle throttle application maintains purely electric propulsion, provided sufficient battery charge is available. Alternatively, drivers can consciously select “EV” mode, overriding powertrain demands, or engage “Performance” or “Qualifying” modes. In these latter settings, both the combustion engine and electric motor operate in concert. Performance mode prioritizes immediate response while also aiming to maintain battery charge, whereas Qualifying mode unleashes the car’s full, unadulterated potential, regardless of the battery’s state of depletion.
The serene experience of gliding through urban landscapes in near silence is an unexpected delight. The damping system is remarkably sophisticated, transforming the Ferrari 296 GTB into a surprisingly comfortable cruiser for covering significant distances. The “frunk” offers a reasonably practical storage space up front, a welcome advantage over the SF90. But the true question on everyone’s mind, including mine, is: what does it feel like when both the V6 engine and electric motor are unleashed with full intent? The answer lies in the sheer potency that erupts when you plant the throttle at low revs in a higher gear. The Ferrari 296 GTB simply surges forward with an immediacy that makes you question the very necessity of gear shifts. However, with eight gears at your disposal and an engine that revs willingly to 8,500rpm, the experience of truly uncorking the Ferrari 296 GTB is nothing short of astonishing. The acceleration figures – a blistering 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 205mph – hint at a force that borders on the overwhelming, eliciting a nervous exhilaration that is both addictive and profoundly satisfying. This is a seriously rapid automobile, and its sound is equally compelling, a harmonious blend of turbocharger effects overlaying the tuneful rasp of the V6.
The responsiveness of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s chassis is truly remarkable. Ferrari wasn’t exaggerating when they emphasized the car’s focus on being “fun to drive.” It feels exceptionally agile without ever becoming overly nervous. The steering is typically light and incredibly quick, yet it also imparts a surprising amount of feel, allowing the driver to connect with the road surface. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable, eliciting grins at every opportunity. It feels significantly lighter than its 1,470kg (dry) weight suggests, possessing a fluidity and lack of inertia that encourages an intimate connection with the driver. Small, precise inputs are met with accuracy and confidence. Even with the electronic nannies dialed back to CT Off, the inherent balance of the Ferrari 296 GTB allows for delightful moments of controlled oversteer, a feat one might not expect from a car producing 819bhp.
On the racetrack, the Ferrari 296 GTB has the uncanny ability to compress even the longest straights. What becomes even more apparent is its precision as a scalpel. The power is certainly there to unsettle the rear at numerous points around the circuit, but the Ferrari 296 GTB is exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs, rewarding precision with exhilarating rewards. The turn-in accuracy and response are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Instead of gently easing the car into turns and allowing loads to build, the Ferrari 296 GTB, equipped with its Multimatic dampers and the hyper-quick steering, immediately settles into its line. This, combined with the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup, creates an unparalleled sense of driver-car symbiosis. Even for those accustomed to more mature sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the Ferrari 296 GTB are phenomenal and a joy to experience lap after lap.
The cabin architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the Ferrari 296 GTB inherits much of its design language. The fully digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear, spread across the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods, present a learning curve. While undoubtedly complex, it’s a consequence of the vast amount of information and control being conveyed. The primary frustration lies in the occasional need for a second press for operations to register, or uncertainty about whether a press has been successful at all. Despite these minor ergonomic quirks, the cabin undeniably exudes a special atmosphere.
The evo Car of the Year 2022 verdict offered a fascinating insight into the Ferrari 296 GTB’s standing. “Now it gets serious,” the report stated, highlighting an incredibly close contest between the McLaren Artura and the 296 GTB, with judges narrowly divided. Those who favored the Ferrari, including myself, praised its spectacular nature: “Beautiful to look at, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable and so technically clever. Its V6 shows McLaren how to downsize but turn up the drama, and it matches the Artura in terms of sheer control but feels a bit more playful and indulgent.” Another judge lauded it as “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” noting the seamless integration of the hybrid system, which surprisingly enhanced rather than detracted from the driving experience, likely due to the familiarity with the torque characteristics of turbocharged V8s. The V6’s soundtrack was consistently praised for its sweetness and variability with throttle opening.
While the Ferrari 296 GTB’s hybridisation was widely lauded for its seamless integration, a notable incident of the battery depleting, leaving the car stranded, cast a shadow. Ferrari had indeed cautioned about this possibility and outlined preventative measures. However, the concern remained that an owner could find themselves in a similar predicament, a point eloquently raised: “that the company who introduced individual rear-wheel steering to its cars can’t engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this happening is a huge oversight.” Fortunately for the 296, this occurred after scoring was complete. Despite this, opinions on Ferrari’s signature super-quick steering were divided, brake feel didn’t quite match the very best, and the tech interface faced widespread criticism for its complexity. Nevertheless, the Ferrari 296 GTB proved irresistibly seductive. As one judge admitted, “I thought I wouldn’t like the Fezza all that much – too complex, rather gratuitous points of difference – but I ended up somewhat bewitched: the spooky way it changes direction; its amazing damping and looney-tunes levels of grip; the linearity of seemingly never-ending power…”
The 296 represents a significant return to form for Ferrari, especially after the SF90 left some reviewers feeling somewhat underwhelmed. Its technical sophistication and the integration of its hybrid technology felt far more natural and less intrusive. Ferrari clearly learned valuable lessons from the SF90, distilling that knowledge into a production model that stands as one of its very best.
The inherent risk with any vehicle heavily laden with cutting-edge technology is that it may become less than the sum of its parts – a pitfall observed with the SF90, which, despite its dazzling power, could be unnerving in its driving characteristics. However, the Ferrari 296 GTB carves a distinctly different path. Its organic feel, combined with its potent blend of power and engaging dynamics, strikes a perfect balance, effectively redefining what a supercar in the £250,000 bracket can achieve. Whispers of a “Versione Speciale” variant, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity, only heighten anticipation for what’s next. The key will be retaining the 296’s inexplicably natural feel.
It is this crucial aspect of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s character that we hope Lamborghini has meticulously addressed in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power for a production supercar, and without a chassis and dynamics to match, it risks overwhelming the driver. If Lamborghini has indeed achieved the right balance – and their success with the Revuelto provides ample reason for optimism – then we are poised for an epic twin-test showdown between these hybrid titans. Alternatively, we could witness a 2,400bhp triple threat, including the McLaren 750S, which, by comparison, might seem the minnow of the class with its 740bhp. However, its relatively lithe 1,389kg kerb weight ensures a competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s inherent rawness, ergonomic perfection, crisp steering, and deft chassis continue to set it apart from the comparatively more remote feeling Ferrari.
The Ferrari 296 GTB isn’t merely a car; it’s a statement. It embodies the pinnacle of hybrid supercar engineering, offering a driving experience that is both profoundly exciting and remarkably accessible. Whether you’re seeking exhilarating track performance, sophisticated road manners, or simply the pleasure of experiencing cutting-edge automotive innovation, the Ferrari 296 GTB delivers in spades. It’s a vehicle that demands to be experienced, a testament to what is possible when passion meets unparalleled technological prowess.
Are you ready to explore the future of supercars? Discover the transformative power and exquisite engineering of the Ferrari 296 GTB by visiting your nearest authorized Ferrari dealer or inquiring about exclusive test drive opportunities today.
