Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Masterclass Challenging Supercar Conventions
For a decade now, the automotive landscape has been sculpted by innovation, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. As an industry veteran with ten years immersed in the thrilling world of high-performance vehicles, I’ve witnessed firsthand the evolution of the supercar, a segment once defined by raw, naturally aspirated engines and an almost puritanical focus on driver engagement. Now, as we stand on the precipice of 2025, the very definition of a supercar is being rewritten, and at the forefront of this revolution sits the Ferrari 296 GTB. This isn’t just another Ferrari; it’s a bold declaration, a technological marvel that has reshaped expectations and set a formidable benchmark for rivals, most notably the anticipated Lamborghini Temerario.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a seismic shift in Maranello’s mid-engined supercar lineage. Forsaking the celebrated, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 in favor of an entirely new twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by an electric motor, the 296 GTB proactively embraced the burgeoning era of hybrid propulsion in a segment that had been, for too long, hesitant to fully commit. This strategic pivot was not merely an evolutionary step; it was a revolutionary leap, establishing the Ferrari 296 GTB as a pioneer in a high-tier supercar market still navigating its transition to electrification.
In its initial stride, the 296 GTB found its primary contemporary in the Lamborghini Huracán, a machine celebrated for its sonorous, naturally aspirated V10 symphony. While lacking the outright power figures of its Italian counterpart, the Huracán captivated with its visceral appeal and raw, untamed auditory character. Simultaneously, it contended with the formidable McLaren 720S, a testament to the enduring prowess of the twin-turbo V8. While the subsequent McLaren 750S represents an iterative refinement of an already successful formula, prioritizing power-to-weight supremacy, the impending Lamborghini Temerario, boasting a staggering 903 bhp and capable of revving to an eye-watering 10,000 rpm with its hybridised twin-turbo V8, stands as Lamborghini’s direct riposte to Maranello’s 819 bhp electrified Berlinetta – a true testament to the escalating supercar performance wars.
Let’s be clear: the Ferrari 296 GTB packs a level of firepower that is nothing short of astonishing. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, working in concert with an electric motor, drives the rear wheels exclusively. This configuration, distinct from the SF90 Stradale’s all-wheel-drive system, allows the 819 bhp 296 GTB to shatter conventional supercar paradigms. The sheer magnitude of its power output is difficult to comprehend, naturally prompting contemplation about the ultimate ceiling of such performance escalation – a question perhaps implicitly answered by the very existence of the burgeoning new hybrid supercars like the Temerario. More pertinent for the discerning driver is the question of where, or if, such prodigious performance can be fully unleashed in real-world scenarios – a philosophical debate for another time.
What truly sets the Ferrari 296 GTB apart is its groundbreaking status as the first V6-powered road-legal Ferrari. While the enchanting 246 GT Dino bore a V6, it never officially carried the Prancing Horse emblem during its production run. The 296 GTB further innovates with its “hot-vee” turbocharger arrangement and its plug-in hybrid capability, offering an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles – a surprising yet practical facet for urban navigation. The compact V6 engine is positioned low within an entirely new aluminum chassis. A notable reduction of 50mm in wheelbase compared to its V8 predecessors, coupled with a slightly forwardward seating position for occupants, contributes to a more centralized mass and an agile, dynamic feel.
The electric motor contributes a substantial 165 bhp and 232 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 engine alone churns out an awe-inspiring 654 bhp and 546 lb-ft. The combined output culminates in the headline-grabbing 819 bhp. Ferrari, perhaps wisely, refrains from publishing a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the V6 and the electric motor. However, it’s safe to assume this combined torque figure is nothing short of immense, underscoring the car’s explosive acceleration. Weighing in at approximately 30kg less than a comparable V8 Ferrari engine, the V6 is mated to a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a sleek, elongated structure, is ingeniously housed behind the seats, contributing to the car’s optimized weight distribution and a more engaging driving experience, a crucial factor for owners seeking high-performance electric sports cars.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of sophisticated electronic chassis management systems, and the Ferrari 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has developed a revolutionary six-axis sensor system, dubbed 6w-CDS, capable of precisely 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 unprecedented understanding of the driver’s intentions and the available grip at the tire contact patch. This data is then used to optimize systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-diff, maximizing cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and driver confidence. Furthermore, it enables the introduction of ABS-evo, a system designed for RACE mode and above. Through the car’s brake-by-wire system, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also enhances braking performance during trail braking into corners, a crucial technique for maximizing lap times and delivering a truly exhilarating driving experience for those interested in track-focused hybrid supercars.
For the first time in its history, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics not to reduce drag, but to generate substantial downforce. The manufacturer quotes a remarkable 360kg of downforce at 155 mph, with approximately 100kg of that figure attributed to the deployable rear wing. This active aero package is a masterclass in engineering, working in tandem with the car’s overall design to enhance stability and grip at extreme speeds.
The thermal management of the Ferrari 296 GTB is as impressive as its performance. Two radiators positioned in the front fascia handle engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two condensers dedicated to the battery pack. Hot air is strategically expelled underneath the vehicle, ensuring it does not disrupt the airflow directed towards the intercoolers situated along the flanks. The subtle apertures below the headlamps are dedicated to cooling the brakes, while the integrated roofline spoiler plays a crucial role in creating a “virtual” rear screen, effectively channeling air towards the rear of the car as if guided by a meticulously crafted surface. The majority of the 296 GTB’s downforce is generated beneath the car, where particular emphasis has been placed on the design of the underbody, the rear diffuser, and the crucial ground clearance. These elements work in synergy to maximize the effectiveness of the downforce-generating surfaces, a key component in its exceptional handling characteristics and a crucial aspect for any aerodynamic supercar design.
The examples of the Ferrari 296 GTB we sampled on the launch circuit were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units, derived from GT racing technology. It also incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic enhancements to the front fascia, increasing front downforce by a notable 20kg. The cabin also benefits from increased use of carbon fiber, including the door panels, contributing to an overall weight saving of 12kg. This figure can extend to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. Further enhancing the track-focused nature of the Assetto Fiorano package are the optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the standard Pilot Sport 4S rubber. Cars equipped with the Fiorano package can also be specified with an exterior graphics package, a stylish nod to the iconic 250LM from the 1960s, appealing to those with a taste for classic automotive design cues.
Having experienced the Ferrari 296 GTB firsthand, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a distinct visual identity, a departure from anything else on the road, and even without the graphic pack, it evokes the spirit of the 250LM, a truly timeless design.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Initiating the driving experience is as simple as a double-press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The 296 GTB defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing for silent, all-electric propulsion unless otherwise commanded via the intuitive haptic “driver mode” buttons on the left side of the steering wheel. As long as throttle inputs are moderate, the car will continue on electric power alone, provided the battery retains sufficient charge.
Owners can opt to explicitly engage EV mode, regardless of powertrain demands. Further driving modes include Performance and Qualifying. In both of these, the internal combustion engine and electric motor operate in tandem. Performance mode aims to maintain battery charge while delivering potent acceleration, whereas Qualifying mode prioritizes absolute performance, disregarding the battery’s state of charge.
Cruising through serene villages in near silence offers an unexpected and delightful sensation. The damping system is so sophisticated that it transforms the cabin into a remarkably comfortable environment for covering long distances. Even the front “frunk” offers a respectable amount of luggage space, a practical advantage over the SF90. However, the true question on everyone’s mind – mine included – is what it feels like when both the engine and electric motor are unleashed to their full potential.
The answer is revealed when you plant the throttle at low revs in a high gear. The Ferrari 296 GTB surges forward with an immediate, unrelenting surge, momentarily making you question the very necessity of gears, such is its sheer potency. Yet, with eight gears to play with and an engine that happily revs to 8,500 rpm, the experience of unleashing the 296 GTB in its entirety is nothing short of breathtaking. The acceleration figures – a sub-3-second 0-62 mph time and a top speed exceeding 205 mph – translate into a visceral sensation of relentless forward momentum that verges on overwhelming, eliciting a mix of nervous laughter and an almost addictive thrill. This is, without question, a supercar of exceptional speed and agility. The auditory experience is equally captivating, with a harmonious blend of turbocharger character overlaying the tuneful rasp of the V6.
Ride and Handling Prowess
What truly impresses is the exceptional responsiveness of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s chassis. Ferrari’s assertion that the car’s primary objective was to be “fun to drive” is not an exaggeration. It exhibits remarkable agility without ever feeling precarious. The steering, typically Ferrari-quick and light, also conveys a remarkable level of road feel, providing crucial feedback to the driver. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car’s ability to be adjusted and controlled with the throttle is a source of immense driver satisfaction and guarantees a smile on your face.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the Ferrari 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a remarkable lack of inertia, encouraging a more intuitive and fluid driving style, utilizing small, precise inputs and reveling in the car’s accuracy. Engaging “CT Off” mode allows for audacious maneuvers, with the reassurance of an intelligent electronic safety net working diligently in the background. However, even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296 GTB’s inherent balance allows for a surprising degree of adjustability, enabling controlled oversteer in a manner one might not expect from a car producing 819 bhp.
On the racetrack, the Ferrari 296 GTB possesses the ability to make even long straights feel remarkably short. What becomes even more apparent is its precision as a scalpel-sharp instrument. The power is more than sufficient to break rear traction at numerous points around the circuit, yet the 296 GTB is incredibly sensitive to braking and steering inputs. Drivers quickly learn that precision in their control inputs yields the greatest rewards. The astonishing turn-in accuracy and immediate response dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Instead of gradually loading the suspension, the 296 GTB settles instantly, aided by its Multimatic dampers and the hyper-quick steering that complements the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more mature sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the Ferrari 296 GTB are phenomenal, offering an exhilarating experience lap after lap. This level of dynamic driving performance is a hallmark of Ferrari’s engineering excellence.
Interior and Technology
The interior architecture of the Ferrari 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the 296 borrows heavily from its sibling. The fully digital interface, coupled with its accompanying haptic switchgear, presents a learning curve. These controls are liberally applied to the steering wheel and the traditional Ferrari pods flanking it. While undoubtedly complex, it’s important to acknowledge the sheer volume of information being conveyed. However, the primary frustration lies in the occasional need for a second press for simple operations that failed to register on the first attempt, or the uncertainty of whether a press has been successfully acknowledged. Despite these technological quirks, the cabin undeniably feels like a special place to be, a true luxury supercar interior.
Expert Verdict: evo Car of the Year 2022 Reflections
The competition for evo Car of the Year 2022 was intensely fought, with the Ferrari 296 GTB and the McLaren Artura separated by a mere “fag paper” in the final scoring. The judging panel was evenly split, with three prioritizing the Ferrari and three favoring the McLaren.
Those who placed the 296 GTB at the forefront, including myself, lauded its spectacular nature. Jethro enthused, “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.”
Dickie’s assessment, echoed by many, declared it, “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355.” He continued, “The hybrid system works very well and doesn’t change the driving experience as much as I’d feared. Probably because we’ve already got used to the torquey characteristics of the turbocharged V8 in the 488 and F8. The 296 is stonkingly quick but doesn’t rely solely on speed thanks to the character of the V6, which has a soundtrack that’s always sweet and changes with throttle opening.”
The seamless integration of the Ferrari’s hybridisation received widespread praise. However, a notable incident on the final night saw the car rendered immobile due to a flat battery, with no apparent means of recovery. While Ferrari had provided clear guidance on preventing such occurrences, it’s not inconceivable for an owner to find themselves in a similar predicament. As Gallagher aptly put it, “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 GTB, this event occurred after all scoring was completed.
Ferrari’s signature super-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake feel didn’t quite match the very best in the group. The tech interface was also widely criticized for its overcomplexity. Nevertheless, the 296 GTB was undeniably, “irresistibly seductive.” Vivian 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…”
Peter Tomalin, as chief editor of evo, concluded: “It’s a real return to form for Ferrari, after the SF90 left us cold last year. The 296 is way more successful because its technical sophistication, and the integration of its hybrid technology in particular, feels much more natural, and far less intrusive.” Gallagher concurred, stating, “Ferrari has taken so much from the SF90, learnt from that car, and distilled it into a series production model that’s one of its very best.”
Price, Rivals, and the Future
When a vehicle is so densely packed with cutting-edge technology, there’s always a risk that the sum of its parts might fall short of individual brilliance. This was an experience evo had with the SF90, which, despite its dazzling power, felt somewhat unnerving in its complex driving characteristics.
However, the Ferrari 296 GTB represents a distinct departure. As evidenced by its joint third-place finish at evo Car of the Year 2022, alongside the McLaren Artura, it feels far more organic. Its potent blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect equilibrium, redefining expectations for a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket. A Versione Speciale variant of the 296 is anticipated soon, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity. The fervent hope is that the standard 296’s remarkably natural feel will be retained.
It is precisely this aspect – the natural, unforced integration of its hybrid powertrain and dynamic prowess – that we hope Lamborghini has meticulously addressed in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. An output exceeding 900 bhp is an almost obscene amount of power for a series-production supercar, and it carries the inherent risk of overwhelming the chassis if not impeccably resolved. If Lamborghini has achieved a comparable level of refinement to the Revuelto, which offers a staggering 1700 bhp, then we are poised for an epic twin-test encounter.
Alternatively, we could expand this to a monumental 2400 bhp triple threat, including the McLaren 750S. In this context, the McLaren, with its “mere” 740 bhp, could almost be described as the diminutive contender. However, it compensates with a remarkably light 1389kg kerb weight, delivering a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw engagement, ergonomic perfection, crisp steering, and sublime chassis finesse offer a distinct contrast to the comparatively more distant feel of the Ferrari. The debate over which hybrid supercar reigns supreme continues to intensify.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications
Engine: V6, 2992cc, twin-turbocharged, augmented by an electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, active E-diff
Power: 819 bhp (combined) @ 8000 rpm
Torque: 546 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566 bhp/ton)
0-62 mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205 mph
Price: From £250,000+
The Ferrari 296 GTB represents more than just a step forward; it’s a leap into the future of supercar performance. If you’re ready to explore how this hybrid marvel can redefine your driving experience, or if you’re considering a new benchmark in performance hybrid vehicles, we invite you to connect with our team of experts. Let’s discuss how you can get behind the wheel of this extraordinary machine and witness the future of automotive excellence today.
