The Prancing Horse’s Electrified Evolution: A Deep Dive into the Ferrari 296 GTB
For a decade, the automotive landscape has been in a constant state of flux, particularly within the rarefied air of the supercar segment. As an industry veteran with a front-row seat to these seismic shifts, I’ve witnessed firsthand the relentless pursuit of performance, the embrace of new technologies, and the ever-present rivalry that fuels innovation. Today, one machine stands as a testament to this evolution: the Ferrari 296 GTB. While it’s been gracing our roads for a couple of years, its impact remains profound, especially as we look towards a new generation of hyper-performers, like the much-anticipated Lamborghini Temerario, aiming to redefine what a hybrid supercar can achieve.
The arrival of the 296 GTB in 2022 marked a significant departure for Ferrari’s mid-engined icon. Gone was the celebrated twin-turbo V8, replaced by a groundbreaking twin-turbo V6 augmented by an electric motor. This wasn’t merely an update; it was a paradigm shift, positioning the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a segment that was only just beginning its journey into electrification. When it first emerged, its primary rivals were the Lamborghini Huracán, a symphony of naturally aspirated V10 passion, and the McLaren 720S, a V8 powerhouse focused on sheer velocity. While the McLaren 750S builds upon that legacy, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm V8-hybrid Lamborghini Temerario represents a direct and potent challenge to Maranello’s 819bhp hybridised Berlinetta.
Make no mistake, the Ferrari 296 GTB price packs a formidable punch. Its all-new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6, coupled with an electric motor driving solely the rear wheels (a distinction from the four-wheel-drive SF90), delivers a staggering 819bhp. This powertrain configuration shattered conventional supercar norms upon its debut, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the future of high-performance motoring.
It’s easy to become fixated on such monumental power figures, contemplating their ultimate limits and the practicalities of deploying such immense performance. But the 296 GTB is more than just raw numbers. It represents a trifecta of firsts for a road-going Ferrari: it’s the marque’s first V6-powered road car (the beloved Dino 246 GT never bore the Prancing Horse emblem in its era), the first to feature a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger arrangement, and crucially, a plug-in hybrid capable of around 15 miles of pure electric propulsion. The compact V6 engine sits low within a new aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase 50mm shorter than its V8 predecessors, with occupants positioned slightly further forward.
The electric motor contributes a potent 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 alone generates an astonishing 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined output is the headline-grabbing 819bhp, though Ferrari judiciously refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the combustion engine and electric motor. Nevertheless, it’s safe to assume this combined torque is nothing short of prodigious. The V6 powertrain itself offers a significant weight saving of 30kg compared to Ferrari’s V8s, mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a slender oblong structure, is cleverly nestled behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of sophisticated electronic chassis control systems. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari has engineered its six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS. This cutting-edge system meticulously measures rotational speed and acceleration across the X, Y, and Z planes, effectively replacing traditional yaw sensors. In concert with a sensor on the steering rack, it provides the car with an intimate understanding of driver inputs and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This information allows for the optimization of systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, maximizing cornering speeds while steadfastly maintaining stability and driver confidence. Furthermore, it enables the novel ABS-evo system, which, in RACE mode and above, leverages the 296’s brake-by-wire technology to not only shorten braking distances but also enhance deceleration during trail-braking maneuvers into corners.
In a notable development, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics not for drag reduction, but for augmenting downforce. The company claims a substantial 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with the deployable rear wing contributing up to 100kg of this figure.
The thermal management of the 296 GTB is a masterclass in engineering. Twin radiators at the front handle engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two additional condensers dedicated to battery thermal regulation. Hot air is expertly expelled from the underbody to avoid interference with the airflow directed to the intercoolers along the car’s flanks. The compact apertures beneath the headlamps are specifically designed to channel cooling air to the brakes, while a roofline-integrated wing generates a “virtual” rear screen, expertly guiding air towards the rear of the vehicle as if it were adhering to a physical surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid to air channeling, the rear diffuser design, and crucially, the underbody’s ground clearance to maximize the efficacy of these downforce-generating surfaces.
Our initial exhilarating laps in the 296 GTB on a closed circuit were all experienced with the Ferrari 296 GTB Assetto Fiorano package equipped. This performance-oriented upgrade swaps the standard dampers for Multimatic units, drawing inspiration from GT racing technology, and incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the front fascia, boosting front downforce by a further 20kg. The cabin also sees an increased use of carbon fiber, including the door panels, alongside exterior enhancements, contributing to a total weight saving of 12kg. This figure can be extended to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. Further enhancing the Assetto Fiorano package are the optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the already formidable standard Pilot Sport 4S. Cars equipped with the Fiorano pack can also be adorned with an exterior graphics package, echoing the iconic livery of the 250LM from the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 GTB, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a distinct and captivating presence, a visual departure from anything else on the road, subtly paying homage to the legendary 250LM, even without the polarizing graphics.
Performance and Dynamic Prowess
Initiating movement in the 296 GTB is a straightforward affair, requiring a double press of the lower button on the steering wheel boss followed by engaging first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, silently commencing its journey on electric power unless otherwise commanded. As long as throttle inputs remain measured, it will continue in EV mode, provided the battery retains sufficient charge.
Drivers can actively select ‘eDrive’ mode, overriding powertrain demands for purely electric travel. Alternatively, Performance and Qualifying modes are available. In both these settings, the combustion engine and electric motor work in unison. Performance mode prioritizes sustained output while also managing battery replenishment, whereas Qualifying mode unleashes the full, unadulterated potential of the powertrain, disregarding the battery’s state of charge.
The experience of gliding silently through urban landscapes is a surprisingly serene pleasure. The damping sophistication ensures a remarkably comfortable ride for covering considerable distances, and the ‘frunk’ offers a respectable luggage capacity – a welcome improvement over the SF90. However, the question we all yearn to answer is: what does it feel like when both the V6 and electric motor are unleashed to their full capacity?
The answer is profoundly evident when applying substantial throttle in a higher gear at low revs. The 296 GTB surges forward with an astonishing lack of lag, causing one to momentarily question the very necessity of gears given its sheer potency. Yet, with eight gears at your disposal and an engine that eagerly revs to 8500rpm, the full unleashing of the 296 GTB is nothing short of sensational. The acceleration figures – a sub-3-second 0-62mph time and a top speed exceeding 200mph – translate into a sensation of relentless, almost unnerving velocity, verging on the uncomfortable, yet undeniably addictive. This is a seriously rapid machine. And the soundtrack? It’s a delightful symphony of turbocharger effects layered over the tuneful rasp of the V6, creating a truly immersive auditory experience.
Ride and Handling: A Sculpted Driving Dynamic
What truly sets the Ferrari 296 GTB handling apart is its extraordinary chassis responsiveness. Ferrari’s commitment to making this car “fun to drive” is not mere marketing hyperbole; it’s a tangible reality. The 296 GTB exhibits remarkable agility without ever feeling nervous. The steering, typically light and rapid, also imparts a surprising level of tactile feedback. While grip levels are, as expected, exceptionally high, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable, eliciting an involuntary grin with every precisely placed input.
Despite its quoted dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a palpable lack of inertia that encourages an intuitive and symbiotic relationship with the driver, facilitating delicate inputs and rewarding accuracy and precision. Engaging CT Off mode allows for truly audacious maneuvers, underscored by the reassurance of an advanced electronic safety net far more astute than any human. Yet, even with all electronic aids deactivated, the inherent balance of the 296 GTB allows for subtle coaxing into controllable oversteer, a feat one might not have thought possible in a car boasting 819bhp.
On the circuit, the 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to seemingly shrink even the longest straights. Its sharp-edged precision becomes even more apparent. While the power is ample to break rear traction at numerous points around the lap, the 296 GTB is exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. It quickly becomes apparent that precise control yields the greatest rewards. The astonishing turn-in accuracy and response dramatically compress the entry phase of every corner. Rather than gently easing the car into turns and allowing loads to build progressively, the 296 GTB immediately settles into its apex, its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering working in perfect synergy with the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for those transitioning from more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal, offering an exhilarating experience lap after lap.
The Interior Experience: High-Tech, High-Drama
The cabin architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90, as the 296 GTB draws heavily from its larger sibling. The fully digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear, liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it, present a steep learning curve. It’s undoubtedly complex, but to be fair, there’s a significant amount of information to convey. The primary frustration arises when simple operations occasionally require a second press after the initial attempt fails to register, or when uncertainty lingers about whether a command has been successfully executed. Nevertheless, the cabin undeniably exudes an aura of specialness.
Ferrari 296 GTB review verdict: A New Era of Electrified Excellence
From my vantage point, having seen numerous supercars come and go, the Ferrari 296 GTB review landscape has been dominated by a clear narrative: the successful integration of electrification without sacrificing the soul of the Prancing Horse. In the evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, the 296 GTB achieved a joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, a testament to its outstanding dynamic capabilities and sophisticated engineering. The judges were notably divided, a common occurrence when facing such exceptional machinery.
Many echoed the sentiment that the 296 GTB represents “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment that resonates deeply. The hybrid system’s seamless integration was widely praised, proving far less intrusive than initially feared, perhaps due to our growing familiarity with the torquey nature of turbocharged V8s in models like the 488 and F8. The 296 GTB is ferociously quick, but its appeal extends beyond mere straight-line speed, thanks to the characterful V6 engine and its melodious soundtrack that evolves with throttle application.
While the Ferrari’s hybridisation was largely lauded for its seamless operation, a notable incident left one tester stranded due to a depleted battery. Although Ferrari had provided clear guidance on preventing such scenarios, the oversight of not engineering a simple fail-safe mechanism for a company renowned for technological innovation was a point of contention. Fortunately, this occurred after the scoring was complete.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering proved divisive, brake feel didn’t consistently match the very best in its class, and the infotainment technology faced widespread criticism for its complexity. However, these critiques were ultimately overshadowed by the 296 GTB’s irresistible allure. The car’s uncanny ability to change direction, its remarkable damping, immense grip levels, and the linearity of its seemingly unending power delivery left many, including myself, utterly bewitched.
This model represents a significant return to form for Ferrari, particularly in contrast to the SF90’s more detached persona. The 296 GTB’s technical sophistication and the natural integration of its hybrid technology feel far more organic and less intrusive. Ferrari has demonstrably learned from the SF90, distilling its advancements into a series-production model that stands as one of its finest achievements.
When a vehicle is so densely packed with cutting-edge technology, there’s always a risk of it becoming less than the sum of its parts – a pitfall we observed with the SF90’s dazzling power but somewhat inscrutable driving characteristics. The 296 GTB, however, charts a distinctly different course. Its organic feel and the harmonious blend of immense power with engaging dynamics strike a perfect chord, redefining expectations for a supercar in the circa-$300,000 price bracket. Whispers of a “Versione Speciale” variant, promising even greater intensity and performance, suggest further evolution is on the horizon, with the hope that the standard 296’s inherently natural feel will be preserved.
It is precisely this aspect of the 296 GTB’s character that we hope Lamborghini has meticulously honed in its forthcoming Temerario hybrid supercar. Over 900bhp is an astronomical figure for a series-production supercar, and it has the potential to overwhelm if the rest of the vehicle isn’t expertly resolved to manage it. Given Lamborghini’s success with the Revuelto, there is every reason to be optimistic about the Temerario’s capabilities. If they have indeed mastered the art of integrating such immense power, we are poised for an epic twin test, potentially even a triple threat with the McLaren 750S, which, by comparison, appears almost diminutive with its 740bhp. However, the McLaren’s relatively svelte 1389kg kerb weight ensures a potent power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw engagement, ergonomic perfection, crisp steering, and sublime chassis control offer a compelling contrast to the comparatively more remote feel of the Ferrari.
For those seeking the pinnacle of hybrid supercar performance and a driving experience that transcends the ordinary, the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a monumental achievement. Its blend of breathtaking speed, advanced technology, and driver-focused dynamics sets a new benchmark. We invite you to explore the 296 GTB further and discover how this electrified marvel is reshaping the future of performance driving.
