The Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Masterpiece Redefining Supercar Dynamics
For a decade, I’ve navigated the thrilling, and at times tumultuous, landscape of the automotive industry, with a particular fascination for the apex predators of the supercar world. In my years of experience, I’ve witnessed firsthand the evolution of automotive engineering, the relentless pursuit of performance, and the often-subtle yet profound shifts that define an era. Today, as we stand on the cusp of 2025, the automotive discourse is dominated by electrification, a trend that’s fundamentally reshaping even the most revered performance marques. Among these, Ferrari has always stood as a beacon of innovation, pushing boundaries with every Prancing Horse badge. And in this evolving narrative, the Ferrari 296 GTB emerges not just as a car, but as a statement – a bold declaration of intent that has effectively set a new benchmark for what a hybrid supercar can, and should, be.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a seismic shift for the Maranello marque. Forsaking its lineage of celebrated twin-turbo V8 engines, Ferrari embarked on a daring new path, introducing a groundbreaking twin-turbo V6 powerplant augmented by sophisticated electric assistance. This transition, happening at a time when many competitors were still grappling with the complexities of electrification, positioned the Ferrari 296 GTB at the vanguard of a segment undergoing a radical metamorphosis. It was a calculated gamble, a testament to Ferrari’s unwavering commitment to innovation, and a clear signal to the world that the future of high-performance driving was here, and it was electrified.
Historically, the Ferrari 296 GTB’s most direct contemporary rival was the Lamborghini Huracán, a car celebrated for its naturally aspirated V10 symphony and visceral analog appeal. While the Huracán offered a captivating sonic experience and a raw, unadulterated connection to the road, it found itself outgunned in terms of sheer power output by the technologically advanced Italian. The landscape was also defined by the ferocious McLaren 720S, a masterclass in twin-turbo V8 prowess and power-to-weight supremacy. However, the imminent arrival of the Lamborghini Temerario, boasting a staggering 903bhp from its 10,000rpm V8 hybrid powertrain, represents a direct and formidable challenge to Maranello’s hybrid Berlinetta, which itself outputs a potent 819bhp. This escalating power war, fueled by hybrid technology, is precisely what makes the Ferrari 296 GTB such a pivotal machine.
The raw numbers associated with the Ferrari 296 GTB are, frankly, astonishing. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, coupled with an electric motor, propels the rear wheels with a combined output of 819bhp. This isn’t merely an incremental upgrade; it’s a paradigm shift. The electric motor alone contributes a significant 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 engine independently delivers a breathtaking 654bhp and 546lb ft. Ferrari, in its typical enigmatic fashion, refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. However, it’s safe to surmise that the combined twist is nothing short of immense. Beyond the power, the V6 unit itself is 30kg lighter than its V8 predecessors, a crucial weight saving that contributes significantly to the car’s agile demeanor. This potent powertrain is mated to a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the compact battery pack, a long, oblong structure, is ingeniously housed behind the seats, preserving the car’s optimal weight distribution.
The engineering prowess extends far beyond the powertrain. Ferrari has integrated a sophisticated suite of electronic chassis management systems, a hallmark of their performance machines. Central to this is the new six-axis sensor, dubbed 6w-CDS (Six-Way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This advanced system measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes, effectively replacing traditional yaw sensors. In conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, it provides the car’s computers with an unprecedented understanding of driver input and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data is then utilized to optimize systems like Side Slip Control and the active Electronic Differential (E-Diff), allowing for maximum cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and driver confidence. Furthermore, the 6w-CDS enables the novel ABS-evo system, available in RACE mode and above. Working in tandem with the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, ABS-evo not only reduces braking distances but also significantly enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners, a critical technique for maximizing lap times.
Aerodynamics also play a crucial role in the Ferrari 296 GTB’s performance envelope. For the first time, Ferrari has leveraged its active aerodynamics not to minimize drag, but to aggressively generate downforce. The company quotes an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a substantial 100kg of that figure being produced by the deployable rear wing. This is a testament to Ferrari’s philosophy of using every available tool to enhance on-road performance. The car’s cooling strategy is equally meticulous. Two radiators in the front are dedicated to engine and gearbox cooling, while an additional pair of condensers manage the battery’s thermal needs. Hot air is expelled from the underbody to prevent interference with the airflow directed to the intercoolers along the flanks. Small apertures beneath the headlamps channel air to the brakes, and a subtle wing integrated into the roofline creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, guiding airflow to the rear of the car with remarkable precision. The majority of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s downforce, however, is generated from beneath the car. Ferrari’s engineers have paid particular attention to the underbody design, focusing not only on airflow management and the rear diffuser but also on optimizing the underbody’s ground clearance to maximize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
Our initial encounters with the Ferrari 296 GTB on a closed circuit were with models 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 elements on the front splitter, contributing an extra 20kg of front-end downforce. Inside, the Assetto Fiorano package further incorporates lightweight carbon fiber components, such as the door panels, reducing overall weight by an additional 12kg. This saving can be further increased to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For those seeking the ultimate track-focused setup, the Assetto Fiorano package also offers the option of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, a significant step up from the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Visually, Assetto Fiorano cars can also be adorned with an exterior graphics package, inspired by the iconic 250LM from the 1960s, adding a historical racing pedigree to the modern marvel.
In the metal, the Ferrari 296 GTB is a visually arresting machine. Its design language is refreshingly distinct, a departure from conventional supercar aesthetics, and undeniably evokes the spirit of the classic 250LM, even without the optional graphic enhancements. It’s a car that commands attention, a sculpted masterpiece of Italian automotive design.
Getting the Ferrari 296 GTB underway is an experience in itself. A simple double-press of the lower steering wheel boss readies the powertrain, and selecting first gear initiates the journey. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, meaning initial acceleration is silent and purely electric, provided the battery retains sufficient charge and the driver exercises restraint with the throttle. This allows for remarkably discreet urban traversal, a testament to the sophistication of its hybrid integration. The driver can also actively select EV mode, forcing the car to operate on electric power alone, irrespective of throttle demands. Beyond this, there are the Performance and Qualify modes. In Performance mode, both the V6 engine and electric motor work in concert, with a strategy that aims to maintain battery charge. Qualify mode, as the name suggests, unleashes the full fury of the hybrid system, prioritizing ultimate performance above all else, with scant regard for the battery’s state of charge.
The ability to glide silently through picturesque villages is an unexpected and delightful facet of the Ferrari 296 GTB experience. The damping, tuned for remarkable sophistication, ensures a surprisingly comfortable ride, even over long distances. Furthermore, the ‘frunk’ offers a usable luggage space, a practical consideration absent in some of Ferrari’s more extreme offerings like the SF90. However, the true essence of the Ferrari 296 GTB is revealed when both the V6 engine and the electric motor are fully unleashed.
The sensation of planting the throttle at low revs in a higher gear is nothing short of exhilarating. The Ferrari 296 GTB surges forward with an immediate, lag-free response that compels you to momentarily question the necessity of gear changes, such is its immediate potency. Yet, with eight gears to exploit and an engine that willingly revs to 8,500rpm, the experience of truly unwinding the Ferrari 296 GTB is utterly electrifying. The acceleration figures, including a blistering 0-62mph sprint in the low 2-second range and a top speed exceeding 200mph, paint a picture of a car that delivers a hold-on-tight, laugh-out-loud rush of speed that is as addictive as it is awe-inspiring. The soundtrack is equally captivating, a complex blend of turbocharger whistles and a melodious V6 rasp that evolves with throttle input.
The handling characteristics of the Ferrari 296 GTB are where it truly shines, setting it apart in its class. The chassis responds with an almost telepathic eagerness, validating Ferrari’s stated aim of making this car ‘fun to drive’. It feels exceptionally agile, yet remarkably composed, never bordering on nervous. The steering, a signature Ferrari trait, is typically light and incredibly quick, but crucially, it transmits a wealth of feedback from the road. While grip levels are predictably immense, the Ferrari 296 GTB offers a delightful level of adjustability on the throttle, eliciting a grin that’s impossible to suppress.
Despite its dry weight of around 1470kg, the Ferrari 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a palpable lack of inertia that encourages an intuitive driving style, allowing for small, precise inputs and a deep appreciation for its accuracy. Engaging the CT Off mode offers a remarkable degree of freedom, with the reassurance of an intelligent electronic safety net far superior to any human reflex. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the Ferrari 296 GTB’s inherent balance allows for nuanced oversteer characteristics, a feat that seems almost implausible in a car producing such prodigious horsepower.
On a racetrack, the Ferrari 296 GTB has the remarkable ability to shrink even the longest straights. What becomes abundantly clear is its precision as a scalpel. The power is readily available to break rear-wheel traction at numerous points around the lap, yet the car is incredibly sensitive to braking and steering inputs. Mastering this sensitivity and executing precise control inputs yields the most rewarding experience. The turn-in accuracy is phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing the car into turns, the Ferrari 296 GTB settles immediately, its hyper-quick steering perfectly complementing the enhanced body control provided by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for a driver transitioning from a more conventional sports car, the speed, precision, and agility of the Ferrari 296 GTB are simply breathtaking, offering an addictive joy lap after lap.
The interior of the Ferrari 296 GTB shares a strong familial resemblance with the SF90 Stradale. The purely digital interface and the accompanying haptic switchgear, liberally spread across the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods, can present a learning curve. While undoubtedly complex, this is perhaps understandable given the sheer volume of information and control functions. The primary challenge lies in the sometimes-unresponsive nature of these haptic controls, occasionally requiring a second press or leaving the driver uncertain if an input has been registered. Despite these ergonomic quibbles, the cabin unequivocally feels like a special place to be, steeped in Ferrari’s performance heritage.
In the esteemed evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, the Ferrari 296 GTB found itself locked in a fierce battle. The competition was so close that the margin between the McLaren Artura and the Ferrari 296 GTB was often described as being as thin as a fag paper. The judging panel was famously divided, with three testers narrowly preferring the Ferrari and three favoring the McLaren.
Those who championed the Ferrari 296 GTB, including myself, were captivated by its sheer brilliance. Jethro Bovingdon lauded it as “a spectacular car. 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 Meaden echoed this sentiment, proclaiming it “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment shared by many. He further noted, “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 296 GTB’s hybridisation was widely praised. However, one significant concern emerged: a situation where the car was rendered immobile due to a depleted battery with no apparent means of recovery. While Ferrari had provided prior warnings and outlined procedures to prevent such an occurrence, the possibility of an owner finding themselves in a similar predicament is not inconceivable. As one tester pointed out, “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 Ferrari 296 GTB, this incident occurred after the scoring was complete.
Despite this, other aspects of the Ferrari 296 GTB continued to impress. Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering, while dividing opinion, was a notable feature. Brake feel, while excellent, didn’t quite match the very best in the class. The technological interface, however, remained a point of criticism for its complexity. Yet, as Vivian concluded, “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…”
This return to form for Ferrari, following a less enthusiastic reception for the SF90, was widely acknowledged. Peter Tomalin, editor of evo, summarized: “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.” He further noted the valuable lessons Ferrari had learned from the SF90, distilling that experience into a series production model that stands as “one of its very best.”
The inherent risk with any car so heavily laden with cutting-edge technology is that it can become less than the sum of its parts. This was an observation made with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power, could be unnerving due to its challenging driving characteristics. The Ferrari 296 GTB, however, is a different proposition entirely. Its success at the evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, where it secured joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, is a testament to its more organic feel. The masterful blend of exhilarating power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect chord, effectively redefining the expectations for a supercar priced around the £250,000 mark. Anticipation is high for a forthcoming Versione Speciale variant, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity, with the fervent hope that the Ferrari 296 GTB’s inherent natural feel is preserved.
It is precisely this aspect of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s finely tuned character that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized when honing its upcoming hybrid Temerario. A twin-turbo V8 hybrid delivering over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power, one that can easily overwhelm a chassis that isn’t perfectly resolved to manage it. If Lamborghini has indeed captured the magic seen in the Revuelto, then we are poised for an epic twin test, potentially featuring a combined 1700bhp! Or perhaps a triple threat with the McLaren 750S, a car that, in this company, appears almost diminutive with its mere 740bhp. Yet, the McLaren’s lithe 1389kg kerb weight ensures a competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw, ergonomic rightness, razor-sharp steering, and deft chassis control offer a more intimate connection compared to the comparatively more detached Ferrari.
For those seeking the pinnacle of automotive engineering and exhilarating performance, exploring the Ferrari 296 GTB is an essential next step. Whether you’re considering a purchase, seeking a deeper understanding of hybrid supercar technology, or simply wish to witness the apex of automotive innovation, engaging with a Ferrari 296 GTB dealer or arranging a private viewing can provide invaluable insights. The future of the supercar is here, and the Ferrari 296 GTB is its undeniable vanguard.
