Ferrari 296 GTB: Maranello’s Electrified Masterpiece Navigates the Supercar Frontier
As an industry observer with a decade immersed in the exhilarating world of performance automobiles, I’ve witnessed seismic shifts. The supercar segment, once defined by the raw, visceral roar of naturally aspirated engines, has irrevocably pivoted. At the forefront of this transformation stands the Ferrari 296 GTB, a name that has become synonymous with audacious innovation and a radical departure from convention. Even as formidable contenders like the forthcoming Lamborghini Temerario emerge, promising staggering power figures, the 296 GTB continues to command reverence, a testament to its groundbreaking engineering and captivating driving dynamics. This isn’t merely a new car; it’s a declaration of intent from Maranello, reshaping the very definition of a hybrid supercar in 2025.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked an unprecedented turning point for Ferrari’s mid-engined icon. Shedding the celebrated, award-winning twin-turbo V8 in favor of a sophisticated new twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by an electric powertrain, the 296 GTB seized the initiative in a segment that is still grappling with the complexities and potential of hybrid integration. Its debut placed it against rivals that, while potent, represented a more traditional evolutionary path. The Lamborghini Huracán, with its evocative naturally aspirated V10, offered an intoxicating soundtrack and raw character, though it lagged in outright power. Meanwhile, the McLaren 720S, a titan of the twin-turbo V8 era, championed a philosophy of relentless power-to-weight supremacy. Now, however, the landscape is dramatically altered by the imminent arrival of the Lamborghini Temerario. This 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid behemoth, featuring a twin-turbo V8 and electric augmentation, is clearly Lamborghini’s direct riposte to Ferrari’s electrified Berlinetta, which outputs a formidable 819bhp.
The sheer firepower of the Ferrari 296 GTB is undeniable. Its all-new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, paired with an electric motor driving the rear wheels exclusively (a departure from the four-wheel-drive SF90 Stradale), delivers a combined output of 819bhp. This synergy effectively shattered existing supercar paradigms. It’s easy to become fixated on such astonishing power figures and to ponder where this relentless escalation will lead – or indeed, where one might responsibly deploy such formidable performance. However, the true brilliance of the 296 GTB lies beyond mere numbers; it resides in how this power is harnessed and delivered.
Significantly, the 296 GTB holds the distinction of being the first V6-powered road-legal Ferrari, a lineage that, while not carrying the Prancing Horse badge in its era, harks back to the delightful 246 GT Dino. It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration and incorporates a plug-in hybrid system, offering an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles. This compact V6, mounted low within a novel aluminum chassis, contributes to 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 produces a staggering 654bhp and 546lb ft. Ferrari deliberately abstains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. Nevertheless, it’s safe to assume this synergistic torque delivery is nothing short of prodigious. Critically, the V6 unit is approximately 30kg lighter than Ferrari’s V8s and is mated to an innovative eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a sleek, elongated unit, is discreetly housed behind the seats, contributing to the car’s balanced weight distribution.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of sophisticated electronic chassis control systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has developed a groundbreaking six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This advanced system measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes, effectively replacing conventional yaw sensors. In conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, it provides an unparalleled understanding of both driver input and the available grip at the tire contact patch. This data is then used to optimize the performance of systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, maximizing cornering speeds while meticulously preserving stability and driver confidence. Furthermore, it facilitates the debut of ABS-evo in RACE mode and above. Leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire system, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also enhances braking performance during trail braking into corners, a critical technique for optimizing lap times.
For the first time in its history, Ferrari is employing its active aerodynamics not to minimize drag, but to actively generate downforce. The company claims an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a significant portion, up to 100kg, generated by the deployable rear wing. The thermal management of the 296 GTB is a marvel of engineering. Two radiators in the front fascia handle engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two condensers dedicated to the battery pack. Hot air is expelled beneath the car to avoid any disruption to the airflow directed towards the intercoolers along the flanks. The subtle apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to cooling the brakes, while an aerodynamically integrated wing at the rear of the roofline creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, effectively channeling air to the rear of the car as if guided by a precisely sculpted surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce is meticulously managed beneath the car, with particular emphasis placed on the diffuser and the underbody’s ground clearance to maximize the efficacy of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The examples of the 296 GTB we had the privilege of experiencing on track 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 elements on the front splitter, which contribute an additional 20kg of front downforce. The interior also benefits from increased carbon fiber applications, such as the door panels, alongside exterior enhancements, collectively shaving off 12kg from the vehicle’s overall weight. This saving can be further extended to 15kg by opting for the Lexan rear engine cover. For those seeking ultimate track-day performance, the Assetto Fiorano package also offers the option of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, a significant upgrade over the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Furthermore, cars specified with the Fiorano package can be adorned with an exterior graphics package, subtly evoking the iconic liveries of the 1960s 250LM. Visually, the 296 GTB is a striking departure from anything else on the road, possessing a distinct and undeniably beautiful form that, even without the more overt graphics, pays a respectful homage to its legendary forebears.
Initiating the driving experience of the Ferrari 296 GTB is elegantly straightforward. A double-press of the lower section of the steering wheel boss readies the powertrain, followed by engaging first gear. The 296 defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing for initial propulsion via electric power alone. This can be maintained by judicious throttle application, provided the battery retains sufficient charge. The driver has the option to explicitly engage EV mode, overriding the powertrain’s automatic selections, or to select Performance and Qualifying modes. In these more aggressive settings, both power sources operate in tandem. Performance mode aims to maintain battery charge while delivering substantial power, whereas Qualifying mode prioritizes absolute peak performance, disregarding the battery’s state of charge.
The serene experience of gliding through urban landscapes on electric power is a surprisingly enjoyable facet of the 296 GTB. The damping sophistication ensures a remarkably comfortable ride for covering significant distances, and the “frunk” offers a surprisingly practical luggage compartment, a welcome improvement over the SF90. However, the true revelation, the experience that ignites the senses, occurs when both the V6 engine and electric motor are unleashed in their full glory. The immediate, lag-free surge of acceleration when planting the throttle at low revs in a high gear is simply astonishing, making one momentarily question the necessity of gear changes due to the sheer potency on tap. Yet, with eight gears and an engine that eagerly winds out to 8500rpm, the experience when truly exploring the 296’s capabilities is nothing short of breathtaking. The acceleration figures – a sub-3-second 0-62mph sprint and a top speed exceeding 205mph – translate to a relentless, exhilarating force that borders on overwhelming, yet is undeniably addictive. The auditory experience is equally captivating, a harmonious blend of turbocharger whistle and the tuneful rasp of the V6, creating a symphony of performance.
The chassis response of the Ferrari 296 GTB is profoundly impressive. Ferrari’s stated aim of creating a car that is ‘fun to drive’ is not hyperbole. The car feels exceptionally agile without exhibiting any hint of nervousness. The steering is characteristically light and quick, yet it conveys an impressive level of road feel and feedback. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable, inviting playful exploration and eliciting genuine grins. Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter, exhibiting a remarkable lack of inertia that encourages the driver to work with the car, making precise, minimal inputs and reveling in its accuracy. Engaging CT Off mode provides an extraordinary degree of freedom, with the reassurance of an intelligent electronic guardian. Even with all systems deactivated, the inherent balance of the 296 allows for controlled oversteer that one might not expect from a car boasting 819bhp.
On a racetrack, the 296 GTB possesses an uncanny ability to dramatically shorten even the longest straights. More strikingly, it reveals itself as an incredibly sharp instrument. While abundant power is available to break traction at numerous points around the lap, the 296 is exceptionally sensitive to braking and steering inputs. Precision in control is rewarded with unparalleled dynamism. The turn-in accuracy and responsiveness are extraordinary, dramatically compressing the entry phase of every corner. Rather than needing to ease the car into turns and build load, the 296 settles instantly, aided by its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering, which perfectly complements the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB deliver an exhilarating and joyous experience, lap after lap.
The interior architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as it draws heavily from that flagship model. The fully digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear, liberally applied across the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it, present a significant learning curve. While the complexity is understandable given the vast amount of information and control available, the primary frustration lies in the occasional need for a secondary press for simple operations that fail to register initially, or an ambiguity regarding whether a press has been successful. Nevertheless, the cabin undeniably exudes a sense of occasion and specialness.
evo Car of the Year 2022 Verdict Insights:
The competition was fierce, with the McLaren Artura and Ferrari 296 GTB vying for supremacy, separated by the narrowest of margins. The judges were divided, with an equal split of preferences. Those who favored the Ferrari lauded its spectacular nature – its breathtaking aesthetics, outrageous speed, incredible exploitability, and profound technical sophistication. The V6 engine was praised for demonstrating how downsizing can be achieved without sacrificing drama, and it was noted to match the Artura in sheer control while offering a more playful and indulgent driving experience. The 296 GTB was hailed by some as the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355. The hybrid system’s seamless integration was a significant positive, not fundamentally altering the driving experience as feared, likely due to the acclimatization to the torque-rich characteristics of turbocharged V8s in previous models. The car’s blistering pace was complemented by the characterful V6, producing an always-sweet soundtrack that evolves with throttle input.
While the seamless integration of the hybrid system was widely applauded, a notable incident saw a test car rendered immobile due to a depleted battery, with no apparent means of revival. Ferrari had indeed cautioned about this possibility and outlined preventative measures. However, the concern remained that an owner could inadvertently find themselves in a similar predicament. This led to criticism that a manufacturer capable of pioneering individual rear-wheel steering could not engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent such an occurrence. Fortunately for the 296, this issue arose after the scoring was complete.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinions, and the brake pedal feel, while competent, did not quite match the benchmark set by other cars in the group. The tech interface also faced widespread criticism for its excessive complexity. Despite these drawbacks, the 296 GTB proved irresistibly seductive. One tester confessed to being initially skeptical, expecting a car that was overly complex and gratuitously different, but ultimately found himself bewitched by its uncanny ability to change direction, its phenomenal damping, extraordinary levels of grip, and the linearity of its seemingly endless power delivery.
evo Magazine’s 2022 Car of the Year review, by Peter Tomalin, highlighted: “The 296 represents a significant return to form for Ferrari, especially after the SF90 left many feeling underwhelmed. Its technical sophistication, and particularly the integration of its hybrid technology, feels far more natural and less intrusive. Ferrari has clearly learned from the SF90, distilling its learnings into a series production model that stands as one of its very best.”
Pricing and the Competitive Arena:
When a vehicle is laden with such advanced technology, the risk of the sum being less than its parts is ever-present. This was a sentiment echoed in our assessment of the SF90 Stradale, which, despite its dazzling power, sometimes felt elusive in its driving characteristics. The 296 GTB, however, operates on a different plane. Its achievement of joint third place in our 2022 Euro Car of the Year awards alongside the McLaren Artura is indicative of its more organic and harmonious character. The exquisite balance of immense power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect chord, effectively redefining the expectations for a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket. Rumors of an upcoming Versione Speciale variant, code-named ‘A,’ promise even greater power, performance, and intensity, though one hopes that the standard 296’s remarkably natural driving feel will be preserved.
It is this crucial aspect of natural integration that we sincerely hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an almost obscene amount of power for a series-production supercar, and it has the potential to overwhelm if the surrounding chassis and dynamics are not impeccably resolved to manage it. Given the remarkable success Lamborghini achieved with the Revuelto, there is genuine reason for optimism that the Temerario will prove equally capable. If Lamborghini has indeed mastered this complex equation, we are poised for an epic twin-test showdown, pitting two hybrid titans against each other.
Alternatively, we could expand this to a colossal 2400bhp triple threat by including the McLaren 750S. Astonishingly, this car is now the ‘minnow’ of this elite group, with a comparatively modest 740bhp. However, its trump card is its remarkably petite 1389kg kerb weight, granting it a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw immediacy, ergonomic perfection, razor-sharp steering, and deft chassis control offer a distinct contrast to the, at times, comparatively remote feel of the Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications:
Engine: 2992cc, twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by an electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, with active E-diff
Combined Power: 819bhp @ 8000rpm
Combined Torque: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm
Weight: 1470kg (dry), yielding a power-to-weight ratio of 566bhp/ton
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph (electronically limited)
Estimated Price: £250,000+
The Ferrari 296 GTB represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of the supercar. It’s a machine that masterfully blends blistering performance with an unexpected level of refinement and driver engagement. For those seeking to experience the cutting edge of automotive engineering and performance, the 296 GTB offers an unparalleled opportunity. To understand the future of the supercar, one must experience this electrified masterpiece.
Ready to explore the pinnacle of hybrid supercar performance? Contact your nearest authorized Ferrari dealer today to arrange a private viewing and discover the breathtaking capabilities of the 296 GTB firsthand.
