The Electrifying Evolution: Is the Ferrari 296 GTB the New Benchmark for Hybrid Supercars?
For a decade now, the supercar landscape has been on a relentless march towards more power, more technology,
and an ever-increasing embrace of electrification. As an industry veteran with ten years immersed in this hyper-automotive world, I’ve witnessed firsthand the seismic shifts that have redefined what a performance car can be. While the roar of a naturally aspirated engine still stirs the soul, the undeniable reality is that hybrid powertrains are no longer a whisper on the horizon; they are the thunderclap. And at the forefront of this electrifying evolution stands the Ferrari 296 GTB. This isn’t just another Ferrari; it’s a bold statement, a technological tour de force, and a car that has set a formidable new standard for its rivals, particularly the anticipated Lamborghini Temerario.
When the 296 GTB burst onto the scene in 2022, it represented a paradigm shift for Ferrari. The departure from the venerable, award-winning twin-turbo V8 – a powerplant that had defined an era of incredible performance – in favor of a compact yet potent twin-turbo V6 augmented by electric power, was a gamble. Yet, it was a gamble that paid off handsomely, positioning the 296 GTB as a pioneer in a segment where hybrid integration was still finding its footing. Its arrival challenged the established order, which at the time was largely characterized by the naturally aspirated V10 charisma of the Lamborghini Huracán and the V8 dominance of the McLaren 720S. Now, with the specter of a 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid V8 from Lamborghini – the Temerario – looming, the 296 GTB’s brilliance becomes even more pronounced. This isn’t merely a step forward; it’s a leap into the future of supercar performance, a future where electrified powertrains aren’t a compromise, but a catalyst for unprecedented exhilaration.
The raw numbers alone are enough to elicit gasps. The 296 GTB’s 819bhp combined output, derived from a revolutionary 120-degree twin-turbo V6 and a potent electric motor, doesn’t just impress; it redefines expectations. Unlike its SF90 Stradale sibling, the 296 directs its prodigious power solely to the rear wheels, a decision that harks back to Ferrari’s purist sports car DNA, yet injects a level of dynamic involvement that is utterly captivating. This is a car that makes you question the very limits of what’s possible on four wheels and ponder where such unbridled performance can truly be unleashed.
What truly sets the Ferrari 296 GTB apart is its pioneering spirit. It marks the first time a V6 engine has graced a road-going Ferrari, harking back to the legendary Dino 246 GT (though the Dino never officially wore the Prancing Horse badge in its era). More significantly, it’s the first Ferrari to adopt a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration, where the turbos are nestled within the engine’s V-angle, benefiting from increased efficiency and quicker response. And then there’s the plug-in hybrid capability, offering an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles – a testament to Ferrari’s commitment to not only raw performance but also a more nuanced approach to the supercar experience.
Beneath its sculpted form lies a meticulously engineered chassis. The compact V6, mounted low for optimal weight distribution, is housed within a new aluminum structure, featuring a wheelbase that’s been reduced by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors. This reduction, combined with a slightly forward seating position for the occupants, contributes to an uncanny sense of agility and responsiveness. The electric motor itself is a formidable unit, contributing a substantial 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque to the fray. The V6, in isolation, is a marvel, churning out a staggering 654bhp and 546lb ft. While Ferrari wisely refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure – a nod to the complex interplay between the V-engine and the electric motor – it’s safe to assume the figure is nothing short of colossal. This V6, incidentally, sheds an impressive 30kg over a comparable V8, a testament to the relentless pursuit of efficiency without sacrificing an ounce of performance. Mated to a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and powered by a compact, long-form battery pack strategically placed behind the seats, the powertrain integration is a masterclass in automotive engineering.
As expected from a modern Ferrari, the 296 GTB is laden with a suite of acronym-laden electronic chassis systems, each designed to extract the maximum from the chassis and the driver. The centerpiece is the six-axis sensor known as 6w-CDS, a marvel of engineering that measures acceleration and rotational speed across all three planes (X, Y, and Z). This sophisticated sensor replaces traditional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with sensors on the steering rack, provides the car with an almost prescient understanding of driver inputs and available grip levels. This data is then fed to systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, working in concert to maximize cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability. A notable innovation is the ABS-evo system, activated in RACE mode and above, which, through the brake-by-wire system, not only shortens braking distances but also enhances performance during trail braking – that delicate art of modulating the brakes as you turn into a corner.
Ferrari’s expertise in active aerodynamics is also on full display, but with a fascinating twist. Instead of solely focusing on drag reduction, the 296 GTB utilizes its active aero to increase downforce. A quoted figure of 360kg at 155mph is achieved, with a significant portion – up to 100kg – generated by a deployable rear wing. The thermal management is equally ingenious. Two radiators at the front handle engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two condensers dedicated to the battery pack. Hot air is efficiently expelled from underneath, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with the airflow directed to the intercoolers along the car’s flanks. Small apertures beneath the headlamps channel air to cool the brakes, while a 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 downforce, however, is generated from beneath the car. Every aspect of the underbody, from the carefully sculpted channels and diffuser to the precise ground clearance, has been optimized to maximize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The Ferrari 296 GTB is available with the optional Assetto Fiorano package, a nod to its GT racing heritage. This package replaces the standard dampers with race-derived Multimatic units and adds carbon fiber aerodynamic elements to the front splitter, increasing front downforce by an additional 20kg. Further weight savings are achieved through the extensive use of carbon fiber in the cabin, including the door panels, and on the exterior. Opting for the Lexan rear engine cover shaves off another 3kg, bringing the total weight saving to a significant 15kg. For the ultimate grip, the Assetto Fiorano package also allows for the fitment of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the already formidable standard Pilot Sport 4S. Aesthetically, the Fiorano package can be enhanced with a graphics package inspired by the iconic 250LM of the 1960s, a subtle yet powerful connection to Ferrari’s rich racing past. Even without these embellishments, the 296 GTB is a visually stunning machine, a departure from anything else on the road, echoing the timeless elegance of the 250LM.
Engaging with the Ferrari 296 GTB is an event in itself. A double-press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear, initiates the experience. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing for silent, electric-only propulsion unless dictated otherwise by the driver’s choice of mode via the intuitive haptic buttons on the steering wheel. Maintaining a gentle throttle allows for purely electric travel, provided the battery has sufficient charge. For those who wish to remain in electric propulsion, a dedicated ‘e-drive’ mode can be selected, overriding any demands made of the powertrain. Beyond this, Performance and Qualifying modes unleash the full fury of the hybrid system. Performance mode aims for exhilarating acceleration while simultaneously working to replenish the battery, whereas Qualifying mode prioritizes unadulterated, no-holds-barred performance, with little regard for the battery’s state of charge.
The sheer pleasure of gliding through urban landscapes on electric power is an unexpected delight, a testament to the 296 GTB’s versatility. The damping is so exceptionally refined that long journeys become remarkably comfortable. Even the practicality quotient receives a boost, with a surprisingly capacious luggage area in the front ‘frunk’ – a welcome addition compared to the SF90. But it’s when both the V6 engine and the electric motor are unleashed in their full glory that the true magic of the Ferrari 296 GTB is revealed. Prod the throttle from low revs in a high gear, and the car surges forward with a ferocious, lag-free immediacy that makes you momentarily question the necessity of gears. Yet, with eight to choose from and an engine that eagerly spins to 8,500rpm, the experience is nothing short of electrifying. The rate of acceleration is truly astonishing, bordering on the uncomfortable, yet addictively exhilarating. It’s a symphony of turbocharged sound effects interwoven with the tuneful rasp of the V6, creating a soundtrack that is as captivating as the performance itself.
The chassis response of the 296 GTB is nothing short of brilliant. Ferrari’s promise of a car that is “fun to drive” is not hyperbole; it’s a tangible reality. The car feels exceptionally agile without ever becoming nervous. The steering, while typically light and rapid as one would expect from Ferrari, also offers a surprising level of tactility and feedback. Grip levels are, as expected, immense, but what truly elevates the driving experience is the car’s adjustability on the throttle. It encourages you to work with it, to experiment, and to indulge in its phenomenal capabilities. Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter, its lack of inertia allowing for intuitive, small inputs and an unwavering sense of precision. Even with the traction control in ‘CT Off’ mode, there’s a reassuring electronic safety net, yet the inherent balance of the car allows for playful oversteer, a feat one might never imagine possible in a car with 819bhp.
On a racetrack, the 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to make even the longest straights feel shorter. It’s a razor-sharp instrument, capable of generating prodigious grip and power that can easily break traction at the rear at numerous points around the circuit. However, it’s also incredibly sensitive to braking and steering inputs, rewarding precision with an unparalleled level of engagement. The turn-in accuracy and immediate response dramatically compress the entry phase of every corner. Instead of gradually loading the tires, the 296 GTB settles into its apex instantaneously, its hyper-quick steering perfectly complementing the enhanced roll support offered by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for those accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the Ferrari 296 GTB are phenomenal, delivering a joyous and addictive experience lap after lap.
The interior design of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale. The purely digital interface, coupled with an array of haptic switchgear scattered across the steering wheel and surrounding pods, presents a steep learning curve. While the intention is to present a wealth of information and controls, the execution can sometimes feel overly complex. Simple operations can occasionally require a second press to register, and discerning whether a command has been successfully received can be a challenge. However, despite these ergonomic quibbles, the cabin undeniably exudes a sense of occasion and exclusivity, a truly special place to be.
The praise for the Ferrari 296 GTB was widespread, culminating in its strong performance at the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards. Judges were notably divided between the Ferrari and its McLaren Artura rival, with the Ferrari ultimately narrowly edged out for the top spot by a mere ‘fag paper’ margin. However, the sentiment from those who favored the 296 GTB was overwhelmingly positive. Jethro Bovingdon described it as “spectacular,” praising its beauty, blistering speed, remarkable exploitability, and technical sophistication. He highlighted how the V6 demonstrated a superior approach to downsizing compared to McLaren, offering comparable control to the Artura but with a more playful and indulgent character. Dickie Meaden declared it “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. He lauded the seamless integration of the hybrid system, noting that it didn’t detract from the driving experience as feared, perhaps because the torquey nature of turbocharged engines had already become familiar from the 488 and F8. He emphasized that the 296 GTB’s speed is balanced by the character of its V6, which delivers a consistently sweet soundtrack that evolves with throttle input.
While the hybridisation was widely applauded for its seamlessness, a significant concern arose on the final night of the Car of the Year test when a drained battery left one of the cars stranded, with no obvious means of revival. Although Ferrari had pre-emptively warned of such a possibility and provided guidance on preventing it, the incident highlighted a potential vulnerability. As Gallagher pointed out, it was a “huge oversight” that a company renowned for innovative engineering couldn’t engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this scenario. Fortunately, this occurred after the scoring was complete. Despite this, the Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and brake feel wasn’t universally acclaimed as class-leading. The tech interface also faced considerable criticism for its complexity. Yet, even with these drawbacks, the 296 GTB proved “irresistibly seductive.” Vivian confessed to being “bewitched,” citing the car’s uncanny directional changes, phenomenal damping, astonishing levels of grip, and the linearity of its seemingly unending power delivery.
The consensus was that the Ferrari 296 GTB represented a significant return to form for the marque, especially after the SF90 Stradale left many feeling underwhelmed. Peter Tomalin, editor of evo, stated that the 296 GTB was “way more successful” because its technical sophistication, particularly the integration of its hybrid technology, felt far more natural and less intrusive. Gallagher agreed, noting that Ferrari had learned valuable lessons from the SF90, distilling that knowledge 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 a sentiment evo experienced with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power, ultimately unnerved with its challenging driving characteristics. The 296 GTB, however, is a different proposition entirely. As evidenced by its strong showing at the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards, where it secured a joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, it possesses a far more organic feel. Its masterful blend of raw power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect balance, redefining what a supercar in the £250,000-plus bracket can achieve. Rumors of a Versione Speciale variant, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity, are circulating, and the hope is that this enhanced model will retain the standard 296’s inexplicably natural and intuitive feel.
It is precisely this aspect of the 296 GTB’s DNA that we hope Lamborghini has meticulously addressed when honing its own hybrid supercar, the Temerario. Over 900bhp is an almost obscene amount of power for a series production supercar, and without a chassis and dynamic setup to match, it can easily become a corrupting force. If Lamborghini has indeed succeeded in resolving this equation – and the brilliance of the Revuelto offers reason for optimism – then we are poised for an epic twin test featuring a combined output of over 1700bhp! We could even expand this to a mind-boggling 2400bhp triple threat with the McLaren 750S. While the 750S, with its 740bhp, now seems like the minnow in this rarefied class, it counters with a relatively lithe 1389kg kerb weight, delivering a formidable power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw, ergonomic rightness, the crispness of its steering, and the deftness of its chassis offer a compelling contrast to the comparatively remote feel of the Ferrari.
For those seeking the pinnacle of hybrid supercar engineering, the Ferrari 296 GTB represents a compelling fusion of tradition and innovation. Its blend of electrifying performance, sophisticated technology, and engaging dynamics sets a new benchmark. If you’re ready to experience the future of performance driving, why not schedule a consultation with a specialist dealership or explore financing options to make this extraordinary machine a reality?

