Ferrari 296 GTB: The Electrified Supercar That Redefines Performance and Precision
In the high-octane world of supercars, where heritage, horsepower, and cutting-edge technology constantly push the bo
undaries of automotive engineering, the Ferrari 296 GTB has emerged as a truly transformative force. Having been a prominent player for a couple of years, this marvel of modern automotive design continues to captivate, even as formidable rivals like the 903bhp, 10,000rpm Lamborghini Temerario loom on the horizon. As an industry observer with a decade of immersion in this exhilarating sector, I’ve witnessed firsthand the seismic shifts in supercar philosophy, and the 296 GTB represents a bold leap forward, particularly in its sophisticated embrace of hybrid power.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a significant departure from the brand’s established formula. Forgoing the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 that had become a hallmark of its mid-engined supercars, Ferrari instead introduced an entirely new twin-turbocharged V6 engine, meticulously augmented by an electric motor. This strategic pivot positioned the 296 GTB at the forefront of a segment that was, and to some extent still is, navigating the complexities of adopting hybrid powertrains. At its launch, the 296 GTB’s natural adversary was the Lamborghini Huracán, a car celebrated for its sonorous, naturally-aspirated V10. While the Huracán may have offered a more visceral acoustic experience in its prime, the 296 GTB countered with sheer performance prowess. It also contended with the formidable McLaren 720S, a V8-powered titan that epitomized the pursuit of power-to-weight supremacy. The subsequent McLaren 750S, an evolution of that theme, still emphasizes raw power. However, the new 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid V8-powered Lamborghini Temerario, is clearly Maranello’s direct riposte to the 819bhp electrified Berlinetta.
Let’s be clear: the Ferrari 296 GTB is not merely a car with impressive power figures; it’s a statement. Its 819bhp output, achieved through a revolutionary 120-degree, twin-turbocharged V6 engine and an integrated electric motor driving only the rear wheels (a key distinction from the four-wheel-drive SF90), fundamentally reshaped the supercar landscape. It’s easy to be captivated by such stratospheric performance metrics and to ponder where this relentless escalation of power will ultimately lead – and more importantly, where one can realistically deploy such immense capability. But that, as they say, is a story for another time.
The significance of the 296 GTB extends beyond its power. It heralds the first V6-powered Ferrari road car in history, a nod to the legendary 246 GT Dino, though the Dino never bore the iconic Prancing Horse emblem in its era. It also debuts Ferrari’s “hot-vee” turbocharger configuration, where the turbos are nestled within the engine’s V-angle, optimizing packaging and responsiveness. As a plug-in hybrid, it offers a commendable electric-only range of approximately 15 miles, providing a glimpse into a more sustainable future for high-performance motoring. The compact V6 is mounted low within a newly engineered aluminum chassis, with a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, and occupants are positioned slightly further forward, contributing to a more engaging driving posture.
The electric motor itself contributes a substantial 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 engine alone unleashes a remarkable 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined output culminates in the headline figure of 819bhp. Ferrari, perhaps intentionally, refrains from quoting a peak combined torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the V6 and the electric motor. However, it’s safe to assume the resulting torque is nothing short of prodigious. Impressively, the V6 unit itself weighs 30kg less than its V8 counterparts and is paired with a sophisticated eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a long, slender structure, is strategically located behind the seats, contributing to the car’s balanced weight distribution.
No Ferrari would be complete without an array of advanced electronic chassis control systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has developed a groundbreaking six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS (6-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor), capable of measuring acceleration and rotational speed 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 unparalleled understanding of driver input and tire grip levels at the contact patch. This data is then used to orchestrate systems like Side Slip Control and the active Electronic Differential (E-Diff) to maximize cornering speeds while ensuring unwavering stability and driver confidence. Furthermore, it enables a new ABS-evo system, active in RACE mode and above, which leverages the 296’s brake-by-wire technology to significantly shorten braking distances and enhance braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners.
In a notable shift, Ferrari is employing its active aerodynamics not primarily for drag reduction, but for generating downforce. The company quotes a substantial 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a significant portion of this (up to 100kg) generated by an actively deployed rear wing. The cooling architecture is equally impressive: two radiators in the front handle engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two additional condensers for the battery pack. Hot air is expelled underneath the car to avoid disrupting the airflow directed to the intercoolers along the flanks. Small apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to cooling the brakes, while a roofline-integrated rear wing creates a “virtual” rear screen, channeling air efficiently to the rear of the car. The majority of the 296’s downforce is sculpted from beneath the car, with meticulous attention paid not only to airflow management and the rear diffuser but also to the underbody’s ground clearance, maximizing the efficacy of its downforce-generating surfaces.
The examples of the 296 GTB I had the privilege of experiencing on a circuit during its launch were all equipped with the Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units, derived from GT racing technology, and adds carbon fiber aerodynamic elements to the nose, increasing front downforce by an additional 20kg. The package also incorporates more carbon fiber within the cabin, such as the door panels, and on the exterior, contributing to an overall weight saving of 12kg. This can be further enhanced by an optional Lexan rear engine cover, bringing the saving to 15kg. For those seeking ultimate grip, the Fiorano package also offers the option of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, superseding the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Visually, Fiorano-equipped cars can be further personalized with an exterior graphics package, a stylish homage to the iconic 250LM of the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 GTB, both in images and in person, I can attest to its striking beauty. It possesses a distinct visual identity, a departure from anything else on the road, and even without the graphic accents, it evokes the spirit of the 1960s 250LM in a captivating way.
Performance and Dynamic Prowess
Initiating movement in the 296 GTB is elegantly simple: a double press of the lower button on the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, enabling it to pull away solely on electric power unless commanded otherwise via the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors on the wheel. Provided you exercise restraint with the throttle, the 296 GTB will continue its silent progress on electricity alone, assuming sufficient battery charge. The option to manually engage EV mode exists, regardless of throttle demands, alongside the more potent Performance and Qualifying modes. In these settings, both power sources work in concert. Performance mode aims to maintain battery charge while delivering maximum power, whereas Qualifying mode prioritizes absolute performance, disregarding the battery’s state of charge.
The ability to glide silently through urban landscapes is an unexpected delight, and the sophistication of the damping system transforms it into a surprisingly comfortable long-distance cruiser. Even the luggage capacity in the front ‘frunk’ is reasonable, a welcome contrast to the SF90. But the true question on everyone’s mind, the one that fuels automotive passion, is: what does it feel like when both the V6 engine and the electric motor are unleashed in their full glory?
The answer lies in the exhilarating surge of acceleration when you mat the throttle from low revs in a higher gear. The 296 GTB simply launches forward with an absence of turbo lag that makes you momentarily question the necessity of gears, such is its immediate potency. Yet, with eight gears at its disposal and an engine that eagerly spins to 8,500rpm, the experience when you truly uncork the 296 is nothing short of astonishing. The performance figures – 0-62mph in the low 2-second range and a top speed exceeding 200mph – translate into an acceleration rate that is both exhilarating and verging on intense, inducing a peculiar mix of nervous laughter and addictive exhilaration. This is, without question, a seriously rapid machine. And the soundtrack? It’s equally captivating, a harmonious blend of turbo induction effects overlaying the tuneful rasp of the V6.
Ride and Handling: A Symphony of Precision
What truly distinguishes the 296 GTB is the astonishing responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s claim that the car’s primary objective was to be “fun to drive” is not hyperbole. It exhibits a remarkable agility that never tips into nervousness. The steering is typically light and rapid, yet it delivers a remarkable level of feedback, allowing you to feel the road surface. While grip levels are exceptionally high, as one would expect from a Ferrari, the car remains delightfully throttle-adjustable in a manner that guarantees a smile.
Despite its dry weight of 1,470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a palpable lack of inertia throughout the car, encouraging the driver to work with it, making subtle inputs and reveling in its accuracy and precision. Engaging CT Off mode provides a substantial margin of error, with the reassurance of an incredibly intelligent electronic brain safeguarding your exploits. Yet, even with all electronic aids deactivated, the inherent balance of the 296 GTB allows it to be coaxed into controlled oversteer in a way that seems almost unbelievable for a car producing 819bhp.
On track, the 296 GTB has the uncanny ability to compress even the longest straights. What becomes even more evident is its nature as a razor-sharp instrument. While ample power is available to break traction at the rear at numerous points around the circuit, the 296 is also remarkably sensitive to braking and steering inputs. It quickly becomes apparent that precision in your control inputs yields the greatest rewards. The turn-in accuracy and response are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing into turns and allowing load to build, the 296 GTB settles instantaneously, its Multimatic dampers working in concert with the hyper-quick steering and the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even if you’ve just stepped out of a more conventional sports car, the speed, precision, and agility of the 296 are simply phenomenal and an absolute joy to experience lap after lap.
The Interior Experience: A Digital Frontier
The cabin architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as it borrows heavily from its larger sibling. The fully digital interface and its associated haptic switchgear present a significant learning curve. These controls are liberally applied to the steering wheel and the traditional Ferrari pods flanking it. While undoubtedly complex, it’s understandable given the sheer volume of information to convey. However, the most frustrating aspect is how seemingly simple operations sometimes require a second press to register, or the uncertainty of whether a press has been successful at all. Despite these quirks, the cabin undoubtedly feels like a special place to be, imbued with an exclusive aura.
A Verdict from the Experts: The 2022 evo Car of the Year
The competitive landscape for the 296 GTB is fierce, and its performance was hotly debated at the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards. The scores were incredibly close, with the McLaren Artura running neck and neck with the Ferrari. Judges were nearly equally divided, with three narrowly favoring the Ferrari and three leaning towards the McLaren.
For those who championed the 296 GTB, the reasons were compelling. Jethro Bovingdon, for instance, lauded it as a “spectacular car,” praising its beauty, outrageous speed, exploitable nature, and technical brilliance. He noted that its V6 successfully demonstrated how to downsize while amplifying drama, and that it matched the Artura’s control while offering a more playful and indulgent experience.
Dickie Meaden declared it “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. He highlighted the seamless integration of the hybrid system, which proved far less intrusive than initially feared, likely due to the familiarity with the torquey characteristics of turbocharged V8s in previous models. He described the 296 as “stonkingly quick” but emphasized that its appeal extends beyond raw speed, thanks to the character of the V6 and its evolving soundtrack.
While the Ferrari’s hybridisation was widely praised for its seamless integration, a notable incident occurred where a depleted battery left the car stranded, a situation Ferrari had warned about. This oversight, particularly for a company renowned for its technological innovation, was seen as a significant drawback by some. However, fortunately for the 296, this occurred after the scoring was complete.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake feel, while competent, didn’t quite reach the pinnacle of performance in the group. The technological interface also drew criticism for its complexity. Nevertheless, the 296 GTB proved irresistibly seductive. Vivian, initially skeptical of its complexity, found himself “bewitched” by its uncanny ability to change direction, its remarkable damping, and its seemingly boundless reserves of power.
As Peter Tomalin, editor of evo, concluded for ecoty 2022, the 296 GTB represented a significant return to form for Ferrari after the SF90 left them feeling somewhat underwhelmed. He observed that the 296 was “way more successful” because its technical sophistication, particularly the integration of its hybrid technology, felt far more natural and less intrusive. He agreed that Ferrari had learned invaluable lessons from the SF90, distilling that knowledge into a series-production model that stands as one of its very best.
Price and Competitors: A New Benchmark
When a car is so densely packed with cutting-edge technology, there’s always a risk that it may not fully coalesce into a cohesive whole. This was a sentiment we experienced with the SF90, which, despite its dazzling power, felt somewhat unnerving in its driving characteristics. The 296 GTB, however, is a different proposition. As our experience at eCoty 2022 demonstrated (where it achieved a joint third place with the McLaren Artura), it feels far more organic. Its harmonious blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect balance, effectively redefining what a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket can achieve. A Versione Speciale variant is anticipated, promising even greater power and intensity, with the hope that the standard 296’s inherently natural feel will be retained.
It is this refined driving experience, this organic connection between man and machine, that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an astronomical figure for a series-production supercar, and without a meticulously resolved chassis to match, it can easily overwhelm. If Lamborghini has indeed achieved that delicate balance – and their track record with the Revuelto offers ample reason for optimism – then we are poised for an extraordinary twin test, potentially featuring a combined 1700bhp!
Alternatively, we could broaden the field to a 2400bhp triple threat by including the McLaren 750S. It might seem like the junior partner in this group, with “only” 740bhp, but its remarkably light 1389kg kerb weight ensures a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw character, ergonomic perfection, razor-sharp steering, and deft chassis dynamics offer a more engaging and direct experience compared to the Ferrari’s slightly more detached feel.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications:
Engine: 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by an electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch, active E-Diff
Combined Power: 819bhp @ 8,000rpm
Combined Torque: 546lb ft @ 6,250rpm
Weight: 1,470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Price: Starting from £250,000+
The Ferrari 296 GTB is more than just a supercar; it’s a testament to innovation, a harmonious blend of combustion and electric power, and a driving experience that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible. For those seeking the pinnacle of electrified performance and unparalleled driving engagement, the next step is clear: experience this automotive masterpiece for yourself.

