Ferrari 296 GTB: Electrifying the Supercar Narrative and Setting the Benchmark for Performance Hybrids
For a decade now, I’ve been immersed in the high-octane world of automotive engineering, witnessi
ng firsthand the relentless evolution of performance vehicles. The supercar landscape, once dominated by raw, naturally aspirated powerplants, has undergone a seismic shift. Amidst this transformation, the Ferrari 296 GTB emerged not just as a new model, but as a bold declaration of intent. It represents a significant departure from Maranello’s V8 lineage, embracing a potent, hybridized V6 powertrain that has redefined expectations for a segment still navigating the complexities of electrification. In this era, where every manufacturer grapples with delivering exhilarating performance while adhering to increasingly stringent emissions standards, the 296 GTB stands as a beacon, showcasing what’s possible when innovation meets the marque’s storied racing DNA. This isn’t just about horsepower figures; it’s about a holistic reimagining of the supercar driving experience, a proposition that rivals, particularly those from Sant’Agata Bolognese, must now contend with.
When the 296 GTB first broke cover, the supercar arena was a different place. Its primary Italian rival, the Lamborghini Huracán, proudly championed the soul-stirring wail of a naturally aspirated V10. While undeniably charismatic and sonically magnificent, it was, by comparison, a less potent force. Across the aisle, McLaren’s formidable 720S, a testament to the enduring appeal of a twin-turbo V8, offered blistering performance underpinned by a relentless pursuit of power-to-weight supremacy. The subsequent McLaren 750S represents an evolution of that theme. However, the impending arrival of Lamborghini’s Temerario, a 903bhp hybrid beast boasting a 10,000rpm redline on its twin-turbo V8, signals a direct challenge to Ferrari’s electrified Berlinetta. The 296 GTB, with its 819bhp output, isn’t just participating in this technological arms race; it’s actively dictating its pace.
The sheer potency of the 296 GTB is undeniable. Its heart is an all-new 120-degree, twin-turbocharged V6 engine, augmented by an electric motor. Unlike the range-topping SF90 Stradale, the 296 channels its considerable power exclusively to the rear wheels, a decision that underscores Ferrari’s commitment to driver engagement. This configuration, yielding a combined output of 819 horsepower, shattered conventional supercar blueprints. It’s easy to be mesmerized by such stratospheric power figures, and the mind inevitably drifts to contemplating the upper limits of this performance escalation – a question that the 296 GTB’s very existence answers for now, and one that its rivals are clearly keen to explore further. More pertinently, however, is the question of where such prodigious performance can be truly exploited, a philosophical debate that often accompanies these technological marvels.
Significantly, the 296 GTB marks a watershed moment for Ferrari. It is the first production road car to bear the Prancing Horse emblem powered by a V6 engine. While the charming 246 GT Dino from the past featured a V6, it never officially carried the Ferrari badge during its production run. The 296 GTB also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger architecture, where the exhaust manifolds and turbochargers are mounted within the V of the engine, optimizing packaging and reducing exhaust gas travel time for quicker turbo spool. Furthermore, its plug-in hybrid nature grants it an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles, offering a glimpse into the future of daily drivability for supercars. The compact V6 is nestled low within a newly developed aluminum chassis. To enhance agility, the wheelbase has been reduced by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, and the occupants are positioned slightly further forward, contributing to a more centralized mass.
The electric motor itself is a formidable unit, contributing a substantial 165 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine, on its own, produces an astonishing 654 horsepower and 546 lb-ft of torque. Ferrari, with characteristic discretion, refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. However, it is safe to assume that the resulting torque delivery is nothing short of prodigious. This V6 setup offers a weight saving of approximately 30kg over Ferrari’s V8 engines. It is mated to a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, while the compact, oblong battery pack is strategically located behind the seats, preserving 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’s engineers have developed a groundbreaking six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS (Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This sensor meticulously monitors acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes, effectively replacing traditional yaw sensors. In conjunction with a sensor mounted on the steering rack, this system provides the car with an unprecedented understanding of the driver’s intentions and the available grip at the tire contact patches. This data is then fed to systems like Side Slip Control and the active Electronic Differential (E-Diff) to maximize cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and security. A new feature, ABS-evo, activated in RACE mode and above, leverages the 296’s brake-by-wire system to not only shorten braking distances but also enhance braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers, allowing drivers to carry more speed into corners with confidence.
For the first time, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics technology not to minimize drag, but to actively generate downforce. The company claims a remarkable 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with up to 100kg of that figure being produced by an active rear wing that elegantly deploys from the car’s tail. The cooling system is equally ingenious. Two radiators in the front manage engine and gearbox temperatures, supplemented by two condensers dedicated to cooling the battery pack. Hot air is efficiently expelled from underneath the car, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the airflow directed to the intercoolers positioned along the flanks. The subtle apertures beneath the headlights are specifically designed to draw air for brake cooling. At the rear, a roofline-integrated wing assists in creating a ‘virtual’ rear screen, meticulously channeling air to the car’s posterior as if guided by a precisely sculpted surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated from beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid not only to air channelling and the rear diffuser but also to the underbody’s ground clearance, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of these downforce-generating elements.
The pre-production 296 GTBs we sampled on the circuit during the launch event were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with sophisticated Multimatic units, drawing direct inspiration from GT racing technology. It also incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements at the front, increasing front downforce by a noteworthy 20kg. The Assetto Fiorano package further reduces weight through the liberal use of carbon fiber in the cabin, including door panels, and on exterior components, contributing to an overall weight saving of 12kg. This figure climbs to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. Additionally, buyers opting for the Fiorano package can specify Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, an upgrade from the standard Pilot Sport 4S. The Assetto Fiorano cars can also be personalized with an exterior graphics package, elegantly paying homage to the iconic 250LM from the 1960s. Visually, the 296 GTB is undeniably striking. Having experienced it firsthand, I can attest to its captivating aesthetic. It possesses a unique and almost otherworldly presence, echoing the spirit of the 1960s 250LM even without the more polarizing graphic treatment.
Getting the 296 GTB underway is a seamless experience. A double press of the lower button on the steering wheel hub initiates the start sequence, followed by selecting first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, meaning it will glide away silently on electric power alone, unless the driver dictates otherwise via the haptic mode selectors located on the left side of the steering wheel boss. As long as the throttle input is judicious and the battery holds sufficient charge, the car will continue its journey purely on electric power. A dedicated EV mode can be manually engaged, overriding any powertrain demands, or the driver can select Performance or Qualifying modes. In these settings, both the V6 engine and the electric motor operate in tandem. Performance mode aims to maintain battery charge while delivering exhilarating acceleration, whereas Qualifying mode prioritizes ultimate performance, disregarding the battery’s state of charge.
The serene experience of gliding through urban landscapes is a surprisingly delightful facet of the 296 GTB. The damping system is so exquisitely tuned that it transforms long journeys into comfortable affairs. Even the luggage space in the front ‘frunk’ is reasonably accommodating, a welcome advantage over the SF90. However, the true question on everyone’s mind, including mine, is: what does it feel like when both the engine and electric motor are unleashed to their full potential? The answer becomes immediately apparent when you floor the throttle at low revs in a high gear. The 296 GTB surges forward with an almost instantaneous response, devoid of any perceivable turbo lag, making you briefly question the very necessity of gear changes given its immediate potency. Yet, with eight gears to exploit and an engine that willingly spins to an impressive 8,500rpm, the experience when truly uncorking the 296 is nothing short of astonishing.
As the performance figures suggest – a 0-62mph sprint in a mere 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 205mph – the rate of acceleration is in the ‘hold on tight and embrace nervous laughter’ category. It verges on the extreme, yet possesses a peculiar addictiveness. This is a profoundly rapid machine. And the sound? It’s equally captivating, with a symphony of turbocharger effects layering over the sonorous rasp of the V6.
The responsiveness of the 296 GTB’s chassis is truly remarkable. Ferrari’s assertion that the car’s primary objective was to be “fun to drive” is unequivocally validated. It exhibits a profound agility without succumbing to nervousness. The steering, as is typical of Ferrari, is light and incredibly quick, yet it provides a surprising level of tactile feedback. While the grip levels are, as expected, immense, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable, eliciting a genuine grin at every opportunity. It feels considerably lighter than its stated dry weight of 1,470kg would suggest, with a remarkable lack of inertia that encourages the driver to work with the car, employing subtle inputs and reveling in its precision. Even with electronic aids like CT Off engaged, allowing for audacious liberties, there remains the reassuring presence of an intelligent electronic guardian. However, even with all systems deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows it to be coaxed into spectacular oversteer, a feat that seems almost unfathomable for a car producing 819bhp.
On the track, the 296 GTB has the uncanny ability to make even long straights feel shorter. What becomes even more apparent is its sharp, surgical precision. While the power is readily available to break rear traction at numerous points around the circuit, the 296 is exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. A profound understanding develops that precise control yields the greatest rewards. The turn-in accuracy and response are breathtaking, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Instead of gradually easing the car into turns and allowing loads to build, the 296 adopts its line immediately, aided by the exceptional composure provided by the Multimatic dampers. This is beautifully complemented by the hyper-quick steering and the enhanced roll support offered by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for a driver accustomed to more mature sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 are phenomenal, delivering a joyous experience lap after lap.
The interior architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the 296 borrows heavily from its stablemate. The fully digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear can be a genuine challenge. These touch-sensitive controls are liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it. While undoubtedly complex, it’s important to acknowledge the sheer volume of information being conveyed. The primary frustration lies in the fact that seemingly simple operations often require a second, precise press after the first attempt fails to register, or there’s a lack of positive feedback indicating a successful input. Despite these ergonomic quibbles, the cabin undeniably exudes a sense of occasion, making it feel like a truly special place to be.
Reflecting on the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards, the 296 GTB’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. The competition between the Ferrari and the McLaren Artura was incredibly tight, with the judges’ scores separated by mere margins. The judging panel was almost evenly split, with three narrowly favoring the Ferrari and three leaning towards the McLaren. Those who placed the 296 ahead, myself included, were captivated by its sheer brilliance. Jethro Bovingdon enthused, “What 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 offered a similarly glowing assessment, declaring it “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. He further elaborated, “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 296’s hybridisation was widely lauded. However, a critical incident occurred on the final night of testing when the battery depleted, leaving the car immobilized with no apparent means of recovery. Ferrari had, to their credit, pre-warned participants of this possibility and provided guidance on how to prevent it. Nevertheless, it remains a plausible scenario for an owner to find themselves in a similar predicament. As Gallagher observed, “The fact that the company that 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 296, this event transpired after all cars had been scored.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering proved to be a point of contention, dividing opinion. The brake pedal feel, while competent, did not quite match the benchmark set by the very best in the group. The technological interface, too, faced widespread criticism for its perceived over-complexity. Despite these criticisms, the 296 was undeniably and irresistibly seductive. Vivian admitted, “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…”
Peter Tomalin, in his summation for evo’s 2022 Car of the Year, concluded, “It’s a real return to form for Ferrari, after the SF90 left us cold last year. As Sutcliffe said: ‘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.’ And Gallagher agreed: ‘Ferrari has taken so much from the SF90, learnt from that car and distilled it into a series production model that’s one of its very best.'”
The inherent risk with vehicles heavily laden with advanced technology is that they can sometimes feel like less than the sum of their parts. This was a sentiment evo experienced with the SF90, which, despite its dazzling power, proved somewhat unnerving due to its challenging driving characteristics. However, the 296 GTB is a fundamentally different proposition. As evidenced by its strong performance at the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards, where it secured joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, the 296 feels far more organic. Its masterful blend of brute power and engaging dynamics strikes a profound sweet spot, effectively redefining what a supercar in the £250,000 bracket can be. A more potent Versione Speciale variant is anticipated this year, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity. The hope is that the standard 296’s remarkably natural and intuitive feel will be preserved.
It is this very aspect – the car’s inherent drivability and natural feel – that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900 horsepower is an obscene amount of power in a series-production supercar, and it has the potential to overwhelm the rest of the car if not meticulously integrated. If Lamborghini has indeed achieved this crucial balance, as their impressive Revuelto suggests they might, then we are poised for an epic twin-test showdown, a battle of titans delivering an astonishing combined 1,700 horsepower. Or perhaps a formidable 2,400 horsepower triple test, including the McLaren 750S, which, by comparison, appears almost diminutive with its mere 740 horsepower. However, the McLaren brings a relatively petite kerb weight of 1,389kg to the table, resulting in a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s rawness, ergonomic perfection, the crispness of its steering, and the deftness of its chassis certainly distinguish it against the comparatively more distant feeling Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications:
Engine: 2992cc V6, twin-turbocharged, plus electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, active E-diff
Combined Power: 819 bhp @ 8,000 rpm
Combined Torque: 546 lb-ft @ 6,250 rpm
Weight: 1,470 kg (dry) (566 bhp/ton)
0-62 mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205 mph
Price: £250,000+
The Ferrari 296 GTB isn’t just a car; it’s a compelling narrative of technological advancement and enduring automotive passion. If you’re captivated by this fusion of hybrid power and exhilarating performance, and you’re ready to explore how such a groundbreaking machine could redefine your driving experience, we invite you to connect with our expert team to discuss the possibilities and discover what sets the 296 GTB apart.
