The Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Masterpiece Redefining Supercar Performance
For a decade now, the supercar landscape has been undergoing a profound metamorphosis. We’ve witnessed the inexorable march of
electrification, the recalibration of traditional powerplants, and the relentless pursuit of aerodynamic prowess. As an industry veteran with ten years immersed in the heart of automotive innovation, I’ve seen trends ebb and flow, but few developments have been as seismic as the integration of hybrid technology into the ultra-luxury segment. At the forefront of this revolution stands the Ferrari 296 GTB, a machine that not only embraces this electrified future but actively defines it, setting a benchmark that rivals, particularly those with upcoming hybrid offerings, must meticulously contend with.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a pivotal moment for Maranello’s mid-engined supercar lineage. In a bold departure from the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8s that had long defined their performance identity, Ferrari introduced a groundbreaking twin-turbocharged V6, artfully augmented by an electric powertrain. This audacious move positioned the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB not just as a participant in a segment yet to fully commit to hybrid propulsion, but as a confident vanguard. While its predecessor found a traditional adversary in the naturally aspirated V10 Lamborghini Huracán, celebrated for its sonic character and visceral engagement, and the McLaren 720S, lauded for its twin-turbo V8 dominance and power-to-weight supremacy, the Ferrari 296 GTB hybrid arrived with a different kind of statement. The burgeoning competition, exemplified by the purported 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid V8 set to debut in the Lamborghini Temerario, clearly signals a direct challenge to Maranello’s electrified Berlinetta, which already boasts an impressive 819bhp.
The sheer potency of the Ferrari 296 GTB performance is, without question, breathtaking. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbocharged V6, coupled with a potent electric motor driving only the rear wheels (a distinction from the SF90’s AWD), delivers a combined output of 819bhp. This configuration didn’t just push boundaries; it shattered them, fundamentally altering perceptions of what a V6-powered supercar could achieve. It’s easy to get lost in the sheer numbers, to ponder the ceiling of such power escalation – a question that the Ferrari 296 GTB specs seem to answer with another emphatic “more” – and to contemplate the practical application of such extreme velocity. Yet, these are secondary considerations to the undeniable engineering marvel before us.
This particular iteration represents a historic milestone: the first V6-powered Ferrari road car to bear the iconic Prancing Horse emblem. It also pioneers the ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration within the Maranello stable, a design that optimizes packaging and responsiveness. Crucially, it’s a plug-in hybrid, offering an estimated 15 miles of all-electric range, enabling silent, emissions-free urban commuting. The compact V6, a testament to modern engineering, is mounted low within a novel aluminum chassis, with a wheelbase judiciously shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, subtly repositioning the occupants slightly forward for an even more engaged driving posture. The electric motor alone contributes a formidable 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 independently churns out a staggering 654bhp and 546lb ft. While Ferrari wisely abstains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, acknowledging the complex interplay between the internal combustion engine and electric motor, the resultant force is, without doubt, prodigious. Furthermore, the V6 unit itself is approximately 30kg lighter than its V8 counterparts, and it’s seamlessly integrated with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a sleek, elongated structure, is discreetly housed behind the occupants.
As expected from a marque synonymous with cutting-edge automotive technology, the Ferrari 296 GTB handling is orchestrated by an array of sophisticated electronic chassis systems. The centerpiece of this technological symphony is the six-axis sensor, dubbed 6w-CDS. This advanced system meticulously measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. Replacing traditional yaw sensors, and working in concert with a sensor integrated into the steering rack, it grants the vehicle an unprecedented understanding of driver intent and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data is then fed into systems like the advanced Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, enabling the Ferrari 296 GTB for sale to maximize cornering speeds with unwavering stability and occupant security. A particularly noteworthy innovation is the ABS-evo system, available in RACE mode and above. Leveraging the car’s brake-by-wire technology, it significantly sharpens braking distances and enhances performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners, further elevating the dynamic envelope.
Ferrari’s pioneering active aerodynamics are also employed in a novel application on the 296 GTB, not for drag reduction, but for augmenting downforce. The company claims a remarkable 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a substantial portion, up to 100kg, generated by an ingenious deployable rear wing. The thermal management of this potent hybrid powertrain is equally impressive. Two radiators nestled within the front fascia manage engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two additional condensers dedicated to the battery pack. Hot air is strategically expelled from the underbody to prevent interference with the cooling air directed to the intercoolers along the car’s flanks. The subtle apertures beneath the headlamps serve to draw in air for brake cooling, while a roofline-integrated spoiler creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, channeling air efficiently towards the rear of the vehicle. The lion’s share of the Ferrari 296 GTB price point’s aerodynamic efficacy is generated from beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid to airflow management, the rear diffuser, and the critical underbody ground clearance, all contributing to the potent downforce-generating surfaces.
Our initial circuit evaluations of the Ferrari 296 GTB reviews consistently highlighted the inclusion of the Assetto Fiorano package. This optional upgrade replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units, directly derived from GT racing technology, and adds further carbon aerodynamic enhancements to the front end, boosting downforce by an additional 20kg. The package also incorporates increased use of carbon fiber throughout the cabin and exterior, contributing to a commendable 12kg weight saving, which can be extended to 15kg with the optional Lexan rear engine cover. Further enhancing track performance, customers can opt for Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, a significant upgrade over the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Visually, the Assetto Fiorano variant can be distinguished by an optional exterior graphics package, artfully inspired by the iconic 250LM of the 1960s. In its physical presence, the new Ferrari 296 GTB is a visually arresting machine, a design that eschews immediate comparison and eloquently evokes the spirit of its classic forebears, even without the more contentious graphic options.
Initiating movement in the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB is elegantly simple: a double press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The vehicle defaults to Hybrid mode, prioritizing electric propulsion for initial acceleration, unless the driver intervenes via the haptic controls on the steering wheel. With judicious throttle application, and sufficient battery charge, the car can maintain purely electric operation. Drivers also have the option to explicitly engage EV mode, irrespective of powertrain demands, or select from Performance and Qualifying modes. In these latter settings, both power sources unite; Performance mode prioritizes sustained power while ensuring the battery remains adequately charged, whereas Qualifying mode unleashes the full, unadulterated potential of the hybrid system, disregarding the battery’s state of charge.
The sensation of gliding silently through urban environments is an unexpected delight, and the sophistication of the damping system transforms long journeys into remarkably comfortable experiences. Even the luggage capacity in the ‘frunk’ is surprisingly practical, a welcome contrast to some of its more overtly focused siblings. However, the true essence of the Ferrari 296 GTB experience lies in unleashing the combined might of its V6 and electric motor. Prod the throttle at low revs in a higher gear, and the 296 surges forward with an immediacy that momentarily makes one question the necessity of gear selection. Yet, with eight gears to exploit and an engine that eagerly spins to 8,500rpm, the full deployment of its power is nothing short of astonishing. The acceleration figures – a blistering 0-62mph in under 3 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205mph – translate into a visceral, almost overwhelming rush of speed that elicits nervous laughter and an insatiable urge for more. The accompanying soundtrack is equally captivating, a rich V6 rasp punctuated by intricate turbocharger harmonies.
The agility and responsiveness of the Ferrari 296 GTB chassis are truly remarkable. Ferrari’s claim of making this car “fun to drive” is not hyperbole; it feels exceptionally agile without ever becoming overly nervous. The steering, typically Ferrari-light and rapid, also delivers a surprising degree of tactile feedback. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car’s remarkable throttle adjustability invites spirited driving, eliciting genuine grins. It feels significantly lighter than its 1470kg dry weight suggests, possessing a fluidity that encourages precise inputs and a deep appreciation for its accuracy. Even in CT Off mode, where electronic nannies are significantly dialed back, a sophisticated safety net remains, offering reassurance. However, even with all aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows for playful, controllable oversteer, a feat one might not expect from a car producing 819bhp.
On the track, the Ferrari 296 GTB track performance demonstrates an uncanny ability to dramatically shorten even lengthy straights. It acts as a precise surgical instrument, with the ample power readily available to unsettle the rear end at various points around the circuit. Yet, the car’s acute sensitivity to braking and steering inputs rewards precision above all else. The astonishing turn-in accuracy and immediate response virtually eliminate the corner entry phase; instead of gradually loading the chassis, the 296 settles instantly, its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering perfectly complementing 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 performance Ferrari 296 GTB are nothing short of phenomenal, offering an exhilarating experience lap after lap.
The interior architecture of the Ferrari 296 GTB interior will be immediately familiar to those who have experienced the SF90, as it borrows heavily from that flagship model. The fully digital interface, coupled with a proliferation of haptic switchgear integrated into the steering wheel and adjacent pods, presents a significant learning curve. While the sheer volume of information to convey is understandable, the occasional need for a second press to register an input, or uncertainty about whether a command has been successfully executed, can be frustrating. Nevertheless, the cabin exudes an undeniable sense of occasion and exclusivity, befitting a luxury supercar Ferrari.
In the fiercely competitive landscape of performance automotive journalism, the Ferrari 296 GTB vs McLaren Artura debate was particularly intense during the 2022 evo Car of the Year accolades. The scores were incredibly close, with judges narrowly divided. The consensus among the three judges who favored the Ferrari was that it represented a spectacular achievement: visually stunning, outrageously fast, and astonishingly exploitable, all underpinned by sophisticated technical innovation. Jethro Bovingdon lauded its V6 as a masterclass in downsizing, delivering immense drama, while noting its superior playfulness compared to the McLaren Artura’s sheer control.
Richard Meaden echoed this sentiment, calling it the “first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355.” He praised the seamless integration of the hybrid system, which he felt did not detract from the driving experience, perhaps due to the familiarity with the torque-rich characteristics of turbocharged V8s. He highlighted the 296’s explosive speed, but emphasized that its appeal extended beyond mere velocity, citing the V6’s characterful soundtrack that evolves with throttle input.
However, a notable incident during the scoring saw a Ferrari 296 GTB battery issue leave the car stranded after its charge depleted, with no apparent means of recovery. While Ferrari had cautioned about this possibility and provided guidance, it raises questions about fail-safe engineering for such advanced systems. This oversight was acknowledged by one judge, who remarked on the company’s ability to engineer complex systems like individual rear-wheel steering, yet failing to implement a simple preventative measure for such a scenario. Fortunately, this occurred after all scoring was completed.
Despite minor criticisms regarding the sometimes-polarizing nature of Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering, brake pedal feel that didn’t quite match the very best in class, and the overly complex tech interface, the Ferrari 296 GTB luxury performance remained irresistibly seductive. Vivian A. commented on his initial apprehension towards the car’s perceived complexity, only to be thoroughly captivated by its uncanny directional changes, exceptional damping, immense grip, and the seemingly endless linearity of its power delivery.
The verdict from Peter Tomalin, concluding the evo Car of the Year 2022 assessments, underscored the 296’s triumph over the SF90, which had left the team somewhat underwhelmed the previous year. “The Ferrari 296 GTB comparison to the SF90 shows the evolution and learning,” he noted. “The 296 is far more successful because its technical sophistication, particularly the integration of its hybrid technology, feels far more natural and less intrusive. Ferrari has taken what it learned from the SF90 and distilled it into a series-production model that stands as one of its very best.”
When a vehicle is so densely packed with cutting-edge technology, there’s always a risk of it becoming a collection of disparate parts rather than a cohesive whole. This was an observation made about the SF90, whose prodigious power was somewhat undermined by its challenging driving characteristics. The Ferrari 296 GTB value proposition , however, is distinctly different. As evidenced by its joint third-place finish at the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards alongside the McLaren Artura, the 296 feels remarkably organic. Its masterful blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect chord, effectively redefining the £250,000-ish supercar segment. Whispers of a “Versione Speciale” variant, promising even greater power and intensity, are already circulating, with the fervent hope that the standard 296’s innate natural feel will be preserved.
It is precisely this aspect – the nuanced integration of extreme performance and accessible engagement – that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in its upcoming hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an astronomical figure for a series-production supercar, and it possesses the potential to overwhelm if the rest of the vehicle is not meticulously engineered to complement it. Given the breathtaking capability demonstrated in the Lamborghini Revuelto, there is justifiable optimism that the Temerario will deliver a truly exceptional machine, potentially leading to a monumental 1700bhp twin test that promises to be one for the ages.
Alternatively, one could envision a 2400bhp triple threat, including the McLaren 750S. While now appearing as the relative “minnow” with “only” 740bhp, it counters with a remarkably lithe 1389kg kerb weight, ensuring a competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw character, ergonomic excellence, crisp steering, and sublimely deft chassis offer a compelling counterpoint to the comparatively more remote feel of the Ferrari.
In conclusion, the Ferrari 296 GTB is more than just a supercar; it’s a statement of intent, a bold leap into the future of performance motoring. It seamlessly fuses exhilarating speed with an unprecedented level of driver engagement, proving that electrification does not necessitate a compromise in the visceral thrill of driving.
Are you ready to experience the next evolution of automotive excellence? Discover the Ferrari 296 GTB for yourself and redefine your expectations of performance. Contact your nearest authorized Ferrari dealership today to schedule a private viewing and test drive.
