The Ferrari 296 GTB: Electrifying the Supercar Paradigm and Setting a New Benchmark for Performance
For a decade now, I’ve been immersed in the visceral world of high-performance automobiles. I’ve wit
nessed firsthand the evolution of automotive engineering, from the raw, unadulterated power of naturally aspirated engines to the relentless surge of forced induction, and now, the intricate dance of electrification. In this landscape, few marques command the reverence and inspire the passion quite like Ferrari. And within their storied lineage, the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a particularly compelling chapter, a bold reinterpretation of what a mid-engined supercar can and should be. While the whispers of a potent Lamborghini rival, the Lamborghini Temerario, have certainly captured the industry’s attention, it’s the 296 GTB that has already set a formidable precedent, a benchmark that Maranello’s rivals must now strive to surpass.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a pivotal moment for the Italian marque, signaling an unprecedented shift away from their celebrated, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 formula. In its place, a revolutionary twin-turbo V6, augmented by an electric motor, took center stage. This bold move positioned the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a supercar segment still in the nascent stages of its hybrid transition. At its debut, its primary competitor was the Lamborghini Huracán, a car celebrated for its soul-stirring naturally aspirated V10 symphony and an undeniable charisma that defined its era. The McLaren 720S, with its potent twin-turbo V8, also presented a formidable challenge, focusing on an almost surgical pursuit of power-to-weight superiority. Now, with the Lamborghini Temerario emerging on the horizon, boasting a staggering 903bhp and a 10,000rpm redline, Maranello’s 819bhp hybrid marvel finds itself facing an even more direct and technologically advanced adversary.
Make no mistake, the Ferrari 296 GTB is a powerhouse in its own right. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, when combined with its electric motor, delivers a combined output of 819bhp. This potent partnership, driving solely the rear wheels (a departure from the four-wheel-drive SF90 Stradale), shattered conventional supercar expectations. It’s easy to become fixated on such astronomical power figures and ponder the ultimate limits of this performance escalation. But the true brilliance of the 296 GTB lies not just in its raw numbers, but in the nuanced integration of its complex powertrain and the exhilarating driving experience it orchestrates.
This V6-powered machine represents a significant first for Ferrari’s road cars. While the enchanting 246 GT Dino, a car revered for its driving purity, never bore the Prancing Horse emblem in its time, the 296 GTB proudly carries the torch. It’s the first Ferrari to feature a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger arrangement, a configuration that optimizes turbo response and efficiency. Furthermore, its plug-in hybrid nature grants it an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles, offering a glimpse into a more sustainable future for supercar ownership, even if the primary focus remains on exhilarating performance. The compact V6 engine is nestled low within a newly developed aluminum chassis, with a wheelbase 50mm shorter than its V8 predecessors, and the occupants are positioned slightly further forward, contributing to a more engaging and visceral connection with the road.
The electric motor contributes a substantial 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque to the equation. The V6 alone is a masterpiece, producing a remarkable 654bhp and 546lb ft. While Ferrari wisely refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure – a testament to the intricate interplay between the electric motor and combustion engine – it’s safe to assume that the total torque output is nothing short of immense. Critically, the V6 engine itself is approximately 30kg lighter than Ferrari’s V8 units, and it’s mated to a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The compact battery pack, a long, slender structure, is strategically located behind the seats, further enhancing the car’s balanced weight distribution.
No Ferrari is complete without a suite of sophisticated electronic chassis control systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. At its heart lies the innovative six-axis sensor, dubbed 6w-CDS, capable of precisely measuring acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes. This advanced system replaces traditional yaw sensors and, working in tandem with a sensor on the steering rack, provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of driver inputs and available grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data is then fed into systems like the Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, working in harmony to maximize cornering speeds while preserving unwavering stability and driver confidence. A particularly noteworthy development is the introduction of ABS-evo in RACE mode and above. Leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire system, this technology not only shortens braking distances but also enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers, allowing for greater precision and control as you enter a corner.
For the first time in its history, Ferrari is employing its active aerodynamics not merely to reduce drag, but to actively generate downforce. The company quotes an impressive figure of 360kg at 155mph, with a significant portion of this – up to 100kg – being produced by a deployable rear wing integrated into the car’s tail. The thermal management of this high-performance machine is equally sophisticated. Two radiators in the front are dedicated to cooling the engine and gearbox, supplemented by two additional condensers for the battery pack. Hot air is efficiently expelled underneath the car, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with the airflow directed to the intercoolers positioned along the flanks. The small apertures located beneath the headlamps are dedicated to cooling the brakes, while a cleverly integrated wing at the rear of the roofline creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, channeling air towards the rear of the car as if guided by a precisely sculpted surface. The majority of the 296’s substantial downforce is generated beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid not only to airflow management and the rear diffuser but also to the underbody’s ground clearance, optimizing the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The pre-production 296 GTBs I experienced on track during the launch were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units, derived from Ferrari’s GT racing programs. It also introduces further carbon-fiber aerodynamic enhancements to the front end, increasing downforce by an additional 20kg. The Assetto Fiorano package also incorporates more carbon fiber within the cabin, including the door panels, and on the exterior, contributing to an overall weight saving of 12kg. This figure can be further reduced by an additional 3kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For those seeking ultimate track prowess, the Assetto Fiorano package offers Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires as an upgrade from the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Furthermore, Assetto Fiorano-equipped cars can be personalized with an exterior graphics package inspired by the iconic 250LM from the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 GTB in person, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a distinct and captivating presence, a departure from anything else on the road, subtly echoing the timeless lines of the 250LM, even without the optional graphics package.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: A Symphony of Power and Precision
Initiating forward motion is a simple process: a double-press on the lower portion of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The 296 GTB defaults to Hybrid mode, drawing power solely from its electric motor for initial acceleration, unless otherwise prompted by the driver’s selection via the haptic mode buttons on the left side of the steering wheel. As long as the throttle application is gentle and the battery has sufficient charge, the car will glide silently on electric power alone.
The driver can actively select ‘EV’ mode, forcing the car into electric-only operation regardless of throttle demands. Beyond this, there are ‘Performance’ and ‘Qualifying’ modes. In ‘Performance’ mode, both the V6 engine and electric motor work in concert, with a focus on maintaining battery charge for sustained high-performance driving. ‘Qualifying’ mode, as the name suggests, unleashes the full, unadulterated potential of the hybrid powertrain, prioritizing ultimate performance above all else, including battery state of charge.
The experience of gliding silently through urban landscapes is surprisingly pleasant, and the damping sophistication renders the cabin a remarkably comfortable space for covering long distances. Even the luggage capacity in the ‘frunk’ is surprisingly practical, a welcome contrast to the more constrained space in the SF90 Stradale. But what truly ignites the senses, what you and I are undoubtedly most eager to understand, is the sensation when both the V6 engine and electric motor are unleashed to their full capabilities.
The instant you bury the throttle at low revs in a high gear, the 296 GTB simply catapults forward, with absolutely zero discernible turbo lag. It’s a sensation so potent that it momentarily makes you question the necessity of gears, such is its immediate and overwhelming thrust. However, with eight gears to exploit and an engine that willingly revs to an astonishing 8500rpm, the full unleashing of the 296 GTB’s performance is nothing short of breathtaking.
As the figures attest – a blistering 0-62mph time and a top speed exceeding 205mph – the rate of acceleration is of the “hold on tight and brace for nervous laughter” variety. It borders on the intense, yet it’s simultaneously and inexplicably addictive. This is a seriously rapid machine. And the soundtrack? It’s equally captivating, with a delightful blend of turbocharger whistling and the tuneful, rasping melody of the V6.
Ride and Handling: A Masterclass in Agile Precision
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is the astonishing responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s stated goal of making this car “fun to drive” has been achieved with remarkable success. It feels incredibly agile without ever tipping into nervousness. The steering, typically light and rapid, also conveys a remarkable level of road feel and detail. While the grip levels are predictably immense, the car also remains delightfully throttle-adjustable, eliciting an irrepressible grin from the driver.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter, exuding a remarkable lack of inertia that encourages precise, small inputs and allows the driver to revel in its accuracy. Engaging ‘CT Off’ mode provides a profound sense of freedom, with the reassurance that an incredibly intelligent electronic brain is still acting as a safety net. However, even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s innate balance allows it to be coaxed into delightful oversteer, a feat one might not have thought possible in a car producing 819bhp.
On track, the 296 GTB has the uncanny ability to make even lengthy start-finish straights feel remarkably short. What becomes even more apparent is its surgical precision. While the power is readily available to break rear-wheel traction at numerous points around the lap, the 296 is also exceptionally sensitive to braking and steering inputs. The driver quickly learns that precision with the controls yields the greatest rewards.
The turn-in accuracy and response are nothing short of phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase into every corner. Rather than easing into turns and waiting for the load to build, the 296 GTB settles instantly, aided by its Multimatic dampers. This is beautifully complemented by the hyper-quick steering and the enhanced roll support offered by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 are a joy to experience lap after lap.
Interior: A Blend of Familiarity and Futuristic Integration
The cabin architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the 296 GTB inherits much of its interior design. The fully digital interface, coupled with its complementary haptic switchgear, presents a learning curve. These controls are liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it.
While undoubtedly complex, it’s important to acknowledge the vast amount of information and functionality being presented. The primary challenge lies in the occasional need for a second press for simple operations that may not register on the first attempt, or the uncertainty of whether a press has been successfully acknowledged. Nevertheless, the cabin exudes a distinct sense of occasion and desirability, making it a special place to be.
Verdicts and Comparisons: Redefining Supercar Excellence
The debate surrounding the Ferrari 296 GTB and its rivals, particularly the McLaren Artura, was intense. During the Evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, the margin between the two was razor-thin, with judges perfectly split. Those who favored the Ferrari lauded its spectacular design, outrageous speed, astonishing tractability, and profound technical sophistication. Jethro Bovingdon articulated this sentiment, stating, “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.”
Another judge, Dickie Meaden, offered a glowing endorsement: “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355.” He further elaborated on the hybrid system’s seamless integration, noting, “It 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.”
However, even champions can face adversity. During the awards, one incident saw a 296 GTB left stranded after its battery depleted with no apparent means of revival. While Ferrari had provided guidance on preventing such occurrences, it highlighted a potential oversight for owners unfamiliar with the nuances of hybrid powertrains. As one tester noted, “That the company who introduced individual rear-wheel steering to its cars can’t engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this happening is a huge oversight.” Fortunately, this occurred after the scoring was completed.
Despite these points, the 296 GTB’s allure was undeniable. Ferrari’s signature super-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake feel didn’t consistently match the very best in class. The tech interface also faced widespread criticism for its complexity. Yet, as Vivian concluded, “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…”
The Ferrari 296 GTB represents a significant return to form for Ferrari, a welcome antidote to the perceived shortcomings of the SF90 Stradale. Peter Tomalin, summing up the Ecoty 2022 verdict, stated, “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.’”
Price, Rivals, and the Future of Supercar Performance
With such a profound infusion of cutting-edge technology, there’s always an inherent risk of a vehicle becoming less than the sum of its parts. This was a concern echoed in our experience with the SF90 Stradale, which, while dazzling in its power, could sometimes feel somewhat inscrutable in its driving characteristics.
The Ferrari 296 GTB, however, offers a distinctly different proposition. Its position at the pinnacle of automotive engineering is further solidified by its joint third-place finish alongside the McLaren Artura in the Evo Car of the Year 2022 awards. It strikes a remarkable sweet spot, seamlessly blending prodigious power with profoundly engaging dynamics, effectively redefining what a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket can achieve. Rumors of a ‘Versione Speciale’ variant, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity, only add to the anticipation. The hope remains that this enhanced iteration will retain the standard 296 GTB’s inexplicably natural and intuitive driving feel.
It is precisely this aspect – the nuanced driving experience and accessible performance – that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Lamborghini Temerario supercar. With over 900bhp on tap, it’s an almost obscene amount of power for a series-production supercar, a figure that could easily overwhelm the chassis if not meticulously engineered. If Lamborghini has indeed managed to capture the same level of dynamic finesse that characterized the Revuelto, then we are poised for an absolutely sensational head-to-head comparison.
And then there’s the McLaren 750S. Now, almost absurdly, the “minnow” of this elite group with “only” 740bhp. However, it counters with a remarkably petite kerb weight of 1389kg, delivering a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw, unadulterated feedback, its ergonomic perfection, the crispness of its steering, and the deftness of its chassis continue to set it apart from the comparatively more detached feel of the Ferrari.
The Ferrari 296 GTB has not just entered the supercar arena; it has fundamentally reshaped it. It’s a testament to innovation, a symbol of a bold future, and a car that demands to be experienced.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications:
Engine: 2992cc, twin-turbocharged V6, plus electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, active E-diff
Combined Power: 819bhp @ 8000rpm
Torque: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Price: £250,000+
The automotive landscape is in a constant state of flux, driven by innovation and the unyielding pursuit of performance. If you’re captivated by the electrifying fusion of hybrid technology and supercar prowess exemplified by the Ferrari 296 GTB, and you’re keen to explore how this groundbreaking machine compares to the cutting edge of what’s to come, now is the perfect moment to engage with our team. Let us guide you through the nuances of these extraordinary vehicles and help you identify the ultimate expression of your automotive passion.

