Ferrari 296 GTB: The Electrifying Evolution of Maranello’s Mid-Engined Masterpiece
For a decade, I’ve navigated the intricate world of high-performance automobiles, from the raw, visceral thrill of na
turally aspirated engines to the sophisticated symphony of forced induction and electric augmentation. In that time, few marques have consistently pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering quite like Ferrari. And among their most recent triumphs stands the 296 GTB, a car that not only redefined the brand’s mid-engined supercar paradigm but also set a new benchmark for hybrid performance. Now, as we look towards 2025, with rivals like the formidable Lamborghini Temerario on the horizon, the 296 GTB remains a benchmark – a testament to Ferrari’s unwavering commitment to innovation and driving exhilaration.
The arrival of the 296 GTB in 2022 marked a watershed moment for Ferrari’s iconic mid-engined silhouette. It was a bold departure, trading in the celebrated, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 for an entirely new, electrifying twin-turbocharged V6. This wasn’t merely a powertrain swap; it was a fundamental reimagining of what a Maranello supercar could be, introducing significant electrical augmentation to a segment that was still tentatively embracing hybrid power. In its debut, the 296 GTB faced established titans. The Lamborghini Huracán, with its soul-stirring naturally aspirated V10, offered a charismatic, albeit comparatively less potent, alternative. The McLaren 720S, a masterclass in twin-turbo V8 performance and power-to-weight supremacy, represented another formidable contender. However, with the imminent arrival of the 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid Temerario, Lamborghini has thrown down a gauntlet, directly challenging Maranello’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta.
Make no mistake, the 296 GTB is armed with prodigious firepower. Its heart beats with an all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, working in tandem with an electric motor to drive the rear wheels exclusively – a distinction from the all-wheel-drive SF90. This potent combination unleashes a staggering 819bhp, shattering conventional supercar expectations. It’s a figure that compels contemplation: where will this relentless escalation of power ultimately lead? And more pragmatically, where can such performance truly be unleashed in the real world? These are questions that spark endless debate among enthusiasts, but they underscore the sheer audacity of the 296 GTB’s engineering.
The 296 GTB holds a significant place in Ferrari’s lineage. It is the first V6-powered Ferrari road car to bear the Prancing Horse emblem – the delectable 246 GT Dino, though a V6 marvel, never officially wore the badge during its production run. Furthermore, it pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger installation and embraces plug-in hybrid technology, offering an impressive EV-only range of approximately 15 miles. The compact V6 is nestled low within a newly developed aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors. This architectural shift allows the occupants to sit slightly further forward, enhancing the sense of intimacy with the machine.
The electric motor contributes a substantial 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 alone delivers a colossal 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined output of 819bhp is the headline figure, though Ferrari judiciously refrains from quoting peak combined torque. This is likely due to the intricate interplay between the V6 and the electric motor, a synergy so complex that a single torque figure would hardly do justice to its multifaceted delivery. Nevertheless, it’s safe to assume the combined torque is nothing short of immense. Crucially, the V6 unit is approximately 30kg lighter than a comparable Ferrari V8, and it’s mated to a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a long, rectangular structure, is ingeniously housed behind the seats, contributing to the car’s balanced weight distribution.
As expected from any modern Ferrari, the 296 GTB is equipped with an array of sophisticated electronic chassis management systems. At the forefront is the groundbreaking six-axis sensor, dubbed 6w-CDS. This advanced system meticulously measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes, replacing traditional yaw sensors. In conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, it provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of driver input and the prevailing grip levels at the tire contact patches. This data is then fed to systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, optimizing cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and security. A notable innovation is the ABS-evo system, available in RACE mode and above. Leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, ABS-evo not only reduces braking distances but also significantly enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners, a testament to the car’s track-honed capabilities.
For the first time in its history, Ferrari has deployed its active aerodynamics technology not to minimize drag, but to maximize downforce. The company claims a substantial 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a remarkable 100kg of this generated by the deployable rear wing. The car’s cooling strategy is equally ingenious. Two radiators in the nose manage engine and gearbox temperatures, while two additional condensers are dedicated to cooling the battery. Hot air is strategically expelled from the underbody to avoid disrupting the flow of cool air directed to the intercoolers along the car’s flanks. Small apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to cooling the brakes, and a cleverly integrated wing at the rear of the roofline creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, channeling air efficiently to the car’s posterior. The majority of the 296’s downforce, however, is sculpted from beneath the car. Meticulous attention has been paid to the underbody’s airflow management, the rear diffuser, and crucially, the car’s ground clearance, all working in concert to amplify the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The pre-production 296 GTB models we sampled on track were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-enhancing suite replaces the standard dampers with race-derived Multimatic units and incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements at the front, boosting front downforce by an additional 20kg. The Assetto Fiorano also brings a liberal application of carbon fiber within the cabin – think door panels and more – and on the exterior, contributing to a total weight saving of 12kg. This figure can be further enhanced to 15kg by specifying the optional Lexan rear engine cover. For those seeking ultimate track-day performance, the Assetto Fiorano package also offers the option of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, superseding the already capable standard Pilot Sport 4S. Visually, Assetto Fiorano cars can be adorned with a striking exterior graphics package, a subtle nod to the legendary 250LM of the 1960s. Having experienced the 296 GTB firsthand, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a timeless beauty, an avant-garde design that manages to be both entirely contemporary and deeply evocative of Ferrari’s rich heritage.
To initiate motion in the 296 GTB, a deliberate double-press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by engaging first gear, is required. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, meaning it will glide away on electric power alone unless deliberately overridden. As long as the throttle application remains gentle, and the battery is sufficiently charged, the 296 will continue its silent procession. For those moments when pure electric propulsion is desired, an ‘e-drive’ button allows the driver to fully commit to EV mode, irrespective of other powertrain demands. Beyond this, the drive modes are categorized into Performance and Qualifying. In Performance mode, both the V6 and electric motor work in unison, with a secondary objective of maintaining battery charge. Qualifying mode, as its name suggests, unleashes the full, unadulterated fury of the hybrid powertrain, with the battery’s state of charge being a secondary concern.
The quiet serenity of gliding through urban landscapes is an unexpected pleasure, and the damping is so remarkably sophisticated that long journeys become a surprisingly comfortable affair. There’s even a practical luggage compartment in the front ‘frunk’ – a welcome addition absent in the SF90. But let’s be honest, what we all truly yearn to experience is the unbridled ferocity when both the V6 and the electric motor are unleashed.
The moment you mat the throttle at low revs in a high gear, the 296 GTB simply surges forward with an immediacy that defies lag. It’s a potent surge that momentarily makes you question the necessity of gears altogether, such is its raw potency. Yet, there are eight of them to exploit, and an engine that eagerly winds out to an 8,500rpm redline. When the 296 is truly uncorked, the effect is nothing short of startling. The acceleration figures – 0-62mph in a blistering 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 205mph – paint a picture of relentless thrust, a sensation that borders on the overwhelming but is undeniably addictive. This is a seriously rapid automobile, and its soundtrack is equally captivating. The V6 delivers a tuneful rasp, artfully complemented by a rich tapestry of turbocharger acoustics.
The sheer responsiveness of the 296 GTB’s chassis is truly remarkable. Ferrari’s promise of a car designed to be ‘fun to drive’ is unequivocally fulfilled. It feels incredibly agile, yet remarkably stable, devoid of any nervous tendencies. The steering is typically Ferrari – light and direct – but it also communicates a surprising level of road texture, allowing the driver to feel intimately connected to the asphalt. While grip levels are predictably stratospheric, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable. This inherent ability to be modulated by the accelerator pedal inspires confidence and elicits pure, unadulterated joy.
Despite its dry weight of 1,470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a palpable lack of inertia that encourages a fluid, intuitive driving style, rewarding precise inputs and celebrating its inherent accuracy. The CT Off mode provides an extraordinary level of driver freedom, bolstered by the reassurance of an intelligent electronic safety net. However, even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows it to be coaxed into controlled oversteer in a manner that would seem impossible for a car producing 819bhp.
On the track, the 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to compress even the longest of straights, and its precision as a scalpel-sharp instrument becomes profoundly apparent. While the power is readily available to break rear-wheel traction at numerous points around the circuit, the 296 also exhibits exceptional sensitivity to braking and steering inputs. A precise and deliberate approach to control application yields the greatest rewards. The turn-in accuracy and responsiveness are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing into turns and allowing loads to build progressively, the 296 assumes its apex attitude immediately, its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering working in perfect harmony with the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for those transitioning from more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are simply exhilarating, offering a joy that endures lap after lap.
The interior architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90. The cabin is dominated by a fully digital interface and a suite of haptic switchgear, liberally distributed across the steering wheel and the traditional Ferrari pods flanking it. The system is undoubtedly complex, and while it needs to convey a vast amount of information, the frustration lies in how simple operations can sometimes require multiple attempts to register. There’s also an element of uncertainty as to whether a press has been successfully acknowledged. Nevertheless, the cabin exudes an undeniable sense of occasion and exclusivity.
At the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards, the competition was fierce. The McLaren Artura and the 296 GTB were separated by the narrowest of margins, with the judging panel split evenly. Three judges, including myself, narrowly favored the Ferrari, while three leaned towards the McLaren. 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 lauded it as “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. He further noted, “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 Ferrari’s hybridisation was widely praised. However, a notable incident occurred where the battery depleted, leaving a car stranded. While Ferrari had provided ample warning and guidance on preventing such occurrences, it highlighted a potential oversight in providing a simple fail-safe mechanism, as observed by Gallagher. Fortunately, this happened after scoring, allowing the 296 to maintain its strong performance. The Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake feel, while competent, didn’t quite match the very best in class. The tech interface also drew criticism for its complexity. Despite these points, the 296 GTB proved irresistibly seductive. Vivian remarked, “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 296 GTB represents a significant return to form for Ferrari, particularly when contrasted with the less captivating SF90 from the previous year. As Sutcliffe noted, “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.” Gallagher concurred, stating, “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.”
With such a high degree of technological integration, there’s always a risk of a car becoming less than the sum of its parts. We observed this with the SF90, which, despite its dazzling power, could feel somewhat unnerving due to its challenging driving characteristics. The 296 GTB, however, is a different proposition entirely. Its performance at the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards, where it secured joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, was a testament to its more organic feel. The harmonious blend of raw power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect balance, effectively redefining what a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket can be. A ‘Versione Speciale’ variant, hinting at even greater power and intensity, is anticipated, and the hope is that the standard 296’s remarkably natural feel will be preserved.
It is precisely this aspect of the 296 GTB’s inherent character that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an almost obscene amount of power to harness in a series-production supercar, and it possesses the potential to overwhelm if the supporting chassis and dynamics are not perfectly resolved. If Lamborghini has indeed achieved that delicate balance – and their mastery of the Revuelto offers considerable grounds for optimism – then we are on the cusp of witnessing a truly epic twin test.
Alternatively, we could even contemplate a 2,400bhp triple threat with the McLaren 750S. Absurdly, it is now the junior of this elite class, producing a comparatively modest 740bhp. However, it brings to the table a remarkably lithe kerb weight of 1,389kg, resulting in a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s rawness, ergonomic perfection, crisp steering, and deft chassis control offer a distinct advantage over the comparatively remote feel of the Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications:
Engine: 2992cc, twin-turbocharged V6, plus electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, active E-diff
Power: 819bhp (combined) @ 8000rpm
Torque: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Price: £250,000+
The Ferrari 296 GTB is more than just a hybrid supercar; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation that defines Maranello. It’s a machine that delivers breathtaking performance with an engaging and intuitive driving experience, setting a new standard for electrified performance. If you’re ready to explore the pinnacle of modern supercar engineering or are considering how this exceptional machine fits into your automotive aspirations, we invite you to connect with our team of experts. Discover the unparalleled thrill of the 296 GTB and begin your journey toward owning a piece of automotive history.
