The Ferrari 296 GTB: Electrifying Performance, Uncompromising Emotion – A Decade-Long Perspective
For over a decade, I’ve witnessed the relentless evolution of the supercar. We’ve seen V10s sing their
naturally aspirated swan songs, twin-turbo V8s redefine brutal efficiency, and now, a new era is dawning – the era of electrification intertwined with raw, unadulterated driving pleasure. In this landscape, the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a beacon, a testament to Maranello’s audacious pursuit of innovation. Having spent years analyzing the bleeding edge of automotive engineering, the 296 GTB isn’t just a car; it’s a statement. It’s a meticulously crafted machine that challenges conventions and recalibrates expectations for what a mid-engined supercar can and should be.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a significant inflection point in Ferrari’s storied history. It was the moment the Prancing Horse bravely eschewed its beloved, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 in favor of a completely reimagined powertrain: a potent, 120-degree twin-turbo V6 augmented by an electric motor. This wasn’t merely an update; it was a paradigm shift. While the supercar segment has been gradually embracing hybrid technology, Ferrari, with the 296 GTB, seized the initiative, pushing the boundaries of what’s achievable with this complex synergy.
Its debut positioned it against formidable rivals. The long-standing Lamborghini Huracán, with its intoxicating naturally aspirated V10, offered a purer, albeit less powerful, auditory and visceral experience. Then there was the McLaren 720S, a marvel of lightweight engineering and twin-turbo V8 dominance. However, the horizon has since shifted dramatically. The impending arrival of the Lamborghini Temerario, a 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid V8 marvel, represents Sant’Agata Bolognese’s direct challenge to Maranello’s electrified prowess. This isn’t just a horsepower war; it’s a philosophical debate about the soul of the supercar in the 21st century. The Ferrari 296 GTB remains at the epicenter of this enthralling contest.
The sheer performance figures of the Ferrari 296 GTB are, frankly, astounding. The newly developed V6, when combined with its electric counterpart, churns out a staggering 819 horsepower. This isn’t a car that merely flirts with performance; it embodies it. The question of where this power escalation will ultimately lead, and more importantly, where one can responsibly unleash such ferocity, is a topic for philosophers and adrenaline junkies alike. But make no mistake, the Ferrari 296 GTB is engineered for the extreme, designed to push the envelope of what’s humanly possible on four wheels.
Historically, the Ferrari 296 GTB is significant as the first V6-powered Ferrari road car to bear the iconic Prancing Horse emblem. While the beloved 246 GT Dino offered a taste of V6 brilliance, it never wore the full Ferrari badge in its era. The 296 GTB also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger setup, a configuration where the exhaust manifolds and turbochargers are mounted within the cylinder banks, optimizing packaging and responsiveness. Furthermore, its plug-in hybrid architecture grants it an impressive, albeit modest, EV-only range of approximately 15 miles, offering a tantalizing glimpse into silent, emission-free motoring for short urban sprints.
The engineering prowess extends to its chassis. The compact V6 is nestled low within a new aluminum frame, and the wheelbase has been ingeniously reduced by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, contributing to a more agile and responsive feel. The occupants are positioned slightly further forward, enhancing the sense of immediacy and connection to the road.
The electric motor itself is no slouch, contributing a substantial 165 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. The V6 alone delivers a mind-bending 654 horsepower and 546 lb-ft of torque. While Ferrari wisely refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the two power sources, it’s safe to assume the resultant force is nothing short of colossal. The V6 unit itself 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 sleek, oblong structure, is ingeniously housed behind the seats, a testament to Ferrari’s meticulous packaging.
No Ferrari is complete without an arsenal of sophisticated electronic chassis systems, and the Ferrari 296 GTB is no exception. The marque has developed its revolutionary six-axis sensor, dubbed 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This advanced system measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes, essentially providing the car’s electronic brain with an unparalleled understanding of its dynamic state. This replaces traditional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with sensors on the steering rack, allows the car to comprehend not only driver inputs but also the available grip levels at the tire contact patches. This information is then fed to systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-diff, optimizing cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and driver confidence. A notable innovation here is ABS-evo, available in RACE mode and above. This advanced braking system, working in conjunction with the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, not only shortens braking distances but also significantly enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners.
Ferrari’s active aerodynamics, typically employed to slice through the air with minimal resistance, takes a different approach in the 296 GTB, focusing on generating downforce. The automaker quotes a remarkable 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a substantial 100kg of that figure attributable to a deployable rear wing. The intricate cooling system is a masterpiece of thermal management. Twin radiators in the nose handle engine and gearbox cooling, while two additional condensers manage the battery’s thermal load. Hot air is expertly expelled from the underside, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the airflow directed towards the intercoolers along the car’s flanks. Small apertures below 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 efficiently to the car’s posterior. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated beneath the car, with particular attention paid to the underbody’s design, the rear diffuser, and its ground clearance, all working in concert to maximize the effectiveness of these aerodynamic surfaces.
For those seeking the ultimate track-focused experience, the Assetto Fiorano package is an almost mandatory option. It replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units, derived directly from GT racing applications, and adds further carbon fiber aerodynamic elements to the front, increasing 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 a further weight saving of 12kg, which can increase to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. To complement these enhancements, the Assetto Fiorano specification can be further augmented with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, offering a more aggressive and track-oriented grip profile than the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Visually, the Fiorano package can be adorned with an exterior graphics package, a stylish nod to the legendary 250LM of the 1960s.
Having had the opportunity to witness the Ferrari 296 GTB in person and experience its presence, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a unique and captivating design language, undeniably evoking the spirit of the 1960s 250LM, even without the more overt graphic treatments. It’s a car that commands attention and admiration in equal measure.
The driving experience of the Ferrari 296 GTB is a multi-faceted revelation. Initiating motion is as simple as a double-press on the steering wheel boss and engaging first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, utilizing electric power for initial acceleration unless the driver dictates otherwise via the intuitive haptic controls on the steering wheel. Provided the battery has sufficient charge and throttle inputs are measured, the 296 can glide through urban landscapes on pure electric power, offering an unexpected and serene experience.
Drivers can also elect to force the car into EV mode, regardless of powertrain demands. Beyond this, there are distinct Performance and Qualifying modes. In Performance mode, both power sources collaborate with the aim of maintaining battery charge. Qualifying mode, however, unleashes the full, unadulterated fury of the combined powertrain, with battery state of charge becoming a secondary concern.
The quiet serenity of gliding through villages is an unexpected pleasure, and the damping sophistication makes for a surprisingly comfortable cruiser. Even luggage space is considered, with a usable ‘frunk’ up front – a welcome departure from the more spatially challenged SF90. But the real question, the one that ignites the imagination, is what happens when both the V6 and the electric motor are unleashed in their full glory.
The answer lies in the car’s immediate and ferocious response, even at low revs in higher gears. The Ferrari 296 GTB simply surges forward with zero perceptible lag, making you momentarily question the very necessity of gear changes. Yet, with eight gears to play with and an engine that revs to a breathtaking 8500rpm, the experience of fully unwinding the 296 is nothing short of startling. The acceleration figures – a blistering 0-62mph in under 3 seconds and a top speed exceeding 200mph – translate into a palpable sensation of immense velocity, bordering on the uncomfortable, yet possessing a strangely addictive quality. This is a car that redefines rapid, and its soundtrack is equally captivating, a harmonious blend of turbocharger effects overlaying a tuneful V6 rasp.
The agility and responsiveness of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s chassis are truly exceptional. Ferrari’s claim of making this car ‘fun to drive’ is not an exaggeration. It feels incredibly agile without ever becoming nervous. The steering, as one would expect from Ferrari, is typically light and rapid, yet it teems with feedback, allowing the driver to feel precisely what the front tires are doing. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car’s true brilliance lies in its throttle adjustability. You can – and will – find yourself deliberately playing with the throttle, inducing controlled slides that elicit an irrepressible grin.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the Ferrari 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a remarkable lack of inertia, encouraging the driver to work with the car, making subtle inputs and reveling in its pinpoint accuracy and precision. Engaging CT Off mode provides an astonishing level of freedom, offering the reassurance of an intelligent electronic safety net that’s far more capable than human reflexes, yet it allows for incredible liberties to be taken. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows it to be coaxed into oversteer in a manner that seems almost impossible for a car producing 819 horsepower.
On the track, the Ferrari 296 GTB possesses the ability to dramatically compress even the longest straights. Its nature as a sharp, precise instrument becomes acutely apparent. While the immense power is readily available to break traction at the rear at numerous points around the circuit, the car is equally sensitive to braking and steering inputs. A precise and deliberate approach to the controls yields the greatest rewards. The turn-in accuracy and response are phenomenal, effectively shortening the entry phase of every corner. Instead of gradually easing the car into turns and allowing load to build, the 296 settles instantly into its apex, aided by the advanced Multimatic dampers and the hyper-quick steering, which harmonizes beautifully with the enhanced roll support provided by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for a driver accustomed to potent sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are truly extraordinary, providing an exhilarating experience lap after lap.
The interior architecture of the Ferrari 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90. The cabin heavily borrows from its larger sibling, featuring a purely digital interface complemented by an array of haptic switchgear. These controls are liberally distributed across the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it. While undoubtedly complex, it’s a necessary complexity given the vast amount of information and functions the system manages. The primary frustration lies in the occasional need for a second press for commands to register, or uncertainty about whether an input has been successfully received. Nevertheless, the cabin undeniably exudes a sense of occasion and exclusivity.
Reflecting on our 2022 Car of the Year awards, the Ferrari 296 GTB was a standout contender. The competition with the McLaren Artura was incredibly close, with scores separated by the narrowest of margins. The judging panel was evenly divided, a testament to the exceptional caliber of both machines. Those who favored the Ferrari found it to be a spectacular car – stunningly beautiful, outrageously fast, and remarkably exploitable. The V6 powertrain was lauded for demonstrating to McLaren how to downsize effectively while injecting immense drama. The 296 GTB matched the Artura in sheer control but offered a more playful and indulgent driving experience.
One judge declared it the “first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. The hybrid system was praised for its seamless integration, its impact on the driving experience being far less intrusive than initially feared, likely due to the familiarity with the torquey characteristics of turbocharged V8s in previous models. The 296 GTB’s blistering pace was celebrated, but it was recognized that its appeal extended beyond mere speed, thanks to the characterful V6 engine and its engaging, throttle-responsive soundtrack.
The seamless integration of the hybridisation received widespread acclaim. However, a significant point of contention arose during the final testing when one particular 296 GTB was left stranded due to a depleted battery, with no apparent means of recovery. While Ferrari had cautioned about this possibility and provided guidance on prevention, the incident highlighted a critical oversight: for a company that pioneered individual rear-wheel steering, the inability to engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent such a scenario was deemed a substantial flaw. Fortunately for the Ferrari 296 GTB, this issue occurred after all scoring was completed.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering, while praised by some for its immediacy, divided opinion. The brake feel, while competent, didn’t quite match the absolute best in the segment. The technological interface was also widely criticized for its complexity. Despite these drawbacks, the Ferrari 296 GTB remained irresistibly seductive. One judge, initially skeptical of its perceived complexity, found himself “bewitched by the spooky way it changes direction; its amazing damping and looney-tunes levels of grip; the linearity of seemingly never-ending power…”
Ultimately, the Ferrari 296 GTB represented a triumphant return to form for Ferrari, a stark contrast to the somewhat colder reception of the SF90 the previous year. The 296 GTB’s technical sophistication and, in particular, the integration of its hybrid technology felt far more natural and less intrusive. Ferrari had clearly learned valuable lessons from the SF90, distilling that experience into a series production model that stands as one of its very best.
The risk with any vehicle heavily laden with cutting-edge technology is that it can become less than the sum of its parts. We observed this with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power output, could feel somewhat unnerving and elusive in its driving characteristics. The Ferrari 296 GTB, however, is a different proposition entirely. Its success in our 2022 awards, securing joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, underscores its ability to strike a remarkable sweet spot. It feels far more organic, and its masterful blend of brute force and engaging dynamics redefine what a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket can achieve. Rumors of a ‘Versione Speciale’ variant, promising even more power and intensity, are circulating, and the hope is that the standard 296 GTB’s wonderfully natural feel will be preserved.
It is precisely this aspect – the natural, intuitive feel – that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900 horsepower is an obscene amount of power to harness in a series production supercar, and without a perfectly resolved chassis and overall driving experience, it risks becoming overwhelming. If Lamborghini has indeed succeeded in its endeavor – and the impressive capability of the Revuelto offers substantial reason for optimism – then a monumental twin test between these two electrified titans, boasting a combined output of over 1700 horsepower, is on the horizon.
Alternatively, we could expand this to a 2400 horsepower triple threat, including the McLaren 750S. In this context, it now seems almost absurd to describe the 750S as the ‘minnow’ of the group with ‘only’ 740 horsepower. However, it brings to the table a relatively svelte 1389kg kerb weight, offering a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw immediacy, ergonomic excellence, razor-sharp steering, and deft chassis control continue to set it apart from the comparatively more detached Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications:
Engine: 2992cc, twin-turbocharged V6, plus electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, active E-diff
Combined Power: 819 hp @ 8000 rpm
Torque: 546 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm
Weight: 1470 kg (dry) (566 bhp/ton)
0-62 mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205 mph
Price: £250,000+
The landscape of the supercar is in constant flux, driven by technological advancement and an insatiable demand for performance. The Ferrari 296 GTB is more than just a participant in this evolution; it’s a leader, demonstrating a compelling vision for the future of high-performance driving. For those who seek the pinnacle of automotive engineering, a machine that delivers breathtaking speed, unparalleled agility, and an emotional connection that few cars can replicate, the Ferrari 296 GTB warrants serious consideration.
Are you ready to experience the electrifying future of the supercar? Discover more about the Ferrari 296 GTB and explore the possibilities of owning a piece of automotive history today.

