The Ferrari 296 GTB: Maranello’s Hybrid Masterpiece and a Benchmark for Supercar Evolution
For over a decade, the automotive landscape has been in a state of perpetual flux, a testament to relentless
innovation and the unwavering pursuit of automotive perfection. Within this dynamic arena, few brands evoke passion, performance, and prestige quite like Ferrari. As an industry veteran with ten years immersed in the world of high-performance vehicles, I’ve witnessed firsthand the dramatic shifts in engineering philosophy, particularly the embrace of electrification. The Ferrari 296 GTB, a name that resonates with automotive enthusiasts globally, represents a pivotal moment for the Prancing Horse, a bold leap into a new era of hybridized supercars that not only sets a formidable standard but also challenges rivals like the highly anticipated Lamborghini Temerario.
The arrival of the 296 GTB in 2022 marked an unprecedented departure from Ferrari’s established formula. Eschewing the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 that powered its illustrious predecessors, Maranello opted for a radical new direction: a compact yet potent twin-turbocharged V6 engine, augmented by an electric motor. This strategic shift placed the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a supercar segment that was, and still is, in the nascent stages of its hybrid transition. Its debut offered a stark contrast to the traditional competitors of its era, such as the Lamborghini Huracán, celebrated for its naturally aspirated V10 symphony, and the McLaren 720S, a V8 behemoth focused on ultimate power-to-weight ratios. Now, with the advent of the 903bhp, 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid Lamborghini Temerario on the horizon, the 296 GTB’s audacious embrace of V6 hybrid power becomes even more pronounced, a direct riposte to the Raging Bull’s latest electrified assault.
The sheer firepower delivered by the 296 GTB is nothing short of breathtaking. The all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6, seamlessly integrated with an electric motor, drives the rear wheels exclusively – a distinction from the all-wheel-drive SF90. This potent combination yields a staggering 819bhp, a figure that shattered conventional supercar expectations upon its release. It’s easy to be mesmerized by such colossal power outputs, prompting contemplation on the ultimate limits of performance escalation – and indeed, where such prodigious might can be truly unleashed. But let’s delve deeper into what makes this particular Ferrari 296 GTB review so compelling for 2025.
This remarkable machine is not merely a numerical escalation; it’s a historical marker. The 296 GTB is the first V6-powered road-going Ferrari to officially wear the Prancing Horse emblem, a lineage tracing back indirectly to the exquisite 246 GT Dino. It’s also the first Ferrari to adopt a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration, where the exhaust manifolds and turbochargers are mounted within the V of the engine, optimizing packaging and response. Furthermore, its plug-in hybrid architecture provides an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the dual nature of modern supercars. The V6 engine itself is mounted low within a newly developed aluminum chassis, which features a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, subtly repositioning the occupants slightly further forward for enhanced weight distribution.
The electric motor contributes a substantial 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 alone churns out an astonishing 654bhp and 546lb ft. While Ferrari judiciously refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the V6 and electric motor, it’s safe to assume the resultant force is nothing short of prodigious. Remarkably, this V6 unit is approximately 30kg lighter than a comparable Ferrari V8, a testament to advanced engineering. It’s mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the compact, oblong battery pack resides discreetly behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without a sophisticated suite of electronic chassis control systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. The introduction of the six-axis sensor, dubbed 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor), represents a significant leap forward. This advanced sensor measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes, effectively replacing traditional yaw sensors. In conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, it provides the car’s electronic brain with an intimate understanding of driver inputs and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patches. This information is then utilized to dynamically manage systems like Side Slip Control and the active electronic differential, maximizing cornering speeds while preserving unwavering stability and confidence. A notable innovation is the ABS-evo system, active in RACE mode and above. Leveraging the 296 GTB’s brake-by-wire technology, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also refines braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers, a crucial technique for maximizing corner entry speed.
For the first time in its history, Ferrari has deployed its active aerodynamics not for drag reduction, but for generating downforce. The manufacturer claims an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with the deployable rear wing alone accounting for up to 100kg of this figure. The aerodynamic packaging is a masterpiece of functional sculpture. Twin radiators in the front handle engine and gearbox cooling, while an additional pair of condensers manage battery thermal regulation. Hot air is expelled from beneath the car, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the airflow directed to the intercoolers positioned along the flanks. The subtle apertures below the headlamps are dedicated to cooling the brakes, and the roofline-integrated rear wing creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, effectively channeling air to the rear of the car as if guided by a meticulously crafted surface. The majority of the 296 GTB’s downforce is generated from beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid to the underbody’s contours, the rear diffuser’s efficiency, and crucially, the ground clearance to optimize the performance of these downforce-generating elements.
Our initial experiences with the 296 GTB, particularly on track during its launch, were exclusively with models equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with bespoke Multimatic units, derived from Ferrari’s GT racing programs. It also adds carbon fiber aerodynamic enhancements to the front splitter, further increasing front-end downforce by 20kg. The Assetto Fiorano package also incorporates additional carbon fiber in the cabin, such as the door panels, and on the exterior, contributing to an overall weight saving of 12kg. Opting for the Lexan rear engine cover further shaves off an additional 3kg. For the ultimate track-focused setup, the Assetto Fiorano specification allows for the fitment of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, a significant upgrade from the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Furthermore, Assetto Fiorano-equipped cars can be personalized with an exterior graphics package, a tasteful homage to the iconic 250LM of the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 GTB in various settings, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It’s a visually striking machine, possessing a unique identity that stands apart from anything else on the road, subtly evoking the spirit of the 1960s 250LM, even without the more overt graphics package.
Performance: Electrifying Acceleration and Dynamic Prowess
Initiating propulsion in the 296 GTB is as simple as a double press of the lower steering wheel boss and engaging first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing for silent, electric-only departure unless overridden by the driver via the haptic ‘buttons’ on the steering wheel. With judicious throttle application, the 296 GTB can be coaxed into purely electric operation, provided the battery holds sufficient charge. The option to manually select ‘eDrive’ mode offers an even greater emphasis on electric propulsion, irrespective of performance demands. Beyond this, drivers can choose between Performance and Qualifying modes. In Performance mode, both the V6 and electric motor operate in tandem, with a secondary objective of maintaining battery charge. Qualifying mode, however, unleashes the full, unadulterated fury of the hybrid powertrain, prioritizing absolute performance above all else, with scant regard for the battery’s state of charge.
The serene glide through urban environments is an unexpectedly delightful facet of the 296 GTB’s character. The damping sophistication ensures a remarkably comfortable ride, making it a surprisingly adept cruiser for covering long distances. The ‘frunk’ offers a reasonable luggage capacity, a welcome practical consideration absent in the SF90. But the true measure of this hybrid supercar performance lies in the visceral experience when both power sources are fully engaged.
The immediate surge of power when planting the throttle at low revs in a higher gear is astonishing. The 296 GTB simply launches forward with an absence of lag that momentarily makes one question the very necessity of gear changes, such is its potency. Yet, with eight gears to exploit and an engine that willingly spins to 8500rpm, the experience of unleashing the full 296 GTB is nothing short of sensational. The acceleration figures – a blistering 0-62mph in just 2.9 seconds and a top speed of over 205mph – translate into a sensation of being firmly pinned to the seat, a thrilling, almost unnerving, yet undeniably addictive rush. The auditory experience complements the performance perfectly; the V6 rasp is harmonically rich, beautifully layered with the distinctive symphony of turbocharger spooling and wastegate flutter.
Ride and Handling: Precision, Agility, and Driver Engagement
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is the astonishing responsiveness of its chassis and Ferrari’s unwavering commitment to creating a ‘fun to drive’ experience. The car feels exceptionally agile without ever bordering on nervousness. The steering is characteristically light and rapid, yet it possesses a surprising level of communication, providing crucial feedback from the road. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car’s most compelling attribute is its adjustability on the throttle, a characteristic that consistently elicits a broad grin.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter, exhibiting a remarkable lack of inertia that encourages intuitive, small inputs and a profound appreciation for its accuracy and precision. The ‘CT Off’ mode provides a comforting safety net, allowing drivers to explore the car’s limits with the reassurance of an incredibly sophisticated electronic guardian. However, even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296 GTB’s inherent balance allows for a degree of playful, controllable oversteer that defies expectations for a car boasting 819bhp.
On the racetrack, the 296 GTB has the remarkable ability to condense even the longest straights, transforming them into mere blips on the circuit. Its nature as a precision instrument becomes acutely apparent. While the power is more than sufficient to break traction at numerous points around a lap, the 296 GTB is exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs, rewarding precise control with amplified driver satisfaction. The turn-in accuracy and response are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Rather than gently easing into turns, the 296 GTB settles instantaneously, its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering harmonizing beautifully with 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 296 GTB are nothing short of exhilarating, delivering an experience that remains captivating lap after lap.
Interior: A Digital Frontier with Familiar Ferrari Flair
The interior architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to those who have experienced the SF90 Stradale. This familiarity extends to the largely digital interface and the accompanying haptic switchgear, which are extensively integrated into the steering wheel and the traditional Ferrari pods flanking it. While undeniably complex, this intricate system is designed to convey a vast amount of information. However, the primary challenge lies in the occasional need for repeated inputs for certain simple operations, and the ambiguity surrounding whether a press has been registered. Despite these ergonomic nuances, the cabin exudes an undeniable sense of occasion and exclusivity.
evo Car of the Year 2022: A Resounding Acclaim
The 2022 evo Car of the Year competition proved to be a closely fought battle, with the McLaren Artura and the 296 GTB separated by the narrowest of margins. The judges’ decision was split, with three narrowly favoring the Ferrari and three leaning towards the McLaren. Those who championed the 296 GTB – including myself, Jethro Bovingdon, and Henry Catchpole – lauded its spectacular design, outrageous speed, astonishing exploitability, and remarkable technical ingenuity. Jethro’s endorsement highlighted the V6’s ability to showcase how downsizing can deliver immense drama, while matching the Artura’s control with a more playful and indulgent character.
Richard Hammond’s verdict, echoing the sentiments of many, declared it “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355.” He further praised the seamless integration of the hybrid system, which remarkably did not detract from the driving experience, perhaps due to our growing familiarity with the torquey nature of turbocharged V8s. He emphasized the 296 GTB’s stonkingly quick nature, but noted its reliance on more than just raw speed, attributing this to the characterful V6 with its engaging soundtrack that evolves with throttle input.
The seamless hybridization was universally praised, although a solitary incident where a drained battery left the car immobile cast a shadow. Ferrari had, of course, provided guidance on preventing such an occurrence, but the oversight in not engineering a fail-safe mechanism, especially from a company that pioneered advanced steering technologies, was pointed out. Fortunately, this event occurred after all scoring was finalized.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering, while dividing opinion, and brake feel that didn’t quite match the segment’s pinnacle, were noted criticisms. The technological interface also faced widespread critique for its complexity. Nevertheless, the 296 GTB proved irresistibly seductive. Vivian’s initial skepticism, fearing an overly complex and gratuitous departure from tradition, transformed into enchantment with the car’s uncanny directional changes, sublime damping, and seemingly boundless grip and power delivery.
As Peter Tomalin, editor of evo, eloquently summarized the 2022 verdict: “Now it gets serious. When the scores were totted up, there wasn’t even the road tester’s legendary fag paper between the Artura and 296 GTB.” He continued, highlighting the 296 GTB’s success in making its technical sophistication, particularly its hybrid integration, feel natural and far less intrusive than in the SF90. He concluded that Ferrari had distilled the lessons learned from the SF90 into a series production model that is among its very finest achievements.
Price, Rivals, and the Future of the Hybrid Supercar
The introduction of such advanced technology into a road car always carries the risk of creating a sum that is less than its individual parts. This was a sentiment we experienced with the SF90, which, despite its dazzling power, felt somewhat aloof in its driving characteristics. The 296 GTB, however, represents a distinct evolution. Its strong performance at the 2022 evo Car of the Year competition, where it shared third place with the McLaren Artura, underscored its organic feel and the perfect synergy between its power and engaging dynamics. It has truly redefined what a supercar priced in the £250,000 range can be. Whispers of a Versione Speciale variant, promising even greater power and intensity, are circulating, and the hope is that the standard 296’s inherently natural feel will be preserved.
It is precisely this nuanced approach to hybrid integration that we hope Lamborghini has meticulously honed in its forthcoming Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power, and without a perfectly resolved chassis to complement it, such performance can easily become unmanageable. If Lamborghini has indeed mastered this challenge, as evidenced by the exceptional Revuelto, we are poised for an epic twin-test of titans.
Alternatively, the equation could expand to a 2400bhp triple threat, incorporating the McLaren 750S. While now appearing as the “minnow” of this elite group with “only” 740bhp, the McLaren counters with a comparatively svelte kerb weight of 1389kg, yielding a formidable power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s rawness, ergonomic prowess, sharp steering, and exquisitely balanced chassis offer a distinct counterpoint to the Ferrari’s perceived remoteness.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications
Engine: 2992cc, twin-turbocharged V6, plus electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, active E-diff
Combined Power: 819bhp @ 8000rpm
Combined Torque: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Price: £250,000+
The Ferrari 296 GTB price reflects its position at the pinnacle of automotive engineering and performance. As the supercar landscape continues its electrifying transformation, the 296 GTB stands as a beacon of what is possible when heritage, innovation, and passion converge. For those seeking the ultimate blend of electrifying performance, dynamic prowess, and iconic Italian style, the Ferrari 296 GTB for sale represents an unparalleled opportunity to own a piece of automotive history.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or an aspiring enthusiast contemplating your next extraordinary acquisition, the 296 GTB invites you to experience the future of the supercar, today. Explore financing options, schedule a private viewing, or connect with our Ferrari specialists to learn more about this extraordinary hybrid masterpiece.
