The Ferrari 296 GTB: A New Era of Electrifying Supercar Performance
For a decade, the supercar landscape has been dominated by the thunderous roar of naturally aspirated V10s and the relentless shove
of twin-turbo V8s. I’ve spent ten years navigating this exhilarating, albeit increasingly complex, world, and witnessed firsthand the seismic shifts in automotive engineering. The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 wasn’t just an evolution; it was a revolution. Abandoning the V8 that had become synonymous with modern Ferrari supercars, Maranello bravely embraced a new path with a twin-turbocharged V6 augmented by electric power. This bold move placed the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a segment that was, and still is, grappling with the transition to hybrid powertrains.
In its initial years, the Ferrari 296 GTB review landscape saw it positioned against rivals like the Lamborghini Huracán, a car celebrated for its V10 symphony, and the McLaren 720S, a masterclass in V8-powered lightweight aggression. While the McLaren 750S builds upon that formidable foundation, the Ferrari 296 GTB vs Lamborghini Temerario narrative has ignited a new fervor. The forthcoming 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid Temerario represents Lamborghini’s direct riposte to Ferrari’s electrified Berlinetta, which boasts a formidable 819bhp. This is more than just a power war; it’s a clash of philosophies and technological prowess.
The sheer output of the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB price and performance figures is, frankly, astonishing. At its heart lies an all-new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6, paired with an electric motor that drives the rear wheels exclusively – a departure from the all-wheel-drive setup of the SF90. This potent combination yields a headline figure of 819bhp, a number that continues to redefine supercar capabilities. It’s easy to get lost in the numbers, contemplating where this relentless pursuit of power will ultimately lead and, more pertinently, where such performance can be legally and safely unleashed.
What makes the 296 GTB particularly significant is its status as the first V6-powered road-going Ferrari. While the beloved 246 GT Dino bore a similar engine configuration, it never officially wore the Prancing Horse badge during its production run. The 296 GTB also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger architecture and incorporates plug-in hybrid technology, offering an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles. This compact V6 is nestled low within a newly developed aluminum chassis, with a wheelbase reduced by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, and occupants are positioned slightly further forward, contributing to a more centralized mass.
The electric motor alone contributes a significant 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6, in isolation, unleashes a remarkable 654bhp and 546lb ft. Ferrari strategically refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the V6 and electric motor, but it’s safe to assume the total output is nothing short of immense. Impressively, this V6 unit is approximately 30kg lighter than a comparable Ferrari V8, and it’s seamlessly mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a sleek, elongated structure, is housed discreetly behind the seats, a testament to efficient packaging.
No Ferrari is complete without a suite of acronyms heralding its advanced electronic chassis systems. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari has introduced the six-axis sensor unit, dubbed 6w-CDS. This sophisticated system measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. It replaces traditional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, provides an unparalleled understanding of driver input and instantaneous grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data feeds into systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, optimizing cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and security. Furthermore, it enables the novel ABS-evo system, active in RACE mode and above. This innovative brake-by-wire setup significantly shortens braking distances and enhances braking performance, particularly during trail-braking maneuvers into corners.
A fascinating development for the 296 GTB is the application of Ferrari’s active aerodynamics, not for drag reduction, but for generating substantial downforce. The manufacturer quotes a figure of 360kg at 155mph, with an impressive 100kg of that generated by a deployable rear wing. The thermal management is equally ingenious. Two radiators in the front manage engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two condensers for the hybrid system. Hot air is strategically expelled underneath the car, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the airflow directed towards the intercoolers located along the flanks. Small apertures below the headlamps are dedicated to cooling the brakes, while a roofline-integrated rear spoiler creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, channeling air effectively towards the car’s posterior. The majority of the 296’s downforce, however, is generated beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid to the underbody’s design and its optimal height off the ground to maximize the effectiveness of these aerodynamic surfaces.
Our initial experiences with the Ferrari 296 GTB handling were on circuit, and all were equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This enhancement replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units derived from GT racing, and incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the front splitter, boosting front downforce by an additional 20kg. The Assetto Fiorano package also integrates more carbon fiber within the cabin, notably on the door panels, and externally, contributing to a 12kg weight saving. This can be further enhanced by an optional Lexan rear engine cover, adding another 3kg. For those seeking the ultimate track-focused setup, the Assetto Fiorano option allows for the specification of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the already potent standard Pilot Sport 4S. The Fiorano variants can also be adorned with a distinctive exterior graphics package, a nod to the iconic 250LM of the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 GTB, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It presents a striking departure from anything else on the road, subtly echoing the timeless elegance of the 1960s 250LM, even without the polarizing graphics. This Ferrari 296 GTB review can confidently state that its design is a triumph.
To commence your journey in the 296 GTB, a double-press of the lower steering wheel boss and engaging first gear is all that’s required. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, initiating its movement on electric power alone unless otherwise commanded via the haptic driver mode selectors on the steering wheel’s hub. With judicious throttle application, it will continue its silent glide on electric power, provided the battery retains sufficient charge. For those desiring an unadulterated EV experience, a dedicated ‘eDrive’ button can force the car into electric-only operation, irrespective of powertrain demands. Beyond this, the Performance and Qualifying modes unlock the full, exhilarating potential of the hybrid powertrain. In Performance mode, both power sources collaborate with the added objective of maintaining battery charge, while Qualifying mode prioritizes absolute maximum performance, with battery state of charge becoming a secondary concern.
The sensation of gliding silently through urban landscapes is an unexpected delight, and the damping calibration is so sophisticated that it transforms long journeys into remarkably comfortable affairs. Even the luggage space in the front ‘frunk’ is surprisingly practical, a welcome improvement over the SF90. However, what truly captivates is the experience when both the V6 engine and electric motor are unleashed.
The immediate surge of acceleration when you plant the throttle at low revs in a high gear is simply breathtaking. The 296 bolts forward with zero discernible lag, making you question the very necessity of gears, such is its immediate potency. While there are eight gears to exploit and an engine that happily revs to an astonishing 8500rpm, it’s when you truly uncork the 296 that the effect becomes utterly startling. As the performance figures suggest – a sub-3-second 0-62mph sprint and a top speed exceeding 200mph – the rate of acceleration is a dizzying, almost disorienting experience, inducing a unique blend of nervous laughter and sheer exhilaration. This is a car of immense speed, accompanied by a delightful soundtrack that melds the characteristic V6 rasp with evocative turbocharger effects.
What truly sets the Ferrari 296 GTB performance apart is the razor-sharp responsiveness of its chassis, underscoring Ferrari’s commitment to making this car “fun to drive.” It feels incredibly agile without ever becoming nervous. The steering, while typically light and rapid, offers a surprising level of feedback, and while grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable, eliciting grins at every opportunity. Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, it feels far lighter, exhibiting an inherent lack of inertia that encourages fluid, precise inputs and a deeply engaging driving experience. The CT Off mode offers the reassurance of electronic stability oversight, but even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows for playful moments of controlled oversteer, a feat one might not expect from a car boasting 819bhp.
On the track, the 296 GTB has the uncanny ability to compress even the longest straights, revealing itself as a precisely honed instrument. While its power is more than sufficient to break rear-end traction at numerous points around the lap, the car is exceptionally sensitive to braking and steering inputs. It quickly becomes apparent that precision in control yields the greatest rewards. The turn-in accuracy and immediate response dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Instead of gradually easing into turns, the 296 settles instantly, its updated Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering perfectly complementing the increased roll support offered by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal, offering a joyous experience lap after lap.
The cabin architecture will be immediately familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90, as the 296 borrows heavily from its larger sibling. The fully digital interface, coupled with the haptic switchgear liberally applied across the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari stalks, presents a significant learning curve. While undeniably complex, the sheer volume of information and control is understandable. However, the most frustrating aspect is that simple operations can sometimes require multiple attempts to register, or leave the driver uncertain if an input has been acknowledged at all. Despite these ergonomic challenges, the interior undeniably conveys a sense of occasion and exclusivity.
In the prestigious evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, the Ferrari 296 GTB vs McLaren Artura debate was remarkably close. The judges were almost perfectly divided, with only a hair’s breadth separating the two machines. Those who favored the Ferrari cited its spectacular design, outrageous speed, astonishing tractability, and technical brilliance. Jethro enthused about how the V6 showcased McLaren’s approach to downsizing while injecting unparalleled drama, and how it matched the Artura in control but offered a more playful and indulgent character. Dickie proclaimed it “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. He praised the seamless integration of the hybrid system, noting it didn’t detract from the driving experience as much as feared, perhaps due to the familiarity with turbocharged V8 torque characteristics from the 488 and F8. He described the 296 as “stonkingly quick,” but emphasized that its appeal transcended mere speed, thanks to the characterful V6 and its consistently pleasing soundtrack that evolves with throttle input.
The Ferrari 296 GTB hybrid system integration was widely lauded for its seamlessness. However, a cautionary tale emerged on the final night of testing when a depleted battery left one car stranded, with no apparent means of revival. While Ferrari had provided advance warnings and detailed necessary precautions, the scenario was not inconceivable for an owner. As one judge noted, it was a “huge oversight” that a company capable of pioneering individual rear-wheel steering couldn’t engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent such an occurrence. Fortunately for the 296 GTB, this issue arose after all scoring was completed. Despite its brilliance, Ferrari’s signature hyper-quick steering divided opinion, brake feel didn’t match the absolute best in class, and the tech interface drew widespread criticism for its complexity. Nevertheless, the 296 GTB proved irresistibly seductive. Vivian, initially skeptical of its complexity and “gratuitous points of difference,” found herself “bewitched” by its uncanny directional changes, astonishing damping, “looney-tunes” levels of grip, and the linearity of its seemingly endless power delivery.
Peter Tomalin, in his evo ecoty 2022 verdict, summarized: “The 296 is far more successful because its technical sophistication, and the integration of its hybrid technology in particular, feels much more natural, and far less intrusive.” He concluded that Ferrari had learned extensively from the SF90, distilling that knowledge into a series production model that stands as one of its very best.
The inherent risk with any car so technologically advanced is that it might become less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment we encountered with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power, sometimes unnerved with its difficult-to-interpret driving characteristics. However, the Ferrari 296 GTB review finds it to be a different proposition entirely. Its ability to strike a perfect balance between immense power and engaging dynamics, as evidenced by its joint third-place finish at eCoty 2022 alongside the McLaren Artura, redefines expectations for a supercar in the £250,000 bracket. A forthcoming Versione Speciale variant, promising even greater power and intensity, is anticipated, with hopes that it will retain the standard 296’s exceptionally natural feel.
It is precisely this aspect – the natural, intuitive driving experience – that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power, and if not meticulously integrated with the rest of the vehicle’s dynamics, it can easily overwhelm the driver. Given Lamborghini’s success with the Revuelto, there is strong reason to be optimistic. Should they achieve parity, we are poised for an electrifying twin test of epic proportions, featuring two hybrid hypercars delivering a combined 1700bhp. Or, we could expand this to a staggering 2400bhp triple threat with the inclusion of the McLaren 750S. While now absurdly described as the ‘minnow’ of this group with ‘only’ 740bhp, the McLaren compensates with a remarkably light 1389kg kerb weight, ensuring a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s rawness, ergonomic excellence, crisp steering, and deft chassis control offer a contrasting, perhaps more direct, experience compared to the subtly more remote Ferrari.
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 (V6 peak)
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Approximate Price: £250,000+
The Ferrari 296 GTB for sale represents a pivotal moment in automotive history, merging electrifying performance with an engaging driving experience. If you’re ready to explore the cutting edge of supercar technology and experience the future of driving, we invite you to connect with our specialists today to discuss the unparalleled 296 GTB and how it can redefine your automotive aspirations.
