The Ferrari 296 GTB: A New Era of Electrified Supercar Performance
For a decade now, the supercar landscape has been dominated by a relentless pursuit of raw power, V8s roaring and naturally aspirated
V10s screaming their defiance. As an industry veteran with ten years immersed in this exhilarating world, I’ve witnessed firsthand the evolution from analog beasts to increasingly sophisticated machines. Yet, even with a decade of experience, the arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 still felt like a seismic shift, a bold declaration that the future of the Prancing Horse, and indeed, supercars themselves, was decidedly electric. Now, with a formidable hybrid rival from Lamborghini on the horizon – the highly anticipated Temerario – the 296 GTB isn’t just a benchmark; it’s the standard bearer against which all future electrified performance machines will be measured.
When Ferrari decided to replace its multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 with a brand-new twin-turbo V6, augmented by an electric motor, it was a move that turned heads. This wasn’t just an incremental update; it was a fundamental reimagining of their mid-engined supercar formula. The 296 GTB didn’t just enter a segment that was beginning to embrace hybrid power; it essentially ignited it at the higher echelons. Its debut placed it against the venerable Lamborghini Huracán, a champion of naturally aspirated V10 soul and sonorous exhaust notes, and the ferociously potent McLaren 720S, a masterclass in twin-turbo V8 power-to-weight supremacy. While the subsequent McLaren 750S refines that V8 philosophy, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid Temerario from Lamborghini is a direct, unapologetic riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta.
And make no mistake, the 296 GTB packs a truly astounding punch. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6, when paired with its electric motor, unleashes a combined output of 819 horsepower. This wasn’t just a headline figure; it was a statement. This configuration, powering only the rear wheels (unlike the more complex SF90), shattered conventional supercar expectations. It’s easy to become fixated on such prodigious power figures and wonder about their ultimate application, and more importantly, their practical usability on public roads. But for a moment, let’s appreciate the engineering marvel that allows this level of performance.
This remarkable machine represents a significant milestone: it’s the first V6-powered Ferrari road car to wear the iconic badge, a lineage that, if we’re being purists, only excludes the delectable 246 GT Dino from period. It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger layout and, crucially, incorporates plug-in hybrid technology, offering a usable EV-only range of approximately 15 miles. The compact V6 is nestled low within a bespoke aluminum chassis, with a wheelbase 50mm shorter than its V8 predecessors, and the occupants are positioned slightly further forward, contributing to a more centralized mass.
The electric motor itself contributes a substantial 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 alone punches out an eye-watering 654bhp and 546lb ft. Ferrari, in their characteristic style, refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the electric motor and the internal combustion engine. However, it’s safe to assume the resulting torque will be nothing short of monumental. Ingeniously, the V6 unit itself sheds approximately 30kg compared to a V8, and it’s mated to a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The compact, oblong battery pack, crucial for the hybrid system, is cleverly housed behind the seats, ensuring minimal impact on weight distribution.
No Ferrari would be complete without a sophisticated array of electronic chassis management systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. At its heart lies Ferrari’s innovative six-axis sensor, dubbed 6w-CDS. This advanced unit meticulously 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 with an unparalleled understanding of driver inputs and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patches. This data allows other systems, like the renowned Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, to work in perfect harmony, maximizing cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and driver confidence. Furthermore, it enables the novel ABS-evo system, operating in RACE mode and above. Via the brake-by-wire system, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers, a testament to the car’s track-honed capabilities.
A particularly fascinating development is Ferrari’s application of active aerodynamics. For the first time, this technology is employed not to reduce drag, but to generate substantial downforce. The company claims a staggering 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a significant portion of that – up to 100kg – being produced by a deployable rear wing.
The cooling architecture of the 296 GTB is as complex as its powertrain. Two radiators in the front handle engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two condensers dedicated to the battery. Hot air is expelled underneath the car to prevent any interference with the air directed to the intercoolers along the flanks. The subtle apertures below the headlamps are specifically designed to draw air for brake cooling, while the integrated wing at the rear of the roofline creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, effectively channeling air towards the rear of the car as if guided by a perfectly sculpted surface. The majority of the car’s downforce, however, is generated from beneath the chassis. Meticulous attention has been paid to the underbody’s design, including the rear diffuser and the precise ground clearance, all contributing to the optimization of these downforce-generating surfaces.
Our initial experiences with the 296 GTB were on a circuit, and all test cars were equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This track-focused upgrade replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units derived from GT racing, and adds carbon aerodynamic elements to the front bumper, increasing front downforce by an additional 20kg. The package also incorporates further carbon fiber components within the cabin (such as the door panels) and on the exterior, contributing to a total weight saving of 12kg, which can be extended to 15kg with the optional Lexan rear engine cover. Furthermore, for those opting for the Assetto Fiorano specification, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires are available as an upgrade from the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Completing the racy aesthetic, Fiorano-equipped cars can also be ordered with an exterior graphics package, a subtle nod to the iconic 250LM of the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time observing and interacting with the 296 GTB, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a truly distinctive design, unlike anything else on the road, and even without the optional graphics, it evokes the spirit of the classic 250LM.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: Electrifying the Thrill
Initiating the drive is as simple as a double press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by engaging first gear. The 296 GTB defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing for silent departure on electric power alone. Unless prompted otherwise via the haptic driver mode controls on the steering wheel boss, and provided the throttle input is measured, the car will continue to operate purely on electric power, assuming sufficient battery charge.
Drivers can also elect to manually engage ‘e-Drive’ mode, overriding powertrain demands, or choose between Performance and Qualifying modes. In both of these, the combustion engine and electric motor work in tandem. Performance mode prioritizes sustained driving and aims to maintain battery charge, while Qualifying mode unleashes the absolute maximum performance, with no regard for the battery’s state of charge.
The serene glide through urban environments is a surprisingly pleasant experience, and the sophisticated damping system ensures remarkable comfort over long distances. The ‘frunk’ offers a reasonable luggage compartment, a welcome convenience absent in the SF90. However, the true question on everyone’s mind, myself included, is what happens when both the V6 and the electric motor are unleashed in their full fury?
The answer lies in how the car responds when you plant the throttle from low revs in a high gear. The 296 GTB surges forward with absolutely no discernible lag, making you momentarily question the very necessity of gear selection due to its sheer potency. Yet, with eight gears at your disposal and an engine that revs freely to 8,500rpm, the experience when truly exploiting the 296 is nothing short of astonishing.
As the performance figures suggest – a sub-3-second 0-60mph sprint and a top speed exceeding 200mph – the rate of acceleration is a visceral, hold-on-tight, nervous laughter-inducing event. It teeters on the edge of being overwhelming, yet it’s simultaneously and undeniably addictive. This is a seriously rapid machine. And the soundtrack? It’s equally captivating, with a rich V6 rasp interwoven with the thrilling symphony of turbocharger effects.
Ride and Handling: Precision Engineering Meets Exhilaration
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is the astonishing responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s assertion that the car was designed to be ‘fun to drive’ is not hyperbole. It feels incredibly agile without ever becoming nervous or unpredictable. The steering, while typically light and rapid, also transmits a remarkable amount of feedback, providing a constant connection to the road. While the grip levels are predictably immense, the car’s true brilliance lies in its throttle adjustability. It’s a trait that invariably elicits a wide grin.
Despite a dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a remarkable lack of inertia throughout the entire vehicle, which encourages a collaborative driving style, rewarding small, precise inputs and fostering an appreciation for its accuracy. Engaging the CT Off mode provides a remarkable degree of freedom, with the implicit reassurance of an incredibly sophisticated electronic safety net far exceeding human capabilities. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the inherent balance of the 296 allows for playful teasing into oversteer, a feat one might deem impossible in an 819bhp supercar.
On a racetrack, the 296 GTB has the uncanny ability to make even lengthy straights feel considerably shorter. What becomes even more apparent is its razor-sharp precision. While the abundant power is more than capable of breaking rear-end traction at numerous points around a lap, the 296 is also exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. It swiftly teaches you that precision in your control inputs yields the greatest rewards. The turn-in accuracy and response are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing the car into turns and gradually building load, the 296 settles instantly, its commitment enhanced by the Multimatic dampers and the hyper-quick steering, perfectly complemented by the increased roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for someone transitioning from a more conventional sports car, the speed, precision, and agility of the 296 are nothing short of phenomenal, providing an exhilarating experience lap after lap.
Interior: A Glimpse into Ferrari’s Digital Future
The cabin architecture will feel immediately familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90. The 296 borrows heavily from its hybrid sibling, featuring a fully digital interface and a somewhat contentious array of haptic switchgear. These touch-sensitive controls are liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari stalks flanking it.
While undoubtedly complex, it’s important to acknowledge the sheer volume of information the system needs to convey. The most significant criticism lies in the occasional unresponsiveness of simple operations, sometimes requiring a second press and leaving the driver uncertain if the input has been registered. Despite these ergonomic challenges, the cabin undoubtedly feels like a special place to be.
evo Car of the Year 2022 Verdict: A Triumph of Hybrid Integration
“Now it gets serious,” was the sentiment at the culmination of the evo Car of the Year 2022 judging. The scores for the McLaren Artura and the 296 GTB were astonishingly close, separated by mere fractions. The judges themselves were perfectly split: three narrowly favored the Ferrari, while three placed the McLaren fractionally ahead.
The proponents of the 296, including myself, along with Meaden and Bovingdon, were effusive. “What a spectacular car,” enthused Jethro. “Beautiful to look at, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable, and so technically clever. Its V6 demonstrates to McLaren how to downsize while amplifying the drama, and it matches the Artura in terms of sheer control, yet feels more playful and indulgent.”
Dickie’s assessment, which resonated with many of us, declared it “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355.” He further elaborated, “The hybrid system works exceptionally well and doesn’t alter the driving experience as much as I feared, likely because we’ve grown accustomed to the torquey characteristics of the turbocharged V8s in the 488 and F8. The 296 is stonkingly quick, but its appeal isn’t solely reliant on speed, thanks to the character of the V6, which offers a consistently sweet soundtrack that evolves with throttle input.”
While the Ferrari’s hybrid integration received widespread praise for its seamlessness, a critical incident on the final night saw the car stranded with a depleted battery and no obvious means of recovery. Ferrari had, in fact, cautioned about this possibility and provided guidance on preventative measures. However, it’s not inconceivable for an owner to find themselves in a similar predicament. As Gallagher poignantly observed, “For the company that pioneered individual rear-wheel steering to its cars, the inability to engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this is a significant oversight.” Fortunately for the 296, this occurred after all cars had been scored.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake feel, while competent, didn’t quite match the very best in the group. The technology interface also faced widespread criticism for its over-complexity. Nevertheless, the 296’s allure was undeniable. Vivian, initially skeptical, admitted, “I thought I wouldn’t like the Fezza 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…”
As Peter Tomalin, ecoty 2022, eloquently summarized, “The 296 represents a significant return to form for Ferrari, especially after the SF90 left us feeling somewhat underwhelmed last year. The 296 is far more successful because its technical sophistication, and particularly the integration of its hybrid technology, feels much more natural and far less intrusive. Ferrari has clearly learned from the SF90, distilling its advancements into a series-production model that stands as one of its very best.”
Pricing and Rivals: The Evolving Supercar Arena
There’s always a risk with vehicles heavily laden with cutting-edge technology that they might fall short of being the sum of their parts. This was a sentiment we encountered with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power output, proved somewhat unnerving with its challenging driving characteristics.
However, the 296 GTB is a different proposition entirely. As evidenced by its joint third-place finish at the evo Car of the Year 2022 alongside the McLaren Artura, it feels far more organic. Its judicious blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect balance, effectively redefining what a supercar in the £250,000-plus bracket can be. Rumors of a Versione Speciale variant, promising even more power, performance, and intensity, are circulating. The hope is that the standard 296’s remarkably natural feel will be preserved.
It is this aspect – the natural feel and dynamic cohesion – that we sincerely hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900 horsepower is an obscene amount of power to wield in a series-production supercar, and it has the potential to corrupt the driving experience if the rest of the vehicle isn’t meticulously resolved to meet it. Given the sheer brilliance of the Revuelto, there’s every reason to be optimistic. If Lamborghini has indeed achieved the perfect balance, we could be on the cusp of a truly monumental twin test, potentially featuring a combined output of 1700bhp!
Or, perhaps, a staggering 2400bhp triple threat with the McLaren 750S, which, in this esteemed company, must now be absurdly described as the ‘minnow’ with “only” 740bhp. However, as noted, it brings a relatively lithe 1389kg kerb weight to the table, delivering a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw honesty, ergonomic perfection, crisp steering, and exquisitely deft chassis offer a stark contrast to the comparatively remote feel of the Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Key Specifications:
Engine: 2992cc, twin-turbocharged V6, plus electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch, active E-diff
Combined Power Output: 819bhp @ 8000rpm
Combined Torque Output: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Price: From £250,000+
The Ferrari 296 GTB represents more than just a new supercar; it’s a paradigm shift. It demonstrates that electrification can enhance, rather than detract from, the core Ferrari driving experience, delivering unprecedented performance with remarkable tactility and engagement. As the automotive world continues its rapid electrification, the 296 GTB stands as a beacon, proving that the future of high-performance driving is not just fast, but also thrillingly intelligent.
If you’re captivated by this fusion of cutting-edge technology and timeless Ferrari passion, and you’re ready to explore how such a machine could redefine your driving aspirations, we invite you to connect with our specialist team today to discuss your next extraordinary automotive journey.
