Ferrari 296 GTB: A New Era of Electrified Supercar Performance Redefined
For a decade, I’ve navigated the thrilling, often volatile, landscape of high-performance automobiles. I’ve seen trends emerge,
mature, and occasionally fade into memory. Yet, few developments have been as transformative as the current shift towards electrification within the supercar segment. At the forefront of this revolution stands Ferrari, a marque synonymous with unadulterated passion and cutting-edge engineering. Today, the Ferrari 296 GTB isn’t just a car; it’s a profound statement, a meticulous recalibration of what we expect from a Maranello masterpiece, especially as formidable rivals like the forthcoming Lamborghini Temerario prepare to enter the fray.
When the 296 GTB arrived in 2022, it marked an unprecedented departure from Ferrari’s established supercar lineage. The decision to replace the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 with a completely new twin-turbo V6, augmented by an electric motor, was bold. This move placed the 296 GTB firmly in the vanguard of a segment that, until then, had been cautiously dipping its toes into hybrid power. Back then, its primary adversary was the Lamborghini Huracán, a car that championed the soulful, naturally-aspirated V10. While the Huracán offered an intoxicating symphony of sound and an analogue driving experience, it was outgunned in raw power by the technologically advanced newcomers. The McLaren 720S, with its potent twin-turbo V8, also presented a formidable challenge, focusing on an uncompromising power-to-weight ratio. However, with the imminent arrival of the 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid Lamborghini Temerario, Maranello’s 819bhp hybridised Berlinetta faces a direct, electrifying challenge.
The sheer firepower of the 296 GTB is undeniable. Its all-new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, seamlessly integrated with an electric motor driving only the rear wheels (a deliberate choice, unlike the SF90), produces a staggering 819bhp. This configuration shattered conventional supercar paradigms. It’s easy to be mesmerized by such an astounding power output and ponder its ultimate application, or where this relentless pursuit of performance will eventually lead. But the 296 GTB represents more than just raw numbers; it signifies a paradigm shift.
This remarkable machine is the first V6-powered Ferrari road car since the beloved 246 GT Dino, a car that, in its era, never bore the iconic Prancing Horse emblem. It’s also the first Ferrari to feature a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger installation, a testament to its cutting-edge design. As a plug-in hybrid, it offers an electric-only range of approximately 15 miles, providing a glimpse into a more sustainable, yet no less thrilling, future. The compact V6 engine is mounted low within a new aluminum chassis, with a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, subtly repositioning the occupants slightly further forward for an even more visceral connection to the driving experience.
The electric motor itself contributes an impressive 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 alone unleashes a colossal 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined output is the headline-grabbing 819bhp. Ferrari, in their characteristic style, refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the engine and electric motor. However, it’s safe to assume this figure is nothing short of prodigious. Crucially, the V6 unit is approximately 30kg lighter than its V8 counterparts, and it’s paired with a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a long, slender unit, is strategically placed behind the seats, contributing to the car’s ideal weight distribution.
No Ferrari would be complete without a sophisticated suite of electronic chassis control systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has introduced its innovative six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS, capable of measuring acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes. This advanced system replaces traditional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, allows the car to understand not only the driver’s intentions but also the instantaneous grip levels at the tire contact patches. This data is fed to other crucial systems like the Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, optimizing cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and driver confidence. A significant innovation is the new ABS-evo system, introduced in RACE mode and above. This system, leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, not only shortens braking distances but also enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners, a technique often reserved for the most experienced track drivers.
For the first time, Ferrari has harnessed its active aerodynamics not to reduce drag, but to actively generate downforce. The manufacturer quotes an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a significant portion of this – up to 100kg – being generated by an actively deploying rear wing. The car’s aerodynamic efficiency is further enhanced by a meticulously designed cooling system. Two radiators in the front handle engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two additional condensers for the battery pack. Hot air is expelled beneath the car to avoid disrupting the airflow directed to the intercoolers located along the flanks. Small apertures below the headlights are dedicated to cooling the brakes, while a cleverly integrated wing at the rear of the roofline creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, channeling air towards the rear of the car with remarkable precision. The majority of the 296 GTB’s downforce is generated from beneath the car, where exceptional attention has been paid to airflow management, the rear diffuser, and the underbody’s ground clearance to maximize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
Our initial brief encounters with the 296 GTB on a circuit were exclusively with models equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with lightweight Multimatic units derived from GT racing. It also incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the front bumper, increasing front downforce by a further 20kg. The package further enhances the car’s weight-saving strategy with additional carbon fiber in the cabin, such as the door panels, and on the exterior. This contributes to an overall weight reduction of 12kg, extending to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For those seeking the ultimate track-focused setup, the Assetto Fiorano package can be combined with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, a significant step up from the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Furthermore, Assetto Fiorano equipped cars can be personalized with an exterior graphics package, paying homage to the iconic 250LM from the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 GTB “in the metal,” I can attest to its striking visual appeal. It possesses a unique aesthetic that sets it apart, echoing the timeless elegance of the 1960s 250LM, even without the more polarizing graphic options.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: A Symphony of Power and Precision
Initiating the driving experience 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, utilizing electric power for initial propulsion unless deliberately overridden. By applying minimal throttle input, the car can continue its journey purely on electric power, provided the battery has sufficient charge. You can also actively select ‘EV’ mode, overriding all powertrain demands, or opt for ‘Performance’ or ‘Qualifying’ modes. In these latter settings, both power sources work in unison: ‘Performance’ aims to maintain battery charge while delivering potent acceleration, while ‘Qualifying’ unleashes the full, uncompromised potential of the powertrain, regardless of the battery’s state of charge.
The ability to glide silently through urban landscapes is an unexpected delight. The damping system is remarkably sophisticated, rendering the 296 GTB a surprisingly comfortable machine for covering long distances. Even the luggage compartment in the front ‘frunk’ is reasonably practical, a welcome advantage over the SF90. But the question on everyone’s mind, including mine, is: what does it feel like when both the V6 engine and electric motor are unleashed in earnest?
The answer is profound. Prod the throttle at low revs in a higher gear, and the 296 GTB simply surges forward with zero discernible lag. It’s a sensation that makes you momentarily question the necessity of gears, such is its immediate potency. However, with eight gears at your disposal and an engine that happily revs to 8500rpm, the full experience when the 296 GTB is truly uncorked is nothing short of astonishing. The acceleration figures – a blistering 0-62mph in a mere 2.9 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205mph – translate into a sensation of hold-on-tight, nervous exhilaration that is both almost uncomfortable and undeniably addictive. This is a seriously rapid automobile, and it sounds magnificent, with a captivating blend of turbocharger effects overlaying the tuneful rasp of the V6.
What truly elevates the 296 GTB is the astonishing responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari wasn’t exaggerating when they emphasized the car’s objective to be “fun to drive.” It feels incredibly agile without ever becoming nervous. The steering is typically light and rapid, yet it delivers a surprising level of tactile feedback. While the grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains delightfully throttle-adjustable, eliciting an irrepressible grin from even the most stoic driver. It feels significantly lighter than its claimed dry weight of 1470kg suggests, exhibiting a fluidity and lack of inertia that encourages you to work with it, making small, precise inputs and reveling in its accuracy. Engaging ‘CT Off’ mode allows for breathtaking liberties, all with the implicit reassurance of an incredibly sophisticated electronic safety net. Yet, even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296 GTB’s inherent balance allows it to be coaxed into oversteer in a manner one might deem impossible for a car producing 819bhp.
On the racetrack, the 296 GTB has the uncanny ability to shrink even the longest straights. What becomes even more apparent is its laser-like precision. While the power is readily available to break rear-end traction at numerous points around the lap, the 296 GTB is also exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. It quickly becomes clear 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 easing into turns and allowing loads to build, the 296 GTB settles instantly, its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering perfectly complementing the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even if you’ve just stepped out of a more conventional sports car, the speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal and a joy to experience lap after lap.
Interior: A Digital Frontier with a Familiar Feel
The cabin architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90, as it borrows heavily from its larger sibling. The all-digital interface, coupled with its haptic switchgear – liberally applied across the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it – presents a learning curve. It’s undeniably complex, tasked with conveying a vast amount of information. The most significant frustration arises when simple operations occasionally require a second press to register, or when it’s unclear if a press has been successfully acknowledged. Despite these usability quirks, the cabin undeniably exudes a special, focused atmosphere.
Evo Car of the Year 2022 Verdict: A Star is Born
“Now it gets serious,” declared the evo testers, as scores for the McLaren Artura and 296 GTB were tallied, finding them almost inseparable. The judges themselves were divided: three narrowly favored the Ferrari, while three marginally preferred the McLaren.
Those who placed the 296 GTB ahead – myself included, along with Meaden and Bovingdon – were captivated. “What a spectacular car,” enthused Jethro. “Beautiful to look at, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable, and so technically clever. Its V6 demonstrates how McLaren can downsize while amplifying the drama, and it matches the Artura in terms of sheer control but feels a bit more playful and indulgent.”
Dickie offered a verdict echoed by many: “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355.” He continued, “The hybrid system works very well and doesn’t impact the driving experience as much as I feared, likely because we’re already accustomed to the torquey characteristics of turbocharged V8s in the 488 and F8. The 296 GTB is stonkingly quick, but it doesn’t rely solely on speed, thanks to the character of the V6, which possesses a soundtrack that’s always sweet and evolves with throttle opening.”
While the Ferrari’s hybridisation was widely praised for its seamless integration, a significant incident on the final night saw the car stranded after the battery depleted with no apparent means of revival. To be fair, Ferrari had forewarned of this possibility and outlined measures to prevent it. However, it’s not inconceivable that an owner could find themselves in a similar predicament. As Gallagher noted, “That the company which pioneered individual rear-wheel steering can’t engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this is a huge oversight.” Fortunately for the 296 GTB, this occurred after all cars had been scored.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake feel didn’t quite match the very best in the group. The technology interface was also widely criticized for its over-complexity. Nevertheless, the 296 GTB was irresistibly seductive. Vivian confessed, “I thought I wouldn’t like the Fezza all that much – too complex, rather gratuitous points of difference. But I ended up somewhat bewitched: its uncanny directional changes, amazing damping, looney-tunes levels of grip, and the linearity of its seemingly endless power…”
Peter Tomalin, reflecting on the evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, concluded: “The 296 GTB is a significant return to form for Ferrari, especially after the SF90 left us somewhat cold last year. 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.” Gallagher concurred: “Ferrari has taken so much from the SF90, learned from that car, and distilled it into a series-production model that stands as one of its very best.”
Price and Rivals: Redefining Supercar Value
When a vehicle is laden with such advanced technology, there’s always a risk it might become less than the sum of its parts. We observed this with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power, proved somewhat unnerving with its challenging driving characteristics.
However, the 296 GTB is a different proposition entirely. As demonstrated at the evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, where it achieved a joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, it feels far more organic. Its exquisite blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect sweet spot, effectively redefining what a supercar in the £250,000 ballpark can be. A ‘Versione Speciale’ variant of the 296 is anticipated, promising even more power, performance, and intensity. The hope is that the standard 296’s remarkably natural feel will be retained.
It is precisely this aspect of the 296 GTB’s constitution that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power to manage in a series-production supercar, and it has the potential to compromise the entire vehicle if not meticulously balanced. If Lamborghini has achieved this balance – and their mastery of the Revuelto provides ample reason for optimism – then we are poised for an epic twin test, potentially involving a staggering 1700bhp!
Alternatively, one could envision a 2400bhp triple threat, including the McLaren 750S. Now absurdly described as the ‘minnow’ of the class with “only” 740bhp, the McLaren compensates with a relatively petite 1389kg kerb weight, resulting in a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw appeal, ergonomic excellence, crisp steering, and deft chassis still mark it out against the comparatively more detached Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications:
Engine: 2992cc, twin-turbo 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: Starting from £250,000+
The automotive landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace. As you consider the pinnacle of hybrid supercar performance, the Ferrari 296 GTB presents an undeniable benchmark. To truly understand its revolutionary impact and explore your options for experiencing this automotive marvel firsthand, we invite you to connect with our specialist advisors today.
