Ferrari 296 GTB: A New Era of Hybrid Supercar Prowess Takes Center Stage
For a decade, I’ve navigated the ever-evolving landscape of automotive engineering, witnessing firsthand the seismic shifts tha
t redefine performance and luxury. Now, as we stand on the precipice of 2025, the Ferrari 296 GTB continues to captivate, even as whispers of a Lamborghini Temerario with a staggering 10,000rpm, 903bhp hybrid powertrain echo through the industry. This isn’t just a car; it’s a bold declaration of intent, a testament to Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of pushing boundaries, and a benchmark against which future supercars will undoubtedly be measured.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a watershed moment for the Prancing Horse’s mid-engined supercar lineage. In a bold departure from the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 that had long been its signature, Ferrari embraced a groundbreaking twin-turbocharged V6 engine, augmented by electric power. This strategic pivot positioned the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a supercar segment still in the nascent stages of embracing hybridisation. While its contemporary rivals, like the naturally aspirated V10 Lamborghini Huracán, offered a visceral, aurally rich experience, and the McLaren 720S (and its evolution, the 750S) continued to champion V8 prowess with an emphasis on power-to-weight supremacy, the Ferrari 296 GTB presented a fundamentally different, electrified proposition. The impending Lamborghini Temerario, a 903bhp hybrid beast, represents a direct challenge, a clear intention to wrest supremacy from Maranello’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta.
The sheer firepower contained within the Ferrari 296 GTB is, frankly, astounding. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, paired with an electric motor, drives the rear wheels exclusively – a distinction from the all-wheel-drive SF90. This configuration unleashes a combined output of 819bhp, a figure that unequivocally shattered conventional supercar norms upon its debut. It’s easy to become fixated on such stratospheric power figures, leading one to ponder the eventual limits of such an escalation – and, perhaps more pragmatically, where on public roads such performance can be truly unleashed.
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is its pioneering spirit. It is the first V6-powered Ferrari road car to bear the iconic Prancing Horse emblem (the delightful 246 GT Dino, while V6-powered, never wore the badge in period). It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger installation and, crucially, incorporates plug-in hybrid technology, offering an electric-only range of approximately 15 miles. This compact V6, a marvel of engineering, is mounted low within a bespoke aluminum chassis. The wheelbase has been judiciously shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, and the occupants are positioned slightly further forward, contributing to a more centralized mass.
The electric motor contributes a potent 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 engine, in isolation, delivers a phenomenal 654bhp and 546lb ft. Ferrari, with characteristic elusiveness, refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the V6 and electric motor. However, it’s safe to assume this combined torque figure is, to put it mildly, considerable. Weighing in 30kg lighter than a comparable V8 engine, the V6 is mated to an advanced eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a long, rectangular structure, is cleverly housed behind the seats, minimizing its impact on the vehicle’s dynamics.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of sophisticated electronic chassis control systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has developed its six-axis sensor, dubbed 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor), capable of precisely measuring acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes. This revolutionary sensor replaces traditional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, provides the car with an unprecedented understanding of driver input and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data is then fed into systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, meticulously optimizing cornering speed while steadfastly maintaining stability and driver confidence. Furthermore, it enables the integration of ABS-evo, a system that, in RACE mode and above, leverages the brake-by-wire system to not only shorten braking distances but also enhance braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers – a crucial element for maximizing corner entry speed.
For the first time, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics not to reduce drag, but to generate substantial downforce. The marque quotes a figure of 360kg at 155mph, with a remarkable 100kg of that downforce attributed to the deployable rear wing. The car’s cooling architecture is equally impressive, featuring two radiators in the front for engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two additional condensers for the battery pack. Hot air is strategically expelled underneath the vehicle, preventing any interference with the airflow directed to the intercoolers located along the flanks. The discreet apertures below the headlamps are dedicated to cooling the brakes, while the aerodynamically integrated wing at the rear of the roofline effectively creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, channeling air towards the rear of the car with remarkable efficiency. The majority of the 296 GTB’s downforce is generated beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid not only to the underbody’s air channeling and the rear diffuser but also to the crucial ground clearance, optimizing the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The pre-production 296 GTBs I had the privilege of experiencing on a closed circuit were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance enhancement replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units, derived from GT racing technology, and adds further carbon fiber aerodynamic elements to the nose, increasing front 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 an overall weight saving of 12kg. This can be further enhanced by an additional 3kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For those seeking the ultimate track-focused experience, the Assetto Fiorano package offers an upgrade to Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Additionally, Assetto Fiorano cars can be personalized with an exterior graphics package inspired by the legendary 250LM from the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 GTB in the metal, I can attest to its striking aesthetic. It is a visually arresting machine, undeniably unique, and its design subtly echoes the iconic 250LM, even without the more divisive graphics option.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: A Symphony of Power and Precision
Initiating forward motion is as simple as a double-press of the lower steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The 296 GTB defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing for silent, emission-free departure on electric power alone, unless deliberately overridden through the haptic driver mode selectors on the steering wheel. As long as the accelerator input is measured and the battery retains charge, the car will continue its journey on electric power. The option to explicitly engage EV mode is also available, irrespective of driving demands. Beyond this, the Performance and Qualifying modes are where the full potential of the hybrid powertrain is unleashed. In Performance mode, both power sources work in unison with the objective of also maintaining battery charge, while Qualifying mode prioritizes absolute maximum performance, with battery state of charge being a secondary consideration.
The experience of gliding silently through urban landscapes is an unexpected pleasure, and the damping sophistication makes it a remarkably comfortable chariot for long-distance cruising. The inclusion of a reasonably sized luggage compartment in the front ‘frunk’ is a welcome practical consideration, a feature absent in the SF90. However, the true question on every enthusiast’s mind is: what does it feel like when both the V6 engine and the electric motor are unleashed to their full capabilities?
The answer is, quite simply, electrifying. Plant the throttle at low revs in a higher gear, and the 296 GTB surges forward with an immediacy that defies its gear selection. It’s a sensation that momentarily makes you question the very necessity of gear changes, such is its sheer potency. Yet, there are eight gears to exploit, and an engine that eagerly revs to 8500rpm. When you truly unleash the 296 GTB, the effect is nothing short of startling.
The acceleration figures—0-62mph in a blistering 2.9 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205mph—translate into a visceral experience, a delightful blend of ‘hold-on-tight’ exhilaration and nervous laughter. It’s an intensity that borders on overwhelming, yet it’s strangely addictive. This is a car of profound speed, and it sounds magnificent too, with a symphony of turbocharger effects harmoniously overlaying the tuneful rasp of the V6.
What truly elevates the 296 GTB is the astonishing responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s assertion that the car was engineered to be ‘fun to drive’ is not hyperbole; it’s an absolute truth. The car feels incredibly agile without ever becoming twitchy or unpredictable. The steering, as expected from Ferrari, is light and rapid, but crucially, it’s imbued with exceptional feel and feedback. While the grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable, inviting playful interaction and eliciting an irrepressible grin.
Despite its published dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a remarkable lack of inertia throughout the entire vehicle, encouraging a fluid, intuitive driving style. Small, precise inputs are all that’s required, and the car responds with uncanny accuracy and precision. Engaging CT Off mode allows for audacious maneuvers with the reassurance of an intelligent electronic safety net, but even with all electronic aids deactivated, the inherent balance of the 296 GTB allows for controlled oversteer that one might deem impossible in a car producing 819bhp.
On a circuit, the 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to compress even the longest straights. What becomes immediately apparent is its razor-sharp focus as a driving instrument. The power is readily available to break rear traction at numerous points around the lap, yet the 296 GTB is exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. The profound rewards are reaped by those who master precision with the controls. The turn-in accuracy and immediate response dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Rather than gradually easing into turns and allowing loads to build, the 296 GTB settles instantly into its line, complemented by the hyper-quick steering and 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 phenomenal, providing an exhilarating experience lap after lap.
The Interior: A Digital Realm of Refinement
The cabin architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90, as the 296 GTB draws heavily from its sibling. The fully digital interface, coupled with its intricate haptic switchgear scattered across the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods, presents a learning curve. While it undoubtedly conveys a vast amount of information, the occasional struggle with ensuring simple operations register on the first attempt, or discerning whether a press has been successful, can be a minor frustration. Nevertheless, the cabin exudes an undeniable sense of occasion and exclusivity.
Industry Verdict: A Return to Prancing Horse Greatness
The Ferrari 296 GTB has garnered significant acclaim, even earning a joint third-place finish alongside the McLaren Artura in the prestigious evo Car of the Year 2022 awards. Judges were remarkably divided, with a perfect split mirroring the razor-thin margin between the two contenders. Those who favored the Ferrari lauded its spectacular design, outrageous performance, astonishing tractability, and clever engineering. One judge aptly noted that the V6 engine demonstrates how to downsize effectively while retaining immense drama, and that the car matches the Artura’s control while feeling more playful and indulgent.
Another esteemed opinion declared the 296 GTB 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 less intrusive than anticipated, perhaps due to a growing familiarity with the torque-rich characteristics of turbocharged V8s. The car’s blistering pace was acknowledged, but its appeal extended beyond mere speed, thanks to the characterful V6 and its ever-sweet soundtrack that dynamically evolves with throttle input.
While the Ferrari’s hybridisation was widely praised, a notable incident saw a car stranded after its battery depleted with no apparent means of revival. Although Ferrari had provided warnings and guidance to prevent this, the oversight of a crucial fail-safe, particularly from a company renowned for pioneering such technologies, was a point of criticism. Fortunately, this occurred after scoring, allowing the 296 GTB to retain its high standing.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering, while divisive, was a point of discussion. Brake feel, while competent, didn’t quite match the very best in class, and the technological interface faced widespread criticism for its complexity. Despite these critiques, the 296 GTB possessed an irresistible allure. One judge, initially skeptical of its complexity, found himself “bewitched” by its uncanny directional changes, phenomenal damping, exhilarating grip, and the seemingly unending linearity of its power delivery.
The 296 GTB is widely seen as a significant return to form for Ferrari, particularly following the less impactful SF90. Its technical sophistication and the integration of its hybrid technology feel far more natural and less intrusive. Ferrari has demonstrably learned from the SF90, distilling its innovations into a series production model that stands as one of its very finest achievements.
Pricing, Rivals, and the Future Landscape
In an era where cutting-edge technology is paramount, there exists a persistent risk of a vehicle becoming less than the sum of its sophisticated parts. This was a sentiment echoed with the SF90, which, while dazzling with its power, left some drivers unnerved by its challenging driving characteristics. The 296 GTB, however, represents a departure from this. Its organic integration of power and engaging dynamics strikes a sublime balance, effectively redefining the £250,000-plus supercar segment. Rumors of a more potent Versione Speciale variant, promising even greater power and intensity, suggest that Ferrari is far from resting on its laurels. The critical factor will be retaining the standard 296 GTB’s inexplicably natural and engaging feel.
It is this very aspect – the harmonious integration of technology and driving enjoyment – that we sincerely hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its forthcoming hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power for a series production supercar, and without a chassis and dynamics package to match, it risks corrupting the entire experience. If Lamborghini has indeed achieved this delicate balance, as evidenced by the remarkable Revuelto, we are on the cusp of an epic twin test. Alternatively, we could witness a hypercar triple threat with the McLaren 750S, which, at 740bhp, might seem the ‘minnow’ of this elite gathering. However, its remarkably low kerb weight of 1389kg ensures a fiercely competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s rawness, ergonomic perfection, razor-sharp steering, and deft chassis dynamics offer a compelling contrast to the comparatively more detached feel of the Ferrari.
The Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a beacon of what a modern hybrid supercar can and should be. It’s a vehicle that ignites the senses, challenges the driver, and redefines the very essence of performance.
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: Starting from £250,000+
For those seeking to experience the future of automotive excellence, the Ferrari 296 GTB awaits. We invite you to explore further and perhaps schedule a consultation with our specialists to discuss how this masterpiece can become a part of your automotive journey.
