The Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Masterpiece Redefining Supercar Dynamics
For a decade, I’ve been immersed in the thrilling world of performance automobiles, analyzing everything from the guttural roar o
f naturally aspirated engines to the subtle hum of cutting-edge electric powertrains. My journey has taken me through countless reviews, track days, and intimate discussions with engineers and designers. It’s within this context that I approach the Ferrari 296 GTB, a car that, even after a few years on the market, continues to captivate and challenge our understanding of what a supercar can be. It stands as a benchmark, particularly as formidable rivals like the upcoming Lamborghini Temerario prepare to enter the fray with their own potent hybrid offerings.
The supercar landscape has undergone a seismic shift, and Ferrari has been at the vanguard of this evolution. The 296 GTB, introduced in 2022, marked a pivotal moment, diverging from the revered twin-turbo V8 that powered its predecessors. In its place, a revolutionary twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by an electric motor, took center stage. This bold move positioned the 296 GTB at the forefront of a segment that is still largely navigating the complexities and immense potential of hybrid power.
At its debut, the 296 GTB’s primary rival was the Lamborghini Huracán, a machine celebrated for its sonorous, naturally aspirated V10. While the Huracán offered an unparalleled aural experience and a more traditional connection to the road, the 296 GTB countered with a more advanced, hybridized powertrain. The McLaren 720S, with its potent twin-turbo V8, also represented a significant challenge, a car built on a legacy of power-to-weight supremacy. However, the whispers of Lamborghini’s 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid V8, the Temerario, signify a direct, no-holds-barred challenge to Maranello’s 819bhp hybridized Berlinetta. This burgeoning rivalry promises to be one of the most electrifying contests in the hypercar market.
The sheer potency of the Ferrari 296 GTB review is undeniable. Its all-new, 120-degree twin-turbo V6, paired with a sophisticated electric motor driving the rear wheels exclusively (a distinction from the SF90), unleashes a combined output of 819bhp. This configuration shattered conventional supercar norms, offering a glimpse into a future where electrification and visceral performance are not mutually exclusive. The question, of course, is not just where this escalation of power will lead, but also where, in the real world, such extraordinary performance can be fully appreciated.
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is its pioneering spirit. It represents the first V6-powered Ferrari road car to bear the iconic Prancing Horse emblem, a lineage that respectfully nods to the delightful 246 GT Dino, though the Dino never officially carried the badge in its era. Furthermore, it embraces a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger arrangement and boasts a plug-in hybrid system with an impressive all-electric range of approximately 15 miles. Nestled within a new aluminum chassis, the compact V6 is mounted low, with a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, subtly shifting the occupants’ seating position forward.
The electric motor contributes a substantial 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 engine alone produces a breathtaking 654bhp and 546lb ft. Ferrari wisely refrains from quoting combined peak torque figures, a decision likely stemming from the intricate interplay between the combustion engine and electric motor. Nevertheless, it’s safe to assume this combined figure is nothing short of prodigious. Crucially, the V6 unit offers a weight saving of approximately 30kg over Ferrari’s V8 engines and is seamlessly integrated with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a long, slender unit, is strategically positioned behind the seats, contributing to the car’s ideal weight distribution.
No Ferrari would be complete without an array of acronyms denoting advanced electronic chassis control systems. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari has developed a groundbreaking six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This innovative system meticulously measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. By replacing traditional yaw sensors and working in concert with a sensor on the steering rack, the car gains an unprecedented understanding of driver inputs 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, maximizing cornering speeds while preserving unwavering stability and confidence. It also enables the novel ABS-evo system, a feature that shortens braking distances and enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers, particularly in RACE mode and above.
In a fascinating turn, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics technology not for drag reduction, but for generating downforce. The marque claims an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a significant portion, up to 100kg, generated by a deployable rear wing. The car’s cooling strategy is equally sophisticated. Two radiators in the front manage engine and gearbox temperatures, supplemented by two condensers dedicated to cooling the battery. Hot air is expelled underneath, preventing interference with the airflow directed to the intercoolers along the car’s flanks. Small apertures beneath the headlamps serve the crucial function of cooling the brakes, while a roofline-integrated rear wing creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, effectively channeling air to the rear of the car. A substantial portion of the 296’s downforce is meticulously sculpted from beneath the car, with particular attention paid to the underbody’s design, the rear diffuser, and its ground clearance, all working in unison to enhance the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The performance variants of the 296 GTB we sampled on the circuit were all equipped with the Assetto Fiorano package. This upgrade replaces the standard dampers with race-derived Multimatic units and adds further carbon fiber aerodynamic enhancements to the front, boosting downforce by an additional 20kg. The package also introduces more carbon fiber within the cabin, such as the door panels, and on the exterior, contributing to a weight saving of 12kg. This figure increases to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For those seeking ultimate grip, the Assetto Fiorano package can be further enhanced with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, a significant upgrade from the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Visually, the Fiorano specification can also be adorned with an exterior graphics package, a stylish nod to the legendary 250LM of the 1960s.
Having experienced the Ferrari 296 GTB performance firsthand, I can attest to its striking aesthetic. It possesses a distinct and captivating presence, echoing the elegance of the 1960s 250LM even without the optional graphics.
To initiate forward motion, a double press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss is required, followed by selecting first gear. The 296 GTB defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing for initial propulsion via electric power alone, unless otherwise dictated by the driver via the haptic mode selectors on the wheel. With judicious throttle application, the car can remain in pure electric propulsion, provided sufficient battery charge is available. The driver can also manually select ‘eDrive’ mode, overriding the powertrain’s demands, or opt for Performance and Qualifying modes. In these settings, both the internal combustion engine and electric motor work in tandem. Performance mode prioritizes a balance of power and battery regeneration, while Qualifying mode unleashes the full, unadulterated fury of the hybrid system, with minimal regard for battery state.
The serene experience of gliding through villages on electric power is a surprisingly welcome sensation. The damping calibration is so refined that it provides a remarkably comfortable ride, even on extended journeys. The ‘frunk’ offers a practical luggage space, a notable advantage over the SF90. However, the question that truly ignites the passion of any enthusiast is: what does this hybrid marvel feel like when both the engine and electric motor are unleashed to their full potential?
The answer is profoundly exhilarating. A prod of the throttle at low revs in a higher gear elicits an immediate, surge of acceleration, so potent that it momentarily makes one question the necessity of gears. Yet, with eight gears to exploit and an engine that eagerly winds to an 8,500rpm redline, the experience of fully uncorking the 296 GTB is nothing short of astonishing. The acceleration figures – a sub-three-second 0-62mph sprint and a top speed exceeding 205mph – translate into a visceral rush that borders on the intense, yet is undeniably addictive. The soundtrack is equally captivating, a harmonious blend of turbocharger effects overlaying a tuneful V6 rasp.
The chassis response of the 296 GTB is truly exceptional. Ferrari’s assertion that the car was designed to be “fun to drive” rings resoundingly true. It exhibits remarkable agility without ever feeling nervous. The steering, typically light and rapid, also conveys a remarkable level of road texture, and while grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable in a way that consistently elicits a wide grin.
Despite its dry weight of 1,470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter, possessing a nimbleness that encourages an intimate connection with the driver. Small, precise inputs are met with immediate and accurate responses, allowing the driver to revel in its dynamism. Engaging ‘CT Off’ mode provides a remarkable degree of freedom, while reassuring the driver with the knowledge that an intelligent electronic safety net is still in place. 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 with 819bhp.
On the track, the 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to seemingly shrink the longest straights. Its prowess as a scalpel-sharp instrument becomes immediately apparent. While the power is readily available to break traction at the rear on numerous corners, the 296 GTB is also incredibly sensitive to braking and steering inputs. Precision in control is rewarded with exceptional performance. The turn-in accuracy and response dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Instead of gently easing into turns and allowing loads to build, the 296 GTB settles instantaneously, its suspension, especially with the Assetto Fiorano setup, perfectly complementing the hyper-quick steering. Even for those accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal and a constant source of joy.
The interior architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90. However, the fully digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear, liberally applied across the steering wheel and traditional control pods, can be a frustrating experience. While the sheer volume of information to convey is considerable, the primary challenge lies in the sometimes-unresponsive nature of simple operations, requiring multiple presses or leaving the driver unsure if an input has been registered. Despite these ergonomic quirks, the cabin undoubtedly exudes a special, focused atmosphere, a true driver’s environment.
The Ferrari 296 GTB price places it firmly in the realm of exclusive supercars, but its value proposition, particularly considering the technological innovation it embodies, is compelling. At the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards, the 296 GTB vied fiercely with the McLaren Artura, with judges remarkably divided. Those who favored the Ferrari lauded its “spectacular” design, “outrageously fast” performance, “amazingly exploitable” dynamics, and “technically clever” execution. The V6 was seen as a masterclass in downsizing, delivering drama and emotion without compromise, and its control combined with a more playful character set it apart.
Many echoed the sentiment that the 296 GTB represented the “first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” praising the seamless integration of its hybrid system, which proved far less intrusive than anticipated, likely due to the familiarity with the torquey nature of turbocharged V8s in recent models. The V6’s captivating soundtrack, which evolves with throttle input, further enhanced the driving experience, making the car stonkingly quick without solely relying on brute force.
However, a notable critique emerged regarding the hybrid system’s potential for the battery to deplete entirely, leaving the car stranded. While Ferrari had provided guidance on preventing such an occurrence, the inability to engineer a simple fail-safe, especially for a company renowned for its technological prowess, was seen as a significant oversight. Fortunately, this issue arose after the scoring for the awards had concluded.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering also divided opinion, and the brake feel, while effective, didn’t quite match the very best in class. The infotainment system, too, was widely criticized for its complexity. Nevertheless, the 296 GTB’s overall allure proved irresistible, with one judge admitting to being “bewitched” by its uncanny directional changes, phenomenal damping, immense grip, and the seemingly endless linearity of its power delivery.
The consensus was that the 296 GTB represented a significant return to form for Ferrari, a marked improvement over the SF90, which had left many feeling somewhat underwhelmed. The 296 GTB’s technical sophistication and hybrid integration felt far more natural and less intrusive, distilling the lessons learned from the SF90 into a series-production model that stands as one of Ferrari’s finest.
The risk with any vehicle so heavily laden with cutting-edge technology is that it might become less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment experienced with the SF90, which, despite its dazzling power, could be somewhat unnerving in its driving characteristics. The 296 GTB, however, is a different proposition entirely. Its organic feel, combined with a potent blend of power and engaging dynamics, strikes a perfect balance, effectively redefining what a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket can achieve. Rumors of a “Versione Speciale” variant, promising even greater power and intensity, suggest that Ferrari is not resting on its laurels. The hope is that the standard 296 GTB’s remarkably natural feel will be preserved.
It is this very aspect of natural feel and dynamic cohesion that I hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power, and without a perfectly resolved chassis to harness it, such potency can easily become overwhelming. If Lamborghini has indeed succeeded in marrying immense power with engaging dynamics, as evidenced by the Revuelto, then a twin test between the Temerario and the 296 GTB promises to be one of the most compelling confrontations in the automotive world.
Alternatively, we could envision a three-way showdown with the McLaren 750S, which, at 740bhp, now appears as the ‘minnow’ of this elite group. However, the McLaren compensates with a remarkably light kerb weight of 1,389kg, translating into a formidable power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s rawness, ergonomic excellence, crisp steering, and sublime chassis control offer a more immediate and connected driving experience compared to the Ferrari’s more technologically mediated approach. The Ferrari 296 GTB for sale represents a pinnacle of hybrid supercar engineering, but the competition is fiercer than ever.
Ultimately, the Ferrari 296 GTB is more than just a collection of impressive numbers; it’s a carefully orchestrated symphony of power, technology, and driving pleasure. It’s a car that invites you to push your limits while offering a supportive hand, a true testament to Ferrari’s enduring legacy and its bold vision for the future of the supercar.
As the supercar landscape continues its relentless evolution, the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a beacon of innovation and driving exhilaration. If you are ready to experience this paradigm shift in automotive performance for yourself, explore the latest offerings and Ferrari 296 GTB lease options, and prepare to redefine your expectations of what a supercar can and should be.
