The Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Masterpiece Redefining Supercar Dynamics
For a decade now, the supercar landscape has been a battlefield of escalating horsepower and visceral V8 roars. As an industry ob
server with ten years immersed in the world of performance automotive engineering and market analysis, I’ve witnessed firsthand the relentless pursuit of ultimate speed. However, the automotive realm is in a perpetual state of evolution, and the arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB marks a pivotal shift, challenging long-held conventions and setting a new benchmark in the hypercar segment. While the horizon is indeed graced by the formidable 10,000rpm, 903bhp hybrid rival from Lamborghini, the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a testament to audacious innovation and refined performance, a machine that has profoundly reshaped what we expect from a mid-engined Italian masterpiece.
The 2022 introduction of the Ferrari 296 GTB wasn’t merely an update; it was a paradigm shift. Departing from the celebrated, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8, Ferrari boldly embraced a new twin-turbo V6 architecture, augmented by a sophisticated electric powertrain. This strategic pivot positioned the Ferrari 296 GTB at the vanguard of a supercar segment still cautiously navigating the transition to electrification. Its debut saw traditional adversaries like the Lamborghini Huracán, celebrated for its naturally aspirated V10 charisma and raw auditory appeal, and the McLaren 720S, a formidable force leveraging its twin-turbo V8 for power-to-weight supremacy. While the subsequent McLaren 750S represents an evolution of that theme, the impending Lamborghini Temerario, boasting a staggering 903bhp, 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid system, is undeniably Maranello’s direct counterpoint to the 819bhp hybridised Berlinetta that is the Ferrari 296 GTB.
The sheer potency of the Ferrari 296 GTB is undeniable. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6, in concert with an electric motor, drives exclusively the rear wheels—a distinct departure from the all-wheel-drive complexity of the SF90 Stradale. This configuration yields a breathtaking 819bhp, fundamentally re-writing the rulebook for contemporary supercars. It’s easy to be captivated by such prodigious power figures, perhaps questioning the ultimate destination of this relentless escalation and, more pragmatically, the avenues available for its full deployment. Yet, such considerations only amplify the allure of the Ferrari 296 GTB.
Marking a significant moment in Ferrari’s road-car history, the Ferrari 296 GTB is the marque’s first V6-powered production vehicle. (The exquisite 246 GT Dino, though V6-powered, never bore the iconic Prancing Horse emblem during its production run.) It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration and incorporates a plug-in hybrid system, offering an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles. This compact V6 unit is nestled low within a newly developed aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, subtly repositioning the occupants slightly further forward to enhance weight distribution and driving dynamics.
The electric motor alone contributes an impressive 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 engine independently delivers a remarkable 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined output reaches the headline-grabbing 819bhp. Ferrari judiciously withholds a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the combustion engine and electric motor, but it’s safe to assume this figure is considerable. Crucially, the V6 package offers a weight saving of 30kg over Ferrari’s V8 engines and is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The long, slender battery pack is strategically located behind the seats, optimizing the car’s center of gravity.
No Ferrari is complete without an arsenal of acronyms signifying cutting-edge electronic chassis management. For the Ferrari 296 GTB, Ferrari has introduced the ‘6w-CDS’ (six-axis Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This sophisticated sensor system measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z axes, effectively replacing traditional yaw sensors. In conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, it provides the car with an intimate understanding of driver inputs and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data empowers systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff to maximize cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and driver confidence. Furthermore, the Ferrari 296 GTB debuts ABS-evo in RACE mode and above. Integrated with the brake-by-wire system, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners.
In a novel application of its active aerodynamics technology, Ferrari has employed it not for drag reduction, but for generating significant downforce. The company quotes a figure of 360kg at 155mph, with the deployable rear wing alone contributing up to 100kg of this downforce. The thermal management strategy is equally impressive. The front of the car houses two radiators for engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two condensers dedicated to battery cooling. Hot air is expelled from beneath the vehicle to prevent interference with the intercooler airflow along the flanks. Smaller apertures below the headlamps are dedicated to brake cooling, while the roofline-integrated wing facilitates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, channeling airflow efficiently to the car’s rear. The majority of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s downforce is generated beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid to air channeling, the rear diffuser design, and crucially, the underbody’s ground clearance, all contributing to the effectiveness of its aerodynamic surfaces.
Our initial experiences with the Ferrari 296 GTB, particularly on a circuit, were with examples equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This meticulously engineered upgrade replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units derived from GT racing, and incorporates additional carbon-fiber aerodynamic elements on the front fascia, boosting front downforce by a further 20kg. Further carbon fiber applications within the cabin (such as door panels) and on the exterior contribute to a 12kg weight saving, which can extend to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For the ultimate track-focused performance, the Assetto Fiorano package also allows for the fitment of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Aesthetic enhancements, including an exterior graphics package inspired by the iconic 250LM of the 1960s, are also available. Visually, the Ferrari 296 GTB is a masterpiece, possessing a distinct and captivating form that even without optional graphics, evokes the spirit of its historic predecessor.
Getting underway in the Ferrari 296 GTB is initiated with a dual press of a capacitive button on the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, propelling you forward on electric power alone unless otherwise directed via the haptic driver mode selectors. With judicious throttle application, the Ferrari 296 GTB can maintain purely electric propulsion, provided sufficient battery charge is available. You can also explicitly select ‘e-Drive’ mode, overriding powertrain demands, or opt for ‘Performance’ or ‘Qualifying’ modes. In these settings, both power sources work in tandem; ‘Performance’ aims to maintain battery charge while delivering potent performance, while ‘Qualifying’ unleashes the full, uncompromised potential of the hybrid system, regardless of the battery’s state of charge.
The unexpected serenity of gliding through urban landscapes on electric power is a revelation, and the damping sophistication imbues the Ferrari 296 GTB with a surprisingly compliant ride, making it an accomplished mile-muncher. The front ‘frunk’ even offers a respectable amount of luggage space, a welcome practicality absent in the SF90. But for enthusiasts and collectors, the true anticipation lies in experiencing the raw, unadulterated ferocity when both the V6 engine and electric motor are unleashed.
The sheer immediacy of the Ferrari 296 GTB is astounding. Prod the throttle at low revs in a high gear, and the car surges forward with zero perceptible lag, prompting an immediate contemplation of the very necessity of gear changes, such is its instantaneous potency. Yet, with eight gears at your disposal and an engine that revs eagerly to 8500rpm, the experience when fully exploiting the Ferrari 296 GTB is nothing short of exhilarating. The acceleration figures—a sub-3-second 0-62mph sprint and a top speed exceeding 205mph—paint a picture of relentless forward momentum that borders on the overwhelming, yet is undeniably addictive. The auditory experience is equally compelling, a rich V6 rasp beautifully interwoven with captivating turbocharger sound effects.
The ride and handling characteristics of the Ferrari 296 GTB are where its true genius lies. The chassis exhibits an extraordinary level of responsiveness, validating Ferrari’s commitment to making this a supremely “fun to drive” machine. It feels agile without succumbing to nervousness. The steering, typically light and rapid, also conveys remarkable feedback from the road surface. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car’s inherent balance allows for significant throttle adjustability, eliciting an irrepressible grin. The Ferrari 296 GTB belies its 1470kg (dry) weight, exhibiting a remarkable lack of inertia that encourages intuitive inputs and rewards precision. Engaging ‘CT Off’ mode offers a degree of freedom, underscored by the reassuring presence of an advanced electronic safety net, but even with all aids deactivated, the Ferrari 296 GTB’s natural equilibrium allows for controlled oversteer that one might deem impossible in a car producing 819bhp.
On track, the Ferrari 296 GTB possesses an uncanny ability to compress even lengthy straights, revealing itself as a razor-sharp instrument. While the prodigious power is sufficient to break rear-wheel traction at numerous points around the circuit, the car remains acutely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. It quickly becomes apparent that precise control yields the most profound rewards. The turn-in accuracy and response are simply phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Rather than gradually loading the tires, the Ferrari 296 GTB adopts its line instantaneously, aided by the Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering, which synergize perfectly with the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for those accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the speed, precision, and agility of the Ferrari 296 GTB are a constant source of awe and exhilaration, lap after lap.
The interior architecture of the Ferrari 296 GTB will feel familiar to those acquainted with the SF90 Stradale, as it shares a significant design lineage. However, the fully digital interface and its associated haptic switchgear, extensively integrated into the steering wheel and flanking pods, present a learning curve. While the system is undoubtedly complex, tasked with relaying a vast amount of information, the primary challenge lies in the occasional need for a second press for inputs to register, or the ambiguity of whether an action has been successfully executed. Despite these usability quirks, the cabin undeniably exudes an atmosphere of exclusivity and purpose, a truly special environment befitting a Ferrari.
In the hotly contested ‘evo Car of the Year 2022’ awards, the Ferrari 296 GTB emerged as a true contender. The competition between the McLaren Artura and the Ferrari 296 GTB was exceptionally close, with the judges narrowly divided. Three reviewers favored the Ferrari, while three leaned towards the McLaren. Those who placed the Ferrari 296 GTB ahead lauded its spectacular design, outrageous speed, astonishing exploitability, and profound technical sophistication. Jethro Bovingdon eloquently captured its essence, stating, “Its V6 shows McLaren how to downsize but turn up the drama, and it matches the Artura in terms of sheer control but feels a bit more playful and indulgent.” Dickie Meaden echoed this sentiment, calling it “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” and praising the seamless integration of the hybrid system, which remarkably enhanced rather than detracted from the driving experience. He further elaborated, “The Ferrari 296 GTB is stonkingly quick, but doesn’t rely solely on speed thanks to the character of the V6, which has a soundtrack that’s always sweet and changes with throttle opening.”
While the seamless hybrid integration was widely celebrated, a notable incident saw a Ferrari 296 GTB left stranded due to a depleted battery, highlighting a potential vulnerability. Ferrari had indeed cautioned about this possibility and outlined preventative measures. However, the oversight in engineering a simple fail-safe mechanism to prevent such occurrences, particularly from a company renowned for technological innovation, was a significant point of criticism. Fortunately, this incident occurred after scoring, allowing the Ferrari 296 GTB to retain its strong standing. Despite some division on Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering and critiques of the brake pedal feel and the complexity of the infotainment system, the Ferrari 296 GTB proved irresistibly seductive. Vivian shared, “I thought I wouldn’t like the Fezza all 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…”
The Ferrari 296 GTB represents a significant return to form for the marque, particularly in contrast to the less inspiring SF90 Stradale. Peter Tomalin’s verdict from the ecoty 2022 analysis encapsulates this perfectly: “The Ferrari 296 GTB is way more successful because its technical sophistication, and the integration of its hybrid technology in particular, feels much more natural, and far less intrusive.” He further added, “Ferrari has taken so much from the SF90, learnt from that car and distilled it into a series production model that’s one of its very best.”
The risk inherent in packing a car with such advanced technology is that it may become less than the sum of its parts. This was a concern evident in our experience with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power output, could be unnerving in its unpredictable driving characteristics. However, the Ferrari 296 GTB is an altogether different proposition. Its organic feel, combined with a potent blend of power and engaging dynamics, strikes a sweet spot that redefines the supercar genre, especially considering its price point of around £250,000. Anticipation is building for the Versione Speciale variant, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity, with the hope that the standard Ferrari 296 GTB’s natural and intuitive feel will be preserved.
It is this very aspect of intuitive connection that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Lamborghini Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an almost obscene amount of power in a production supercar, and if the rest of the vehicle is not meticulously engineered to harness it, the experience can be compromised. However, given the remarkable execution of the Revuelto, there is ample reason for optimism. If Lamborghini has indeed mastered this challenge, we are poised for an epic twin test, potentially featuring a combined output of 1700bhp between the two hybrid titans. We could even expand this to a 2400bhp triple threat with the McLaren 750S, now the relative ‘minnow’ of this class with ‘only’ 740bhp. Yet, the McLaren counters with a svelte 1389kg kerb weight, offering a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s inherent rawness, ergonomic excellence, incisive steering, and deft chassis control stand in stark contrast to the comparatively more remote sensation offered by the Ferrari.
The Ferrari 296 GTB isn’t just a supercar; it’s a statement of intent, a technological marvel, and a truly exhilarating driving machine. For those seeking the pinnacle of hybrid supercar performance and a driving experience that transcends mere numbers, the Ferrari 296 GTB offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the future of automotive excellence. Discover the thrill and sophistication that the Ferrari 296 GTB offers by scheduling your personal consultation with our Ferrari specialists today.
