The Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Masterclass That Sets the Bar for Performance Supercars
For a decade now, I’ve navigated the exhilarating, yet ever-evolving, landscape of automotive performance. My jour
ney has seen me witness firsthand the seismic shifts in engineering philosophy, particularly within the hallowed halls of supercar manufacturers. Among the most profound transformations has been the embrace of electrification, a path few predicted would yield such astonishing results. Yet, here we stand in 2025, and the Ferrari 296 GTB remains a compelling testament to this new era, a benchmark against which rivals, notably the anticipated Lamborghini Temerario, must now measure themselves.
The 296 GTB, introduced to the world in 2022, represented a bold departure for Ferrari. It was a calculated pivot away from the established, award-winning twin-turbo V8 in favor of an all-new, compact twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by an electric motor. This radical shift positioned the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a supercar segment that, while teetering on the brink of full electrification, still grappled with the established allure of combustion. In its initial years, its primary adversaries were the Lamborghini Huracán, with its soul-stirring naturally-aspirated V10, and the potent McLaren 720S, a V8-powered titan. While the McLaren 750S represents a refined evolution, the 903 bhp, 10,000 rpm hybrid V8-powered Temerario signals Lamborghini’s direct and formidable response to Maranello’s 819 bhp electrified Berlinetta.
Make no mistake, the Ferrari 296 GTB possesses firepower that ignites the imagination. Its heart is a groundbreaking 120-degree, twin-turbocharged V6, working in concert with an electric motor to propel the rear wheels – a distinction from the marque’s four-wheel-drive SF90. This configuration, delivering a combined 819 bhp, shattered conventional supercar norms upon its debut. The sheer magnitude of this output invites introspection about the future trajectory of power escalation – and, perhaps more pragmatically, where such prodigious performance can be responsibly unleashed.
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is its status as the first V6-powered Ferrari road car, a significant historical footnote given the celebrated, though not officially badged as Ferrari, 246 GT Dino of yesteryear. It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger architecture and incorporates plug-in hybrid capability, offering an electric-only range of approximately 15 miles. This compact V6 is nestled low within a bespoke aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase 50mm shorter than its V8 predecessors, subtly repositioning occupants slightly forward.
The electric motor itself contributes an impressive 165 bhp and 232 lb-ft of torque. On its own, the V6 unleashes a staggering 654 bhp and 546 lb-ft. Ferrari, in its characteristic enigmatic fashion, opts not to quote a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the V6 and electric motor. However, it’s safe to infer that this figure is, to put it mildly, substantial. Critically, this V6 unit sheds 30kg compared to its V8 counterparts and is seamlessly integrated with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a long, slim unit, resides discreetly behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of sophisticated electronic chassis control systems. For the 296 GTB, the engineers have developed a revolutionary six-axis sensor suite, dubbed 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This advanced system meticulously measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes, effectively supplanting traditional yaw sensors. In tandem with a sensor on the steering rack, it provides an unparalleled understanding of driver input and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data fuels other integral systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, ensuring maximum cornering speed is achieved without compromising stability or driver confidence. Furthermore, it enables the introduction of ABS-evo, a system activated in RACE mode and above, which, through the car’s brake-by-wire architecture, dramatically reduces stopping distances and enhances trail-braking performance.
In a novel application of its active aerodynamics technology, Ferrari has prioritized downforce generation over drag reduction. The manufacturer claims an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155 mph, with nearly 100kg of that attributed to an active rear wing that deploys from the car’s tail.
The cooling system is a marvel of integrated design. Two radiators in the nose manage engine and gearbox temperatures, complemented by two additional condensers dedicated to battery cooling. Hot air is strategically expelled beneath the car, preventing interference with the flow of cool air directed towards the intercoolers positioned along the flanks. Small apertures below the headlamps are dedicated to brake cooling, while a roofline-integrated rear spoiler artfully creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, channeling air towards the car’s posterior as if guided by a sculpted surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce is sculpted from beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid not only to air channeling and diffuser design but also to the underbody’s ground clearance, optimizing the effectiveness of its downforce-generating elements.
The pre-production 296 GTBs we experienced on track during the launch were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance enhancement replaces standard dampers with race-derived Multimatic units and adds carbon-fiber aerodynamic elements to the front fascia, increasing front downforce by an additional 20kg. The package also incorporates more carbon fiber throughout the cabin, including door panels, and on the exterior, contributing to a significant 12kg weight reduction. Opting for the Lexan rear engine cover further shaves off 3kg. For those seeking ultimate grip, the Assetto Fiorano option includes Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, a step up from the standard Pilot Sport 4S. The Fiorano package can also be specified with an exterior graphics package, inspired by the iconic 250LM of the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 GTB both in static displays and on the move, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a distinct character, a visual narrative that, even without the optional livery, subtly echoes the timeless elegance of the 1960s 250LM.
Performance and Acceleration Prowess
Initiating forward motion is as simple as a double-press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The 296 GTB defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing for silent, electric-only departure unless otherwise commanded via the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors on the steering wheel’s hub. With judicious throttle application, and provided sufficient battery charge, the car will continue its journey on pure electric power.
Drivers can also elect to manually engage ‘e-Drive’ mode, overriding any powertrain demands, or choose between ‘Performance’ and ‘Qualifying’ modes. In ‘Performance’ mode, both power sources collaborate with the aim of maintaining battery charge. ‘Qualifying’ mode, however, prioritizes maximum performance, disregarding the battery’s state of charge.
The sensation of gliding silently through urban landscapes is an unexpected pleasure. The damping calibration is remarkably sophisticated, rendering it a surprisingly comfortable companion for long journeys. The ‘frunk’ offers a reasonably sized luggage compartment, a welcome practicality absent in the SF90. But, as we all eagerly anticipate, the true thrill lies in experiencing the combined might of the V6 and electric motor unleashed.
The clue to its extraordinary potency emerges when you apply significant throttle in a high gear at low revs. The 296 GTB surges forward with an instantaneous response, momentarily making you question the necessity of gears, such is its immediate thrust. Yet, with eight gears to exploit and an engine that willingly spins to 8500 rpm, unleashing the full potential of the 296 GTB is an utterly astonishing experience. The acceleration figures – a blistering 0-62mph in just 2.9 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205 mph – translate into a visceral surge of speed that verges on the exhilaratingly uncomfortable, yet is undeniably addictive. This is a seriously rapid machine, and its acoustic character is equally compelling, with a symphony of turbocharger sounds harmonizing with the tuneful rasp of the V6.
Dynamic Prowess and Handling Dynamics
What truly elevates the 296 GTB is the astonishing responsiveness of its chassis, a testament to Ferrari’s commitment to delivering a truly engaging driving experience. It exhibits a profound agility that never tips into nervousness. The steering, typically light and rapid, offers a surprising level of tactile feedback. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car’s inherent adjustability via the throttle allows for playful, grin-inducing moments that are rarely found in supercars of this caliber.
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 symbiotic relationship with the driver, rewarding small, precise inputs and basking in its accuracy. Engaging ‘CT Off’ mode offers a tantalizing taste of unadulterated driving, yet the presence of an intelligent electronic guardian ensures a reassuring safety net. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296 GTB’s innate balance allows for controlled oversteer, a feat one might deem impossible in a car producing 819 bhp.
On the circuit, the 296 GTB possesses the remarkable ability to compress even the longest straights, highlighting its surgical precision. The sheer power is readily available to break traction at the rear throughout the lap, but the car is equally responsive to braking and steering inputs. It quickly becomes apparent that meticulous control of the inputs yields the most significant rewards. The turn-in accuracy and immediacy dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Instead of gradually loading the chassis, the 296 GTB settles instantly, its Multimatic dampers working in perfect harmony with the hyper-quick steering and the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers transitioning from more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal, delivering a consistently joyous experience lap after lap.
Interior Ambiance and Ergonomics
The cabin architecture will feel immediately familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the 296 GTB inherits much of its design language. The fully digital interface, coupled with its accompanying haptic switchgear, presents a unique challenge. This array of controls, liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it, is undoubtedly complex. However, Ferrari is tasked with conveying an immense amount of information. The primary frustration arises when seemingly simple operations require multiple attempts, or when the success of a press is uncertain. Nevertheless, the overall impression is one of entering a special, technologically advanced environment.
Expert Verdict: Evo Car of the Year 2022 Accolades
The competitive landscape of performance supercars is fiercely contested, and the 2022 Evo Car of the Year awards underscored this intensity. The battle between the McLaren Artura and the 296 GTB was exceptionally close, with mere fractions separating their final scores. The judging panel was equally divided, with three favoring the Ferrari and three leaning towards the McLaren.
Those who championed the Ferrari included myself, along with esteemed colleagues Meaden and Bovingdon. Jethro’s enthusiasm was palpable: “What a spectacular car. Beautiful to behold, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable, and technically brilliant. Its V6 engine serves as a masterclass in downsizing, demonstrating to McLaren how to deliver true drama. It matches the Artura in terms of outright control but possesses a more playful and indulgent character.”
Dickie’s assessment resonated with many: “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355.” He further elaborated, “The hybrid system is exceptionally well integrated and doesn’t alter the driving experience as drastically as I had feared. Perhaps this is because we’ve become accustomed to the torquey nature of turbocharged V8s in the 488 and F8. The 296 is stonkingly quick, but its appeal extends beyond mere speed, thanks to the character of the V6, which delivers a consistently sweet soundtrack that evolves with throttle input.”
The seamless integration of the Ferrari’s hybrid system drew widespread praise. However, a notable incident occurred on the final night of testing, where a depleted battery left the car stranded. While Ferrari had provided clear guidance on preventing such an occurrence, it highlighted a potential vulnerability for owners. As Gallagher observed, “It’s a significant oversight that a company pioneering individual rear-wheel steering can’t engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this situation.” Fortunately, this incident transpired after all cars had been scored.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering proved to be a point of contention, and the brake pedal feel didn’t quite match the very best in the group. The technology interface also faced considerable criticism for its complexity. Despite these drawbacks, the 296 GTB exuded an irresistible allure. Vivian commented, “I initially thought I wouldn’t be overly impressed with the Ferrari – too complex, with rather gratuitous points of differentiation. However, I found myself utterly bewitched by its uncanny directional changes, its phenomenal damping, its looney-tunes levels of grip, and the linearity of its seemingly endless power delivery…”
Ferrari 296 GTS Review – Is Anything Lost with the Roof Folded Away?
Peter Tomalin, editor of Evo, summarized the sentiment: “The 296 represents a significant return to form for Ferrari, especially after the SF90 left us somewhat underwhelmed last year. As Sutcliffe aptly put it: ‘The 296 is far more successful because its technical sophistication, and particularly the integration of its hybrid technology, feels far more natural and significantly less intrusive.’ Gallagher concurred, stating, ‘Ferrari has absorbed so much from the SF90, learned from that car, and distilled it into a series-production model that ranks among its very finest.'”
Pricing and Competitive Landscape
The integration of such advanced technology inherently carries the risk of a final product being less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment echoed in our assessment of the SF90, which, while dazzling with its power, proved somewhat unnerving due to its challenging driving characteristics.
The 296 GTB, however, is a different proposition entirely. As evidenced by its joint third-place finish alongside the McLaren Artura at the 2022 Evo Car of the Year awards, it strikes a harmonious balance. Its potent blend of power and engaging dynamics establishes a compelling sweet spot, effectively redefining the benchmark for a supercar in the approximately $250,000 price bracket. A more extreme variant, tentatively codenamed ‘Versione Speciale,’ is slated for release, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity. The enduring hope is that the standard 296’s remarkably natural feel will be preserved.
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 900 bhp is an almost obscene amount of power for a series-production supercar, and if the rest of the vehicle isn’t meticulously resolved to complement it, the experience could be compromised. If Lamborghini has indeed struck the right balance – and the sheer brilliance of the Revuelto offers substantial reason for optimism – then we are poised for an epic 1700 bhp twin test.
Alternatively, we could witness a colossal 2400 bhp triple threat, including the McLaren 750S, which, by today’s standards, appears almost diminutive with its 740 bhp. However, it compensates with a remarkably light kerb weight of 1389kg, delivering a potent power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw appeal, ergonomic perfection, razor-sharp steering, and deft chassis control offer a compelling contrast to the comparatively more remote Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications:
Engine: 2992cc V6, twin-turbocharged, plus electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, active E-diff
Combined Power: 819 bhp @ 8000rpm
Combined Torque: 546 lb-ft @ 6250rpm
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566 bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205 mph
Price: £250,000+
The automotive world is constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. If you’re captivated by this fusion of cutting-edge technology and exhilarating performance, and you’re considering elevating your driving experience with a vehicle that redefines automotive excellence, we invite you to explore the latest offerings and connect with a specialist dealer today to arrange a personalized consultation and test drive.
