The Ferrari 296 GTB: Electrifying Performance and a New Era of Supercar Dynamics
For a decade now, I’ve been immersed in the thrilling world of high-performance automobiles, dissecting the intricacies
of engineering and the sheer exhilaration of driving. In that time, I’ve witnessed seismic shifts in automotive technology, none more profound than the recent surge of electrification within the supercar segment. The Ferrari 296 GTB, a machine that has graced our roads for a couple of years now, stands as a monumental testament to this transformation. Even with the impending arrival of a 903bhp, 10,000rpm Lamborghini rival, the Ferrari 296 GTB continues to astound, setting a benchmark for what a hybrid supercar can and should be.
The Maranello marque’s traditional mid-engined supercar formula underwent a dramatic evolution with the introduction of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022. It marked a departure from the beloved, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8, embracing a new twin-turbocharged V6 engine augmented by an electric motor. This bold step positioned the Ferrari 296 GTB at the vanguard of a higher-tier supercar segment that is still in the nascent stages of embracing hybrid power.
At its debut, the Ferrari 296 GTB found its most direct contemporary rival in the Lamborghini Huracán, a car defined by its naturally aspirated V10 symphony. While it might have fallen short in sheer horsepower compared to the electric-assisted Ferrari, the Huracán offered an unparalleled sense of V10 charisma and raw auditory drama, solidifying its legendary status in its prime. The landscape also included the formidable McLaren 720S, which relied on its potent twin-turbo V8. While the subsequent McLaren 750S represents an evolution of its predecessor, prioritizing power-to-weight supremacy, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid Temerario is Lamborghini’s explicit counter-thrust to Maranello’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta.
Make no mistake, the Ferrari 296 GTB packs genuine, mind-bending firepower. Its all-new 120-degree, twin-turbocharged V6 engine, working in tandem with an electric motor powering only the rear wheels (a distinction from the four-wheel-drive SF90), delivers a staggering combined output of 819bhp. This powertrain configuration shattered conventional supercar expectations. The sheer magnitude of this power output is difficult to comprehend, leaving one to ponder the ultimate limits of such escalating performance and, perhaps more pragmatically, where such velocity can be truly appreciated.
Significantly, the Ferrari 296 GTB holds the distinction of being the first V6-powered Ferrari road car. (For purists, the enchanting 246 GT Dino, while a V6, never bore the Prancing Horse emblem during its production era). It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger installation and boasts plug-in hybrid capabilities, offering an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles. This compact V6 is mounted low within a new aluminum chassis, with a wheelbase 50mm shorter than its V8 predecessors, subtly repositioning occupants slightly further forward. The electric motor contributes an impressive 165bhp and 232lb ft, while the V6 alone unleashes a formidable 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined output is the headline-grabbing 819bhp, with Ferrari wisely choosing not to quote a peak combined torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the combustion engine and electric motor. However, it’s safe to assume this torque figure is nothing short of monumental. Weighing in 30kg lighter than a comparable Ferrari V8, the V6 is mated to a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a long, slender unit, is cleverly integrated behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of acronym-laden electronic chassis systems. For the Ferrari 296 GTB, Maranello has developed a sophisticated six-axis sensor array, dubbed the 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This advanced system meticulously measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. It replaces traditional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of driver intent and instantaneous grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data feeds into systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, optimizing cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and driver confidence. Furthermore, it enables the new ABS-evo system (an apt moniker), available in RACE mode and above. Coupled with the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, ABS-evo not only reduces braking distances but also enhances braking performance during trail braking scenarios.
In a fascinating development, Ferrari is now deploying its active aerodynamics technology not to minimize drag, but to maximize downforce. The manufacturer claims a total of 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a significant portion, up to 100kg, generated by the deployable rear wing. The cooling system is equally intricate: two radiators in the front handle engine and gearbox temperatures, supplemented by two additional condensers for battery cooling. Hot air is expertly expelled underneath the vehicle to avoid disrupting the airflow directed towards the intercoolers positioned along the flanks. Small apertures below the headlamps channel air to cool the brakes, while a wing integrated into the roofline creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, guiding airflow towards the car’s rear as if guided by a sculpted surface. The majority of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s downforce is cultivated beneath the car, with meticulous attention paid to air channeling, the rear diffuser, and crucially, the underbody’s ground clearance to amplify the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
Our initial circuit evaluations of the Ferrari 296 GTB were conducted with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This upgrade replaces the standard dampers with track-derived Multimatic units, similar to those found in GT racing, and incorporates additional carbon aerodynamic elements at the front that boost downforce by 20kg. The package also enhances the use of carbon fiber in the cabin, such as the door panels, and on the exterior, contributing to a total weight saving of 12kg, which can be extended to 15kg with the optional Lexan rear engine cover. For those opting for the Assetto Fiorano package, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires are available as an upgrade from the standard Pilot Sport 4S. These enhanced versions can also be specified with an exterior graphics package inspired by the iconic 250LM from the 1960s.
Having had the opportunity to thoroughly examine the Ferrari 296 GTB firsthand, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a distinct and captivating design, evoking the spirit of the 1960s 250LM, even without the more polarizing graphic treatments. This Italian supercar for sale isn’t just a visual masterpiece; it’s a technological tour de force.
To embark on your journey with the Ferrari 296 GTB, a simple double-press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss initiates the vehicle, followed by engaging first gear. The Ferrari 296 GTB defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing for silent departures on electric power alone, unless explicitly overridden via the haptic driver mode selections on the steering wheel’s boss. As long as acceleration demands remain moderate and battery charge is sufficient, the car will continue its journey purely on electric power. You can also manually select ‘eDrive’ mode, irrespective of powertrain demands. Beyond this, ‘Performance’ and ‘Qualifying’ modes cater to more spirited driving. In Performance mode, both power sources collaborate to not only deliver exhilarating acceleration but also to maintain battery charge. Qualifying mode unleashes the full, unadulterated potential of the powertrain, with battery charge taking a backseat.
The serene experience of gliding silently through villages is an unexpected delight, and the damping sophistication makes it a remarkably comfortable companion for covering long distances. There’s even a practical luggage compartment located in the front ‘frunk,’ a welcome addition absent in the SF90. However, the true essence of this machine lies in unleashing both its V6 engine and electric motor in full fury. The response when planting the throttle at low revs in a high gear is instantaneous and astonishingly potent, making one momentarily question the necessity of gear changes. Yet, with eight gears to play with and an engine that revs to a breathtaking 8500rpm, the full unleashing of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s capabilities is nothing short of spectacular.
The acceleration figures—a sub-3-second 0-62mph time and a top speed exceeding 205mph—translate into a visceral experience of intense G-forces, inducing a mixture of nervous laughter and an almost addictive sense of urgency. This is, without question, a seriously rapid automobile. The auditory experience is equally captivating, with a symphony of turbocharger effects harmonizing with the tuneful rasp of the V6.
The chassis responsiveness of the Ferrari 296 GTB is truly remarkable. Ferrari’s promise of a ‘fun to drive’ ethos is not an empty slogan; the car feels incredibly agile without ever becoming nervous. The steering, typically light and incredibly quick, also delivers a surprising amount of feedback, allowing the driver to feel intimately connected to the road. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car’s ability to be adjusted with the throttle pedal is what truly ignites the driving pleasure, eliciting an irrepressible grin.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the Ferrari 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s an exhilarating lack of inertia that encourages intuitive driving, allowing for minute inputs and rewarding the driver with exceptional accuracy and precision. Engaging ‘CT Off’ mode provides a comforting safety net of electronic intervention, far surpassing human reflexes, yet even with all electronic aids deactivated, the Ferrari 296 GTB’s inherent balance allows for playful, controlled oversteer that defies its prodigious 819bhp output.
On the racetrack, the Ferrari 296 GTB has the uncanny ability to make even lengthy straights feel considerably shorter. What becomes immediately apparent is its surgical precision. While the power is readily available to break rear-end traction at various points around the circuit, the Ferrari 296 GTB is also exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. Mastering these controls unlocks the car’s full potential, yielding the greatest rewards. The turn-in accuracy and responsiveness dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Instead of gradually loading the suspension, the Ferrari 296 GTB immediately settles into its apex, aided by the Multimatic dampers and the hyper-quick steering that complements the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the speed, precision, and agility of the Ferrari 296 GTB are phenomenal and consistently exhilarating, lap after lap.
The interior architecture of the Ferrari 296 GTB will feel familiar to those who have experienced the SF90, as it draws heavily from that model. The all-digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear, liberally applied to the steering wheel and the traditional Ferrari pods flanking it, can present a steep learning curve. While the system undoubtedly offers a wealth of information, some simple operations can occasionally require a second press, and it’s not always immediately clear if an input has been registered. Nevertheless, the cabin undoubtedly conveys a sense of occasion and exclusivity.
Our evaluation of the Ferrari 296 GTB in the 2022 evo Car of the Year competition highlighted its exceptional merit. The competition was incredibly close, with the McLaren Artura running neck-and-neck with the Ferrari 296 GTB. Judges were almost evenly split, with three narrowly favoring the Ferrari and three preferring the McLaren by a whisker.
The three judges who placed the Ferrari 296 GTB ahead lauded its spectacular nature. One enthused, “Beautiful to look at, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable, and so technically clever. 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.” Another praised it as “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” adding, “The hybrid system works very well and doesn’t change the driving experience as much as I’d feared. Probably because we’ve already got used to the torquey characteristics of the turbocharged V8 in the 488 and F8. The 296 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.”
The seamless integration of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s hybridisation was widely commended. However, a notable incident involved the car being stranded after the battery depleted with no apparent means of revival. While Ferrari had issued warnings about this possibility and provided guidance, it raised concerns about potential owner inconvenience. As one critic noted, it was a “huge oversight” that a company renowned for technological innovation couldn’t engineer a simple fail-safe. Fortunately, this occurred after all scoring was completed. Despite these reservations, the Ferrari 296 GTB’s intoxicating blend of capabilities proved irresistible. One judge admitted to being “bewitched by 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 GTS review also noted that very little is lost with the roof retracted, further enhancing its appeal. Ultimately, the consensus was that the Ferrari 296 GTB represented a significant return to form for the marque, particularly after the SF90 had left some testers feeling underwhelmed. Its technical sophistication and the natural integration of its hybrid technology were seen as far more successful and less intrusive than in previous models. The Ferrari 296 GTB effectively distilled lessons learned from the SF90 into a series-production model that stands as one of Ferrari’s finest achievements.
The risk with any car heavily laden with advanced technology is that it can become less than the sum of its parts. This was a critique leveled at the SF90, which, despite its dazzling power, sometimes felt unnerving due to its challenging driving characteristics. The Ferrari 296 GTB, however, strikes a decidedly different chord. As evidenced by its joint third-place finish in the 2022 evo Car of the Year alongside the McLaren Artura, it feels far more organic. Its potent blend of power and engaging dynamics hits a sweet spot, redefining expectations for a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket. Rumors of a ‘Versione Speciale’ variant, promising even greater power and intensity, are circulating, with hopes that the standard Ferrari 296 GTB’s naturally intuitive feel will be preserved.
It is precisely this aspect of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s constitution that we hope Lamborghini has meticulously honed in its upcoming hybrid Temerario supercar. An output exceeding 900bhp is an almost obscene amount of power for a series-production supercar, and it has the potential to overwhelm if the rest of the vehicle isn’t expertly calibrated. Given the remarkable achievement of the Revuelto, there is ample reason to be optimistic that the Temerario will live up to expectations. If Lamborghini has indeed nailed the execution, we could be in for an absolutely sensational 1700bhp twin test.
Alternatively, we could even envision a colossal 2400bhp triple threat with the inclusion of the McLaren 750S. Absurdly, the McLaren, with its ‘mere’ 740bhp, might now be considered the ‘minnow’ of this elite group. However, it counters with a remarkably svelte 1389kg kerb weight, offering a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw character, ergonomic perfection, razor-sharp steering, and exquisite chassis control provide a distinct counterpoint to the comparatively more detached feel of the Ferrari 296 GTB.
For those seeking the pinnacle of automotive engineering and exhilarating driving dynamics, exploring the latest offerings from Ferrari and its rivals is essential. Whether you’re drawn to the electrified prowess of the Ferrari 296 GTB, the raw emotion of a naturally aspirated V10, or the focused performance of a lightweight track machine, the supercar landscape in 2025 offers an unprecedented array of choices.
If the thrill of a hybrid supercar beckons, we invite you to explore the exceptional performance and cutting-edge technology of the Ferrari 296 GTB. Contact your nearest authorized Ferrari dealer to schedule a private viewing and discover firsthand the future of automotive exhilaration.
