The Ferrari 296 GTB: A New Era of Electrifying Supercar Performance
For a decade now, the supercar landscape has been irrevocably reshaped by forces both old and new. As an industry veteran with over
ten years immersed in the exhilarating world of high-performance automotive engineering and review, I’ve witnessed firsthand the monumental shifts, the relentless pursuit of power, and the increasingly sophisticated integration of technology. The Ferrari 296 GTB review – a machine that has been gracing our roads for a couple of years – stands as a potent testament to this evolution. Even with the specter of a 10,000rpm, 903bhp Lamborghini rival looming on the horizon, the 296 GTB continues to deliver a performance experience that is nothing short of mind-blowing. This isn’t just another supercar; it’s a paradigm shift, a carefully orchestrated symphony of combustion and electricity designed to captivate and exhilarate.
For years, Ferrari’s mid-engined supercar lineage relied on a proven formula. However, the arrival of the 296 GTB in 2022 marked an unprecedented departure. Shedding the multi-award-winning, potent twin-turbo V8, Maranello embraced a revolutionary new twin-turbo V6, augmented by an electric motor. This bold move thrust the 296 GTB into a vanguard position within a higher-tier supercar segment that, while embracing electrification, was still navigating its full transition. At its debut, its most direct contemporary was the Lamborghini Huracán, a car celebrated for its naturally-aspirated V10 charisma and raucous exhaust note. While perhaps outgunned in sheer horsepower by the hybridized Ferrari, the Huracán offered an analog charm that resonated deeply. Then there was the ferocious McLaren 720S, a masterclass in twin-turbo V8 supremacy. While its successor, the 750S, refines an existing, successful formula, trading on its exceptional power-to-weight ratio, the impending 903bhp, 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid Lamborghini Temerario emerges as a direct, formidable challenge – a clear statement of intent aimed squarely at Ferrari’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta.
Make no mistake, the Ferrari 296 GTB for sale possesses truly awe-inspiring firepower. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, paired with an electric motor, exclusively drives the rear wheels – a distinction from the all-wheel-drive SF90. This 819bhp marvel didn’t just enter the supercar arena; it shattered conventions. The sheer magnitude of its power output is staggering, naturally leading to contemplation about the ultimate ceiling of such performance escalation – a question that the 296 GTB itself seems to be actively answering, with rivals like the Temerario pushing the boundaries even further. And, of course, there’s the perennial question of where one can truly unleash such prodigious capabilities.
The 296 GTB is a landmark vehicle. It’s the first V6-powered Ferrari road car to bear the Prancing Horse emblem in its own right (the charming 246 GT Dino, while groundbreaking, never officially carried the badge in its era). It pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration and, crucially, is a plug-in hybrid, offering an electric-only range of approximately 15 miles. This compact V6 is mounted low within a newly engineered aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase reduced by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, subtly repositioning the occupants slightly forward.
The electric motor contributes a formidable 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 engine, on its own, churns out a remarkable 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined output, as mentioned, peaks at a headline-grabbing 819bhp. Ferrari judiciously refrains from quoting a definitive combined peak torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the engine and electric motor. However, it’s safe to assume this combined torque figure is nothing short of colossal. Across the board, the V6 unit sheds approximately 30kg compared to Ferrari’s V8s. It’s mated to a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a slender, elongated structure, is ingeniously housed behind the seats, optimizing weight distribution.
No Ferrari is complete without an arsenal of sophisticated electronic chassis control systems, and the 296 is no exception. Ferrari has developed a groundbreaking six-axis sensor known as 6w-CDS (Chassis Dynamic Sensor), capable of measuring acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. This advanced sensor replaces traditional yaw sensors. In conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, it provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of driver input and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data is fed into systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, working in concert to maximize cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and driver confidence. Furthermore, it enables a novel system called ABS-evo, available in RACE mode and above. Utilizing the 296’s brake-by-wire system, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also significantly enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners.
For the first time, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics technology not to minimize drag, but to actively generate downforce. The manufacturer quotes an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a substantial 100kg of that figure being produced by the deployable rear wing. The thermal management system is equally advanced. Two radiators in the front handle engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two additional condensers for the battery. Hot air is efficiently expelled from the underbody, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with the cool air directed to the intercoolers along the flanks. The small apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to cooling the brakes, while the aerodynamically integrated wing at the rear of the roofline creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, effectively channeling air to the rear of the car as if guided by a sculpted surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated from beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid not only to airflow management and the rear diffuser but also to the underbody’s ground clearance, optimizing the effectiveness of these crucial downforce-generating surfaces.
The Ferrari 296 GTB price is a significant investment, and those who opt for the Assetto Fiorano package will experience an even more focused machine. This optional upgrade replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units, derived directly from GT racing technology. It also incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements at the front, boosting front downforce by an additional 20kg. The interior benefits from further carbon fiber accents, such as the door panels, contributing to an overall weight saving of 12kg. This figure can be further enhanced to 15kg by specifying the optional Lexan rear engine cover. For the ultimate track-day prowess, the Assetto Fiorano package also offers the option of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Furthermore, Assetto Fiorano-equipped cars can be personalized with an exterior graphics package, drawing inspiration from the iconic 250LM of the 1960s. Visually, the 296 GTB is undeniably striking. Having had ample opportunity to scrutinize it “in the metal,” I can attest to its striking beauty and unique aesthetic, which, even without the optional graphics, subtly echoes the timeless lines of the 1960s 250LM.
Initiating forward motion is as simple as a double press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by engaging first gear. The 296 GTB defaults to Hybrid mode, meaning it will move away using electric power alone, unless intentionally overridden. This electric-only propulsion continues as long as throttle inputs remain measured and the battery retains sufficient charge. For those seeking a purely electric experience, there’s a dedicated EV mode that can be engaged irrespective of other powertrain demands. Beyond this lie the Performance and Qualifying modes. In both these modes, the V6 engine and electric motor operate in unison. Performance mode aims to maintain battery charge while delivering exhilarating propulsion, whereas Qualifying mode prioritizes absolute peak performance, disregarding the battery’s state of charge.
The serene experience of gliding silently through urban landscapes is an unexpected but delightful facet of the 296 GTB. The damping calibration is so sophisticated that it provides a surprisingly comfortable platform for covering long distances. Even luggage capacity is considered, with a reasonably sized ‘frunk’ up front – a welcome improvement over the SF90. However, the question that truly ignites the enthusiast’s curiosity is the raw, visceral experience of unleashing both the V6 engine and the electric motor in their full glory.
The immediate surge of acceleration experienced when planting the throttle at low revs in a higher gear is nothing short of astonishing. There’s virtually no perceptible lag, prompting an immediate re-evaluation of the necessity for traditional gear shifts, such is the sheer potency on offer. Yet, with eight gears to exploit and an engine that eagerly revs to 8500rpm, the experience when truly uncorking the 296 GTB is nothing short of spectacular. The acceleration figures – a 0-62mph time of 2.9 seconds and a top speed of over 205mph – hint at the sheer velocity, a sensation that oscillates between thrillingly intense and delightfully addictive, inducing nervous laughter and an unwavering grip on the steering wheel. This is a seriously rapid automobile, and its soundtrack is equally compelling, a harmonious blend of turbocharger whistles overlaying the tuneful V6 rasp.
The responsiveness of the 296 GTB’s chassis is genuinely remarkable. Ferrari’s assertion that the car was engineered with a primary focus on driver engagement is demonstrably true. It exhibits an almost telepathic agility without ever feeling overly nervous or unpredictable. The steering, typically light and incredibly swift, also conveys a surprising amount of road feel. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car’s ability to be dynamically adjusted using the throttle is a source of immense enjoyment, inevitably eliciting a wide grin.
Despite its stated dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a palpable lack of inertia that encourages an intuitive, collaborative driving style, rewarding subtle inputs with remarkable accuracy and precision. The CT Off mode, while offering a degree of unadulterated freedom, provides a comforting safety net of sophisticated electronic intervention. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296 GTB’s inherent balance allows it to be playfully persuaded into controlled oversteer, a feat that seems improbable for a car producing 819bhp.
On a circuit, the 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to make even the longest straights feel considerably shorter. What becomes even more apparent is its laser-like focus as a precision instrument. The sheer power is readily available to break rear-wheel traction at numerous points around a lap. However, the 296 GTB is acutely sensitive to braking and steering inputs, teaching the driver that meticulous control yields the greatest rewards. The astonishing turn-in accuracy and immediate response dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Instead of gradually easing the car into turns and allowing loads to build, the 296 GTB settles instantly, its chassis working in harmony with the Multimatic dampers. This is beautifully complemented by the hyper-quick steering, which perfectly matches the enhanced roll support provided by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for those accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal, offering a joyous and exhilarating experience lap after lap.
The interior architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90. The 296 GTB inherits much of its cabin design from that flagship model. The entirely digital interface, coupled with its haptic touch-sensitive switchgear – liberally applied to the steering wheel and the traditional Ferrari pods flanking it – presents a steep learning curve. It is undeniably complex, a consequence of the sheer volume of information and functions needing to be conveyed. However, the most frustrating aspect lies in how simple operations can sometimes require multiple attempts to register, or leave the driver uncertain if an input has been successfully recognized. Nevertheless, the cabin exudes an undeniable sense of occasion and specialness.
The Ferrari 296 GTB value proposition is solidified by its performance and critical acclaim. In the prestigious evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, the competition was incredibly close, with the McLaren Artura and the 296 GTB virtually inseparable in the final scoring. The judging panel was perfectly divided, with three favoring the Ferrari and three narrowly preferring the McLaren. The proponents of the Ferrari, including myself, praised its spectacular aesthetics, outrageous speed, remarkable exploitability, and technical ingenuity. Jethro Bovingdon lauded its V6 as an example of how to downsize while amplifying drama, finding it a more playful and indulgent alternative to the Artura’s sheer control. Dickie Meaden declared it the “first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. He also highlighted the seamless integration of the hybrid system, which proved less intrusive than anticipated, likely due to our growing familiarity with the torque-rich characteristics of turbocharged V8s in cars like the 488 and F8. The 296 GTB’s stonking pace is augmented by the characterful V6, whose sweet soundtrack dynamically evolves with throttle application.
The hybrid system’s seamless integration was widely lauded. However, a notable incident occurred where a car was left stranded after the battery depleted with no apparent means of recovery. While Ferrari had provided prior warnings and detailed preventative measures, it highlighted a potential vulnerability for owners. As Gallagher observed, “for the company that pioneered individual rear-wheel steering, the inability to engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this is a significant oversight.” Fortunately, this occurred after the scoring was completed. Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering polarized opinion, and brake feel was deemed not to match the very best in class. The tech interface also faced widespread criticism for its excessive complexity. Despite these drawbacks, the 296 GTB’s allure was undeniable. Vivian confessed to being “somewhat bewitched,” initially skeptical of its complexity and perceived gratuitous differentiation, but ultimately captivated by its spooky directional changes, phenomenal damping, stratospheric grip levels, and the linearity of its seemingly endless power.
Peter Tomalin, editor of evo, summarized the sentiment of the 2022 awards: “The 296 is a far more successful endeavor because its technical sophistication, and the integration of its hybrid technology in particular, feels far more natural and significantly less intrusive.” He agreed with Gallagher, stating that Ferrari had “taken so much from the SF90, learned from that car, and distilled it into a series production model that is one of its very best.” This represents a significant return to form for Ferrari, especially after the SF90 left many feeling somewhat underwhelmed.
The risk inherent in heavily technology-laden vehicles is often the feeling that they become less than the sum of their parts – a sentiment we experienced with the SF90, which, despite its dazzling power, felt somewhat unnerving due to its challenging driving characteristics. However, the Ferrari 296 GTB review confirms it is a different proposition entirely. Its ability to achieve joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura at the evo Car of the Year 2022 awards speaks volumes about its more organic feel. The seamless blend of prodigious power and engaging dynamics strikes a genuine sweet spot, effectively redefining what a circa £250,000 supercar can be. A Versione Speciale variant of the 296 is anticipated, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity. The hope, however, remains that the standard 296’s inexplicably natural feel will be preserved.
It is precisely this natural feel and dynamic coherence that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an almost obscene amount of power for a series production supercar, and without a meticulously resolved chassis to manage it, such potency can become detrimental. If Lamborghini has indeed got it right – and their success with the Revuelto provides ample reason for optimism – then we are poised for an absolutely titanic twin-test, pitting these two hyper-hybrid titans against each other. Or, perhaps, a 2400bhp triple threat, including the McLaren 750S, which, by comparison, now appears almost diminutive with its mere 740bhp. Yet, the McLaren compensates with a remarkably petite kerb weight of 1389kg, offering a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw engagement, ergonomic perfection, crisply precise steering, and deft chassis dynamics undeniably set it apart from the comparatively more remote-feeling Ferrari.
In the realm of cutting-edge automotive performance, the Ferrari 296 GTB dealership experience offers a gateway to a world of unparalleled engineering and driving exhilaration. If you’re ready to explore a new dimension of hybrid supercar capability, we invite you to connect with your local Ferrari representative to schedule a personal consultation and discover the future of driving today.
