The Prancing Horse’s Electrified Evolution: A Deep Dive into the Ferrari 296 GTB’s Reign and Its Impending Hybrid Supercar Battles
For over a decade, I’ve navigated the intricate landscape of high-per
formance automobiles, witnessing firsthand the relentless march of innovation. In that time, few marques have embodied this progress quite like Ferrari. The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 wasn’t just another model launch; it was a seismic shift. It marked Ferrari’s decisive pivot, trading its revered, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 for a groundbreaking, electrically augmented, twin-turbo V6. This bold move positioned the Ferrari 296 GTB as a vanguard in a supercar segment that was just beginning its profound metamorphosis towards electrified power. Today, even with formidable rivals like the Lamborghini Temerario, boasting a staggering 10,000rpm, 903bhp hybrid powertrain, the Ferrari 296 GTB continues to command awe and respect.
The supercar arena, once dominated by raw internal combustion, is now a battleground of innovation. In its initial release, the Ferrari 296 GTB found its traditional adversary in the Lamborghini Huracán, a machine celebrated for its naturally-aspirated V10’s evocative soundtrack and visceral charm. The Huracán, while perhaps outgunned in sheer horsepower, offered a purity that resonated deeply with enthusiasts. Equally formidable was the McLaren 720S, a V8 titan that championed the cause of power-to-weight supremacy. While the subsequent McLaren 750S represents an evolution of that theme, the much-anticipated Lamborghini Temerario emerges as a direct riposte to Maranello’s electrified offering. With its 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid twin-turbo V8, the Temerario is poised to challenge the Ferrari 296 GTB’s dominance.
Make no mistake, the Ferrari 296 GTB possesses formidable firepower. Its entirely new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, artfully blended with an electric motor, drives the rear wheels exclusively – a distinction from the marque’s flagship SF90. This potent combination unleashes a breathtaking 819bhp, shattering conventional supercar paradigms. It’s a figure that leaves one contemplating not only the future trajectory of power escalation in supercars – a question surely on Lamborghini’s mind as they develop the Temerario – but also the practical application of such colossal performance.
What truly sets the Ferrari 296 GTB apart is its pioneering status. It is the first V6-powered road-legal Ferrari, a nod to the beloved but unbadged 246 GT Dino of yesteryear. It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger arrangement and, critically, features a plug-in hybrid system offering a practical EV-only range of approximately 15 miles. This compact V6, nestled low within a newly developed aluminum chassis, contributes to a wheelbase that is 50mm shorter than its V8 predecessors, with occupants seated slightly further forward, enhancing the sensation of intimacy with the machine.
The electric motor itself contributes a potent 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque. The V6 alone is a masterpiece, delivering a remarkable 654bhp and 546lb ft. Ferrari, in their characteristic way, refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. However, it’s safe to assume the resultant torque is, to put it mildly, immense. This V6 unit offers a weight saving of 30kg over previous V8 engines and is seamlessly mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The compact battery pack, a slender oblong structure, is cleverly housed behind the seats, minimizing its impact on weight distribution and packaging.
No Ferrari is complete without a symphony of acronyms signifying its sophisticated electronic chassis management. The Ferrari 296 GTB introduces the six-axis sensor known as 6w-CDS (Chassis Dynamic Sensor), capable of measuring acceleration and rotational speeds across the X, Y, and Z planes. This advanced system replaces traditional yaw sensors, and in conjunction with sensors on the steering rack, provides the car with an unprecedented understanding of driver input and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data is then fed to systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, optimizing cornering speeds while maintaining unflappable stability. Furthermore, it enables the innovative ABS-evo system, which, in RACE mode and above, leverages the 296’s brake-by-wire technology to not only shorten braking distances but also enhance braking performance during trail braking maneuvers.
For the first time, Ferrari’s active aerodynamics are employed not to reduce drag, but to generate downforce. The company quotes a substantial figure of 360kg at 155mph, with the deployable rear wing contributing up to 100kg of this downforce. The thermal management is equally impressive, with two radiators in the nose dedicated to engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two additional condensers for the battery. Hot air is efficiently expelled from the underbody to avoid interfering with the intercooler airflow along the flanks. Small apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to brake cooling, while the integrated roofline spoiler aids in creating a ‘virtual’ rear screen, channeling air towards the rear of the car. The majority of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s downforce is generated from beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid to airflow management, the rear diffuser, and critically, the underbody’s ground clearance to maximize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
Our initial encounters with the Ferrari 296 GTB were on circuits, where every example was equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units, derived from GT racing technology, and adds further carbon fiber aerodynamic elements to the nose, increasing front downforce by an additional 20kg. The package also incorporates more carbon fiber within the cabin, such as the door panels, and on the exterior, contributing to a total weight saving of 12kg. This can be further enhanced by an optional Lexan rear engine cover, bringing the total reduction to 15kg. For the ultimate grip, the Assetto Fiorano specification allows for the fitment of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the already capable standard Pilot Sport 4S. Visually, the Fiorano package can be enhanced with an exterior graphics package, inspired by the iconic 250LM from the 1960s. Even without this distinctive livery, the Ferrari 296 GTB cuts a strikingly beautiful and unique silhouette, subtly echoing the legendary 250LM.
To initiate forward motion, a dual press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss engages first gear. The Ferrari 296 GTB defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing it to glide away on electric power alone, unless overridden by driver selection via the haptic ‘buttons’ on the left side of the steering wheel boss. Modest throttle inputs will maintain purely electric propulsion, provided the battery has sufficient charge. Alternatively, drivers can explicitly select ‘EV’ mode, overriding the powertrain’s default behavior. The ‘Performance’ and ‘Qualifying’ modes are where the V6 and electric motor truly synergize. ‘Performance’ prioritizes immediate response while also maintaining battery charge, whereas ‘Qualifying’ unleashes the full, unadulterated fury of both power sources, irrespective of the battery’s state.
The ability to glide silently through urban environments is a surprisingly civilized and enjoyable experience. The damping sophistication ensures remarkable comfort over long distances, and the ‘frunk’ offers a reasonable amount of luggage space, a welcome departure from the SF90. But the true question on everyone’s mind, including mine, is the sensation when both the V6 and electric motor are unleashed in their full glory.
The response to a sudden, low-rev throttle application in a high gear is simply staggering. The Ferrari 296 GTB lunges forward with an immediacy that makes one momentarily question the very need for gear changes, such is its potent, lag-free acceleration. Yet, with eight gears and an engine that willingly spins to 8,500rpm, the full experience is nothing short of astonishing. The acceleration figures – a sub-3-second 0-62mph sprint and a top speed exceeding 205mph – paint a picture of relentless forward propulsion that elicits a unique blend of nervous laughter and addictive exhilaration. This is a seriously rapid machine, and its auditory accompaniment is equally captivating, with turbocharger whooshes harmonizing with the V6’s tuneful rasp.
The agility and responsiveness of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s chassis are truly remarkable. Ferrari’s promise of a car that is “fun to drive” is delivered in spades. It feels incredibly nimble without ever becoming twitchy. The steering is typically light and swift, yet it teems with tactile feedback. While the grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable, inviting playful engagement that invariably brings a wide grin to the driver’s face.
Despite its listed dry weight of 1,470kg, the Ferrari 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s an almost complete absence of inertia, encouraging the driver to work with the car, employing small, precise inputs and reveling in its accuracy. The ‘CT Off’ mode provides a safety net, allowing for bold maneuvers with the implicit reassurance of sophisticated electronic intervention. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the inherent balance of the Ferrari 296 GTB allows for controlled oversteer that defies expectations for a car with 819bhp.
On the track, the Ferrari 296 GTB has the uncanny ability to compress even the longest straights. Its precision as a driving instrument becomes even more apparent. While ample power is available to break rear-end traction at numerous points on a lap, the car is exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. Mastering these controls unlocks the car’s full potential, rewarding precision with exhilarating performance. The turn-in accuracy and response are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase of corners. Instead of gradually loading the chassis, the Ferrari 296 GTB settles instantly, its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering working in perfect harmony with the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for a driver accustomed to more mature sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the Ferrari 296 GTB are a revelation, delivering an intoxicating experience lap after lap.
The interior architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90, as the Ferrari 296 GTB shares much of its cabin design. The fully digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear, liberally distributed across the steering wheel and surrounding pods, present a learning curve. It is undeniably complex, tasked with conveying a vast amount of information. However, the primary frustration lies in the occasional need for a second press for commands to register, or the uncertainty of whether an input has been acknowledged at all. Nevertheless, the cabin exudes a distinct sense of occasion and exclusivity.
The evo Car of the Year 2022 verdict highlighted the intense competition, with the McLaren Artura and the Ferrari 296 GTB separated by the narrowest of margins. The judging panel was equally divided, with three experts favoring the Ferrari and three leaning towards the McLaren. Those who championed the Ferrari 296 GTB lauded its spectacular design, outrageous speed, exploitable performance, and technical brilliance. Jethro Bovingdon noted how the V6 demonstrated to McLaren how to downsize while amplifying drama, and that it matched the Artura in control but offered a more playful and indulgent character. Dickie Meaden declared it the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355, praising the seamless integration of the hybrid system, which didn’t detract from the driving experience as much as anticipated, likely due to familiarity with turbocharged V8 torque characteristics. He emphasized the Ferrari 296 GTB’s stonking pace and its engaging V6 character, complemented by a sweet, throttle-dependent soundtrack.
While the Ferrari 296 GTB’s hybridisation was widely praised for its seamless operation, a single instance of the battery running flat, leaving the car immobile, raised concerns. Ferrari had indeed cautioned about this possibility and outlined preventative measures. However, the possibility of owners facing a similar predicament was considered a significant oversight by some, particularly given Ferrari’s engineering prowess. Fortunately for the Ferrari 296 GTB, this incident occurred after scoring, mitigating its impact on the final verdict. The signature Ferrari ultra-quick steering divided opinions, and brake feel didn’t consistently match the class leaders. The tech interface, too, was widely criticized for its complexity. Nevertheless, the Ferrari 296 GTB proved to be irresistibly seductive. Vivian expressed initial skepticism about its complexity but found himself “bewitched” by its uncanny directional changes, phenomenal damping, prodigious grip, and the linearity of its seemingly endless power delivery.
The Ferrari 296 GTS review posed the question of whether any of the magic was lost with the roof down, suggesting that the convertible variant retained much of the coupe’s brilliance. Peter Tomalin, reflecting on the evo Car of the Year 2022, deemed the Ferrari 296 GTB a significant return to form after the SF90 left the team feeling underwhelmed. He stated, “The 296 is far more successful because its technical sophistication, and the integration of its hybrid technology in particular, feels much more natural, and far less intrusive.” Gallagher concurred, noting that Ferrari had learned valuable lessons from the SF90, distilling that knowledge into a series-production model that stands as one of its very best.
The risk with any vehicle so laden with cutting-edge technology is that it may become less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment echoed in our experience with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power output, could be unnerving due to its challenging driving characteristics. The Ferrari 296 GTB, however, represents a different proposition entirely. As demonstrated at the evo Car of the Year 2022, where it achieved a joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, it strikes a remarkable balance. Its blend of exhilarating power and engaging dynamics hits a sweet spot, effectively redefining what a supercar in the £250,000 range can achieve. Furthermore, whispers of a Versione Speciale variant, promising even greater power and intensity, suggest that the Ferrari 296 GTB’s reign is far from over. The hope is that this enhanced iteration will retain the standard model’s inexplicably natural and accessible driving feel.
It is this fundamental aspect of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s character that we hope Lamborghini has meticulously honed in their development of the Temerario hybrid supercar. Over 900bhp is an almost obscene amount of power for a series-production supercar, and if the accompanying chassis and dynamics aren’t perfectly resolved, such prodigious output can easily become its undoing. Given the staggering competence displayed in the Revuelto, there’s reason to be optimistic that Lamborghini will indeed get it right, potentially setting the stage for an unforgettable 1700bhp twin test.
Alternatively, we could envisage a colossal 2400bhp triple threat, incorporating the McLaren 750S. While now seemingly the ‘minnow’ of this elite group with its ‘mere’ 740bhp, it compensates with a remarkably petite kerb weight of 1,389kg, ensuring a fiercely competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s inherent rawness, ergonomic purity, sharp steering, and deft chassis balance offer a more analogue and connected experience compared to the comparatively distant feel of the Ferrari.
For those seeking the pinnacle of electrified supercar performance and a driving experience that bridges the gap between raw emotion and technological marvel, the Ferrari 296 GTB represents a compelling proposition. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when tradition meets innovation, delivering an experience that is both exhilarating and deeply engaging. We invite you to explore the possibilities and discover how the Ferrari 296 GTB can redefine your understanding of supercar driving.
