Ferrari 296 GTB: Electrifying Performance in an Evolving Supercar Landscape
As a seasoned automotive journalist with a decade spent immersed in the high-octane world of performance vehicles, I’ve witnessed seismic shifts in the supercar paradigm. The advent of electrification, once a whisper in the corridors of automotive innovation, has now become a roaring declaration, fundamentally reshaping what we expect from our most exhilarating machines. Within this transformative era, the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a beacon of this new frontier, a masterclass in blending raw combustion power with the silent, potent force of electricity. Even with the horizon painted with an even more formidable Lamborghini rival, the 296 GTB remains an utterly captivating proposition, a testament to Maranello’s enduring genius.
The arrival of the 296 GTB in 2022 marked a profound departure for Ferrari’s mid-engined supercar lineage. Forgoing the beloved, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8, it embraced a revolutionary new twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by a sophisticated electric motor. This bold move positioned the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a supercar segment still tentatively tiptoeing into the realm of hybrid power.
In its initial years, the 296 GTB’s primary adversary was the Lamborghini Huracán, a purist’s delight defined by its naturally aspirated V10. While outgunned in sheer horsepower, the Huracán offered an intoxicating blend of charismatic V10 symphony and unadulterated auditory aggression, captivating enthusiasts in its prime. It also contended with the formidable McLaren 720S, which retained its potent twin-turbo V8. While the subsequent McLaren 750S represents an evolution of that theme, focusing on its inherent power-to-weight supremacy, the specter of Lamborghini’s 903bhp, 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid, the Temerario, looms large. This beast is unequivocally Lamborghini’s audacious riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta.
Indeed, the 296 GTB possesses firepower that is nothing short of breathtaking. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, paired with an electric motor driving exclusively the rear wheels (a departure from the SF90’s all-wheel-drive configuration), unleashes a combined output of 819bhp. This potent fusion shattered conventional supercar expectations, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible from a hybrid powertrain in this class.
It’s almost impossible not to be mesmerized by such colossal power figures, and one naturally wonders about the ultimate crescendo of this power escalation—and, more pressingly, where precisely one might deploy such colossal performance. But that, as they say, is a story for another day.
What sets the 296 GTB apart is its pioneering role. It is the first V6-powered Ferrari road car to bear the Prancing Horse emblem (the exquisite 246 GT Dino, while sharing the V6 configuration, never officially carried the badge in period). It also features Ferrari’s first ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger installation and, crucially, operates as a plug-in hybrid with an electric-only range of approximately 15 miles. This compact V6 is nestled low within a novel aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase reduced by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, with occupants positioned slightly further forward.
The electric motor alone contributes a substantial 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque. The V6, in isolation, delivers a staggering 654bhp and 546lb ft. The headline combined figure of 819bhp is impressive, yet Ferrari judiciously refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure. This is likely due to the intricate interplay and nuanced synchronization between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, though it’s safe to assume the combined torque output is, to put it mildly, immense. Across the board, the V6 unit offers a weight saving of 30kg over Ferrari’s V8 engines. It’s mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, while the long, rectangular battery pack resides discreetly behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of acronyms denoting its sophisticated electronic chassis control systems. For the 296, Ferrari has introduced what it calls a six-axis sensor known as 6w-CDS. This advanced system meticulously measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. It effectively supersedes traditional yaw sensors, and in conjunction with a sensor integrated into the steering rack, grants the car an unprecedented understanding of both driver intent and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This intelligence allows other systems, such as Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, to work in concert to maximize cornering velocity while steadfastly maintaining stability and occupant security. This advanced sensor suite also facilitates a new system, aptly named ABS-evo, available in RACE mode and above. Leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also significantly enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners.
In a fascinating development, Ferrari has deployed its active aerodynamics technology not to minimize drag, but to actively increase downforce. The company claims an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a remarkable 100kg of that being generated by a deployable rear wing seamlessly integrated into the car’s rear.
The cooling system is equally ingenious. Two radiators are positioned at the front of the car to manage engine and gearbox temperatures, supplemented by two additional condensers dedicated to cooling the battery pack. Hot air is expelled discreetly underneath the vehicle, ensuring it does not interfere with the airflow directed to the intercoolers located along the car’s flanks. The subtle apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to drawing air for brake cooling. Meanwhile, a wing seamlessly integrated into the roofline’s rear generates a “virtual” rear screen, expertly channeling airflow to the car’s posterior as if guided by a physical surface. The majority of the 296’s formidable downforce is generated from beneath the car. Here, meticulous attention has been paid not only to the intricate channeling of air and the design of the rear diffuser but also to the underbody’s ground clearance, maximizing the effectiveness of these crucial downforce-generating surfaces.
The 296 GTBs we sampled briefly on a circuit during their debut were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance enhancement replaces the standard dampers with specialized Multimatic units, derived from those used in GT racing. It also incorporates additional carbon-fiber aerodynamic elements on the front fascia, contributing an extra 20kg of downforce.
Further carbon-fiber applications are evident throughout the cabin, notably in the door panels, and on the exterior, contributing to an overall weight saving of 12kg. This figure can be further enhanced to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For those opting for the Fiorano package, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires are available as an upgrade from the standard Pilot Sport 4S rubber. Cars specified with the Assetto Fiorano pack can also be adorned with an exterior graphics package, inspired by the iconic liveries seen on the legendary 250LM in the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 GTB, both in photographs and in person, I can attest to its striking visual appeal. It presents a design language that is distinctly its own, evoking a sense of timeless elegance that, even without the more flamboyant graphics package, subtly references the iconic 250LM of the 1960s.
Performance and Acceleration:
Initiating motion in the 296 GTB is a simple, yet satisfying, ritual. A double-press of the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by engaging first gear, brings the car to life. The 296 defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing it to silently glide forward on electric power alone, unless deliberate driver input dictates otherwise. This can be fine-tuned via the intuitive haptic ‘driver mode’ buttons situated on the left side of the steering wheel’s boss. As long as throttle inputs remain measured, the car will continue its serene passage on pure electric power, provided the battery has sufficient charge.
Drivers can also actively select an ‘eDrive’ mode, forcing the car into all-electric operation irrespective of powertrain demands. Beyond this, Ferrari offers distinct Performance and Qualifying modes. In both of these modes, both power sources work in tandem. Performance mode aims to maintain optimal battery charge while delivering exhilarating performance, whereas Qualifying mode prioritizes unadulterated, maximum performance, with the battery’s state of charge becoming a secondary consideration.
The experience of gliding silently through picturesque villages is an unexpected pleasure. The damping sophistication is such that it transforms into a surprisingly comfortable long-distance cruiser, and remarkably, there’s even a practical luggage compartment located in the front ‘frunk’ – a welcome contrast to the SF90. However, the question that truly captivates both you and I is: what does it feel like when both the V6 engine and the electric motor are unleashed in their full glory?
The answer becomes startlingly clear when you plant the throttle at low revs in a higher gear. The 296 GTB simply leaps forward with an immediacy that eradicates any hint of lag, prompting a momentary contemplation of the very need for gear changes, such is its sheer potency. Yet, with eight gears to exploit and an engine that eagerly revs to a magnificent 8,500rpm, the full unleashing of the 296’s capabilities elicits an absolutely phenomenal response.
As the figures suggest – a 0-62mph sprint in a mere 2.9 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205mph – the rate of acceleration is akin to being firmly held, accompanied by a wave of nervous laughter. It verges on the extreme, yet is perversely addictive. This is, without question, a seriously rapid automobile. And the sound? It’s equally captivating, a rich tapestry of turbocharger effects interwoven with the melodious rasp of the V6.
Ride and Handling Dynamics:
What truly astounds is the sheer responsiveness of the 296 GTB’s chassis. Ferrari’s assertion that the car’s primary objective was to be “fun to drive” is not an exaggeration. It feels remarkably agile without ever tipping into nervousness. The steering, a hallmark of Ferrari, is typically light and direct, yet it also conveys a surprising amount of tactile information. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car’s inherent adjustability on the throttle is an invitation to playful engagement, inevitably eliciting a broad smile.
Despite its claimed dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a palpable lack of inertia throughout the vehicle, which encourages an intuitive, collaborative driving style, rewarding precise, small inputs with an astonishing degree of accuracy and finesse. Engaging the ‘CT Off’ mode unleashes a thrilling degree of freedom, with the reassurance that an incredibly intelligent electronic guardian is still discreetly overseeing proceedings. However, even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows it to be coaxed into controlled oversteer in a manner that might seem utterly improbable for a car with 819bhp.
On the track, the 296 possesses the remarkable ability to make even a lengthy start-finish straight feel significantly shorter. What becomes even more apparent is its surgical precision. The sheer power is sufficient to break rear-wheel traction at numerous points around the lap, yet the 296 is acutely sensitive to both braking and steering inputs. One quickly learns that meticulous control of these inputs yields the most profound rewards. The turn-in accuracy and immediacy are breathtaking, dramatically shortening the entry phase into every corner. Instead of easing the car into turns and patiently building load, the 296 adopts its line instantaneously, aided by the responsive Multimatic dampers and the hyper-quick steering, perfectly complemented by the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 are phenomenal, providing an exhilarating and deeply rewarding experience lap after lap.
Interior Ambiance:
The cabin architecture will feel immediately familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90. The 296 inherits much of its digital interface and the associated haptic switchgear, which can be a challenging proposition. These controls are liberally distributed across the steering wheel and on traditional Ferrari pods flanking the steering column.
While undoubtedly complex, it’s important to acknowledge the sheer volume of information the system needs to convey. The most significant point of contention lies in the occasional need for a second press for simple operations to register, or the uncertainty of whether an input has been successfully acknowledged. Nevertheless, the overall sensation is one of being ensconced in a truly special environment.
Verdict: A Benchmark in Supercar Evolution
“Now, things are getting serious,” one might say. When the scores were tallied, the margin between the McLaren Artura and the 296 GTB was razor-thin, scarcely more than a driver’s breath. The judging panel was equally divided; three of us narrowly favored the Ferrari, while three placed the McLaren ahead by the slimmest of margins.
The three judges who championed the 296 were myself, Meaden, and Bovingdon. Jethro’s enthusiasm was palpable: “What a spectacular car. Beautiful to behold, outrageously fast, astonishingly exploitable, and technically brilliant. Its V6 engine demonstrates to McLaren how to downsize while amplifying the drama. It matches the Artura in terms of sheer control but feels more playful and indulgent.”
Dickie’s assessment resonated deeply with many: “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355.” He continued, “The hybrid system is exceptionally well-integrated and doesn’t alter the driving experience as much as I had anticipated. Perhaps this is because we’ve already grown accustomed to the torquey characteristics of the turbocharged V8s found in the 488 and F8.” He concluded, “The 296 is astonishingly quick, but its appeal extends beyond mere speed, thanks to the character of the V6, which delivers a consistently sweet soundtrack that dynamically evolves with throttle application.”
The Ferrari’s hybridization was widely lauded for its seamless integration. However, on the final night, we encountered an unexpected predicament: the car was rendered immobile after the battery depleted with no apparent means of revival. To be fair, Ferrari had proactively cautioned us about this possibility and provided detailed guidance on preventative measures. Yet, it’s not entirely inconceivable for an owner to find themselves in a similar predicament. As Gallagher aptly noted, “The fact that the company which pioneered individual rear-wheel steering for its vehicles cannot engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this scenario is a significant oversight.” Fortunately for the 296, this incident occurred after all vehicles had been scored.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering proved to be a point of contention, dividing opinions. The brake feel, while competent, didn’t quite match the benchmark set by the very best in the group, and the technological interface faced widespread criticism for its over-complexity. Despite these points, the 296 was undeniably and irresistibly seductive. Vivian admitted, “I initially thought I wouldn’t appreciate the Fezza much – too complex, with rather gratuitous points of difference. But I found myself somewhat bewitched: the uncanny way it changes direction; its phenomenal damping and loony-tune levels of grip; the linearity of its seemingly endless power…”
As Peter Tomalin of evo noted in the Ecoty 2022 awards, “It’s a significant return to form for Ferrari, a welcome change from the SF90, which left us rather cold last year. The 296 succeeds far more because its technical sophistication, particularly the integration of its hybrid technology, feels far more natural and considerably less intrusive.” Gallagher concurred, stating, “Ferrari has taken so much from the SF90, learned invaluable lessons from that car, and distilled them into a series-production model that stands as one of its very finest.”
Price Point and Competition:
When a vehicle is so heavily laden with cutting-edge technology, there’s always a latent risk that it might become less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment we experienced with the SF90, which, while dazzling with its power output, left us somewhat unnerved by its challenging driving characteristics.
However, the 296 GTB represents a different caliber of machine. As our experience at the 2022 Ecoty awards demonstrated, where it secured a joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, the 296 feels far more organic. Its judicious blend of potent power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect chord, effectively redefining the parameters of a supercar priced in the region of £250,000. A forthcoming Versione Speciale variant, initially identified by the internal code name, is expected this year, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity. Our fervent hope is that the standard 296’s inexplicably natural and intuitive feel is meticulously preserved.
It is precisely this aspect of the 296 GTB’s inherent character that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power to wield in a series-production supercar, and it carries the inherent risk of overwhelming the chassis and dynamics if the rest of the vehicle isn’t meticulously resolved to harness it. If Lamborghini has achieved the same level of dynamic mastery as they demonstrated with the Revuelto – a feat that provides ample reason for optimism – then we are poised for an extraordinary twin-test showdown, potentially featuring a staggering 1700bhp!
Alternatively, we could expand this to a 2400bhp triple-threat, including the McLaren 750S, which, against this contemporary competition, must now be absurdly described as the ‘minnow’ of the class with a mere 740bhp. However, as noted previously, it brings a relatively svelte 1389kg kerb weight to the table, resulting in a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw, unadulterated feel, ergonomic excellence, sharp steering, and deft chassis control undoubtedly set it apart from the comparatively more remote sensation offered by the Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications:
Engine: V6, 2992cc, twin-turbocharged, augmented by an electric motor.
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, with active E-diff.
Power: 819bhp (combined) @ 8000rpm.
Torque: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm.
Weight: 1470kg (dry), equating to 566bhp per ton.
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds.
Top Speed: 205mph.
Price: Starting from approximately £250,000.
The automotive landscape is in constant flux, and the Ferrari 296 GTB represents a pivotal moment in that evolution. If you’re captivated by this blend of electrifying performance and Italian artistry, we encourage you to explore further. Whether you’re considering a test drive, seeking expert advice on acquiring a hybrid supercar, or simply wish to delve deeper into the intricacies of these remarkable machines, reaching out to a specialist dealer or a trusted automotive consultant is the next logical step. Embark on your journey into the future of performance driving today.
