The Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Masterpiece Facing its Ultimate Supercar Rival
For a decade now, I’ve been immersed in the thrilling world of automotive engineering, dissecting the very essence of what makes a supercar truly exceptional. In my ten years navigating this dynamic industry, I’ve witnessed groundbreaking advancements, seismic shifts in technology, and the relentless pursuit of automotive perfection. Few vehicles embody this evolution quite like the Ferrari 296 GTB. It’s a car that redefined what a V6 hybrid supercar could be, and now, with the advent of the Lamborghini Temerario, it faces a challenge that promises to redefine the supercar landscape once more.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a significant departure from tradition for Maranello’s mid-engined icon. Gone was the celebrated, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8, replaced by a revolutionary twin-turbocharged V6 engine augmented by an electric motor. This bold move positioned the 296 GTB at the forefront of a supercar segment that was just beginning its electrifying transition into hybrid powertrains. At its debut, its primary rival was the Lamborghini Huracán, a beast powered by a naturally aspirated V10. While lacking the raw horsepower of the Ferrari, the Huracán offered an intoxicating blend of V10 charisma and guttural acoustic drama, a testament to its glorious lineage. It also contended with the formidable McLaren 720S, which held fast to its twin-turbo V8. While the subsequent McLaren 750S represents an evolution of that theme, prioritizing power-to-weight supremacy, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm, twin-turbo V8 hybrid Temerario is unmistakably Lamborghini’s direct riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp hybrid Berlinetta.
The 296 GTB is not merely a powerful car; it’s a statement. It packs genuine firepower, boasting an all-new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine paired with an electric motor, driving the rear wheels exclusively – a distinction from its SF90 stablemate. This remarkable powertrain configuration catapults the 819bhp 296 GTB into territory that shatters conventional supercar expectations. It’s easy to be mesmerized by such prodigious power figures, leading one to ponder the limits of this escalating performance and, indeed, where such potency can be fully unleashed. But that’s a discussion for another time.
This V6-powered marvel is the first V6 road car to bear the iconic Prancing Horse emblem – a nod to the delectable 246 GT Dino, which, in its era, did not officially wear the Ferrari badge. It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger layout and integrates a plug-in hybrid system, offering an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles. The compact V6 engine is mounted low within a new aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, with the occupants positioned slightly further forward. The electric motor contributes an impressive 165bhp and 232lb ft, while the V6 engine alone churns out a breathtaking 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined output is the headline 819bhp figure, though Ferrari wisely refrains from quoting peak combined torque, likely due to the intricate interplay between the engine and electric motor. Suffice it to say, the torque will be formidable. Overall, the V6 saves 30kg compared to Ferrari’s V8s and is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The battery pack, a long, slender unit, is strategically located behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of acronym-laden electronic chassis systems. For the 296, Ferrari has engineered a sophisticated six-axis sensor array, dubbed the 6w-CDS (Chassis Dynamic Sensor), capable of precisely measuring acceleration and rotational speeds across the X, Y, and Z planes. This advanced system replaces traditional yaw sensors. In conjunction with a sensor mounted on the steering rack, it grants the car an unparalleled understanding of both driver input and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This intelligence allows it to optimize systems like the Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, maximizing cornering speeds while steadfastly maintaining stability and occupant confidence. Furthermore, it enables a novel ABS-evo system, activated in RACE mode and above. Utilizing the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, this system not only shortens braking distances but also enhances braking performance during trail braking into corners, a crucial technique for maximizing lap times.
For the first time, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics not for drag reduction, but for downforce generation. The marque quotes a figure of 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a remarkable 100kg of that attributable to the deployable rear wing. The front of the car houses two radiators for engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two condensers dedicated to battery thermal management. Hot air is expelled discreetly underneath, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with the airflow directed to the intercoolers positioned along the flanks. The subtle 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, expertly channeling air towards the car’s tail as if guided by a physical surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce is meticulously sculpted beneath the car, where particular attention has been paid to the intricate interplay of airflow, the rear diffuser, and the crucial underbody ground clearance to amplify the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The 296 GTB models we sampled on the launch circuit were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This prestigious upgrade swaps the standard dampers for advanced Multimatic units, derived from GT racing technology, and incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the front fascia, boosting front downforce by an additional 20kg. The cabin also benefits from increased carbon fiber usage, including the door panels, and further carbon fiber adorns the exterior, contributing to a substantial 12kg weight saving. This figure can be further enhanced to 15kg with the optional Lexan rear engine cover. For those seeking the ultimate grip, the Fiorano package also offers the option of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, superseding the already potent standard Pilot Sport 4S. Further enhancing its track-focused credentials, Fiorano cars can be specified with an exterior graphics package, paying homage to the iconic liveries seen on the 250LM in the 1960s. Having spent considerable time with the 296 in person, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It’s a remarkably striking machine, possessing a distinct visual identity that, even without the distinctive graphics package, evokes the spirit of the 250LM, a truly timeless automotive icon.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: Unleashing the Hybrid Fury
To initiate motion, a simple double-press of the lower section of the steering wheel boss is required, followed by selecting first gear. The 296 GTB defaults to Hybrid mode, meaning it will glide away using electric power alone, unless otherwise dictated by driver input. As long as the throttle application remains gentle, and the battery holds sufficient charge, the car will continue its silent progress on electric power alone. For those who wish to prioritize pure electric propulsion, a dedicated EV mode can be engaged, irrespective of powertrain demands. Alternatively, Performance and Qualify modes offer escalating levels of power deployment. In Performance mode, both power sources collaborate to deliver exhilarating thrust while also maintaining battery charge. Qualify mode, however, unleashes the full, unadulterated performance potential, with the battery’s state of charge becoming a secondary concern.
The serene experience of gliding through urban landscapes is an unexpected, yet delightful, aspect of the 296 GTB. The damping sophistication ensures a remarkably comfortable ride, making it a surprisingly capable mile-muncher. Even the front ‘frunk’ offers a practical luggage space, a welcome improvement over the SF90. However, the question that truly lingers, for both of us, is what this hybrid marvel feels like when both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor are fully engaged.
The immediate answer is electrifying. Planting the throttle at low revs in a high gear elicits an instantaneous surge of acceleration, so potent that it momentarily makes you question the very necessity of gear changes. Still, the presence of eight gears and an engine that revs to a stratospheric 8500rpm provides ample opportunity for engagement. When the 296 GTB is truly unleashed, the sensation is nothing short of astounding. As the performance figures suggest – with a 0-62mph sprint in the sub-three-second bracket and a top speed exceeding 205mph – the rate of acceleration is of the “hold on tight and brace for impact” variety. It verges on the intense, yet it possesses an addictive quality that leaves you grinning. This is, without question, a seriously rapid machine. And the soundtrack? It’s equally captivating, with a symphony of turbocharger effects harmoniously overlaying the tuneful V6 rasp.
Handling and Chassis: A Masterclass in Agile Dynamics
What truly distinguishes the 296 GTB is the astonishing responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s assertion that the car’s primary objective was to be “fun to drive” is not an exaggeration. It exhibits a remarkable agility without ever feeling nervous. The steering, as expected from Ferrari, is light and exceptionally quick, yet it’s imbued with a remarkable level of feedback. While the grip levels are predictably immense, the car’s true magic lies in its throttle adjustability. This inherent characteristic encourages a playful and deeply engaging driving style that is guaranteed to elicit smiles.
Despite its claimed dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a palpable lack of inertia throughout the entire vehicle, fostering an intimate connection between driver and machine. Small, precise inputs are rewarded with immediate responses, and one can’t help but revel in its accuracy and precision. Engaging the CT Off mode provides a reassuring safety net, a testament to the sophisticated electronic brain working diligently in the background. However, even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows for a level of playful oversteer that one might not expect from a car producing 819bhp.
On the track, the 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to seemingly compress even the longest start-finish straight. What becomes even more apparent is its surgical precision. The power is abundant, capable of breaking rear traction at numerous points around the circuit. Yet, the 296 GTB is exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs, quickly teaching the driver that precision with the controls yields the most rewarding outcomes. The 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 adopts its line instantaneously, aided by the sophisticated Multimatic dampers. The hyper-quick steering perfectly complements the enhanced roll support provided by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more mature sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal, offering an exhilarating experience lap after lap.
Interior Design and Technology: A Glimpse into the Future
The cabin architecture of the 296 GTB will feel immediately familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90. Ferrari has extensively borrowed from its flagship model, and this is particularly evident in the purely digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear. These controls, liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it, can initially present a steep learning curve. While the system is undoubtedly complex, it’s also tasked with conveying a vast amount of information. The primary criticism lies in the occasional need for a second press to register a command or the ambiguity of whether a press has been successful. Nevertheless, the overall impression is that of a truly special environment, a cockpit befitting a modern supercar.
The Evo Car of the Year Verdict: A Return to Form
“Now it gets serious. When the scores were tallied, there wasn’t even the road tester’s legendary fag paper between the Artura and the 296 GTB. The judges were perfectly split too: three of us narrowly preferred the Ferrari to the McLaren; three scored the Macca ahead by a whisker.
The three who had the 296 in front were myself, Meaden, and Bovingdon. ‘What a spectacular car,’ enthused Jethro. ‘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.’
‘The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,’ was Dickie’s verdict, and one that many of us echoed. ‘The hybrid system works very well,’ he went on, ‘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 Ferrari’s hybridisation was widely praised for its seamless integration, although on the final night we were left stranded after the battery ran flat with no apparent means of bringing the car back to life. To be fair, Ferrari had warned us of the possibility and detailed the various measures we should take to ensure it didn’t happen. But it’s not inconceivable that an owner could find themselves similarly stuck, and as Gallagher said, ‘that the company who introduced individual rear-wheel steering to its cars can’t engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this happening is a huge oversight’. Fortunately for the 296, that happened after we’d scored all the cars.
‘Ferrari’s signature super-quick steering divided opinion, the brake feel didn’t match the very best of the group, and the tech interface was widely criticised for being overly complex, but otherwise the 296 was irresistibly seductive. ‘I thought I wouldn’t like the Fezza all that much – too complex, rather gratuitous points of difference,’ said Vivian, ‘but I ended up somewhat bewitched: the spooky way it changes direction; its amazing damping and looney-tunes levels of grip; the linearity of seemingly never-ending power…’
‘It’s a real return to form for Ferrari, after the SF90 left us cold last year. As Sutcliffe said: ‘The 296 is way more successful because its technical sophistication, and the integration of its hybrid technology in particular, feels much more natural, and far less intrusive.’ And Gallagher agreed: ‘Ferrari has taken so much from the SF90, learnt from that car and distilled it into a series production model that’s one of its very best.’ – Peter Tomalin, ecoty 2022.”
The Competitive Landscape: A New Era of Supercar Rivalry
When a vehicle is so heavily integrated with advanced technology, there’s always a risk that it might become less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment we encountered with the SF90, which, despite its dazzling power output, left us somewhat unnerved by its challenging driving characteristics. However, the 296 GTB charts a different course. As demonstrated at the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards, where it achieved a joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, it possesses a more organic feel. Its potent blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect chord, effectively redefining expectations for a supercar priced around the £250,000 mark. A ‘Versione Speciale’ variant of the 296 is anticipated, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity. The crucial hope is that the standard 296’s inexplicably natural driving feel is retained.
It is precisely this aspect of the 296 GTB’s character that we trust Lamborghini has meticulously honed in their hybrid Temerario supercar. An output exceeding 900bhp is an almost obscene amount of power for a series-production supercar, and it possesses the potential to overwhelm if the rest of the vehicle isn’t resolved to complement it. If Lamborghini has indeed succeeded – and the sheer brilliance of the Revuelto offers ample reason for optimism – then we are poised for an extraordinary twin test, potentially featuring over 1700bhp of hybrid hypercar might.
Alternatively, we could elevate this to a 2400bhp triple threat by including the McLaren 750S. This machine, by comparison, might now be described as the “minnow” of the class with “only” 740bhp. However, it counters with a relatively petite kerb weight of 1389kg, translating into a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw feedback, ergonomic perfection, razor-sharp steering, and deft chassis control stand in stark contrast to the comparatively remote feel of the Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications
Engine: 2992cc, twin-turbocharged V6, plus electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, active E-diff
Combined Power: 819bhp @ 8000rpm
Combined Torque: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Price: £250,000+
The automotive world is constantly evolving, and the battle for supremacy in the hybrid supercar segment is more intense than ever. If you’re captivated by the cutting-edge technology and exhilarating performance of the Ferrari 296 GTB, or if you’re eager to explore the latest in automotive innovation and performance, we invite you to connect with our team of experts. Discover how you can experience the future of driving today, whether it’s through a personalized consultation, a test drive, or an in-depth discussion about the next generation of supercars.
