Ferrari 296 GTB: Maranello’s Hybrid Masterpiece Meets the Lamborghini Temerario Challenge
For a decade now, the supercar landscape has been a battleground of escalating power, sculpted aerodynamics, and cutting-edge technology. As an industry veteran with ten years immersed in this exhilarating domain, I’ve witnessed firsthand the relentless pursuit of automotive perfection. The Ferrari 296 GTB, launched in 2022, represented a seismic shift for Maranello’s mid-engined icon. It dared to abandon the hallowed, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8, embracing instead a revolutionary twin-turbo V6 augmented by electric power. This wasn’t just an evolution; it was a bold redefinition of what a hybrid supercar could be, arriving at a time when many in the segment were still contemplating the transition to electrification.
When the 296 GTB first emerged, its primary rival was the Lamborghini Huracán, a naturally aspirated V10 marvel that, while perhaps less potent on paper, delivered an intoxicating blend of charismatic engine note and raw, unfiltered auditory drama. The McLaren 720S also stood as a formidable competitor, its twin-turbo V8 a testament to brute force and aerodynamic prowess. While the subsequent McLaren 750S builds upon that established theme, focusing on power-to-weight supremacy, the purported 903bhp, 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid Lamborghini Temerario represents Sant’Agata Bolognese’s direct riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp hybridised Berlinetta. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about engineering philosophy, driver engagement, and the very soul of the modern supercar.
The 296 GTB’s firepower is undeniable. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6, working in tandem with an electric motor driving exclusively the rear wheels (a departure from the SF90’s all-wheel-drive hybrid setup), conjures a staggering 819bhp. This configuration shattered established supercar conventions, proving that electrification could enhance, not dilute, the thrilling performance synonymous with the Prancing Horse.
It’s easy to get lost in the sheer magnitude of that power figure and ponder where this horsepower arms race might ultimately lead. Will we see even more extreme interpretations, perhaps mirroring Lamborghini’s audacious approach with the Temerario? And, crucially, where in the real world can such velocity truly be unleashed and appreciated? These are questions that resonate deeply within the enthusiast community, fueling discussions and debates at track days and automotive expos alike.
More than just its raw output, the 296 GTB holds significant historical weight. It marks the first V6-powered road-going Ferrari – a lineage that, while not bearing the Prancing Horse emblem in its era, echoes the iconic 246 GT Dino. It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration, placing the turbos within the engine’s vee for improved efficiency and responsiveness. Furthermore, as a plug-in hybrid, it offers an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles, providing a tantalizing glimpse into the future of sustainable supercar ownership, a crucial consideration for luxury electric vehicle buyers and those interested in high-performance hybrid sports cars. The compact V6 is mounted low within a bespoke aluminum chassis, with a wheelbase reduced by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, and occupants are positioned slightly further forward, enhancing the sense of intimacy and connection with the road.
The electric motor itself contributes a substantial 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 engine, operating independently, churns out an astonishing 654bhp and 546lb ft. Ferrari, in its characteristic pragmatism, refrains from quoting combined peak torque figures, likely due to the complex interplay between the combustion engine and electric motor. However, it’s safe to assume the combined torque is nothing short of immense. This V6 powertrain is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the battery pack, a slender oblong unit, is ingeniously packaged behind the seats, maintaining a balanced weight distribution. This focus on advanced hybrid powertrain technology is a key differentiator in the new exotic car market, appealing to a demographic that values both performance and innovation.
No Ferrari is complete without a sophisticated suite of electronic chassis control systems. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari has developed the six-axis sensor unit, dubbed 6w-CDS. This advanced system continuously measures acceleration and rotational speeds across the X, Y, and Z planes, effectively replacing traditional yaw sensors. In conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, it provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of driver inputs and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This intelligence allows the car to seamlessly integrate with systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, maximizing cornering speeds while ensuring unwavering stability. It also underpins the new ABS-evo system, available in RACE mode and above. This brake-by-wire innovation shortens braking distances and enhances performance during trail-braking maneuvers, a critical technique for track day supercars and experienced drivers alike. The pursuit of performance driving dynamics is clearly at the forefront of Ferrari’s engineering philosophy.
Intriguingly, Ferrari has leveraged its active aerodynamics not merely to reduce drag, but to generate downforce. The company claims a remarkable 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a significant portion attributed to the deployable rear wing. This sophisticated aero package is essential for maintaining composure at extreme speeds, a crucial consideration for buyers of supercar models.
Cooling is managed by a dual-radiator setup in the front for the engine and gearbox, supplemented by two additional condensers for the battery pack. Hot air is meticulously channeled underneath the car to prevent interference with the intercooler airflow along the flanks. Small apertures beneath the headlamps draw air to cool the brakes, while a roofline-integrated wing channels air to the rear, creating a virtual rear screen that guides airflow as if over a sculpted surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid to the underbody channeling, the diffuser, and the critical ground clearance to maximize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces. This level of aerodynamic sophistication is a hallmark of top-tier performance vehicles.
Our initial experiences with the 296 GTB on track were exclusively with the Assetto Fiorano package. This optional upgrade swaps the standard dampers for race-derived Multimatic units and adds carbon fiber aerodynamic elements to the front splitter, increasing front downforce by an additional 20kg. The cabin also benefits from more carbon fiber, including the door panels, contributing to a further weight saving of 12kg. Opting for the Lexan rear engine cover shaves off an additional 3kg, bringing the total weight reduction potential to 15kg. For those seeking the ultimate grip, the Assetto Fiorano package offers Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires as an upgrade from the standard Pilot Sport 4S, further enhancing the track-focused supercar experience. The Fiorano package can even be specified with exterior graphics inspired by the legendary 1960s 250LM, adding a touch of historical homage. This attention to detail and customization is a key aspect of owning a Ferrari car.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 GTB, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a unique and captivating design, a departure from anything else on the road, and subtly evokes the spirit of the 250LM, even without the more overt graphic treatments. This blend of modern aggression and classic elegance is a difficult balance to strike, but Ferrari has achieved it with aplomb, making it a highly desirable new Ferrari model.
Performance and Acceleration:
Initiating a drive in the 296 GTB is a straightforward affair: a double-press of the lower steering wheel boss and engagement of first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing silent, emission-free departure on electric power alone, unless prompted otherwise by the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors on the steering wheel. With judicious throttle application, and sufficient battery charge, electric-only cruising is effortless, providing a serene experience for urban exploration, a stark contrast to the roaring machines of yesteryear. This duality of purpose is a major selling point for those considering hybrid sports cars for sale.
The ability to manually select EV mode ensures zero-emission travel regardless of driving demands, while Performance and Qualifying modes unlock the full potential of the hybrid powertrain. In Performance mode, both power sources collaborate with a focus on maintaining battery charge, whereas Qualifying mode prioritizes absolute maximum performance, with the battery’s state of charge becoming a secondary concern. This intelligent management of the hybrid supercar performance is a testament to Ferrari’s engineering prowess.
Cruising silently through picturesque villages offers an unexpected pleasure, and the sophisticated damping makes it a remarkably comfortable companion for long journeys. The ‘frunk’ also provides a practical, albeit modest, luggage space, a welcome improvement over the SF90. But, as we all know, the true test lies in unleashing the full fury of both the V6 and the electric motor.
The immediate surge of acceleration when planting the throttle at low revs in a high gear is simply breathtaking. The absence of perceptible lag is astounding, momentarily making one question the necessity of gears given the sheer, unadulterated potency on tap. Still, there are eight gears to exploit, and an engine that eagerly spins to 8500rpm. When the 296 GTB is truly uncorked, the resulting experience is nothing short of astonishing.
As the figures attest – a blistering 0-62mph sprint in just 2.9 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205mph – the rate of acceleration is intense, verging on the overwhelming, inducing a mixture of nervous laughter and an almost addictive compulsion to repeat the experience. This is, without question, a seriously rapid machine. The auditory experience is equally captivating, with the subtle yet thrilling turbocharger whistle weaving its way through the V6’s melodious rasp, creating a unique sonic signature for performance vehicles.
Ride and Handling:
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is the astonishing responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s claim of making this car ‘fun to drive’ is not mere marketing hyperbole; it’s a fundamental design principle. The car feels exceptionally agile, yet remarkably stable, eschewing any hint of nervousness. The steering, typically light and quick as is Ferrari’s hallmark, is also laden with tactile feedback, providing a nuanced connection to the road. While grip levels are predictably prodigious, the car remains delightfully throttle-adjustable, eliciting an irrepressible grin with every input. This focus on driver engagement supercars is what separates the truly great from the merely fast.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a tangible lack of inertia, encouraging the driver to work with the car, making precise, small inputs and reveling in its accuracy and refinement. The CT Off mode offers a level of freedom that, while exhilarating, is always underpinned by the reassuring presence of sophisticated electronic management. However, even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows for playful teasing into oversteer, a feat one might scarcely believe possible in a car producing 819bhp. This ability to be controlled and exploited by the driver, even at the limit, is a rare and precious quality in modern hypercars.
On the circuit, the 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to make even the longest start-finish straight feel dramatically shorter. Its sharp, focused nature becomes even more apparent. While the power is certainly available to break rear-wheel traction at numerous points around the lap, the 296 is also acutely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. It quickly becomes apparent that precision with every control yields the greatest rewards.
The turn-in accuracy and responsiveness are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase into every corner. Rather than gently easing the car into turns and allowing loads to build progressively, the 296 settles instantly into its apex, thanks in part to the Multimatic dampers. The hyper-quick steering complements the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup beautifully. Even for drivers accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are breathtaking and an absolute joy to experience lap after lap. This level of supercar handling dynamics is what enthusiasts crave.
Interior:
The cabin architecture will feel immediately familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90. The 296 GTB borrows heavily from its larger sibling, featuring a fully digital interface and a complementary array of haptic switchgear. This innovative system, liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it, is undoubtedly complex. However, it’s also tasked with conveying a vast amount of information. The primary frustration arises from the need for a second press for simple operations that weren’t registered on the first attempt, or the ambiguity of not knowing if an input has been successfully acknowledged. Despite these ergonomic quirks, the cabin undeniably exudes a sense of occasion and exclusivity, befitting a luxury supercar interior.
evo Car of the Year 2022 Verdict:
“Now it gets serious,” commented Peter Tomalin in his esteemed evo Car of the Year 2022 review. “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 judges who placed the 296 ahead – Jethro Bovingdon, Henry Catchpole, and himself – were effusive in their praise. “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 Meaden’s verdict, a sentiment echoed by many. “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 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.’”
Price and Rivals:
When a vehicle is so heavily laden with cutting-edge technology, there’s always the inherent risk that it might feel less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment we encountered with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power output, left us somewhat unnerved by its challenging driving characteristics.
The 296 GTB, however, represents something entirely different. As demonstrated at the evo Car of the Year 2022 event, where it achieved a joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, it feels far more organic. Its potent blend of raw power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect sweet spot, effectively redefining what a £250,000-ish supercar can and should be. A Versione Speciale variant of the 296 is anticipated, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity. One can only hope that the standard 296’s inexplicably natural and intuitive feel is retained. This constant evolution and quest for improvement is what keeps the supercar market so dynamic.
It is this very aspect of the 296 GTB’s constitution that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized when honing its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power for a series-production supercar, and it has the potential to overwhelm if the rest of the car isn’t meticulously resolved to meet it. If Lamborghini has indeed got it right – and the sheer brilliance of the Revuelto provides ample reason for optimism – then we are poised for an epic twin test featuring machines that, combined, will produce well over 1700bhp.
Alternatively, we could elevate this to a 2400bhp triple threat by including the McLaren 750S, which, by current standards, must now be absurdly described as the ‘minnow’ of the class with a mere 740bhp. However, as previously noted, it brings a comparatively petite 1389kg kerb weight to the table, thus ensuring a fiercely competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw character, ergonomic perfection, the crispness of its steering, and the deftness of its chassis undeniably set it apart from the comparatively more remote Ferrari. For those seeking the ultimate driving experience, the choice between these titans is a delightful dilemma.
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: Starting from £250,000+
The Ferrari 296 GTB is more than just a supercar; it’s a statement. It’s a testament to innovation, a harmonious blend of electrification and combustion, and a deeply engaging driving machine. If you’re captivated by the future of automotive excellence and seeking an unparalleled driving experience that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible, then it’s time to explore the world of the Ferrari 296 GTB. Contact your nearest Ferrari dealership today to arrange a private viewing and discover firsthand what makes this hybrid masterpiece so extraordinary.
