Ferrari 296 GTB: The Electrifying New Standard in Supercar Performance
For a decade now, the supercar landscape has been defined by blistering V8s and the visceral roar of naturally aspirated engines. Yet, as an industry veteran with ten years immersed in the world of automotive engineering and performance, I’ve witnessed a profound shift on the horizon – a transition driven by innovation and a relentless pursuit of ultimate exhilaration. This evolution is personified by the Ferrari 296 GTB, a groundbreaking machine that, even with a potent 10,000rpm, 903bhp hybrid rival from Lamborghini poised to enter the arena, continues to redefine what’s possible.
The arrival of the 296 GTB in 2022 marked a seismic shift for Ferrari’s mid-engined supercar lineage. Departing from the highly acclaimed and award-winning twin-turbo V8, Maranello opted for a revolutionary twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by electric power. This bold move positioned the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a segment that was, and still is, cautiously embracing hybrid powertrains. It’s a testament to Ferrari’s forward-thinking ethos, pushing boundaries where others have hesitated.
Historically, the 296 GTB’s traditional adversary was the Lamborghini Huracán, celebrated for its naturally aspirated V10 symphony and raw charisma. While the Huracán offered a compelling, albeit less powerful, analogue experience, the automotive world was also buzzing with the ferocious McLaren 720S, a twin-turbo V8 marvel. Today, with the McLaren 750S building upon that established theme of power-to-weight supremacy, Lamborghini’s direct counterpoint to Maranello’s electrified masterpiece is the 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid Lamborghini Temerario. This highly anticipated model represents a direct challenge, a clear statement of intent from Sant’Agata Bolognese aimed squarely at the heart of Ferrari’s electrified Berlinetta.
The Ferrari 296 GTB is not merely a contender; it’s a potent declaration of intent. Packing an astonishing power output, this V6 hybrid supercar unleashes a combined force that few anticipated. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, intricately partnered with an electric motor, drives the rear wheels exclusively – a departure from the four-wheel-drive layout of the SF90. The result is a staggering 819bhp, a figure that shattered conventional supercar expectations upon its debut. This isn’t just about raw numbers; it’s about a fundamental reimagining of performance delivery in the supercar market.
It’s easy to become fixated on such awe-inspiring power figures, prompting questions about where this escalation will ultimately lead and, more pragmatically, where one can truly exploit such performance. However, the 296 GTB offers far more than just brute force. It stands as the first V6-powered Ferrari road car (excluding the iconic, yet badge-less, 246 GT Dino), the first to feature a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration, and crucially, a plug-in hybrid with a meaningful EV-only range of approximately 15 miles. This compact V6 is nestled low within a bespoke aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, with occupants positioned slightly further forward for an even more engaging driving dynamic.
The electric motor contributes an impressive 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 engine on its own commands a remarkable 654bhp and 546lb ft. Combined, they achieve the headline 819bhp. Ferrari strategically refrains from quoting a peak combined torque figure, a decision likely stemming from the complex interplay between the electric motor and the internal combustion engine. Nevertheless, it’s safe to assume the total torque output is, to put it mildly, prodigious. Weighing in 30kg lighter than a comparable V8, the V6 is mated to a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a sleek, elongated structure, is strategically positioned behind the seats, ensuring an optimized weight distribution.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of sophisticated electronic chassis control systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. At its core lies the innovative six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This advanced unit meticulously measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. Replacing traditional yaw sensors, and working in concert with a sensor on the steering rack, it grants the car an unprecedented understanding of driver inputs and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This intelligence is then leveraged by systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff to maximize cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability. Furthermore, it enables the new ABS-evo system (a fitting moniker, wouldn’t you agree?), active in RACE mode and above. Employing the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, ABS-evo not only sharpens braking distances but also enhances performance during trail-braking into corners, a crucial element for any serious performance driving.
In a significant shift, Ferrari has deployed its active aerodynamics not for drag reduction, but for substantial downforce generation. The marque quotes a remarkable 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a considerable 100kg of that originating from the deployable rear wing. The aerodynamic efficiency is a marvel of engineering, with dual radiators in the front managing engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two additional condensers for battery thermal management. Hot air is expelled discreetly underneath, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the airflow directed to the intercoolers along the flanks. Small apertures beneath the headlamps channel air to the brakes, while the roofline-integrated rear wing acts as a ‘virtual’ rear screen, guiding air towards the tail of the car. The lion’s share of the 296’s downforce is sculpted beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid to airflow management, the rear diffuser, and crucially, the underbody’s ground clearance to amplify the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The pre-production models of the 296 GTB we sampled on the circuit were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-enhancing upgrade replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units derived from GT racing technology and incorporates additional carbon aerodynamic elements at the front, boosting front downforce by an additional 20kg. The package also introduces more carbon fiber within the cabin, such as the door panels, and on the exterior, contributing to a significant 12kg weight saving, which can extend to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For the ultimate grip, Assetto Fiorano buyers can opt for Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, supplanting the already excellent standard Pilot Sport 4S. Furthermore, Fiorano-equipped cars can be adorned with an exterior graphics package inspired by the iconic 250LM of the 1960s, a nod to Ferrari’s rich racing heritage.
Having spent considerable time evaluating the 296 GTB in person, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a unique visual identity, distinct from anything else on the road, subtly evoking the spirit of the 250LM even without the more overt graphics. This new Ferrari model is a triumph of design.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: A Symphony of Power and Precision
Initiating a journey in the 296 GTB is as simple as a double-press of the lower steering wheel boss followed by engaging first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, silently commencing its propulsion on electric power alone. Unless deliberately overridden through the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors on the left side of the steering wheel’s hub, and with judicious throttle application, it will continue to operate purely on electric power, provided the battery has sufficient charge. A dedicated ‘e-drive’ mode can be activated, forcing electric-only propulsion regardless of powertrain demands. Beyond this, the Performance and Qualifying modes unlock the full potential of the hybrid system. In Performance mode, both power sources work in tandem with a focus on maintaining battery charge. Qualifying mode, as the name suggests, prioritizes absolute maximum performance, with the battery’s state of charge becoming a secondary concern.
The sensation of gliding silently through urban environments is an unexpected, yet thoroughly enjoyable, facet of the 296 GTB. The damping sophistication ensures a surprisingly comfortable ride, making it an accomplished cruiser. Even the luggage capacity in the front ‘frunk’ is respectable, a welcome improvement over the SF90. However, the true allure lies in unleashing the full fury of both the V6 engine and the electric motor.
The moment you plant the throttle at low revs in a higher gear, the 296 GTB surges forward with an immediate and potent response, devoid of any perceptible lag. It’s a sensation so potent that it momentarily makes you question the necessity of gears. Yet, with eight meticulously calibrated gears and an engine that willingly spins to 8500rpm, the full orchestra of power is a truly startling experience. The acceleration figures are nothing short of breathtaking – a mind-bending blend of held-on-tight, nervous laughter, bordering on the overwhelming, yet paradoxically, utterly addictive. This is a seriously rapid machine, and its auditory accompaniment is equally captivating, with a rich V6 rasp layered with subtle, yet thrilling, turbocharger effects. This is the future of supercars.
The responsiveness of the 296 GTB’s chassis is nothing short of remarkable. Ferrari’s assertion that the car was engineered for maximum driver enjoyment rings true. It feels incredibly agile without any hint of nervousness. The steering is characteristically light and exceptionally quick, yet it delivers a surprising level of tactile feedback. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains delightfully throttle-adjustable, a characteristic that inevitably elicits a wide grin.
Despite its 1470kg dry weight, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a remarkable absence of inertia throughout the entire vehicle, encouraging a fluid, collaborative driving style. Small, precise inputs are met with instantaneous and accurate responses. Engaging ‘CT Off’ mode offers a thrilling level of freedom, with the reassurance of an intelligent electronic safety net. 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 make even lengthy straights feel shorter. Its sharpness as a precision instrument becomes acutely apparent. While the power is readily available to break rear-end traction at numerous points around the lap, the 296 is exceptionally sensitive to braking and steering inputs. Mastery lies in precise control, rewarding the driver with immense satisfaction. The turn-in accuracy and immediacy are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase into every corner. Instead of gradually loading the tires, the 296 settles instantly, its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering perfectly complementing the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers transitioning from more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are profoundly exhilarating, delivering a joyous experience lap after lap. This is a true driving experience redefined.
Interior: A Digital Command Center
The cabin architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to those who have experienced the SF90, as it borrows heavily from its sibling. However, the entirely digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear can present a steep learning curve. These controls are liberally applied to the steering wheel and the traditional Ferrari pods flanking it.
While undoubtedly complex, the system aims to convey a wealth of information. The primary challenge lies in the sometimes-fickle nature of simple operations, which can require a second press to register or leave the driver uncertain if an input has been acknowledged. Despite these ergonomic quirks, the cabin undeniably feels like a special place to be, a testament to Ferrari’s commitment to creating an immersive environment for the driver. Exploring luxury car interiors has never been so technologically advanced.
evo Car of the Year 2022 Verdict: A Return to Form
“Now it gets serious,” declared the evo testers at the end of their extensive evaluation. “When the scores were tallied, there wasn’t even a hair’s breadth between the Artura and the 296 GTB. The judges were equally divided: three of us narrowly favored the Ferrari over the McLaren; three scored the Macca ahead by a whisker.”
Those who placed the 296 GTB at the top, including renowned automotive journalists Jethro Bovingdon and Dickie Meaden, offered glowing endorsements. “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.”
Dickie Meaden offered perhaps one of the most resonant compliments: “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. He continued, “The hybrid system works incredibly well and doesn’t alter the driving experience as much as I’d feared, perhaps because we’ve already become accustomed 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 possesses a soundtrack that is always sweet and evolves with throttle opening.”
The seamless integration of Ferrari’s hybridisation was widely lauded. However, a notable incident on the final night saw the test car stranded after the battery depleted with no apparent means of revival. While Ferrari had provided advance warning and detailed necessary precautions, the possibility of owners finding themselves in a similar predicament is not inconceivable. As one critic pointed out, “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, this occurred after the final scoring.
Despite this singular issue, the 296 GTB captivated the judges. Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and brake feel didn’t quite match the very best in the group. The tech interface also drew widespread criticism for its complexity. Nevertheless, the 296 proved irresistibly seductive. “I thought I wouldn’t like the Fezza all that much – too complex, rather gratuitous points of difference,” admitted one judge, “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…”
As Peter Tomalin, editor of evo, concluded in the 2022 Car of the Year review: “The 296 is a far more successful proposition because its technical sophistication, and the integration of its hybrid technology in particular, feels much more natural, and far less intrusive. Ferrari has 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 achievement in the hybrid supercar arena.
Price, Rivals, and the Future of Performance
The inherent risk with any vehicle laden with cutting-edge technology is that it might become less than the sum of its parts. This was a critique leveled at the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power, could be unnerving due to its challenging driving characteristics.
The 296 GTB, however, charts a distinctly different course. As evidenced by its joint third-place finish at evo Car of the Year 2022 alongside the McLaren Artura, it feels far more organic. Its potent blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect balance, effectively redefining the capabilities and expectations of a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket. Rumors of a “Versione Speciale” variant, code-named for now, suggest even greater power, performance, and intensity are on the horizon for the Ferrari 296 GTB price point, with the hope that the standard model’s remarkably natural feel will be retained.
It is precisely this intrinsic coherence of the 296 GTB’s chassis that we hope Lamborghini has meticulously honed in their forthcoming hybrid Lamborghini Temerario review. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power for a series-production supercar, and it possesses the potential to overwhelm if the rest of the vehicle isn’t expertly resolved to manage it. If Lamborghini has achieved the same level of dynamic mastery with the Temerario as they did with the Revuelto, then we are poised for an epic twin test battle, a confrontation of hybrid titans.
Alternatively, we could contemplate a hypercar trifecta, including the McLaren 750S. In this context, the 740bhp McLaren, now seemingly the ‘minnow’ of the class, still brings a relatively lithe 1389kg kerb weight to the table, resulting in a competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw feedback, ergonomic perfection, razor-sharp steering, and chassis deftness provide a compelling counterpoint to the comparatively more detached feel of the Ferrari. For those seeking supercar performance near me, understanding these nuances is key.
The Ferrari 296 GTB represents a significant leap forward in the supercar segment. It masterfully blends electrification with a celebrated V6 powertrain, delivering performance that is both exhilarating and accessible. As the automotive world continues its electrification journey, the 296 GTB stands as a beacon, demonstrating that the future of high-performance driving can be as thrilling and engaging as its storied past.
Experience the future of automotive excellence today. Contact your local Ferrari dealership to schedule a test drive of the revolutionary 296 GTB and witness firsthand the pinnacle of hybrid supercar innovation.
