The Prancing Horse Reimagined: Decoding the Ferrari 296 GTB’s Hybrid Revolution and its Supercar Showdown
For over half a century, Ferrari’s mid-engined supercars have defined automotive passion and blistering performance. However, the arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked an unprecedented paradigm shift, a bold departure from the roar of V8s to the symphony of a V6 hybrid powertrain. This isn’t just an evolution; it’s a revolution in a segment still tentatively embracing electrification. Even with the formidable Lamborghini Temerario and its 903bhp, 10,000rpm V8 hybrid on the horizon, the 296 GTB continues to stun, proving that electrifying performance can coexist with soul-stirring charisma.
For years, the benchmark in this high-octane arena was the Lamborghini Huracán, a marvel of naturally aspirated V10 brilliance, and the ferocious McLaren 720S, a masterclass in twin-turbo V8 power-to-weight ratio. While the McLaren 750S represents an iterative refinement, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid Temerario emerges as Lamborghini’s direct riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta. This is the battlefield where the Ferrari 296 GTB stakes its claim, a car that truly embodies the future of the supercar.
The 296 GTB is more than just a headline-grabbing power figure; it’s a testament to Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of innovation. It stands as the first V6-powered Ferrari road car, a lineage that, while excluding the iconic Dino 246 GT from wearing the Prancing Horse emblem in its era, carries a historical weight. It also pioneers Ferrari’s “hot-vee” turbocharger configuration and embraces plug-in hybrid technology, offering a compelling 15-mile electric-only range. This compact V6, nestled low within a new aluminum chassis, boasts a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, with occupants positioned slightly more forward, contributing to an even more focused driving dynamic.
The integrated electric motor contributes a substantial 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, augmenting the V6’s already staggering 654bhp and 546lb ft. While Ferrari strategically omits a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the electric motor and internal combustion engine, it’s safe to assume the resultant figure is nothing short of colossal. This V6, weighing approximately 30kg less than its V8 counterparts, is mated to a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The compact battery pack, a slender oblong structure, is discreetly housed behind the seats, maintaining the car’s svelte silhouette.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of sophisticated electronic chassis management systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. At its core lies the groundbreaking six-axis sensor, the 6w-CDS, which meticulously measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. This advanced system effectively supersedes traditional yaw sensors. In conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, it grants the car an unparalleled understanding of driver intent and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This information is fed to systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, optimizing cornering speeds while steadfastly maintaining stability and driver confidence. Furthermore, it enables the new ABS-evo system, available in RACE mode and above. Leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, ABS-evo not only curtails braking distances but also significantly enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners, a crucial element for any track-focused supercar.
For the first time, Ferrari deploys its active aerodynamics not to minimize drag, but to maximize downforce. The company quotes an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a remarkable 100kg attributed to the deployable rear wing. The cooling architecture is equally sophisticated: twin radiators in the front manage engine and gearbox temperatures, complemented by two condensers dedicated to cooling the battery. Hot air is strategically expelled underneath the car to avoid interfering with the airflow directed towards the intercoolers flanking the vehicle. Small apertures below the headlamps channel air to cool the brakes, while a roofline-integrated wing ingeniously creates a “virtual” rear screen, guiding airflow to the car’s posterior as if it were adhering to a physical surface. The lion’s share of the 296’s downforce is generated from beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid to the underbody’s design, the rear diffuser, and crucially, its ground clearance, to amplify the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
Our initial experiences with the 296 GTB on track were exclusively with the Assetto Fiorano package equipped. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units derived from GT racing and adds further carbon-fiber aerodynamic enhancements to the front, boosting front downforce by an additional 20kg. The cabin also benefits from more carbon fiber elements, including the door panels, and further exterior applications contribute to an overall weight saving of 12kg. Opting for the Lexan rear engine cover shaves off an additional 3kg, bringing the total potential weight reduction to 15kg. For the ultimate track-day setup, the Assetto Fiorano package can be specified with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the already potent standard Pilot Sport 4S. Owners can also personalize their Assetto Fiorano equipped 296 GTB with an exterior graphics package inspired by the legendary 250LM from the 1960s.
Having thoroughly examined the 296 GTB “in the metal,” its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It presents a striking departure from anything else on the road, echoing the spirit of the 250LM even without the optional, and admittedly divisive, graphics package.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: A Hybrid Symphony
Initiating the driving experience is as simple as a double-press on the lower portion of the steering wheel boss, followed by engaging first gear. The 296 GTB defaults to Hybrid mode, propelling the car forward on electric power alone unless prompted otherwise via the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors on the left side of the steering wheel. Provided you exercise restraint with the throttle, the car will continue its silent sojourn on electric power, contingent on adequate battery charge.
For those seeking absolute zero-emission capability, the EV mode can be manually engaged, irrespective of powertrain demands. Alternatively, the Performance and Qualifying modes unlock the full collaborative potential of both the V6 and electric motor. Performance mode balances exhilarating acceleration with battery regeneration, while Qualifying mode prioritizes unadulterated, maximum performance, disregarding the battery’s state of charge.
The ability to glide through urban landscapes in near silence offers an unexpectedly serene experience. The damping calibration is so refined that the 296 GTB proves to be a surprisingly comfortable long-distance cruiser, and remarkably, the “frunk” offers a respectable luggage compartment, a welcome improvement over the SF90 Stradale. However, the true magic of the Ferrari 296 GTB is unleashed when both the V6 engine and the electric motor are fully engaged.
The sheer potency is palpable even at low revs in higher gears. Plant the throttle, and the 296 simply rockets forward with an immediate surge, making one momentarily question the very necessity of gear changes. Yet, with eight gears to exploit and an engine that eagerly spins to 8500rpm, the experience when the V6 is truly unleashed is nothing short of astonishing. The acceleration figures, promising a 0-62mph sprint in the low 2-second range and a top speed exceeding 205mph, translate to a visceral, hold-on-tight sensation that verges on the exhilaratingly uncomfortable, yet is paradoxically addictive. This is a car that doesn’t just deliver speed; it delivers an experience. The V6’s soundtrack is a captivating blend of turbocharger whines and a tuneful rasp, creating an aural masterpiece.
What truly elevates the Ferrari 296 GTB is the astonishing responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s promise of a “fun to drive” ethos is emphatically realized. The car feels incredibly agile without ever tipping into nervousness. The steering, typically light and swift, offers a surprising level of tactile feedback. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable, inspiring a level of driver engagement that inevitably elicits grins.
Despite its claimed dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a remarkable lack of inertia, encouraging a more intuitive, collaborative driving style that favors precise, small inputs. The CT Off mode provides a safety net of electronic intervention, offering reassurance even when pushing the limits. However, even with all systems disengaged, the inherent balance of the 296 allows it to be artfully coaxed into predictable oversteer, a feat one might deem impossible in a car producing 819bhp.
On the track, the 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to make even the longest straights feel truncated. Its precision as a driving instrument becomes acutely apparent. While the power is readily available to break rear-end traction at numerous points around the lap, the 296 is exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. Mastering this sensitivity unlocks the car’s true potential, rewarding precise control with unparalleled performance. The turn-in accuracy and responsiveness dramatically shorten the corner entry phase. Instead of gently easing into turns and allowing load to build, the 296 settles instantly, aided by its Multimatic dampers. This is beautifully complemented by the hyper-quick steering and the enhanced roll support offered by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for those accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal, providing an intoxicating joy lap after lap.
Interior Design and Technology: A Digital Frontier
The cabin architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to those acquainted with the SF90 Stradale, as it borrows heavily from its electrified sibling. The fully digital interface, coupled with haptic switchgear – liberally integrated onto the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it – presents a learning curve. While undeniably complex, it’s a testament to the vast amount of information and control at the driver’s fingertips. The primary frustration arises from simple operations sometimes requiring a second, and sometimes uncertain, press to register, or confirming successful actuation. Nevertheless, the interior exudes an undeniable sense of occasion and specialness.
Evo Car of the Year 2022 Verdict: A Return to Form
“Now it gets serious,” declared the road testers at evo magazine during their Car of the Year competition. When the scores were tallied, the competition between the McLaren Artura and the Ferrari 296 GTB was incredibly close, separated by the width of a “road tester’s legendary fag paper.” The judges were equally divided, with three narrowly favoring the Ferrari and three placing the McLaren ahead by a whisker.
Those who championed the 296 GTB, including myself, Henry Hope-Frost, Jethro Bovingdon, and Tom Harris, lauded its spectacular nature. “Beautiful to look at, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable, and so technically clever,” enthused Jethro. “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 echoed the sentiment, calling it “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment many shared. “The hybrid system works very well,” he continued, “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 seamless integration of the Ferrari’s hybridisation was widely praised. However, a notable incident on the final night saw the car stranded due to a flat battery, with no obvious means of revival. While Ferrari had proactively warned of this possibility and provided mitigation strategies, the scenario remains plausible for an owner. As Gallagher aptly pointed out, “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 GTB, this occurred after all scoring was completed.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering proved divisive. The brake feel, while competent, didn’t quite reach the benchmark set by the very best in the group, and the technology interface was widely criticized for its excessive complexity. Despite these points, the 296 was deemed irresistibly seductive. Vivian admitted, “I thought I wouldn’t like the Fezza all that much – too complex, rather gratuitous points of difference – 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…”
Peter Tomalin, Editor-in-Chief of evo, summarized the car’s achievement: “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, Rivals, and the Future of Supercar Dominance
When a vehicle is so heavily laden with cutting-edge technology, there’s always a risk that it might become less than the sum of its parts. This was an experience evo encountered with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power output, proved unnerving in its challenging driving characteristics.
The Ferrari 296 GTB, however, charts a different course. As evidenced by its joint third-place finish at eCoty 2022 alongside the McLaren Artura, it possesses a far more organic feel. Its masterful blend of raw power and captivating dynamics strikes a perfect chord, redefining the expectations for a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket. Rumors of a Versione Speciale variant, codenamed “A,” emerging this year promise even greater power, performance, and intensity. The fervent hope is that the standard 296’s inexplicably natural and engaging feel is preserved.
It is precisely this crucial aspect – the intrinsic drivability and connection – that we hope Lamborghini has meticulously honed in its forthcoming hybrid supercar, the Lamborghini Temerario. Over 900bhp is an almost obscene amount of power for a series production supercar, and it has the potential to overwhelm if the rest of the vehicle isn’t perfectly resolved to manage it. Given the remarkable success Lamborghini achieved with the Revuelto, there is every reason to be optimistic that the Temerario will be a worthy contender. If Lamborghini has indeed gotten it right, we could be facing an epic twin-test battle of colossal proportions, potentially involving a staggering 1700bhp versus the 296’s 819bhp.
Alternatively, the equation could expand to a 2400bhp triple threat with the inclusion of the McLaren 750S. In this context, the 740bhp McLaren might appear as the “minnow” of the class. However, its comparatively svelte 1389kg kerb weight ensures a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw immediacy, ergonomic perfection, razor-sharp steering, and deft chassis control continue to distinguish it, even against the comparatively more remote feel of the Ferrari.
The Ferrari 296 GTB has irrevocably altered the supercar landscape, proving that electrification can amplify, rather than diminish, the essence of a Ferrari. It’s a testament to a brand that consistently pushes boundaries, delivering not just cars, but automotive experiences that resonate deeply with enthusiasts worldwide.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications
Engine: V6, 2992cc, twin-turbocharged, augmented by an electric motor.
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, featuring an active E-differential.
Combined Power Output: 819bhp @ 8000rpm.
Combined Torque Output: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm.
Weight: 1470kg (dry), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 566bhp/ton.
0-62mph Acceleration: 2.9 seconds.
Top Speed: Exceeding 205mph.
Price: Starting from £250,000+.
The allure of the hybrid supercar is undeniable, and the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a shining example of what’s possible. If you’re captivated by this blend of electrifying performance and timeless Italian design, or if you’re curious to explore how this revolutionary technology can enhance your driving pleasure, we invite you to connect with us. Discover the future of supercars and find out how you can experience the Prancing Horse’s latest masterpiece firsthand.
