The Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Masterpiece Navigating the Apex of Supercar Evolution
For a decade now, the supercar landscape has been in a state of perpetual, exhilarating flux. As an industry veteran with ten years immersed in the roaring heart of automotive innovation, I’ve witnessed seismic shifts, from the raw, naturally aspirated symphony of V10s to the potent, yet often soulless, thrust of turbocharging. However, nothing has quite prepared us for the paradigm-altering arrival of hybrid powertrains, and at the vanguard of this electrifying revolution stands the Ferrari 296 GTB. This isn’t just another Ferrari; it’s a bold statement, a meticulous redefinition of what a mid-engined supercar can and should be in the 21st century.
The 296 GTB, introduced in 2022, represented an unprecedented departure for the Prancing Horse. It bid adieu to the revered, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 that had powered generations of legends, embracing instead a completely new twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by a potent electric motor. This bold pivot immediately positioned the 296 GTB at the forefront of a segment that, until then, was still tiptoeing towards electrification. Its arrival was met with eager anticipation, a hushed reverence for the engineering prowess that only Maranello can consistently deliver.
In its initial years, the 296 GTB faced formidable, yet perhaps more traditional, adversaries. The Lamborghini Huracán, with its soul-stirring naturally aspirated V10, offered a charisma and auditory drama that, while lacking in outright horsepower comparative to the Ferrari, resonated deeply with enthusiasts. Then there was the ferocious McLaren 720S, a masterclass in twin-turbo V8 performance and power-to-weight supremacy. While the subsequent McLaren 750S represents an evolution of that theme, the incoming Lamborghini Temerario, boasting a staggering 903bhp and a 10,000rpm redline from its hybridised twin-turbo V8, is undoubtedly Lamborghini’s direct, thunderous riposte to Ferrari’s 819bhp hybridised Berlinetta. The Ferrari 296 GTB performance figures, however, speak for themselves, making it a benchmark that the competition must unequivocally conquer.
Indeed, the 296 GTB packs an awe-inspiring punch. The all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, coupled with its integrated electric motor, sends power exclusively to the rear wheels – a significant distinction from the all-wheel-drive SF90. This configuration, yielding a headline figure of 819bhp, shattered conventional supercar blueprints. It’s a power output that ignites discussion about the limits of such escalation, and indeed, where one might responsibly unleash such unbridled performance. But this is a story of the machine itself, a testament to engineering ambition.
The 296 GTB proudly bears the distinction of being Ferrari’s first V6-powered road car (the exquisite 246 GT Dino, while sharing the V6 configuration, never officially bore the Cavallino Rampante emblem in its era). It pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger arrangement, where the turbos are nestled within the engine’s V-angle, and crucially, it’s a plug-in hybrid, offering a practical electric-only range of approximately 15 miles. This compact V6 is mounted low within a bespoke aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, with the occupants positioned slightly further forward to optimize weight distribution. The electric motor alone contributes a formidable 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 on its own unleashes a phenomenal 654bhp and 546lb ft. Ferrari tactfully refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, a nod perhaps to the intricate interplay between the combustion engine and electric motor. However, it’s safe to assume the combined torque is nothing short of prodigious. Weighing in 30kg lighter than a comparable V8, this V6 unit is mated to a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a sleek, elongated structure, resides discreetly behind the seats, contributing to the car’s remarkable packaging.
No Ferrari would be complete without a sophisticated arsenal of electronic chassis control systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has developed an innovative six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This advanced system 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, the 6w-CDS provides the car with an unprecedented understanding of both the driver’s intentions and the real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data is fed to systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, optimizing cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and driver confidence. Furthermore, it enables a groundbreaking new system, ABS-evo, available in RACE mode and above. This integration with the 296’s brake-by-wire system not only shortens braking distances but also significantly enhances braking performance during trail braking into corners, a testament to the Ferrari 296 GTB handling prowess.
For the first time, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics technology not to minimize drag, but to actively generate downforce. The marque claims a remarkable 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a substantial 100kg of this figure being attributed to the deployable rear wing. The car’s thermal management is equally impressive, featuring two radiators in the front for engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two condensers for battery cooling. Hot air is ingeniously expelled from the underbody to avoid interfering with the airflow directed towards the intercoolers along the flanks. Small apertures beneath the headlights are dedicated to cooling the brakes, while the aerodynamically integrated rear roofline spoiler creates a “virtual” rear screen, meticulously channeling air towards the rear of the car as if guided by a surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce is sculpted from beneath the car, where particular attention has been paid to the underbody’s airflow management, the rear diffuser, and crucially, the underbody’s ground clearance to maximize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating elements.
The brief circuit excursions during the launch event saw us piloting cars equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance enhancement swaps the standard dampers for advanced Multimatic units, directly derived from GT racing technology, and incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the front splitter, increasing front downforce by an additional 20kg. The cabin also benefits from further carbon fiber applications, such as the door panels, contributing to an overall weight saving of 12kg. Opting for the Lexan rear engine cover further slashes this by an additional 3kg. For those seeking ultimate grip, the Assetto Fiorano package can be specified with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, a step up from the already capable standard Pilot Sport 4S. Visually, Assetto Fiorano-equipped cars can also be adorned with an exterior graphics package inspired by the iconic 250LM of the 1960s. Having seen the 296 GTB in person on numerous occasions, it’s undeniably a visually striking machine, possessing a unique aesthetic that evokes a sense of timeless elegance, even without the more exuberant livery options.
Initiating motion in the 296 GTB is elegantly simple: a double press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, utilizing electric power for initial propulsion unless otherwise directed. Subtle throttle inputs will maintain purely electric operation, provided the battery retains sufficient charge. The driver can explicitly select EV mode, overriding any powertrain demands, or engage the more spirited Performance and Qualifying modes. In these modes, both power sources collaborate harmoniously. Performance mode aims to maintain battery charge while delivering potent power, whereas Qualifying mode prioritizes maximum performance, disregarding the battery’s state of charge.
The serene experience of gliding through urban landscapes on electric power is a surprisingly enjoyable revelation. The damping system is so sophisticated that it transforms even long journeys into remarkably comfortable affairs. Furthermore, the ‘frunk’ offers a surprisingly practical luggage compartment, a welcome addition absent in the SF90. But the question that truly matters, the one we all yearn to answer, is: what does it feel like when both the V6 engine and the electric motor are unleashed in their full glory? The answer lies in the response when you plant the throttle in a higher gear at low revs. The 296 simply erupts forward, with virtually no discernible lag, compelling you to question the very necessity of gear changes due to its overwhelming potency. Nevertheless, eight gears are at your disposal, and an engine that screams to an 8,500rpm redline. When you truly uncork the 296, the effect is nothing short of astonishing.
As the performance figures attest – a brisk 0-62mph sprint in a mere 2.9 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205mph – the acceleration is the kind that inspires a mixture of white-knuckled apprehension and exhilarated, almost nervous, laughter. It’s intensely addictive. And the soundtrack? It’s a captivating blend of turbocharger whines and whistles overlaying the tuneful, aggressive rasp of the V6, a truly compelling sonic experience.
The responsiveness of the 296 GTB’s chassis is truly remarkable. Ferrari’s assertion that the car was engineered for pure driving enjoyment proves to be an understatement. It feels extraordinarily agile without ever bordering on skittishness. The steering is typically light and direct, yet it delivers a surprising amount of road feel, a crucial element often sacrificed in the pursuit of outright speed. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains delightfully throttle-adjustable, eliciting an irrepressible grin from the driver.
Despite its quoted dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 feels significantly lighter on its feet. There’s a tangible lack of inertia throughout the entire vehicle, encouraging the driver to engage with it, making minute inputs and reveling in its pinpoint accuracy and precision. Engaging CT Off mode allows for astonishing levels of dynamic freedom, providing the reassurance that an intelligent electronic guardian is still watching over you. Yet, even with all electronic aids disengaged, the 296’s inherent balance allows it to be coaxed into controlled oversteer with a finesse one might deem impossible in a car producing 819bhp.
On a racetrack, the 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to make even the longest straights feel dramatically shorter. What becomes even more apparent is its surgical precision. The immense power is readily available to break rear-end traction at numerous points around the lap, but the 296 is equally sensitive to braking and steering inputs. One quickly learns that meticulous control yields the most profound rewards. The breathtaking turn-in accuracy and responsiveness dramatically shorten the entry phase into every corner. Instead of gradually easing the car into turns and allowing load to build, the 296 settles instantaneously, aided by its Multimatic dampers and the hyper-quick steering, which perfectly complements the enhanced body control offered by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for those accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal, delivering an intoxicating joy lap after lap.
The cabin architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90. The 296 inherits much of its technological ethos from its flagship sibling, including a fully digital interface and an array of haptic touch controls integrated into the steering wheel and traditional stalks. While undeniably complex, this system aims to convey a wealth of information. However, its primary drawback lies in the occasional need for a second press for operations to register, or the ambiguity of whether an input has been successfully acknowledged. Despite these ergonomic challenges, the cabin undeniably exudes a sense of occasion and specialness.
In the prestigious evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, the 296 GTB proved to be a polarizing yet ultimately triumphant contender. The road testers found themselves almost equally divided between the Ferrari and the McLaren Artura, with the judges split three and three in their final preferences. For those who leaned towards the Ferrari, the sentiment was unanimous: “What a spectacular car,” enthused Jethro Bovingdon. “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.”
Richard Meaden echoed this sentiment, declaring it, “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment shared by many. He further elaborated, “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 seamless integration of the Ferrari’s hybridisation was widely lauded. However, a significant niggle emerged on the final night of testing when a drained battery left one of the cars stranded, with no apparent means of revival. While Ferrari had provided explicit warnings and detailed procedures to mitigate such an occurrence, the incident highlighted a potential vulnerability for owners. As Gallagher astutely observed, “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 incident occurred after all cars had been scored.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering, while praised by some, divided opinion. The brake pedal feel, while competent, didn’t quite reach the stratospheric heights set by the very best in the group, and the technological interface continued to draw criticism for its complexity. Nevertheless, the 296’s overall allure was undeniable. As Vivian noted, “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 of evo, summarized the 296 GTB’s triumph: “It’s a real return to form for Ferrari, after the SF90 left us cold last year. 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.” He concluded with high praise, “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.” This sentiment underscores the Ferrari 296 GTB review consensus: a significant leap forward.
When a vehicle is so heavily laden with advanced technology, there’s always an inherent risk of it feeling like a collection of disparate parts rather than a cohesive whole. This was a critique leveled at the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power, could sometimes feel unnerving and difficult to fully comprehend. The 296 GTB, however, is a different proposition entirely. Its strength lies in its organic nature and the exquisite balance it strikes between raw power and engaging dynamics. It has unequivocally redefined the expectations for a £250,000-ish supercar. Rumors of a ‘Versione Speciale’ variant, code-named internally, with even greater power, performance, and intensity, suggest that Ferrari isn’t resting on its laurels. The crucial hope remains that this enhanced iteration will retain the standard 296’s remarkably natural and intuitive feel.
It is precisely this aspect – the refined driving experience and intuitive connection between driver and machine – that we fervently hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power for any series-production supercar, and such immense capability can easily overwhelm the chassis if not meticulously engineered to match. If Lamborghini has indeed achieved that delicate balance – and their success with the Revuelto offers substantial reason for optimism – then the automotive world is poised for an epic twin test, potentially featuring two hyper-powerful hybrid titans.
Alternatively, we could witness a staggering 2400bhp triple threat, including the McLaren 750S. Absurdly, the McLaren, with its “mere” 740bhp, would then be the minnow of the class. However, its relatively svelte 1389kg kerb weight ensures a competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw immediacy, ergonomic perfection, razor-sharp steering, and exquisitely tuned chassis offer a more connected and visceral experience compared to the Ferrari’s often more isolated feel. The Ferrari 296 GTB price is substantial, but for those seeking the pinnacle of hybrid supercar engineering, it represents a compelling proposition.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications
Engine: V6, 2992cc, twin-turbocharged, augmented by an electric motor.
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch automatic with active E-diff.
Combined Power Output: 819bhp @ 8000rpm.
Combined Torque Output: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm (Ferrari’s stated figure for the V6, with combined torque unquoted).
Weight: 1470kg (dry weight), equating to approximately 566bhp per ton.
Acceleration (0-62mph): 2.9 seconds.
Top Speed: 205mph.
Price: Starting from £250,000+.
The 296 GTB is more than just a supercar; it’s a testament to the relentless pursuit of automotive perfection. If you’re ready to experience the future of performance driving, to explore the cutting edge of hybrid supercar technology, we invite you to connect with our Ferrari specialists today. Discover firsthand the magic of Maranello and begin your journey with a legend.
