Ferrari 296 GTB: Electrifying Performance Meets Timeless Driving Dynamics
For a decade now, the landscape of high-performance automobiles has been in a state of flux, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. As an industry veteran with ten years immersed in this exhilarating world, I’ve witnessed firsthand the seismic shifts driven by technological innovation and an ever-increasing demand for both raw power and refined driving pleasure. Among the most captivating evolutions has been the integration of hybrid powertrains into the supercar segment, a transition that Ferrari has navigated with its signature blend of audacity and artistry. The Ferrari 296 GTB, a marvel of engineering that has graced our roads for a couple of years, stands as a testament to this progressive approach, even as formidable rivals emerge on the horizon. This review delves into why the Ferrari 296 GTB remains a benchmark, and what emerging contenders, like the anticipated Lamborghini Temerario, must aspire to achieve to even approach its brilliance.
The arrival of the 2022 Ferrari 296 GTB marked an unprecedented departure from the marque’s established formula for its mid-engined supercar. Eschewing the multi-award-winning, potent twin-turbo V8 in favor of an entirely new, compact twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by sophisticated electrical power, the 296 GTB proactively embraced the future. It stepped into a high-tier supercar segment that, at the time, was only beginning its widespread adoption of hybrid technology.
In its initial iteration, the 296 GTB found its most traditional adversary in the Lamborghini Huracán, a machine defined by its naturally aspirated V10. While perhaps lower in sheer horsepower compared to its Italian stablemate’s eventual successor, the Huracán offered an intoxicating blend of V10 charisma and raw, unfiltered exhaust notes, a true delight in its prime. It also contended with the formidable McLaren 720S, which championed its own twin-turbo V8 prowess. While the subsequent McLaren 750S represents a refined evolution of that concept, prioritizing power-to-weight supremacy, the looming 903bhp, 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid Temerario from Lamborghini is unequivocally their direct challenge to Maranello’s 819bhp hybridized Berlinetta.
Make no mistake, the Ferrari 296 GTB wields genuine, awe-inspiring firepower. Its completely redesigned 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, working in concert with an electric motor, drives solely the rear wheels – a distinction from the SF90 Stradale. This potent combination results in a headline-grabbing 819 horsepower, a figure that undeniably shattered conventional supercar paradigms upon its debut.
It’s challenging to look past such an astonishing power output, and one might easily find themselves contemplating the ultimate ceiling for such power escalation – a question the 296 GTB seems poised to answer for the market – and indeed, where one might even utilize such prodigious performance. However, that’s a subject for a different discussion.
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is its pioneering status. It is the first V6-powered Ferrari road car to bear the Prancing Horse emblem (the exquisite 246 GT Dino, while a V6, never officially carried the Ferrari badge in its era). It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger arrangement and integrates a plug-in hybrid system, offering an impressive pure-electric range of approximately 15 miles. This compact V6 is strategically mounted low within a new aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase that’s been reduced by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors. The driver and passenger are positioned slightly further forward, contributing to a more centralized mass.
The electric motor alone contributes an impressive 165 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine, independently, generates a staggering 654 horsepower and 546 lb-ft of torque. The combined output of 819 horsepower is the headline figure. Ferrari, however, judiciously refrains from publishing a combined peak torque figure. This is likely due to the intricate, nuanced interplay between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, but it’s safe to infer that the overall torque delivery will be nothing short of substantial. Overall, the V6 unit offers a weight saving of 30 kg over Ferrari’s V8s and is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a slender, oblong structure, is ingeniously housed behind the seats.
It wouldn’t be a Ferrari without an arsenal of acronyms denoting its cutting-edge electronic chassis control systems. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari has developed a sophisticated six-axis sensor array, 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.
This revolutionary sensor replaces traditional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of both driver inputs and the available grip at the tire contact patches. It then orchestrates other systems, such as the Side Slip Control (SSC) and the active Electronic Differential (E-Diff), to maximize cornering speeds while rigorously maintaining stability and driver confidence. Furthermore, it enables a novel system called ABS-evo, which, in RACE mode and above, leverages the 296’s brake-by-wire technology to not only shorten braking distances but also enhance braking performance during trail-braking scenarios into corners.
For the first time in its history, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics technology not to minimize drag, but to actively generate downforce. The manufacturer quotes an impressive figure of 360kg of downforce at 155 mph. Remarkably, up to 100kg of this is generated by the deployable rear wing, seamlessly integrated into the car’s rear.
The thermal management of the 296 GTB is equally ingenious. Two radiators located in the front fascia are dedicated to cooling the engine and gearbox. Two additional condensers are employed to manage the battery’s temperature. Hot air is expertly expelled from the underbody, ensuring it does not interfere with the airflow directed into the intercoolers positioned along the car’s flanks. The subtle apertures beneath the headlamps are designed to draw air for brake cooling. At the rear, an aerodynamically sculpted roofline integrates a “virtual” rear screen, which cleverly channels airflow towards the rear of the car as if guided by a dedicated surface. The majority of the 296’s substantial downforce is generated from beneath the car. Particular attention has been paid not only to the precise channelling of air and the design of the rear diffuser but also to the underbody’s ground clearance, thereby maximizing the effectiveness of its downforce-generating surfaces.
The 296 GTB models we had the privilege of testing on a circuit during their launch were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units, derived from GT racing technology. It also incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the front, which contribute an extra 20kg of front downforce.
The interior also benefits from an increased application of carbon fiber, including the door panels, and further carbon fiber accents on the exterior, contributing to an overall weight reduction of 12kg. This saving can be extended to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. An additional choice for Assetto Fiorano equipped cars is the fitment of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, an upgrade from the standard Pilot Sport 4S tires. Cars configured with the Fiorano package can also be specified with an exterior graphics package, artfully inspired by the iconic liveries seen on the 250LM in the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 GTB “in the metal,” I can attest to its striking aesthetic. It possesses a visual presence that is distinctly unique, echoing the spirit of the 250LM of the 1960s, even without the more polarizing graphics option.
Performance and Acceleration Dynamics
To initiate forward motion, a simple double-press of the lower button on the steering wheel boss is required, followed by engaging first gear. The 296 GTB defaults to Hybrid mode, meaning it will depart silently on electric power alone unless prompted otherwise via the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors located on the left side of the steering wheel’s hub. Provided you refrain from excessive throttle application, it will continue to operate purely on electric power, assuming sufficient battery charge.
You also have the option to manually “force” the car into EV mode, irrespective of powertrain demands. Alternatively, dedicated Performance and Qualifying modes are available. In these modes, both power sources are actively engaged. The Performance mode aims to maintain battery charge while delivering potent performance, whereas the Qualifying mode prioritizes absolute maximum performance, with little regard for the battery’s state of charge.
Gliding silently through picturesque villages is an unexpectedly serene pleasure. The damping system is so sophisticated that it transforms the cabin into a remarkably comfortable environment for covering long distances. There’s even a surprisingly practical luggage compartment located in the ‘frunk’ at the front – a welcome addition compared to the SF90. However, the question that truly ignites our curiosity, for both myself and you, the discerning reader, is: what does it feel like when both the engine and the electric motor are unleashed to their full potential?
The answer becomes immediately apparent when you plant the throttle at low RPMs in a high gear. The 296 GTB simply surges forward with an instantaneous surge of power, devoid of any perceptible lag. It’s so potent that it compels you, for a fleeting moment, to question the very necessity of gears, such is its overwhelming potency. Nevertheless, there are eight gears to exploit, and an engine that happily revs to 8500rpm. When you truly uncork the full capabilities of the 296, the experience is nothing short of astonishing.
As the performance figures suggest (0-62 mph in 2.9 seconds, a top speed exceeding 205 mph), the rate of acceleration is in the “hold-on-tight/nervous laughter” category. It verges on the extreme, yet it is simultaneously and addictively exhilarating. This is, without question, a seriously rapid automobile. Its auditory signature is equally captivating, with a rich tapestry of turbocharger sounds harmoniously overlaying the melodious rasp of the V6.
Ride Quality and Handling Prowess
What truly elevates the 296 GTB is the remarkable responsiveness of its chassis and the unwavering commitment Ferrari demonstrated in making this car “fun to drive.” It exhibits exceptional agility without ever tipping into nervousness. The steering, characteristically light and quick, also provides a surprising level of tactile feedback and detail. While the grip levels are predictably immense, the car’s remarkable throttle adjustability encourages playful engagement, inevitably bringing a broad smile to your face.
Despite its quoted dry weight of 1470 kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a palpable lack of inertia throughout the entire vehicle, which invites you to work with it, making precise, minimalist inputs and reveling in its uncanny accuracy and precision. Engaging the CT Off mode allows for astonishing liberties with the accompanying reassurance that a highly intelligent electronic guardian is still at work. However, even with all electronic aids deactivated, the inherent balance of the 296 GTB allows it to be coaxed into a controlled oversteer, in a manner one might never have imagined possible in a car producing 819 horsepower.
On the racetrack, the 296 GTB possesses the remarkable ability to effectively “shrink” even a lengthy start-finish straight. What becomes even more apparent is its surgical precision. The power is readily available to break rear-wheel traction at numerous points around the lap, yet the 296 GTB is also exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. You quickly learn that absolute precision with the controls yields the greatest rewards. The astonishing turn-in accuracy and immediate response dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing the car into turns and allowing loads to build progressively, the 296 GTB settles instantly, aided by its Multimatic dampers. The hyper-quick steering perfectly complements the enhanced roll support provided by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even if you’ve just disembarked from a more conventional sports car, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal and an absolute joy to experience lap after lap.
Interior Design and Ergonomics
The cabin architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the 296 GTB inherits a significant portion of its interior layout from that flagship model. The entirely digital interface, coupled with its accompanying haptic switchgear, presents a notable learning curve. These controls are liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it.
Undoubtedly, the system is complex. However, to be fair, it is tasked with conveying a vast amount of information. The primary challenge lies in the fact that seemingly simple operations sometimes necessitate a second press after the initial attempt fails to register, or one is left uncertain whether a press has even been registered. Nevertheless, the overall ambiance of the cabin undeniably feels special.
Reflections from the Experts: evo Car of the Year 2022 Verdict
“Now it gets serious,” began the judges’ assessment at evo’s Car of the Year 2022. “When the scores were tallied, there wasn’t even the proverbial ‘fag paper’ between the McLaren Artura and the 296 GTB. The judging panel was perfectly divided: three of us narrowly favored the Ferrari over the McLaren; three placed the Macca ahead by a whisker.”
The trio who ultimately ranked the 296 GTB higher – myself included, along with Meaden and Bovingdon – were effusive. “What a spectacular car,” enthused Jethro. “Beautiful to behold, outrageously fast, incredibly exploitable, and so technically clever. Its V6 demonstrably shows McLaren how to downsize yet amplify the drama, and it matches the Artura in terms of sheer control while feeling a bit more playful and indulgent.”
“The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” was Dickie’s verdict, a sentiment echoed by many of us. “The hybrid system is exceptionally well-integrated and doesn’t alter the driving experience as much as I had initially feared, likely 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 its appeal isn’t solely reliant on sheer speed, thanks to the character of the V6, which delivers a soundtrack that remains consistently sweet and evolves with throttle application.”
“The Ferrari’s hybridisation was widely lauded for its seamless integration. However, on the final night of testing, we found ourselves stranded after the battery depleted with no apparent means of reviving the car. To be fair, Ferrari had cautioned us about this possibility and detailed the specific measures required to prevent it. Nevertheless, it’s not inconceivable that an owner could find themselves in a similar predicament. As Gallagher rightly pointed out, ‘the company that pioneered individual rear-wheel steering in its cars failing to engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this is a significant oversight.’ Fortunately for the 296 GTB, this incident occurred after all cars had been scored.”
“Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake feel, while competent, didn’t quite match the very best in the group. The tech interface was also widely criticized for its excessive complexity. However, beyond these points, the 296 GTB proved irresistibly seductive. ‘I initially thought I wouldn’t particularly like the Fezza – too complex, with rather gratuitous points of differentiation,’ confessed Vivian. ‘But in the end, I found myself somewhat bewitched: its uncanny ability to change direction, its astonishing damping, and looney-tune levels of grip, coupled with the linearity of its seemingly endless power delivery…'”
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“This represents a true return to form for Ferrari, particularly after the SF90 left us feeling rather underwhelmed last year. As Sutcliffe aptly put it: ‘The 296 is significantly more successful because its technical sophistication, and the integration of its hybrid technology in particular, feels far more natural and considerably less intrusive.’ Gallagher concurred: ‘Ferrari has absorbed so much from the SF90, learned invaluable lessons from that car, and distilled them into a series-production model that ranks among its very best.'” – Peter Tomalin, ecoty 2022.
Pricing and Competitive Landscape
Whenever a vehicle is so heavily laden with advanced technology, there exists a inherent risk that it might ultimately prove to be less than the sum of its individual parts. This is precisely what we encountered with the SF90 Stradale, which, while dazzling in its power output, ultimately unsettled us with its challenging driving characteristics.
However, the 296 GTB is an entirely different proposition. As our experience at the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards demonstrated (where it secured a joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura), it feels profoundly more organic. Its harmonious blend of raw power and engaging dynamics strikes an exquisite sweet spot, effectively redefining what a supercar in the £250,000-plus bracket can achieve. A “Versione Speciale” (a temporary designation) variant of the 296 is anticipated this year, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity. We can only hope that the standard 296’s inexplicably natural driving feel is retained.
It is this fundamental aspect of the 296 GTB’s character that we fervently hope Lamborghini has prioritized when refining its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900 horsepower is an obscene amount of power to wield in a series-production supercar, a figure that can undoubtedly become overwhelming if the rest of the vehicle isn’t meticulously resolved to manage it. If Lamborghini has truly mastered this challenge – and the sheer brilliance of their Revuelto is ample reason for optimism – then we are poised for a monumental twin-test confrontation.
Alternatively, we could expand this to a staggering 2400 horsepower triple threat, including the McLaren 750S, which, almost absurdly, must now be described as the “minnow” of this class with its mere 740 horsepower. However, as noted, it brings a relatively petite 1389kg kerb weight to the table, thus offering a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw engagement, ergonomic perfection, the crispness of its steering, and the deftness of its chassis undeniably set it apart against the comparatively remote feel of the Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications:
Engine: V6, 2992cc, twin-turbocharged, augmented by an electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, with active E-diff
Combined Power: 819 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Torque: 546 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm
Weight: 1470 kg (dry) (566 bhp/ton)
0-62 mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205 mph
Price: £250,000+
The automotive world is constantly evolving, and the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a profound statement of where performance, technology, and driving exhilaration can converge. If you’re seeking to experience this groundbreaking machine or explore the cutting edge of supercar innovation, we invite you to connect with our team to discuss your aspirations and discover how you can become part of this electrifying future.
