Ferrari 296 GTB: A Modern Masterpiece of Hybrid Supercar Engineering
The world of performance motoring has long been defined by the raw, unfiltered power of naturally aspirated engines. Yet, as technology advances, the supercar landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation. At the forefront of this revolution stands the Ferrari 296 GTB, a vehicle that challenged conventional engineering wisdom by adopting a V6 hybrid powertrain. Two years after its debut, this phenomenal machine remains awe-inspiring, especially with the announcement of a formidable 903-bhp Lamborghini rival, the Temerario, looming on the horizon.
A Departure from Tradition: The V6 Hybrid Era
When the Ferrari 296 GTB arrived in 2022, it marked a seismic shift in the company’s philosophy. Dispensing with the legendary twin-turbo V8 that had graced many of its flagship models, Ferrari introduced a new V6 engine augmented with electric power. This decision positioned the 296 GTB as a pioneer in a segment that was still largely reliant on traditional internal combustion engines.
In its early days, the 296 GTB’s primary rival was the Lamborghini Huracán, a car celebrated for its naturally aspirated V10 engine, which offered a symphony of mechanical sound and visceral driving experience. Although the Huracán was outperformed in raw power, it retained an almost mythical status among enthusiasts. The McLaren 720S, with its twin-turbo V8, also represented a formidable benchmark, with the McLaren 750S building upon this legacy by focusing on power-to-weight supremacy.
However, the 296 GTB’s ultimate challenger arrived in the form of the Lamborghini Temerario. With a staggering 903 bhp and the ability to reach 10,000 rpm, this twin-turbo V8 hybrid supercar is a direct response to Maranello’s 819 bhp electrified Berlinetta.
The 296 GTB: Power Redefined
The Ferrari 296 GTB is undeniably powerful. It features an entirely new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine paired with an electric motor, driving only the rear wheels. This configuration offers an impressive combined output of 819 bhp, a figure that challenged established supercar conventions.
While the sheer magnitude of the 819 bhp power figure is astonishing, it prompts a fundamental question: where will this power escalation end? And, more importantly, where can such extreme performance be safely utilized in the real world? For now, these are questions for another day, as the immediate focus remains on the phenomenal capabilities of the 296 GTB itself.
A Historical Benchmark
The 296 GTB represents a significant moment in Ferrari’s history. It is the first V6-powered Ferrari road car, even though the iconic 246 GT Dino never bore the Prancing Horse emblem during its production run. It also features a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger installation and is a plug-in hybrid, offering an EV-only range of approximately 15 miles.
The engine is mounted low in a new aluminum chassis, with the wheelbase reduced by 50mm compared to V8-engined models. The occupants are positioned slightly further forward, enhancing the car’s agility and driver involvement. The electric motor delivers 165 bhp and 232 lb ft of torque, while the V6 engine on its own produces a stunning 654 bhp and 546 lb ft. Ferrari intentionally omits the combined peak torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the engine and the electric motor. However, it is safe to assume that the total output is considerable.
In terms of weight savings, the V6 configuration is 30 kg lighter than Ferrari’s V8 engines. The car is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and the battery pack – a long oblong structure – is strategically placed behind the seats.
Advanced Chassis Technology
No Ferrari would be complete without a suite of acronyms denoting sophisticated electronic chassis systems. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari developed the 6w-CDS (Six-Axis Sensor), which measures both acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes.
This sensor replaces the conventional yaw sensor and, in conjunction with a steering rack sensor, provides the car with a comprehensive understanding of the driver’s actions and the available grip at the tires. This system works seamlessly with the Side Slip Control and active E-Diff to maximize cornering speed while maintaining stability. It also introduces ABS-evo, a revolutionary braking system available in RACE mode. Using brake-by-wire technology, it shortens braking distances and improves performance during trail braking into corners.
Aerodynamic Innovation
For the first time, Ferrari has utilized active aerodynamics not to reduce drag, but to increase downforce. The firm quotes a figure of 360 kg at 155 mph, with up to 100 kg of that generated by the deployable rear wing.
The cooling system features two radiators in the nose for engine and gearbox cooling, along with two condensers for the battery. Hot air is expelled from the underbody to prevent interference with the cooling air directed into the intercoolers along the flanks. The small apertures below the headlights are for brake cooling, and the wing integrated at the rear roofline helps create a ‘virtual’ rear screen that channels air to the back of the car, effectively guiding airflow as if over a physical surface.
The 296 GTB’s downforce is predominantly generated from the underbody. Significant attention was paid to channeling airflow through the rear diffuser and optimizing the height of the underbody to maximize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The Assetto Fiorano Package
The 296 GTB models we briefly tested on the launch were all fitted with the Assetto Fiorano package. This upgrades the standard dampers to Multimatic units similar to those used in GT racing and adds further carbon aerodynamic devices to the nose, increasing front downforce by an additional 20 kg.
The cabin also features more carbon fiber (such as door panels) and exterior components, resulting in a total weight saving of 12 kg. This increases to 15 kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is selected. A further option for Fiorano buyers is the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the standard Pilot Sport 4S tires. Ferrari 296 GTB Assetto Fiorano models can also be ordered with an exterior graphics package inspired by the 250LM of the 1960s.
Design and Aesthetics
Having spent considerable time with the 296 GTB, it is a beautiful car, unlike anything else in the market. Even without the polarizing graphics pack, it strongly references the 250LM of the 1960s, marking a significant return to form for Ferrari.
Performance and Driveability
To set off, drivers double-press the bottom of the steering wheel boss and engage first gear. The 296 GTB always starts in Hybrid mode, moving away on electric power alone unless explicitly instructed otherwise via the haptic driver mode ‘buttons’ on the left side of the steering wheel. As long as the throttle input is moderate, the car will continue on electric power, provided the battery has sufficient charge.
Drivers can choose to ‘force’ the car into EV mode, regardless of the demands placed on the powertrain, or select Performance and Qualifying modes. In these modes, both power sources work together. The Performance mode prioritizes power delivery while also maintaining battery charge, whereas the Qualifying mode focuses on ultimate performance, disregarding the battery’s state.
One of the unexpected pleasures of the 296 GTB is the ability to glide silently through villages. The damping is remarkably sophisticated, making it a surprisingly comfortable car for long-distance travel. There is even a reasonably sized luggage area in the ‘frunk’ at the front, unlike the SF90.
The Heart of the Beast
But what truly matters is the sensation when both the engine and the electric motor are pushed to their limits. The clue lies in what happens when you accelerate hard at low revs in a high gear: the 296 GTB simply bolts forward with no lag, making you question the need for gears at all. However, there are eight gears to play with, and the engine revs to 8,500 rpm. When you really unleash the 296 GTB, the effect is absolutely startling.
As the specifications suggest, the acceleration rate is intense, requiring you to brace yourself and inducing nervous laughter. Yet, it is also strangely addictive. This is a seriously rapid car. It sounds beautiful, too, with plenty of turbo sound effects overlaying the tuneful V6 rasp of the engine.
Ride and Handling Excellence
What stands out most about the 296 GTB is how responsive the chassis is. Ferrari was not exaggerating when they aimed to make this car ‘fun to drive’. It feels agile without being nervous; the steering is typically light and fast, but it also offers precise feedback. While grip levels are extremely high, the car is also throttle-adjustable, which naturally brings a smile to the driver’s face.
Despite its 1,470 kg (dry) weight, the car feels much lighter than its figures suggest. There is a lack of inertia that encourages driver interaction, allowing for small inputs and a reveling in the car’s accuracy and
