The Ferrari 296 GTB: Electrifying Performance and the Dawn of a New Supercar Era
For a decade, I’ve navigated the exhilarating, often bewildering, landscape of high-performance automotive engineering.
I’ve witnessed firsthand the relentless pursuit of power, the evolution of chassis dynamics, and the seismic shifts brought about by technological innovation. Today, standing at the precipice of what can only be described as a revolution in supercar design, the Ferrari 296 GTB emerges not just as a remarkable machine, but as a harbinger of what’s to come. Even with the horizon painted with the formidable silhouette of the 10,000rpm, 903bhp Lamborghini Temerario, the Ferrari 296 GTB continues to captivate with its sheer brilliance.
The arrival of the 296 GTB in 2022 marked an unprecedented turning point for Ferrari’s mid-engined supercar lineage. A bold departure from the established order, it shed the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 in favor of a groundbreaking twin-turbo V6, augmented by electric power. This strategic pivot positioned the Ferrari 296 GTB at the vanguard of a segment still largely embracing the transition to hybrid powertrains. Initially, its direct competitor was the Lamborghini Huracán, a darling of the naturally-aspirated V10 era, celebrated for its visceral acoustic symphony and raw character. The McLaren 720S, a titan of twin-turbo V8 performance, also stood as a formidable adversary. While the McLaren 750S represents an evolution of a proven formula, emphasizing power-to-weight superiority, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid Temerario is unequivocally Lamborghini’s provocative riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta.
Make no mistake, the Ferrari 296 GTB commands a staggering arsenal of performance. Its entirely new 120-degree, twin-turbocharged V6 engine, coupled with an electric motor, drives solely the rear wheels – a distinct departure from the all-wheel-drive madness of the SF90. This configuration bestows upon the 819bhp Ferrari 296 GTB the power to shatter conventional supercar expectations. It’s easy to become fixated on such an awe-inspiring power output, pondering the ultimate limits of such acceleration and, more practically, where one might actually deploy such prodigious force. These are questions for another time, perhaps.
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is its pioneering spirit. It stands as the first V6-powered Ferrari road car to bear the iconic Prancing Horse emblem – a lineage that, while not including the revered 246 GT Dino in its own time, carries immense historical weight. It’s also the first to incorporate a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger layout, a design choice that optimizes packaging and throttle response. Furthermore, its plug-in hybrid nature offers an electric-only range of approximately 15 miles, a testament to its dual-personality charm. Nestled low within a novel aluminum chassis, the V6 engine benefits from a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, with occupants positioned slightly further forward.
The electric motor itself contributes a formidable 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 alone unleashes a breathtaking 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined output culminates in the headline-grabbing 819bhp figure. Ferrari, perhaps wisely, refrains from quoting a precise combined peak torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the combustion engine and electric motor. However, it is safe to surmise that this combined torque figure is nothing short of extraordinary. Across the board, the V6 unit offers a weight saving of 30kg over Ferrari’s V8 engines. This potent powerplant is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, with the compact, oblong battery pack strategically positioned behind the seats.
No modern Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of acronyms signifying its sophisticated electronic chassis management systems. For the 296, Ferrari has developed an innovative six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS, capable of precisely measuring acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes. This advanced system supersedes conventional yaw sensors. In conjunction with a sensor integrated into the steering rack, it provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of driver input and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data feeds into systems such as Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, working in concert to maximize cornering speeds while upholding unwavering stability and security. It also enables the introduction of the novel ABS-evo system, 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 into corners.
In a significant development, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics technology not for drag reduction, but for the augmentation of downforce. The marque quotes a remarkable figure of 360kg at 155mph, with the deployable rear wing contributing up to 100kg of this downforce. To manage the thermal demands of this potent hybrid powertrain, the Ferrari 296 GTB features two radiators in the front for engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two additional condensers dedicated to the battery. Hot air is expelled from the underbody to prevent interference with the cooling air directed towards the intercoolers along the car’s flanks. The discreet apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to brake cooling, while a seamlessly integrated wing within the roofline sculpts the airflow, creating a ‘virtual’ rear screen that channels air towards the rear of the car as if guided by a precisely defined surface. The lion’s share of the 296’s downforce is generated beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid not only to the management of airflow and the rear diffuser but also to the critical underbody ride height, optimizing the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
Our initial brief circuit experience with the 296 GTB models was exclusively with the optional Assetto Fiorano package fitted. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units, directly derived from GT racing technology. It also incorporates additional carbon aerodynamic elements at the front, boosting front downforce by a notable 20kg. Furthermore, the Assetto Fiorano specification introduces further carbon fiber accents within the cabin, such as the door panels, and on the exterior, contributing to an overall weight saving of 12kg. This figure can be further enhanced by an additional 3kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For those seeking the ultimate in track-focused grip, the Assetto Fiorano package offers an optional upgrade to Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the already capable standard Pilot Sport 4S. Visually, Assetto Fiorano cars can be personalized with an exterior graphics package inspired by the iconic 250LM of the 1960s, a nod to Ferrari’s illustrious motorsport heritage. Having had ample opportunity to examine the Ferrari 296 GTB in person, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It presents a form that is distinctly unlike anything else on the road, subtly evoking the spirit of the 1960s 250LM, even without the polarizing graphics package.
To initiate forward motion, a simple double-press on the lower portion of the steering wheel boss is required, followed by selecting first gear. The 296 defaults to Hybrid mode, meaning it will commence its journey using electric power alone, unless the driver intervenes via the haptic driver mode selectors on the left side of the wheel. As long as throttle inputs are judicious, the car will continue to operate solely on electric power, provided sufficient battery charge is available. For those who desire it, the option exists to ‘force’ the car into pure EV mode, irrespective of power demands. Beyond this, two distinct performance modes are available: Performance and Qualifying. In both of these modes, both power sources operate in tandem. Performance mode prioritizes overall driving experience while also managing to keep the battery topped up. Qualifying mode, as the name suggests, is dedicated to delivering unadulterated, maximum performance, with no consideration for the battery’s state of charge.
The experience of gliding silently through urban landscapes is an unexpectedly serene pleasure. The damping system is so remarkably sophisticated that it transforms long journeys into remarkably comfortable affairs. Even luggage accommodation is surprisingly practical, with a usable space in the front ‘frunk’ – a welcome contrast to the SF90. However, the question that truly occupies the minds of enthusiasts, myself included, is what it feels like when both the V6 engine and the electric motor are unleashed with full intent. The answer lies in a moment of pure, unadulterated acceleration. Prod the throttle from low revs in a high gear, and the 296 simply catapults forward with zero perceptible lag, prompting a fleeting contemplation of the necessity of gears altogether, such is its immediate potency. Yet, the presence of eight gears to exploit, and an engine that willingly revs to an exhilarating 8500rpm, means that when the Ferrari 296 GTB is truly uncorked, the effect is nothing short of astonishing.
As the performance figures suggest – a mere 2.9 seconds for the 0-62mph sprint and a top speed exceeding 205mph – the rate of acceleration is an experience that verges on the extreme, eliciting a mixture of white-knuckle grip and nervous laughter, yet it remains undeniably addictive. This is a car of profound speed. And the acoustics are equally captivating, with a symphony of turbocharger effects overlaying the melodious rasp of the V6.
What truly elevates the 296 GTB is the astonishing responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s stated aim of making this car ‘fun to drive’ is not merely marketing jargon; it’s an inherent characteristic. The car feels exceptionally agile without ever bordering on nervousness. The steering, typically light and quick, also imparts a remarkable level of feedback, revealing the nuances of the road surface. While grip levels are, as one would expect, exceptionally high, the car’s true magic lies in its throttle adjustability. It encourages and rewards playful interaction, eliciting a genuine grin with every degree of steering input. It feels significantly lighter than its stated dry weight of 1470kg, possessing a palpable lack of inertia that invites the driver to work in harmony with the machine, making subtle inputs and reveling in its pinpoint accuracy and precision. Engaging CT Off mode provides an incredible degree of freedom, yet always with the comforting reassurance of an advanced electronic safety net far more perceptive than one’s own instincts. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows it to be teased into oversteer with a finesse one would scarcely believe possible in a car producing 819bhp.
On the track, the 296 has the uncanny ability to make even the longest start-finish straight feel remarkably short. What becomes even more apparent is its surgical precision. The power is readily available to break traction at the rear at numerous points around the lap, but the 296 also exhibits an acute sensitivity to braking and steering inputs. It quickly becomes apparent that precision in control inputs yields the most profound rewards. The astonishing accuracy and immediacy of its turn-in dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Rather than gently easing the car into turns and allowing loads to build, the 296 instantly settles into its line, aided by the Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering that perfectly complements 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 are nothing short of phenomenal, providing an exhilarating experience lap after lap.
The interior architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90, as the 296 inherits a great deal from its more extreme sibling. The fully digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear, liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it, present a significant learning curve. While undeniably complex, it’s important to acknowledge the vast amount of information and functions it manages. The primary frustration arises when simple operations occasionally require a second press due to initial non-registration, or a lack of clear confirmation that a press has been successful. Nevertheless, the cabin undeniably exudes an aura of exclusivity and occasion.
In the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards, the Ferrari 296 GTB garnered immense praise. The competition between the McLaren Artura and the 296 GTB was incredibly close, with judges’ scores separated by the narrowest of margins. The judging panel was evenly divided, with three narrowly favoring the Ferrari and three opting for the McLaren. Those who placed the 296 GTB ahead lauded its spectacular nature, its breathtaking beauty, outrageous speed, astonishing exploitability, and remarkable technical sophistication. Jethro Bovingdon enthusiastically noted how the V6 demonstrated to McLaren how to downsize effectively while amplifying the drama, and how it matched the Artura in sheer control but offered a more playful and indulgent driving experience. Dickie Meaden declared it “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. He further commented on the seamless integration of the hybrid system, which surprisingly did not detract from the driving experience as much as initially feared, likely due to the familiar torque characteristics of turbocharged V8s in models like the 488 and F8. He described the 296 as “stonkingly quick” but emphasized that its appeal extended beyond mere speed, thanks to the engaging character of the V6, which produces a consistently sweet soundtrack that evolves with throttle opening.
The seamless integration of the Ferrari’s hybrid system was widely celebrated, although a notable incident saw one car stranded after its battery depleted with no apparent means of recovery. Ferrari had indeed issued warnings and detailed preventative measures, yet the possibility of an owner facing a similar predicament cannot be entirely dismissed. As Gallagher observed, “that the company that 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 all cars had been scored. Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake feel, while competent, did not quite match the very best in the group. The technology interface also faced considerable criticism for its excessive complexity. Despite these points, the 296 remained irresistibly seductive. Vivian admitted to being initially skeptical, anticipating a car that was “too complex, rather gratuitous points of difference,” but ultimately found himself “somewhat bewitched” by its “spooky way it changes direction; its amazing damping and looney-tunes levels of grip; the linearity of seemingly never-ending power…”
Peter Tomalin, summarizing the 2022 evo Car of the Year verdict, stated that the 296 represented “a real return to form for Ferrari, after the SF90 left us cold last year.” He elaborated, “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.” Gallagher concurred, noting, “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.”
When a vehicle is so heavily endowed with advanced technology, there exists an inherent risk that it may ultimately feel like less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment echoed in our experience with the SF90, which, while dazzling with its sheer power output, occasionally unnerved with its challenging driving characteristics. The Ferrari 296 GTB, however, charts a decidedly different course. As evidenced by its joint third-place finish alongside the McLaren Artura at the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards, it possesses a far more organic feel. Its compelling fusion of raw power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect equilibrium, effectively redefining the expectations for a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket. A more potent variant, codenamed Versione Speciale, is anticipated this year, promising even greater levels of power, performance, and intensity. Our fervent hope is that the inherent, almost inexplicably natural feel of the standard 296 will be preserved.
It is precisely this aspect of the 296 GTB’s character that we hope Lamborghini has meticulously prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Boasting over 900bhp is an almost obscene proposition for a series-production supercar; without a chassis and supporting systems perfectly resolved to manage such power, it could easily prove overwhelming. If Lamborghini has achieved the level of integration and refinement seen in the Revuelto – a strong indicator of their capabilities – then we are poised for an electrifying head-to-head between these hybrid titans, a true 1700bhp twin test.
Alternatively, we could expand this into a mind-boggling 2400bhp triple-threat showdown, including the McLaren 750S. In this context, the 740bhp McLaren must now be described, rather absurdly, as the ‘minnow’ of the group. However, it counters with a relatively lithe 1389kg kerb weight, ensuring a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw, unadulterated feedback, ergonomic excellence, crisp steering, and deft chassis control distinctly set it apart from the comparatively more remote-feeling Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications:
Engine: 2992cc, twin-turbocharged V6, plus electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, active E-diff
Combined Power: 819bhp @ 8000rpm
Combined Torque: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Price: £250,000+
The automotive landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and the Ferrari 296 GTB is not just keeping up; it’s leading the charge. For those seeking the pinnacle of driving exhilaration, a blend of cutting-edge technology and timeless automotive passion, the time to explore this new frontier is now.
Are you ready to experience the future of supercar performance firsthand? Contact your nearest Ferrari dealership or a specialist supercar broker today to arrange a private consultation and discover how the Ferrari 296 GTB can redefine your driving world.

