The Ferrari 296 GTB: A V6 Hybrid Revolution Forging a New Era of Supercar Performance
For a decade now, I’ve navigated the dynamic landscape of high-performance automotive engineering, witnessing firs
thand the relentless pursuit of power, efficiency, and driver engagement. In this ever-evolving arena, few marques have consistently set the benchmark quite like Ferrari. The Maranello outfit, steeped in racing heritage and an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries, has once again delivered a machine that redefines expectations: the Ferrari 296 GTB. This isn’t just an evolution; it’s a bold statement, a paradigm shift in the supercar segment, and a direct challenge to rivals like the highly anticipated Lamborghini Temerario, which faces a formidable benchmark in the form of this electrifying V6 hybrid.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a pivotal moment in Ferrari’s road car history. For the first time, the iconic Prancing Horse emblem graced a V6-powered production model, a departure from the V8 heart that had powered so many legendary predecessors. This wasn’t a compromise; it was a calculated leap forward. Paired with a sophisticated electric motor, this new twin-turbocharged 120-degree V6 engine configuration, a layout that famously incorporates a “hot-vee” turbocharger setup, immediately positioned the Ferrari 296 GTB at the vanguard of a supercar segment that is still navigating its transition to electrification.
While its predecessor, the Huracán, championed the soul-stirring wail of a naturally aspirated V10, and rivals like the McLaren 720S (and its successor, the 750S) leveraged the brute force of twin-turbo V8s, the Ferrari 296 GTB boldly embraced a hybridized future. The 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid V8 powertrain of the Lamborghini Temerario, undoubtedly a powerhouse in its own right, now faces a meticulously engineered Italian competitor that delivers an astonishing 819 horsepower. This is a clash of philosophies, a battle for supremacy in a domain where raw power meets intelligent synergy.
The sheer performance figures emanating from the Ferrari 296 GTB are, frankly, staggering. Its newly developed V6, on its own, unleashes a formidable 654 horsepower and 546 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor contributes an additional 165 horsepower and 232 lb-ft. When these two potent forces combine, the headline figure of 819 horsepower is achieved. While Ferrari remains coy about the combined peak torque – a testament to the intricate dance between the V6 and the electric motor – it’s safe to say the resulting surge of acceleration is immense. This powertrain not only eclipses its V8 brethren in sheer output but also offers a tangible weight saving of approximately 30kg, a critical factor in the relentless quest for agility.
This innovative powertrain is seamlessly integrated with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, a staple of modern Ferrari performance. The battery pack, a compact, oblong structure, is strategically located behind the occupants, contributing to the car’s optimal weight distribution. The Ferrari 296 GTB is also a plug-in hybrid, offering a useful electric-only range of around 15 miles. This allows for silent, emissions-free commuting through urban environments, adding a layer of versatility rarely associated with supercars. The compact V6 unit is mounted low within a newly designed aluminum chassis, and a strategic reduction of 50mm in the wheelbase compared to its V8 predecessors, coupled with a slightly forward seating position for the occupants, further enhances the car’s dynamic prowess.
No modern Ferrari would be complete without a suite of advanced electronic chassis management systems, and the Ferrari 296 GTB is no exception. Central to its dynamic capabilities is the revolutionary six-axis Sensor 6w-CDS. This sophisticated system meticulously measures acceleration and rotational speeds across the X, Y, and Z planes, effectively replacing traditional yaw sensors. In concert with a sensor mounted on the steering rack, the 6w-CDS provides the car with an unprecedented understanding of driver inputs and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This allows Ferrari’s celebrated Side Slip Control and active Electronic Differential to work in perfect harmony, maximizing cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and driver confidence.
Furthermore, the integration of the 6w-CDS and the brake-by-wire system enables a groundbreaking innovation: ABS-evo. Activated in RACE mode and above, this advanced anti-lock braking system not only significantly reduces braking distances but also dramatically enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners, a technique that demands absolute precision and unwavering control.
Aerodynamics also plays a crucial role in the Ferrari 296 GTB’s exceptional performance. For the first time, Ferrari has deployed its active aerodynamics technology not for drag reduction, but for the explicit purpose of increasing downforce. The result is a remarkable 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a significant portion of this generated by an active rear wing that deploys seamlessly from the rear of the car. The cooling system is equally impressive, featuring two radiators in the nose for engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two additional condensers dedicated to the battery. Hot air is efficiently expelled from beneath the car, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with the flow of cool air directed to the intercoolers along the flanks. Small apertures below the headlamps are dedicated to brake cooling, while a roofline-integrated wing at the rear assists in creating a “virtual” rear screen, channeling airflow to the rear of the vehicle with aerodynamic precision. The majority of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s downforce is generated from beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid to air channelling, the rear diffuser design, and crucially, the underbody’s ground clearance to optimize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
For those seeking the absolute pinnacle of track-focused performance, the optional Assetto Fiorano package is a compelling proposition. This bespoke upgrade replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units, derived from Ferrari’s GT racing endeavors, and adds further carbon fiber aerodynamic enhancements to the nose, increasing front downforce by an additional 20kg. The package also introduces more carbon fiber within the cabin and on the exterior, contributing to a significant weight saving of 12kg, which can be further extended to 15kg with the optional Lexan rear engine cover. To further elevate the track prowess, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires can be specified in place of the standard Pilot Sport 4S, offering unparalleled grip levels. The Assetto Fiorano variants also offer a distinctive exterior graphics package, a stylish homage to the iconic 250LM of the 1960s.
Visually, the Ferrari 296 GTB is a masterpiece. Even without the optional graphics, its design language evokes the spirit of the 250LM, presenting a silhouette that is both timeless and strikingly contemporary. It’s a car that commands attention, a true work of art on wheels.
The driving experience of the Ferrari 296 GTB is where its revolutionary nature truly shines. Initiating the drive is as simple as a double-press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, meaning it will silently glide away on electric power alone, unless prompted otherwise by the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors on the steering wheel. As long as throttle inputs are judicious, and the battery retains charge, the Ferrari 296 GTB will continue its journey powered solely by electricity. For those moments when unadulterated performance is desired, EV mode can be forcefully engaged, or one can select from the more aggressive Performance or Qualifying modes. In these settings, both the V6 engine and the electric motor work in unison to deliver breathtaking acceleration. Performance mode aims to maintain battery charge while maximizing power, whereas Qualifying mode prioritizes ultimate performance, irrespective of the battery’s state of charge.
The ability to glide silently through picturesque villages is an unexpected delight, and the sophisticated damping system ensures a remarkably comfortable ride, making it an ideal companion for long-distance touring. The front trunk, or “frunk,” offers a surprisingly practical luggage space, a welcome departure from the more constrained offerings of some of Ferrari’s past hybrid flagships.
But the true magic of the Ferrari 296 GTB is unleashed when both the V6 and electric motor are operating at their peak. Prod the throttle at low revs in a higher gear, and the car surges forward with an immediacy that defies logic, rendering the very concept of turbo lag obsolete. This instant, potent response prompts a momentary questioning of the need for gears at all. Yet, with eight to choose from and an engine that revs willingly to 8500rpm, the experience of pushing the Ferrari 296 GTB to its limits is nothing short of astonishing.
The acceleration figures – a brisk 0-62mph sprint in just 2.9 seconds and a top speed of over 205mph – only hint at the visceral sensation of being pinned back in your seat. It’s an experience that borders on the exhilaratingly uncomfortable, yet possesses a profoundly addictive quality. The soundtrack is equally captivating, a harmonious blend of V6 rasp and sophisticated turbocharger effects, creating an auditory symphony that perfectly complements the car’s performance.
The chassis response of the Ferrari 296 GTB is truly remarkable. Ferrari’s assertion that the car was engineered to be “fun to drive” is not hyperbole; it’s a fundamental truth. The car feels exceptionally agile without ever becoming nervous or unpredictable. The steering, typically light and razor-sharp as one would expect from Ferrari, also delivers an impressive level of feedback, allowing the driver to feel intimately connected to the road surface. While the grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable, encouraging playful exploration of its dynamic limits and eliciting an irrepressible grin.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the Ferrari 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a palpable absence of inertia throughout the car, inviting the driver to work with it, making small, precise inputs and reveling in its accuracy. Even with electronic aids like Traction Control switched to a more lenient setting, there’s an underlying reassurance from the intelligent electronic brain that constantly monitors and assists. Crucially, even with all electronic interventions deactivated, the inherent balance of the Ferrari 296 GTB allows for controlled oversteer, a feat seemingly improbable in a car boasting such immense power.
On the track, the Ferrari 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to seemingly shrink even the longest straights. It transforms into a razor-sharp instrument, capable of breaking traction at numerous points around the circuit. However, its sensitivity to braking and steering inputs is paramount. Precision is rewarded handsomely, and a nuanced approach to control unlocks the car’s full potential. The turn-in accuracy and responsiveness are extraordinary, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing into turns and gradually building load, the Ferrari 296 GTB assumes its apex position instantaneously, its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering working in concert with the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more mature sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of this machine are phenomenal, delivering an exhilarating experience lap after lap.
The interior of the Ferrari 296 GTB echoes the minimalist, driver-focused ethos found in the SF90 Stradale. While undeniably modern and technologically advanced, the purely digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear, liberally applied to the steering wheel and the traditional Ferrari pods, can present a learning curve. The complexity arises from the sheer volume of information and functions that need to be managed. At times, simple operations may require a second attempt to register, or the driver may be left uncertain if a command has been successfully executed. Nevertheless, despite these initial challenges, the cabin exudes a sense of occasion and exclusivity, making it a truly special place to be.
Reflecting on its performance, the Ferrari 296 GTB was a standout performer in the prestigious Evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, achieving a joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura. The judges were divided, with three narrowly favoring the Ferrari and three opting for the McLaren. Those who leaned towards the Ferrari praised its “spectacular” nature, its “beautiful” aesthetics, “outrageously fast” performance, and “amazingly exploitable” dynamics. The V6 engine was lauded for demonstrating how downsizing could be achieved without sacrificing drama, while its control was matched by the Artura, yet the Ferrari offered a “more playful and indulgent” feel.
One judge famously declared it the “first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. The hybrid system’s seamless integration was particularly commended, with its impact on the driving experience proving less intrusive than initially feared, perhaps due to the growing familiarity with the torque-rich characteristics of turbocharged V8s. The Ferrari 296 GTB was described as “stonkingly quick” but also possessing a characterful V6 that offered a delightful soundtrack that evolved with throttle input.
While the hybrid integration was widely praised, a minor incident where a car was left stranded after the battery depleted served as a cautionary note. Ferrari had indeed warned of such possibilities and provided guidance on prevention. However, the oversight in engineering a simple fail-safe mechanism to prevent such an occurrence was highlighted as a significant flaw. Fortunately for the Ferrari 296 GTB, this issue arose after the scoring was completed.
The Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering remained a topic of debate, and the brake feel, while competent, didn’t quite reach the benchmark set by the very best in the class. The technological interface also drew criticism for its complexity. Despite these points, the Ferrari 296 GTB proved “irresistibly seductive,” its unique directional changes, exceptional damping, immense grip, and seemingly endless linear power leaving a lasting impression.
Compared to the SF90 Stradale, which left some judges feeling somewhat underwhelmed, the Ferrari 296 GTB represented a significant step forward. Its technical sophistication and the integration of its hybrid technology felt far more natural and less intrusive. It’s as if Ferrari took the lessons learned from the SF90 and distilled them into a series production model that stands as one of its very best creations.
The risk inherent in such heavily technology-laden vehicles is that they can sometimes become less than the sum of their parts. This was a sentiment echoed with the SF90, which, despite its dazzling power, could be unnerving in its driving characteristics. However, the Ferrari 296 GTB strikes a profoundly different chord. It feels organic, a harmonious blend of exhilarating power and captivating dynamics that redefines what a sub-$300,000 supercar can and should be. Rumors of a Versione Speciale variant, promising even more power and intensity, suggest that the Ferrari 296 GTB’s story is far from over. The hope is that this heightened performance will be delivered without compromising the inherent, inexplicably natural feel that defines the standard model.
It is this very aspect – the natural, engaging driving experience – that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its upcoming hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900 horsepower is an astronomical figure, and if the rest of the car isn’t perfectly resolved to complement such raw power, it risks becoming an unruly beast. If Lamborghini has indeed mastered the art of integrating such immense power with a refined chassis, as evidenced by their Revuelto, then we are in for an epic twin-test battle, potentially with a combined output exceeding 1700 horsepower.
Adding the McLaren 750S into the mix, with its comparatively modest 740 horsepower, would create a truly electrifying 2400 horsepower triple threat. While the McLaren might be the “minnow” in terms of sheer power output, its remarkably light kerb weight of 1389kg ensures a potent power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw, ergonomic brilliance, crisp steering, and deft chassis tuning offer a more direct and engaging experience compared to the sometimes more remote feel of its Italian counterparts.
For those considering the ultimate automotive statement, the Ferrari 296 GTB represents a compelling fusion of cutting-edge technology, breathtaking performance, and exquisite design. It’s a car that challenges conventions and rewrites the rules of what a supercar can be.
Are you ready to experience the future of supercar performance? Discover the Ferrari 296 GTB and explore exclusive ownership opportunities by contacting your nearest authorized Ferrari dealer today.
