The Ferrari 296 GTB: A V6 Hybrid Revolution Challenging the Supercar Elite
For a decade, I’ve navigated the exhilarating, and often brutally competitive, landscape of high-performance automotive engin
eering. I’ve witnessed firsthand the relentless pursuit of power, the evolution of chassis dynamics, and the often-subtle nuances that separate a good supercar from an iconic one. In this arena, where each new model arrives with the weight of brand heritage and performance expectations, the introduction of a V6 hybrid powertrain by a marque synonymous with V8 and V12 dominance is a seismic event. This is precisely the narrative surrounding the Ferrari 296 GTB, a car that not only redefined Maranello’s approach to its mid-engined flagship but also set a new benchmark for performance, innovation, and driving engagement. It’s a machine that, even as established rivals refine their offerings and new contenders emerge, commands respect and ignites debate.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked an unprecedented shift for the Italian marque’s venerated mid-engined supercar lineage. Eschewing the multi-award-winning, thunderous twin-turbo V8 in favor of a completely novel twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by a sophisticated electric motor, the 296 GTB boldly embraced the future of hybrid propulsion in a segment that was, at the time, still in the nascent stages of electrification. This strategic pivot wasn’t merely about meeting emissions targets; it was a deliberate, calculated move to inject a fresh wave of performance and technological prowess into a highly competitive arena.
In its initial years, the 296 GTB’s most direct competitor was the Lamborghini Huracán, a symphony of naturally aspirated V10 charisma and raw auditory drama. While it might have lacked the sheer horsepower figures of its electrified rivals, the Huracán’s visceral appeal in its golden years was undeniable. Then there was the formidable McLaren 720S, a masterclass in twin-turbo V8 efficiency and a champion of power-to-weight supremacy. While the subsequent McLaren 750S represents an evolution of that potent theme, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid monster known as the Lamborghini Temerario (or Revuelto, as it became) stands as a direct riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta. The Ferrari 296 GTB review landscape, therefore, isn’t just about evaluating one exceptional car; it’s about understanding its place in a rapidly evolving supercar hierarchy, where the stakes have never been higher.
Indeed, the 296 GTB arrived packing an astonishing amount of firepower. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, working in tandem with an electric motor, drives the rear wheels exclusively – a departure from the all-wheel-drive setup of the flagship SF90 Stradale. This configuration, delivering a headline-grabbing 819bhp, was a radical departure from convention, challenging established notions of what a mid-engined supercar should be.
It’s easy to be captivated by such prodigious power figures, and one might naturally ponder where this relentless escalation of performance will ultimately lead – and, more practically, where such capabilities can be safely and exhilaratingly unleashed. But those are questions for another day. The immediate impact of the 296 GTB is its pioneering spirit. It represents the first V6-powered Ferrari road car (the exquisite 246 GT Dino, while a V6, never bore the official Prancing Horse badge in its era), the first to feature a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger installation, and crucially, a plug-in hybrid with a usable EV-only range of approximately 15 miles.
Nestled low within a bespoke aluminum chassis, the compact V6 benefits from a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, allowing the occupants to sit slightly further forward, enhancing the sense of intimacy with the machine. The electric motor itself contributes a stout 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 alone produces a staggering 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined output of 819bhp is the headline figure, but Ferrari, with characteristic reserve, refrains from quoting a peak combined torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the engine and electric motor. It’s safe to assume, however, that this combined torque is nothing short of immense. Crucially, the V6 unit itself is approximately 30kg lighter than Ferrari’s V8 engines and is mated to a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The compact battery pack, a long, slender unit, is cleverly packaged behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of acronyms signifying advanced electronic chassis control systems. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari has developed its proprietary six-axis sensor, the 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This sophisticated unit meticulously measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes. It effectively replaces traditional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor integrated into the steering rack, provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of driver input and available grip at the tire contact patches. This data is then used to optimize systems like Side Slip Control and the active electronic differential (e-Diff) to maximize cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and driver confidence. Furthermore, it enables the groundbreaking ABS-evo system, available in RACE mode and above. This system, leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, not only shortens braking distances but also enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners, a crucial technique for maximizing lap times.
For the first time in its history, Ferrari is employing its active aerodynamics not merely to reduce drag but to actively generate downforce. The manufacturer quotes an impressive figure of 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a significant portion of this – up to 100kg – derived from the deployable rear wing.
The cooling strategy is equally meticulous. Two radiators in the front fascia manage engine and gearbox temperatures, supplemented by two condensers dedicated to cooling the battery pack. Hot air is expelled beneath the car, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the flow of cool air directed to the intercoolers positioned along the flanks. The subtle apertures below the headlamps are dedicated to feeding air to the front brakes, while the integrated wing at the rear roofline assists in creating a ‘virtual’ rear screen, meticulously channeling air towards the car’s posterior. The majority of the 296’s downforce, however, is generated from beneath the car. Here, considerable engineering effort has been dedicated not only to optimizing airflow and the rear diffuser but also to precisely controlling the underbody’s ground clearance, thereby amplifying the effectiveness of these crucial downforce-generating surfaces.
The examples of the 296 GTB we sampled initially on a closed circuit were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with race-derived Multimatic units and adds further carbon fiber aerodynamic elements to the front, increasing front downforce by an additional 20kg. Inside, extensive use of carbon fiber, including door panels, contributes to a significant weight saving of 12kg, which can be further enhanced to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For those seeking the ultimate track-focused setup, the Assetto Fiorano package also offers the option of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the already highly capable standard Pilot Sport 4S. Aesthetics are not forgotten either, with the Fiorano package available with an exterior graphics package inspired by the iconic 250LM of the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 ‘in the metal,’ its design is undeniably striking. It possesses a distinct aesthetic, unashamedly evoking the spirit of the 250LM, even without the more flamboyant graphics options. It’s a beautiful, purposeful machine that stands apart in a field of dramatic designs.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: The Heart of the Hybrid Beast
Initiating the 296 GTB’s operation is a simple double-press of the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, enabling it to pull away solely on electric power unless deliberately overridden via the haptic driver mode selectors on the steering wheel. With judicious throttle application, it can maintain purely electric propulsion, provided sufficient battery charge is available.
The driver can also explicitly select ‘eDrive’ mode, forcing the car into silent electric running, irrespective of power demands. Beyond this, there are the Performance and Qualifying modes. In these settings, both the V6 engine and the electric motor operate in tandem. Performance mode prioritizes sustained power delivery while also ensuring the battery is kept adequately charged. Qualifying mode, as the name suggests, unleashes the absolute maximum available performance, with the state of the battery charge becoming a secondary concern.
The experience of gliding silently through urban landscapes is an unexpected delight, and the sophistication of the damping renders it a surprisingly comfortable companion for long journeys. Even the luggage capacity in the front ‘frunk’ is reasonably practical, a welcome consideration absent in the SF90 Stradale. But the question that truly captivates is: what does it feel like when both the V6 and the electric motor are unleashed in their full, unadulterated glory?
The answer is revealed when you plant the throttle at low revs in a higher gear: the 296 surges forward with an astonishing immediacy, utterly devoid of lag. For a fleeting moment, you question the very necessity of gears, so potent is its initial thrust. Yet, there are eight of them to exploit, and an engine that willingly revs to a thrilling 8500rpm. When the 296 truly comes alive, the effect is nothing short of startling.
As the performance figures suggest – a blistering 0-62mph time of just 2.9 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205mph – the rate of acceleration is intense, bordering on overwhelming, yet undeniably addictive. This is a supercar of immense velocity. And it sounds sensational, too, with a captivating blend of turbocharger induction noise overlaying the tuneful rasp of the V6.
Ride and Handling: A Masterclass in Agile Precision
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is the uncanny responsiveness of its chassis and Ferrari’s unwavering commitment to making this a truly ‘fun to drive’ machine. It feels exceptionally agile without ever bordering on nervousness. The steering is characteristically light and rapid, yet it also transmits a remarkable amount of feedback from the road. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable, a characteristic that elicits an irrepressible grin.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a fluidity and a lack of inertia that encourages an intuitive driving style, rewarding small, precise inputs and fostering a deep connection with the road. The CT Off (Control for Traction Off) mode offers a remarkable degree of freedom, providing the reassurance of an intelligent electronic safety net should things become too adventurous. Even with all electronic aids fully disengaged, the 296’s innate balance allows it to be provoked into controlled oversteer in a manner that seems almost impossible for a car producing 819bhp.
On the racetrack, the 296 GTB has the uncanny ability to make even lengthy straights feel more manageable. What becomes even more apparent is its surgical precision. While the power is readily available to break rear-wheel traction at numerous points around a lap, the 296 is also extraordinarily sensitive to braking and steering inputs. It quickly becomes clear that a precise approach to control inputs yields the most rewarding results.
The turn-in accuracy and response are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase into every corner. Instead of easing the car into turns and gradually building load, the 296 adopts its apex immediately, aided by the exceptional performance of its Multimatic dampers and the hyper-quick steering, which harmonizes beautifully with the increased roll support provided by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for those accustomed to more mature sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are simply breathtaking, offering a joy that endures lap after lap.
Interior: A Digital Frontier with Ergonomic Challenges
The cabin architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the 296 borrows heavily from its larger sibling. The entirely digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear, liberally applied to the steering wheel and the traditional Ferrari pods flanking it, present a significant learning curve.
It is undeniably complex, and to be fair, there’s a wealth of information to convey. However, the most frustrating aspect is how often simple operations require a second, or even third, attempt to register, or the uncertainty of whether a press has been successful at all. Despite these ergonomic quirks, the interior exudes a special, focused atmosphere, befitting a Ferrari.
The Verdict: A Landmark Achievement in Hybrid Supercar Design
At the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards, the competition was incredibly close, with the Ferrari 296 GTB and the McLaren Artura separated by mere fractions of a point. The judging panel was divided, with three experts narrowly favoring the Ferrari and three leaning towards the McLaren.
Those who championed the 296 GTB lauded its spectacular design, its outrageous speed, its exploitable nature, and its sheer technical brilliance. Jethro Bovingdon enthused, “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 declared it “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. He further commented, “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.”
While Ferrari’s hybridisation was widely praised for its seamless integration, a notable incident occurred where a depleted battery left one car stranded. Ferrari had indeed cautioned about such possibilities and provided guidance on prevention. However, the absence of a simple fail-safe mechanism to revive the car was a point of significant criticism. Fortunately for the 296, this occurred after the cars had been scored.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinions, and the brake feel didn’t consistently match the very best in class. The technological interface, as mentioned, was a common point of contention due to its complexity. Yet, despite these criticisms, the 296 GTB proved to be irresistibly seductive. Vivian Enge, initially skeptical, found himself “bewitched by the spooky way it changes direction; its amazing damping and looney-tunes levels of grip; the linearity of seemingly never-ending power…”
Reflecting on the SF90 Stradale’s less impactful debut the previous year, the 296 GTB represented a significant return to form for Ferrari. As Henry Catchpole observed, “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.” Andy Gallagher concurred, stating, “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.”
Price, Rivals, and the Future of Supercar Performance
The inherent risk with technologically advanced vehicles is that they can sometimes feel less than the sum of their parts. This was a sentiment echoed in our evaluation of the SF90 Stradale, which, despite its dazzling power, felt somewhat unnerving and difficult to read.
The 296 GTB, however, is a different proposition entirely. At the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards, where it secured a joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, it exhibited a more organic character. Its potent blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect balance, effectively redefining what a supercar costing in the region of £250,000 can achieve. Rumors of a ‘Versione Speciale’ variant, promising even greater power and intensity, are circulating, with hopes that the standard 296’s remarkably natural feel will be preserved.
It is this aspect – the natural, intuitive driving experience – that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an astronomical figure for a series-production supercar, and it has the potential to overwhelm the chassis if not meticulously engineered. If Lamborghini has succeeded in balancing this raw power with a resolved and engaging dynamic package – and the exceptional Revuelto provides ample reason for optimism – then we are on the cusp of a truly epic twin-test confrontation.
Alternatively, we could pit this electrifying duo against the McLaren 750S, a car that, with its 740bhp, must now be described as the ‘minnow’ of this hypercar class. However, the McLaren counters with a remarkably svelte kerb weight of 1389kg, resulting in a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw feedback, ergonomic perfection, razor-sharp steering, and deft chassis control offer a more direct and engaging experience compared to the sometimes more remote feel of its Italian counterparts.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications:
Engine: 2992cc V6, twin-turbocharged, plus electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, active e-Diff
Combined Power: 819bhp @ 8000rpm
Combined Torque: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm (engine only)
Weight: 1470kg (dry)
Power-to-Weight Ratio: 566bhp/ton
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Price: From £250,000+
The Ferrari 296 GTB is more than just a supercar; it’s a declaration of intent, a bold leap into the electrified future that doesn’t compromise on the visceral thrill and emotional connection that define the Prancing Horse. If you’re seeking to experience the pinnacle of hybrid supercar innovation and performance, there’s never been a better time to explore what the 296 GTB, and its electrifying rivals, have to offer.
Ready to explore the future of supercar performance? Discover the exhilarating world of the Ferrari 296 GTB and its cutting-edge hybrid technology. Contact your local Ferrari dealership or a specialist performance car broker today to arrange a personal consultation and experience this automotive masterpiece firsthand.

