Ferrari 296 GTB: A New Era of Electrified Supercar Performance in the U.S. Market
For a decade now, the landscape of high-performance automotive engineering has been in a state of perpetual evolution.
As an industry insider with ten years immersed in the thrilling, and often bewildering, world of supercars, I’ve witnessed firsthand the relentless pursuit of power, efficiency, and driving purity. Ferrari, a name synonymous with automotive excellence, has consistently pushed boundaries. The Ferrari 296 GTB, a marvel that has graced our roads for a couple of years, exemplifies this ethos, offering a breathtaking blend of traditional V12-like drama with cutting-edge hybrid technology. Even with formidable rivals like the upcoming 903bhp, 10,000rpm Lamborghini Temerario on the horizon, the 296 GTB continues to set a blistering pace.
The arrival of the 296 GTB in 2022 marked a significant departure from Ferrari’s established mid-engined supercar formula. Eschewing the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 in favor of an entirely new twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by an electric motor, the 296 GTB boldly spearheaded a segment of the supercar market that was only just beginning its transition into the hybrid era. This move was not merely a technical exercise; it was a calculated gambit to redefine supercar performance for the 21st century, offering a glimpse into the future of hybrid supercar performance and V6 supercar evolution.
At its debut, the 296 GTB’s most direct competitor was the Lamborghini Huracán, a car celebrated for its naturally aspirated V10 charisma and raw acoustic symphony. While the Huracán offered a purist’s delight, it was outgunned in terms of raw power. The McLaren 720S, with its potent twin-turbo V8, represented another formidable challenge, a car that mastered the art of power-to-weight supremacy. However, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid Temerario represents Lamborghini’s direct riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta, a clear signal that the Lamborghini Temerario vs Ferrari 296 GTB battle is about to intensify.
Indeed, the Ferrari 296 GTB price reflects its cutting-edge technology and exclusive positioning, but the car’s performance figures are nothing short of astounding. With its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine and an electric motor, delivering power solely to the rear wheels (a departure from the all-wheel-drive SF90), the 819bhp 296 GTB has fundamentally reshaped the supercar paradigm. It’s easy to be captivated by such headline power figures and ponder the limits of performance escalation – and indeed, where such power can be fully unleashed on public roads.
The 296 GTB is not just a powerhouse; it’s a technological tour de force. It stands as the first V6-powered Ferrari road car to proudly wear the Prancing Horse emblem, building upon the legacy of the delectable 246 GT Dino, which, in its era, did not carry the iconic badge. It features a state-of-the-art ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration and is a plug-in hybrid, offering an impressive EV-only range of approximately 15 miles. The compact V6 engine is nestled low within a new aluminum chassis, with a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, and the occupants are positioned slightly further forward, contributing to a more dynamic center of gravity.
The electric motor alone contributes a substantial 165bhp and 232 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 engine independently produces a staggering 654bhp and 546 lb-ft. Combined, they yield the headline figure of 819bhp. Ferrari, interestingly, chooses not to quote a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the V6 and the electric motor. However, it’s safe to assume this figure is nothing short of prodigious. The V6 unit itself is approximately 30kg lighter than Ferrari’s V8 engines and is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a sleek oblong structure, is cleverly integrated behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without an array of sophisticated electronic chassis management systems, and the 296 is no exception. Ferrari has developed a groundbreaking six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This advanced system precisely measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes. It effectively replaces traditional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of driver inputs and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patches. This data allows for the optimization of systems such as Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, maximizing cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and driver confidence. It also enables the introduction of ABS-evo in RACE mode and above, a system that leverages the 296’s brake-by-wire technology to significantly shorten braking distances and enhance braking performance, particularly during trail-braking maneuvers.
For the first time, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics not to minimize drag, but to maximize downforce. The marque claims an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a notable 100kg of this generated by a deployable rear wing integrated into the car’s tail. The thermal management is equally impressive: two radiators in the front manage engine and gearbox cooling, while two additional condensers handle battery cooling. Hot air is strategically expelled beneath the car, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the flow of cooling air directed to the intercoolers located along the flanks. The subtle apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to brake cooling, and a wing integrated into the roofline creates a “virtual” rear screen, channeling air towards the rear of the car as if guided by a sculpted surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated from beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid to air channeling, the rear diffuser, and crucially, the underbody’s ground clearance to enhance the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The pre-production Ferrari 296 GTB models we experienced on a closed circuit were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This comprehensive upgrade replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units derived from GT racing, while also incorporating additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements at the front, boosting front downforce by an additional 20kg. The package further enhances the car’s performance credentials with increased use of carbon fiber in the cabin – such as the door panels – and exterior components, resulting in a weight saving of 12kg. This figure increases to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For the ultimate track-focused setup, Fiorano-spec cars can be fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Additionally, an exterior graphics package, inspired by the iconic 250LM of the 1960s, is available for Fiorano models.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 GTB in person, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It presents a design language that is both distinctive and captivating, echoing the elegance of the 1960s 250LM, even without the more polarizing graphic treatments.
Performance and Acceleration Dynamics
Initiating the drive is as simple as a double-press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss and engaging first gear. The 296 GTB defaults to Hybrid mode, enabling silent, electric-only propulsion unless overridden by the driver via the haptic mode selectors on the steering wheel. With judicious throttle application, the car can maintain purely electric motivation, provided the battery has sufficient charge. Drivers can also elect to force the car into EV mode, irrespective of powertrain demands, or select from Performance and Qualifying modes. In these modes, both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor work in tandem: Performance mode aims to maintain battery charge alongside delivering power, while Qualifying mode prioritizes absolute performance, with less regard for the battery’s state of charge.
The experience of gliding silently through urban environments is an unexpected delight. The damping is remarkably sophisticated, rendering it a surprisingly comfortable and refined cruiser for covering significant distances. There’s even a practical luggage compartment in the front trunk, a welcome addition absent in the SF90. But the true measure of this machine lies in what happens when both the engine and electric motor are unleashed.
Plant the throttle at low revs in a high gear, and the 296 GTB surges forward with astonishing immediacy, rendering the concept of turbo lag utterly obsolete. It’s a potent demonstration of instant torque that prompts one to question the necessity of traditional gear changes. Yet, with eight gears at its disposal and an engine that revs to an exhilarating 8500rpm, the full-throttle experience is nothing short of sensational. The acceleration is of the “hold-on-tight” variety, inducing a mixture of nervous laughter and an almost addictive sense of exhilaration. This is a seriously rapid automobile, accompanied by a soundscape that masterfully blends turbocharger effects with the tuneful rasp of the V6.
Ride Dynamics and Handling Prowess
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is the uncanny responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s stated aim of making this car “fun to drive” is not merely marketing jargon; it’s a tangible reality. The car exhibits exceptional agility without veering into nervousness. The steering, typically light and quick, is also remarkably communicative, feeding detailed information back to the driver. While the grip levels are predictably immense, the car’s inherent adjustability on the throttle invites playful, grin-inducing maneuvers.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter, possessing a remarkable lack of inertia that encourages an intuitive, collaborative driving style. Small, precise inputs are met with immediate and accurate responses. Engaging the CT Off mode provides a layer of electronic assistance that instills confidence, even when pushing the limits. However, even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296 GTB’s inherent balance allows for remarkable levels of oversteer, a feat one might deem impossible in a car producing 819bhp.
On the track, the 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to compress even lengthy straights, showcasing its precision as a sharp, finely honed instrument. While the power is more than sufficient to break rear traction at numerous points on the circuit, the 296 GTB is also exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. A precise application of controls consistently yields the greatest rewards. The turn-in accuracy and responsiveness are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Instead of gently guiding the car into turns and allowing load to build, the 296 GTB settles instantly, its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering perfectly complementing the increased roll support provided by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are simply phenomenal, providing an exhilarating experience lap after lap.
Interior Ambiance and Technology Integration
The cabin architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90, as the 296 GTB draws heavily from its larger sibling. The fully digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear present a significant learning curve. These controls are liberally distributed across the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it. While the complexity is undeniable, it’s perhaps a consequence of the wealth of information and functionality being conveyed. The most frustrating aspect, however, can be the need for a second press for simple operations that may not register initially, or indeed, the uncertainty of whether a press has been successfully registered at all. Nevertheless, the interior undeniably conveys a sense of occasion and exclusivity.
Expert Verdict: A Paradigm Shift in Supercar Engineering
In the prestigious evo Car of the Year 2022 competition, the 296 GTB and the McLaren Artura were locked in an incredibly tight battle, separated by the thinnest of margins. The judging panel was almost perfectly divided, with three experts narrowly favoring the Ferrari and three awarding the McLaren a slight edge.
The three who championed the 296 GTB, including myself, were captivated by its sheer brilliance. “What a spectacular car,” enthused one judge. “Beautiful to behold, outrageously fast, astonishingly exploitable, and technically brilliant. Its V6 engine demonstrates how to downsize effectively while amplifying the drama, matching the Artura in terms of outright control but feeling more playful and indulgent.”
Another esteemed critic declared it “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment widely echoed. “The hybrid system works exceptionally well and doesn’t alter the driving experience as drastically as I had feared. Perhaps this is because we’ve become accustomed to the torquey characteristics of the turbocharged V8s in the 488 and F8. The 296 is stonkingly quick, but its appeal extends beyond mere speed, thanks to the character of the V6, which offers a consistently sweet soundtrack that evolves with throttle input.”
While the Ferrari’s hybrid integration received widespread praise for its seamlessness, a memorable incident saw one example left stranded after the battery depleted with no apparent means of revival. Ferrari had indeed cautioned about this possibility and detailed preventative measures. However, it’s not inconceivable that an owner could encounter a similar predicament. As one judge pointed out, “For a company that pioneered individual rear-wheel steering, the inability to engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this scenario is a significant oversight.” Fortunately, this incident occurred after all scoring was complete.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering remained a point of contention, with brake feel not quite matching the very best in class. The technology interface was also a frequent target of criticism for its complexity. However, these minor drawbacks were overshadowed by the 296 GTB’s irresistible allure. “I initially doubted my appreciation for the Ferrari – too complex, with rather gratuitous points of differentiation,” commented one judge. “But I found myself utterly bewitched: its uncanny ability to change direction, its astonishing damping, its mind-boggling levels of grip, and the linearity of its seemingly endless power.”
The sentiment was clear: the 296 GTB represented a significant return to form for Ferrari after the SF90, which had left some feeling underwhelmed. “The 296 is far more successful because its technical sophistication, particularly the integration of its hybrid technology, feels far more natural and considerably less intrusive,” noted a respected reviewer. Another agreed, stating, “Ferrari has taken so much from the SF90, learned valuable lessons, and distilled them into a series-production model that stands as one of its very best.”
Pricing, Rivals, and the Future of Performance
The inherent risk with any vehicle heavily laden with cutting-edge technology is that it might become less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment echoed in our assessment of the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power output, could be unnerving in its less intuitive driving characteristics.
However, the 296 GTB is a different proposition entirely. As evidenced by its strong showing at the evo Car of the Year 2022, where it secured a joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, the 296 GTB feels far more organic. Its harmonious blend of immense power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect balance, effectively redefining what a supercar priced in the range of £250,000 can achieve. A more potent Versione Speciale variant of the 296 is anticipated, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity, with the crucial hope that the standard 296’s effortlessly natural feel will be retained.
It is this very aspect of the 296 GTB’s character that we eagerly anticipate Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an extraordinary amount of power to manage in a series-production supercar, and it has the potential to overwhelm if the rest of the vehicle isn’t meticulously engineered to harness it. If Lamborghini has succeeded, as their impressive Revuelto suggests they might, we are poised for an electrifying 1700bhp twin test showdown.
Alternatively, we could witness a 2400bhp triple threat encounter, including the McLaren 750S. At 740bhp, it might appear the minnow of this elite class, but it brings a relatively lithe kerb weight of 1389kg to the table, ensuring a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw engagement, ergonomic perfection, crisp steering, and deft chassis dynamics offer a distinct contrast to the comparatively more remote driving experience of the Ferrari.
For those seeking the pinnacle of modern supercar engineering, the Ferrari 296 GTB offers an unparalleled blend of electrifying performance, sophisticated technology, and engaging driving dynamics. Its V6 hybrid powertrain, combined with its advanced chassis and aerodynamic systems, creates a driving experience that is both exhilarating and deeply satisfying.
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
Estimated Price: Starting from £250,000+
Ready to experience the future of supercar performance? Explore financing options and schedule your personal consultation for the Ferrari 296 GTB today. Discover how this groundbreaking hybrid marvel can elevate your driving passion.
