The Ferrari 296 GTB: A New Dawn in Hybrid Supercar Performance
For over a decade, my career has been steeped in the exhilarating world of automotive engineering and performance vehicles. I’ve witnesse
d firsthand the relentless pursuit of speed, innovation, and raw emotion that defines the supercar segment. In that time, few machines have captured the imagination quite like the Ferrari 296 GTB. This isn’t just another iteration; it’s a paradigm shift, a meticulously crafted fusion of combustion and electric power that redefines what a hybrid supercar can be. For 2025, as rivals like the highly anticipated Lamborghini Temerario prepare to enter the fray, the 296 GTB stands as a testament to Ferrari’s unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries, offering an experience that is both exhilarating and deeply connected.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a significant departure for the storied Maranello marque. Forsaking the venerable, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 that had graced so many of its predecessors, Ferrari embraced a revolutionary twin-turbo V6, augmented by a potent electric motor. This bold move placed the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a supercar segment still in the nascent stages of its electrification journey. Gone are the days of purely internal combustion dominance; the future, as Ferrari so elegantly demonstrates with the 296 GTB, is a sophisticated dance between gas and electrons.
In its initial rollout, the 296 GTB’s most direct competitor was the Lamborghini Huracán, a machine celebrated for its naturally aspirated V10 symphony and visceral appeal. While perhaps outgunned in sheer horsepower by the hybrid Ferrari, the Huracán’s V10 provided a raw, emotive soundtrack that resonated deeply with enthusiasts. It also contended with the formidable McLaren 720S, a twin-turbo V8 powerhouse that epitomized the pursuit of ultimate power-to-weight ratios. While the subsequent McLaren 750S represents an evolution of that theme, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid V8 Lamborghini Temerario has emerged as a direct riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp hybridised Berlinetta, setting the stage for a thrilling new chapter in supercar rivalry.
Make no mistake, the Ferrari 296 GTB packs a formidable punch. At its heart lies an entirely new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, meticulously engineered to work in concert with an electric motor. Crucially, unlike its hybrid stablemate the SF90 Stradale, the 296 GTB directs its prodigious power solely to the rear wheels. This focused approach, combined with the 819bhp output, fundamentally alters the supercar equation. It’s a car designed not just for straight-line speed, but for an engaging, driver-centric experience that challenges conventions.
The sheer audacity of its power output is, quite frankly, mind-bending. It prompts contemplation: where will this relentless escalation of performance eventually lead? And, perhaps more importantly, where can such capabilities truly be unleashed in the real world? These are questions that linger, but they don’t diminish the astonishing achievement that is the Ferrari 296 GTB.
This remarkable machine is more than just a hybrid; it’s a landmark. The 296 GTB is the first V6-powered Ferrari road car to wear the Prancing Horse emblem, a lineage harking back to the sublime 246 GT Dino, though that iconic car never bore the official Ferrari badge during its production. It also introduces Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration, where the turbos are nestled within the cylinder banks for optimal packaging and responsiveness. Furthermore, its plug-in hybrid nature grants it an electric-only range of approximately 15 miles, offering a tantalizing glimpse into silent, emission-free motoring. The compact V6, a marvel of engineering, is mounted low in a bespoke aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8-engined predecessors. This strategic packaging shift also positions the occupants slightly further forward, contributing to a more centralized and engaging driving position.
The electric motor itself is no mere afterthought; it contributes a significant 165bhp and 232 lb-ft of torque. The V6, on its own, is a potent force, churning out an astonishing 654bhp and 546 lb-ft. The combined output culminates in that headline-grabbing 819bhp figure. While Ferrari strategically refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure – likely due to the complex interplay between the engine and electric motor – it’s safe to surmise that the resultant torque is nothing short of colossal. Furthermore, the V6 unit itself offers a weight saving of 30kg over comparable Ferrari V8s, and it’s seamlessly mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a long, slender structure, is ingeniously housed behind the seats, contributing to the car’s balanced weight distribution.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of sophisticated electronic chassis control systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has developed an advanced six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor), capable of measuring acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z axes. This revolutionary sensor 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 patch. This data is then fed to systems such as Side Slip Control and the active E-diff, working in tandem to maximize cornering speeds while simultaneously enhancing stability and driver confidence. The 296 GTB also introduces ABS-evo, a sophisticated evolution of the anti-lock braking system that, in RACE mode and above, leverages the car’s brake-by-wire technology to not only shorten braking distances but also improve braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners, a critical technique for maximizing lap times on track.
In a remarkable display of aerodynamic innovation, Ferrari has deployed its active aerodynamics not to reduce drag, but to generate downforce. The marque quotes an impressive figure of 360kg at 155mph, with a significant portion, up to 100kg, generated by a deployable rear wing. This active element dramatically enhances stability at high speeds. Cooling is meticulously managed, with two radiators in the front tasked with engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two condensers dedicated to the battery pack. Hot air is expertly expelled from the underbody, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with the flow of cool air directed to the intercoolers along the flanks of the car. The subtle apertures below the headlamps are dedicated to cooling the brakes, while a distinctive wing integrated into the roofline creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, effectively channeling air towards the rear of the car as if guided by a precisely sculpted surface. The majority of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s downforce is generated from beneath the car. Here, significant attention has been paid not only to the intricate design of the underbody airflow and rear diffuser but also to the critical ground clearance, optimizing the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
Our initial impressions of the 296 GTB were forged on the track, with every vehicle sampled equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units, derived directly from Ferrari’s GT racing endeavors. It also introduces additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements to the front fascia, contributing an additional 20kg of downforce. The weight-saving continues with further carbon fiber applications in the cabin, notably on the door panels, and on exterior components, contributing to an overall weight reduction of 12kg. This figure increases to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For those seeking the ultimate in track performance, the Assetto Fiorano package also offers Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires as an upgrade over the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Completing the aggressive aesthetic, Fiorano-equipped cars can also be ordered with a striking exterior graphics package, a nostalgic nod to the iconic 250LM from the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time experiencing the Ferrari 296 GTB firsthand, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It presents a form that is both striking and distinct, a departure from convention that draws inspiration from motorsport heritage, even without the more assertive graphics package. It’s a design that commands attention and whispers of performance.
Initiating forward motion is as simple as a double-press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by engaging first gear. The 296 GTB defaults to Hybrid mode, meaning it will commence its journey on electric power alone, unless deliberately prompted otherwise via the intuitive haptic mode selectors located on the left side of the steering wheel. As long as throttle inputs are judicious, the car will continue its silent progress solely on electric power, provided the battery retains sufficient charge.
Drivers have the option to force the car into EV mode, irrespective of other powertrain demands. Alternatively, there are dedicated Performance and Qualifying modes. In these settings, both power sources operate in tandem. Performance mode prioritizes sustained power delivery while also ensuring the battery remains adequately charged. Qualifying mode, however, unleashes the car’s ultimate performance potential, with no regard for the battery’s state of charge.
The unexpected serenity of gliding through urban landscapes is a revelation. The damping sophistication is truly exceptional, rendering the cabin a surprisingly comfortable environment for covering long distances. Furthermore, the front trunk (or ‘frunk’) offers a practical luggage space, a welcome practicality absent in the SF90. However, the real question on every enthusiast’s mind is: what does it feel like when both the V6 engine and the electric motor are unleashed in their full glory?
The answer becomes strikingly apparent when you plant the throttle at low revs in a higher gear. The Ferrari 296 GTB simply surges forward, devoid of any discernible lag, prompting a momentary questioning of the very need for gear changes, such is its immediate potency. Yet, there are eight gears to exploit, and an engine that readily sings to 8500rpm. When you truly uncork the 296, the effect is nothing short of astonishing.
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 of the “hold-on-tight” variety, bordering on overwhelming, yet paradoxically, utterly addictive. This is a seriously rapid machine. And the sound? It’s a delightful aural experience, with ample turbocharger effects overlaying the tuneful rasp of the V6, creating a soundtrack that is both dramatic and engaging.
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is the astonishing responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s assertion that the car was designed to be “fun to drive” is not mere marketing hyperbole; it’s an engineering reality. The car feels incredibly agile without ever becoming nervous. The steering, a signature Ferrari trait, is typically light and rapid, but it’s also imbued with a remarkable level of tactility, allowing you to feel the road beneath you. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car also remains remarkably throttle-adjustable. This ability to play with the rear end, to subtly dial in oversteer with judicious throttle inputs, is a source of pure, unadulterated joy that elicits a wide grin.
It feels significantly lighter than its 1470kg (dry) kerb weight suggests. There’s a captivating lack of inertia that encourages an intimate connection with the car. You find yourself making small, precise inputs, reveling in its accuracy and directness. Engaging CT Off mode allows for breathtaking liberties, yet you remain subtly reassured by the presence of an electronic guardian far more astute than one’s own instincts. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the inherent balance of the Ferrari 296 GTB allows for playful oversteer, a feat you might deem impossible in a car with such immense power.
On track, the 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to make even the longest start-finish straight feel dramatically shorter. What becomes even more apparent is the car’s surgical precision. The power is readily available to break traction at the rear at numerous points around the circuit, but the 296 GTB is also exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. You quickly learn that precision in your control inputs is met with exponential rewards. The turn-in accuracy and responsiveness are so immediate that they dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Rather than easing the car into turns and allowing loads to build progressively, the 296 GTB assumes its cornering stance instantaneously, aided by its Multimatic dampers. The hyper-quick steering complements the enhanced body control offered by the Assetto Fiorano setup beautifully. Even if you’ve just stepped out of a more conventional sports car, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the Ferrari 296 GTB are simply phenomenal, delivering an exhilarating experience lap after lap.
The interior architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the 296 GTB shares a significant design kinship with its larger sibling. However, the fully digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear can present a learning curve. These controls are liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it. While undeniably complex, it’s a testament to the vast amount of information and functions the system manages. The most significant critique lies in the occasional need for a second press for simple operations, or the ambiguity of whether an input has been registered. Nevertheless, the cabin undeniably feels like a special place to inhabit.
Reflecting on the 2022 evo Car of the Year accolades, the Ferrari 296 GTB commanded significant attention. The competition was fierce, with the McLaren Artura running incredibly close. Judges were notably divided, with an equal split preferring either the Ferrari or the McLaren. Those who leaned towards the Ferrari – myself included – were captivated by its sheer spectacle. “What a spectacular car,” enthused Jethro. “Beautiful to behold, outrageously fast, astonishingly exploitable, and technically brilliant. Its V6 engine demonstrates to McLaren how to downsize while simultaneously amplifying the drama. It matches the Artura in terms of pure control but possesses a more playful and indulgent character.”
Dickie delivered a pronouncement that resonated with many: “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355.” He continued, “The hybrid system integrates seamlessly, without significantly altering the driving experience as I had feared. Perhaps this is because we’ve become accustomed to the torquey characteristics of turbocharged V8s in the 488 and F8. The 296 is stonkingly quick, but it doesn’t solely rely on speed; the character of the V6, with its consistently sweet soundtrack that evolves with throttle opening, adds another captivating dimension.”
While the Ferrari’s hybridisation was widely lauded for its seamless integration, a notable incident saw a car left stranded after the battery depleted with no apparent means of recovery. Ferrari had, in fact, pre-warned of this possibility and provided guidance on preventative measures. However, the concern remains that an owner could find themselves in a similar predicament. As Gallagher aptly put it, “For a company that pioneered individual rear-wheel steering, the inability to engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this is a significant oversight.” Fortunately for the 296 GTB, this occurred after the scoring process was complete.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering proved divisive among the judges. The brake feel, while competent, didn’t quite match the very best in the group, and the technology interface drew widespread criticism for its excessive complexity. Despite these points, the 296 GTB remained irresistibly seductive. Vivian admitted, “I initially thought I wouldn’t appreciate the Fezza much – too complex, rather gratuitous points of difference. But I found myself somewhat bewitched: its uncanny ability to change direction, its phenomenal damping, and its looney-tunes levels of grip, coupled with a seemingly unending linearity of power…”
The consensus was clear: the Ferrari 296 GTB represented a significant return to form, a marked improvement over the SF90, which had left some feeling somewhat underwhelmed. As Sutcliffe observed, “The 296 is far 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, “Ferrari has taken so much from the SF90, learned from that car, and distilled it into a series production model that stands as one of its very best.” – Peter Tomalin, ecoty 2022.
When a vehicle is so laden with cutting-edge technology, there’s always a risk that it might become less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment we encountered with the SF90, which, despite its dazzling power output, could be unnerving in its less-than-predictable driving characteristics.
However, the Ferrari 296 GTB charts a distinctly different course. As evidenced by its joint third-place finish alongside the McLaren Artura at eCoty 2022, it feels far more organic and cohesive. Its potent blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect chord, effectively redefining what a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket can and should be. A Versione Speciale variant of the 296 is anticipated this year, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity. Our fervent hope is that the standard 296’s inexplicably natural and accessible feel is retained within this more extreme iteration.
It is precisely this aspect – the innate drivability and connection – that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an almost obscene amount of power for a series-production supercar, and it possesses the potential to overwhelm if the rest of the vehicle isn’t meticulously resolved to manage it. If Lamborghini has truly succeeded – and the exceptional execution of the Revuelto offers ample reason for optimism – then we are poised for an unforgettable twin test, potentially pitting two machines with a combined output approaching 1700bhp against each other.
Alternatively, we could expand this to a formidable 2400bhp triple threat, including the McLaren 750S. The 750S, with its 740bhp, might now be considered the ‘minnow’ of this rarefied class. However, it brings a relatively svelte 1389kg kerb weight to the table, ensuring a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw character, ergonomic perfection, the crispness of its steering, and the deftness of its chassis offer a distinct contrast to the comparatively more remote sensation of the 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 (engine output)
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Price: £250,000+
The Ferrari 296 GTB isn’t just a car; it’s an experience, a statement of intent, and a benchmark for the future of performance motoring. If you’re seeking to understand the cutting edge of hybrid supercar technology and the pinnacle of driving engagement, we invite you to explore the possibilities of experiencing the 296 GTB firsthand.

