The Ferrari 296 GTB: Maranello’s Electrifying Masterpiece Redefining Supercar Dynamics
For over a decade, the supercar landscape has been dominated by the thunderous roar of V8s and the soul-stirring
wail of naturally aspirated V10s. However, as an industry veteran with ten years immersed in the high-octane world of automotive engineering and performance, I can attest that a seismic shift has been underway. The introduction of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked not just an evolution, but a revolution from Maranello. It’s a machine that, even with the tantalizing promise of a 903bhp, 10,000rpm Lamborghini rival on the horizon, continues to astound with its audacious blend of electrification and raw, unadulterated Ferrari DNA. This isn’t merely a new model; it’s a fundamental reimagining of what a mid-engined supercar can, and indeed should, be in the 21st century.
The 296 GTB bravely diverged from Ferrari’s multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 lineage, embracing a sophisticated new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 powerplant augmented by a potent electric motor. This groundbreaking decision propelled the 296 GTB to the forefront of a supercar segment still in the nascent stages of embracing hybrid powertrains. When it first burst onto the scene, its primary adversaries were the Lamborghini Huracán, championing the charismatic allure of its naturally aspirated V10, and the ferocious McLaren 720S, a titan of twin-turbo V8 performance. While the McLaren 750S, a refined iteration, still leans into its formidable power-to-weight advantage, the impending 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid Temerario stands as Lamborghini’s direct riposte to Ferrari’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta. The Ferrari 296 GTB hybrid supercar is, without question, a pivotal moment.
The sheer potency of the 296 GTB is undeniable. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, coupled with an electric motor delivering power exclusively to the rear wheels (a distinction from the four-wheel-drive SF90), produces a staggering 819bhp. This configuration shattered conventional supercar paradigms, pushing the boundaries of performance and technological integration. It’s easy to become fixated on such astronomical power figures, prompting contemplation about the eventual zenith of this performance escalation and, more pragmatically, the opportunities to truly unleash it. But the story of the 296 GTB transcends mere numbers.
This remarkable machine holds the distinction of being the first V6-powered Ferrari road car to wear the Prancing Horse emblem (the iconic 246 GT Dino, while a V6, never bore the badge in its production era). It also pioneers Ferrari’s “hot-vee” turbocharger configuration and integrates a plug-in hybrid system, offering a respectable 15-mile all-electric range. The compact V6 is mounted low within a newly developed aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase reduced by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, with occupants positioned slightly further forward to optimize weight distribution and driver engagement. The electric motor alone contributes a formidable 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 engine independently generates a breathtaking 654bhp and 546lb ft. Ferrari wisely refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the engine and electric motor, but it’s safe to assume this figure is nothing short of colossal. This V6 powertrain is approximately 30kg lighter than a comparable V8 and is mated to an exquisite eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a slim, elongated structure, resides ingeniously behind the seats, contributing to the car’s low center of gravity. The advanced Ferrari 296 GTB hybrid performance is a testament to meticulous engineering.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of acronym-laden electronic chassis control systems. For the 296, Ferrari has engineered a revolutionary six-axis sensor array, dubbed the 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This sophisticated system measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes, effectively replacing conventional yaw sensors. In conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, it provides the car with an unprecedented understanding of driver intent and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patches. This data fuels the integration with systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, working in unison to maximize cornering speeds while preserving unwavering stability. A groundbreaking feature enabled by this is ABS-evo, available in RACE mode and above. This system, leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, not only shortens braking distances but also dramatically enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers, a critical element for maximizing track day enjoyment and spirited road driving. The Ferrari 296 GTB handling is engineered for ultimate precision.
For the first time, Ferrari is employing its active aerodynamics not for drag reduction, but for augmenting downforce. The automaker claims a remarkable 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with approximately 100kg of that generated by a deployable rear wing. The thermal management is equally impressive: two radiators in the front handle engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two condensers dedicated to the battery’s thermal regulation. Hot air is strategically expelled from the underbody to avoid disrupting the airflow directed towards the intercoolers positioned along the car’s flanks. Small apertures beneath the headlamps channel air to cool the brakes, while a roofline-integrated wing creates a “virtual” rear screen, guiding air efficiently to the rear of the car. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid to the underbody’s airflow management, the rear diffuser’s design, and critically, the underbody’s ground clearance to amplify the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces. Exploring Ferrari 296 GTB aerodynamics reveals a mastery of airflow.
The examples of the 296 GTB I had the privilege of experiencing on a circuit were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This upgrade replaces the standard dampers with race-derived Multimatic units and adds further carbon aerodynamic elements to the nose, increasing front downforce by an additional 20kg. The package also incorporates more carbon fiber in the cabin, such as the door panels, and on exterior components, contributing to an overall weight saving of 12kg. This can be further enhanced by an optional Lexan rear engine cover, bringing the saving to 15kg. For those seeking the ultimate track-focused setup, the Assetto Fiorano option includes Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, a significant upgrade from the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Aesthetically, Fiorano-equipped cars can be personalized with an exterior graphics package inspired by the legendary 250LM from the 1960s. The Ferrari 296 GTB Assetto Fiorano package elevates its track prowess.
Having spent considerable time interacting with the 296 GTB, I can confidently say it is an undeniably beautiful machine, possessing a distinct character unlike any other Ferrari. Its lines echo the timeless elegance of the 1960s 250LM, even without the more polarizing graphic options. When it comes to Ferrari 296 GTB pricing, it positions itself as a premium offering, reflecting its cutting-edge technology and performance.
Initiating motion in the 296 GTB 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, utilizing electric power for initial acceleration unless deliberately overridden via the haptic driver mode selectors on the wheel. As long as throttle inputs remain gentle and the battery is charged, the car will silently glide on electric power alone. Drivers can also manually select “eDrive” mode, forcing purely electric propulsion regardless of powertrain demands. Alternatively, “Performance” and “Qualifying” modes engage both power sources. Performance mode prioritizes immediate acceleration while also working to maintain battery charge, whereas Qualifying mode unleashes the full, unadulterated potential of both the V6 and electric motor, with no concern for the battery’s state of charge. This multifaceted approach to Ferrari 296 GTB electric range and performance modes offers unparalleled versatility.
The sensation of gliding silently through urban landscapes is an unexpected yet delightful experience. The damping system is remarkably sophisticated, rendering the cabin a surprisingly comfortable environment for covering long distances. Furthermore, unlike the SF90, the 296 offers a usable luggage compartment in the front “frunk.” However, the true magic, the moment we all yearn for, arrives when both the V6 and electric motor are unleashed with full intent. The clue to its potency lies in what happens when you stomp on the throttle in a high gear at low RPM: the 296 surges forward with an immediate, lag-free surge of acceleration that momentarily makes you question the necessity of gear changes. Still, with eight gears at your disposal and an engine that happily revs to 8,500rpm, the experience of truly uncorking the 296 is nothing short of astonishing. The acceleration figures – 0-62mph in a mere 2.9 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 205mph – paint a picture of relentless forward momentum that borders on the visceral, eliciting a mixture of nervous laughter and an almost addictive thrill. This is a seriously rapid automobile, accompanied by a captivating soundtrack that artfully blends turbocharger effects with the tuneful rasp of the V6. The Ferrari 296 GTB 0-62mph time is truly exceptional.
What truly elevates the 296 GTB is the uncanny responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s assertion that the car was engineered to be “fun to drive” is not an understatement. It feels incredibly agile without ever becoming overly nervous. The steering is typically light and rapid, yet it provides remarkable feedback, allowing the driver to feel intimately connected to the road. While grip levels are predictably prodigious, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable in a manner that invariably brings a wide grin to your face. Despite its 1470kg dry weight, the 296 feels significantly lighter, exhibiting a delightful lack of inertia that encourages fluid, small inputs and rewards with astonishing accuracy and precision. Engaging the “CT Off” mode offers a reassuring safety net, with an electronic guardian far more astute than oneself overseeing proceedings. Yet, even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows for an exhilarating level of adjustability, enabling delightful moments of controllable oversteer that one might never expect in a car with 819bhp. The Ferrari 296 GTB handling dynamics are a masterclass in driver-machine symbiosis.
On the track, the 296 GTB has the remarkable ability to compress even the longest of straights, and its prowess as a precision instrument becomes even more apparent. While the power is readily available to break traction at the rear at numerous points around the lap, the 296 is also acutely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. It swiftly becomes evident that meticulous precision with the controls yields the greatest rewards. The astonishing turn-in accuracy and immediate response dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Instead of gently easing the car into turns and allowing loads to build progressively, the 296 settles into its line instantaneously, its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering beautifully complementing the increased roll support offered 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 phenomenal, providing an exhilarating experience lap after lap. The Ferrari 296 GTB track performance is simply outstanding.
The interior architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90. The cabin heavily borrows from its elder sibling, featuring a purely digital interface complemented by haptic switchgear liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it. While undoubtedly complex, it’s a consequence of the vast amount of information that needs to be conveyed. The most frustrating aspect is how simple operations can sometimes require a second press to register, or even leave the driver uncertain if a command has been successfully acknowledged. Nevertheless, the cabin exudes an undeniable sense of occasion, making it a truly special place to inhabit. The Ferrari 296 GTB interior is a blend of cutting-edge tech and driver focus.
evo Car of the Year 2022 Verdict:
“Now it gets serious. When the scores were tallied, there wasn’t even a fag paper’s width between the Artura and the 296 GTB. The judges were perfectly split too: three of us narrowly preferred the Ferrari to the McLaren; three scored the Macca ahead by a whisker. The three who had the 296 in front were myself, Meaden and Bovingdon. ‘What a spectacular car,’ enthused Jethro. ‘Beautiful to look at, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable and so technically clever. 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.’
‘The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,’ was Dickie’s verdict, and one that many of us echoed. ‘The hybrid system works very well,’ he went on, ‘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.’
‘The Ferrari’s hybridisation was widely praised for its seamless integration, although on the final night we were left stranded after the battery ran flat with no apparent means of bringing the car back to life. To be fair, Ferrari had warned us of the possibility and detailed the various measures we should take to ensure it didn’t happen. But it’s not inconceivable that an owner could find themselves similarly stuck, and as Gallagher said, ‘that the company who 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, that happened after we’d scored all the cars.
‘Ferrari’s signature super-quick steering divided opinion, the brake feel didn’t match the very best of the group, and the tech interface was widely criticised for being overly complex, but otherwise the 296 was irresistibly seductive. ‘I thought I wouldn’t like the Fezza all that much – too complex, rather gratuitous points of difference,’ said Vivian, ‘but I ended up somewhat bewitched: the spooky way it changes direction; its amazing damping and looney-tunes levels of grip; the linearity of seemingly never-ending power…’
‘It’s a real return to form for Ferrari, after the SF90 left us cold last year. As Sutcliffe said: ‘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.’ And Gallagher agreed: ‘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.’ – Peter Tomalin, ecoty 2022.”
When a vehicle is so heavily integrated with cutting-edge technology, there’s always an inherent risk of it becoming less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment we encountered with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power output, occasionally unnerved us with its challenging driving characteristics. However, the Ferrari 296 GTB review consistently highlights a different narrative. As our experience at eCoty 2022 demonstrated, where it secured a joint third-place finish alongside the McLaren Artura, the 296 GTB feels far more organic. Its harmonious blend of immense power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect sweet spot, effectively redefining the expectations for a £250,000-ish supercar. A Versione Speciale variant of the 296 is anticipated, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity, and we fervently hope it retains the standard 296’s inexplicably natural and engaging feel.
It is precisely this aspect of the 296 GTB’s constitution that we hope Lamborghini has meticulously honed in its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power for a series-production supercar, and it possesses the potential to corrupt the driving experience if the rest of the vehicle isn’t resolved to complement it. If Lamborghini has indeed achieved their objective – and the sheer brilliance of the Revuelto provides ample reason for optimism – then we are poised for an epic twin test, potentially involving over 1700bhp! Or, perhaps, a mind-boggling 2400bhp triple test with the McLaren 750S, which, in this context, must now be absurdly described as the minnow of the class with its mere 740bhp. However, the McLaren counters with a comparatively petite 1389kg kerb weight, offering a compelling power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw, ergonomically sound character, crisp steering, and deft chassis control undeniably distinguish it against the comparatively remote feel of the Ferrari. The Ferrari 296 GTB vs Lamborghini Temerario battle promises to be legendary.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications:
Engine: V6, 2992cc, twin-turbo, plus e-motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, active E-diff
Power: 819bhp (combined) @ 8000rpm
Torque: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Price: £250,000+
The Ferrari 296 GTB represents a profound leap forward in supercar evolution. It’s a machine that successfully harmonizes electrifying innovation with the timeless soul of a Ferrari. If you’re seeking to experience this paradigm shift in automotive performance firsthand, we invite you to explore your options and connect with a specialist dealer to arrange a private viewing or test drive. Discover the future of the supercar today.

