Ferrari 296 GTB: A New Era of Electrified Supercar Performance and the Lamborghini Temerario’s Ultimate Challenge
For a decade, the supercar landscape has been dominated by V8s and V10s, their viscera
l roars and raw power defining the pinnacle of automotive engineering. But in the relentless pursuit of innovation and performance, the paradigm is shifting. As an industry veteran with ten years immersed in the world of high-performance vehicles, I’ve witnessed firsthand the monumental evolution in automotive technology. The Ferrari 296 GTB, a name that now resonates with a blend of tradition and future, stands as a testament to this transformation, ushering in a new era of electrified supercars. Introduced in 2022, this Maranello marvel has already carved a significant niche, even as formidable rivals, like the much-anticipated Lamborghini Temerario, prepare to enter the fray.
The 296 GTB represents a bold departure from Ferrari’s established formula. Historically, the marque has leaned on its legendary twin-turbo V8 engines, celebrated for their power and distinctive character. The 296 GTB, however, breaks ranks by embracing a completely new twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by an advanced hybrid system. This strategic pivot positions Ferrari at the forefront of a supercar segment that is only beginning its transition towards electrification. While traditional rivals like the Lamborghini Huracán, with its naturally aspirated V10, and the McLaren 720S, with its potent V8, offered compelling alternatives, the 296 GTB arrived with a technological arsenal designed to redefine expectations. The upcoming 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid V8-powered Lamborghini Temerario, a direct shot fired across Ferrari’s bow, exemplifies the escalating competition in this elite class.
At the heart of the Ferrari 296 GTB lies a powerplant that is nothing short of revolutionary for a road-going Ferrari. The 120-degree V6, a marvel of engineering, is paired with an electric motor, driving the rear wheels exclusively – a distinction from the all-wheel-drive SF90. The combined output of 819bhp is staggering, a figure that shatters conventional notions of supercar performance and immediately elevates the 296 GTB into elite company. While the sheer magnitude of this power is breathtaking, it also prompts contemplation on its practical application and the ceaseless escalation of performance metrics in the supercar arena.
The 296 GTB is not merely about raw power; it’s a symphony of innovation. It marks the first V6-powered Ferrari road car to bear the Prancing Horse emblem (the revered Dino 246 GT, while V6-powered, predated the official Ferrari badging). It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration, where the turbos are nestled within the cylinder banks for optimal packaging and responsiveness. As a plug-in hybrid, it offers an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles, a nod to environmental consciousness without compromising its supercar DNA. The compact V6 is mounted low within a bespoke aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, and positioning the occupants slightly further forward for an even more engaging driving experience.
The electric motor contributes an impressive 165bhp and 232 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 alone churns out a formidable 654bhp and 546 lb-ft. Ferrari wisely chooses not to publish a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the V6 and the electric motor. However, it’s safe to assume the resultant torque is “considerable,” delivering relentless propulsion. The V6 engine itself is commendably lighter than Ferrari’s V8s, shedding approximately 30kg. This potent combination is managed by an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the compact battery pack is cleverly housed behind the seats.
No Ferrari is complete without a suite of sophisticated electronic chassis control systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. It debuts Ferrari’s six-axis sensor, the 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor), capable of precisely measuring acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. This advanced sensor replaces traditional yaw sensors, and in conjunction with sensors on the steering rack, provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of driver input and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patches. This data is then utilized by systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-diff to maximize cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and driver confidence. Furthermore, it enables the novel ABS-evo system, which, in RACE mode and above, leverages the brake-by-wire technology to significantly shorten braking distances and enhance braking performance, especially during trail braking into corners – a truly exhilarating prospect for performance driving enthusiasts seeking a competitive edge.
Ferrari’s mastery of active aerodynamics is also on full display with the 296 GTB. For the first time, this technology is employed not to reduce drag, but to generate substantial downforce. The company quotes an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with an astonishing 100kg of that generated by the deployable rear wing. The cooling system is equally ingenious, featuring two radiators in the nose for engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two condensers for the battery. Hot air is efficiently expelled beneath the car to avoid disrupting the airflow directed to the intercoolers positioned along the flanks. Small apertures below the headlamps feed air to the brakes, while a roofline-integrated wing channels air towards the rear, creating a ‘virtual’ rear screen effect. The majority of the downforce, however, is sculpted from beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid to airflow management, the rear diffuser, and critically, the underbody height, all contributing to the effectiveness of these crucial downforce-generating surfaces.
Our initial encounters with the 296 GTB on a circuit were with cars equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units derived from GT racing, and adds further carbon-fiber aerodynamic elements to the nose, boosting front downforce by an additional 20kg. The package also incorporates more carbon fiber throughout the cabin and exterior, contributing to a 12kg weight saving, which can be extended to 15kg with the optional Lexan rear engine cover. For the ultimate grip, the Assetto Fiorano specification allows for the fitment of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, a significant upgrade over the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Visually, the Fiorano cars can be further personalized with an exterior graphics package inspired by the iconic 250LM from the 1960s, a nod to Ferrari’s rich heritage.
Having had the opportunity to examine the 296 GTB extensively, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a distinct visual language, unlike anything else on the road, with its design subtly echoing the timeless lines of the 1960s 250LM, even without the more pronounced graphic options.
Performance Dynamics: A Hybrid Awakening
Initiating motion in the 296 GTB is as simple as a double-press of the lower steering wheel boss and selecting first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, engaging electric power for silent, smooth departures. Unless aggressive throttle application is detected or a specific drive mode is selected via the haptic buttons on the steering wheel, the 296 GTB will continue its journey on electric power alone, provided the battery has sufficient charge. The ability to manually engage pure EV mode offers a unique dimension to city driving, transforming the supercar into an eco-conscious commuter.
Beyond Hybrid and EV modes, the 296 GTB offers Performance and Qualifying modes. In Performance mode, both the V6 engine and electric motor work in tandem to provide exhilarating acceleration while also prioritizing battery regeneration. Qualifying mode unleashes the full unadulterated fury of the powertrain, with battery charge taking a backseat to ultimate performance.
The experience of gliding silently through urban landscapes is a surprisingly serene counterpoint to the car’s latent ferocity. The damping system is remarkably sophisticated, offering a compliant ride that makes it a comfortable choice for longer journeys. The ‘frunk’ provides a usable luggage space, a practicality often overlooked in mid-engined supercars and a welcome departure from the SF90. However, the true magic of the 296 GTB is revealed when both power sources are unleashed.
Planting the throttle at low revs in a high gear elicits an immediate and potent surge forward, devoid of any discernible turbo lag. This instant responsiveness makes you question the very necessity of gear selection, such is the potency of the electric torque fill. Yet, with eight gears to exploit and an engine that eagerly spins to an 8,500rpm redline, the full engagement of the 296 GTB is nothing short of astonishing. The acceleration figures – a blistering 0-62mph in just 2.9 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205mph – translate into a driving experience that is both terrifyingly rapid and addictively exhilarating. The accompanying soundtrack is a captivating blend of V6 rasp and evocative turbocharger whistle, a modern interpretation of a classic Ferrari symphony.
Ride and Handling: Precision Engineered for Joy
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is the telepathic responsiveness of its chassis, a testament to Ferrari’s promise of a truly engaging driving experience. It feels exceptionally agile without being overly nervous, with steering that is both light and rapid, yet remarkably communicative. Despite its prodigious grip levels, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable, encouraging playful antics and eliciting an uncontainable grin.
The 296 GTB feels considerably lighter than its 1470kg (dry) weight would suggest. There’s a delightful lack of inertia, inviting the driver to work with the car, employing subtle inputs and reveling in its precision. The ‘CT Off’ mode provides a safety net of electronic intervention, offering reassurance even when pushing the limits. However, even with all electronic aids deactivated, the inherent balance of the 296 GTB allows for controlled drifts and playful oversteer, a feat one might not expect from a car producing 819bhp.
On the track, the 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to make even the longest straights feel compressed. Its sharpness as a performance instrument is evident; the power is readily available to break traction at numerous points around the lap. Crucially, the 296 GTB is exceptionally sensitive to braking and steering inputs, rewarding precision with exhilarating performance. The immediate turn-in and razor-sharp response dramatically shorten the entry phase into corners. Instead of easing into turns and building load, the 296 GTB hunkers down instantly, its aggressive roll support from the Assetto Fiorano setup perfectly complementing the hyper-quick steering. Even for drivers accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are profoundly impressive and a source of pure joy, lap after exhilarating lap.
Interior Design: A Digital Command Center
The interior architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to occupants of the SF90, as it borrows heavily from its flagship sibling. The fully digital interface and the accompanying haptic switchgear, liberally applied across the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods, represent a significant technological leap. While undoubtedly complex, the sheer volume of information and control is understandable. However, the system can occasionally prove frustrating, with simple operations sometimes requiring a second attempt to register or lacking clear confirmation of activation. Despite these minor ergonomic quibbles, the cabin undeniably exudes an aura of occasion and exclusivity, befitting a Ferrari of this caliber.
The Verdict: A New Benchmark
In the fiercely competitive world of supercars, where technological advancement often risks diluting the driving experience, the Ferrari 296 GTB has achieved something truly remarkable. It masterfully blends groundbreaking hybrid technology with an engaging and visceral driving dynamic, a feat that eluded some of its predecessors. Its arrival has redefined expectations for what a contemporary supercar should be, striking a perfect balance between electrifying performance and accessible exhilaration. The upcoming Versione Speciale variant promises to push the boundaries even further, with enhanced power and intensity, while hopefully retaining the standard car’s remarkably natural and engaging feel.
The 296 GTB has undeniably set a high bar, and the automotive world watches with keen interest to see how competitors, particularly Lamborghini with its hybrid Temerario, will respond. The prospect of a twin-test pitting the 1700bhp Lamborghini against the 819bhp Ferrari, or even a triple-threat with the 740bhp McLaren 750S, promises to be an electrifying spectacle. While the McLaren 750S, with its lighter kerb weight, offers a compelling power-to-weight ratio and a rawer, more direct driving experience, the Ferrari 296 GTB’s sophisticated integration of its hybrid powertrain and its unparalleled driving finesse offer a compelling, albeit different, brand of supercar allure.
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
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Price: Starting from approximately $320,000 USD
Ready to experience the future of supercar performance firsthand? Contact your nearest Ferrari dealership or an authorized performance car specialist today to inquire about test drives and ownership opportunities for the extraordinary Ferrari 296 GTB.

