Ferrari 296 GTB: The V6 Hybrid Masterclass That Redefined Supercar Performance
For a decade, the landscape of high-performance automobiles has been dominated by a relentless pursuit of raw power and a
uditory drama. As an industry veteran with ten years immersed in the automotive world, I’ve witnessed firsthand the evolution of supercars, each iteration pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. While the thunderous roar of a naturally aspirated V10 or the brute force of a twin-turbo V8 has long been the soundtrack of automotive excellence, a quiet revolution has been brewing, one that prioritizes not just sheer output, but also technological finesse and driving engagement. At the forefront of this paradigm shift stands the Ferrari 296 GTB, a car that, even with the whispers of a 10,000rpm, 900bhp+ Lamborghini rival on the horizon, continues to astonish and impress.
When the Ferrari 296 GTB first graced our presence in 2022, it represented a seismic shift for the marque. Departing from the acclaimed, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 that had defined its mid-engined supercars for years, Ferrari boldly embraced a new path: a potent twin-turbocharged V6, amplified by the seamless integration of electric propulsion. This wasn’t merely an engine swap; it was a philosophical pivot, positioning the 296 GTB as a vanguard in a segment where hybrid technology was still finding its footing.
In its initial stride, the 296 GTB entered a competitive arena populated by formidable contenders. Its natural adversary was the Lamborghini Huracán, a car celebrated for its soul-stirring naturally aspirated V10 symphony and a visceral connection to the driving experience. While the Huracán might have trailed in outright power figures, its charisma and unadulterated acoustic presence held a unique allure during its heyday. Then there was the ferocious McLaren 720S, a testament to the enduring efficacy of the twin-turbo V8, a car that prided itself on its superior power-to-weight ratio. Today, while the McLaren 750S represents an evolution of that theme, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid Lamborghini Temerario emerges as a direct riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta.
Make no mistake, the 296 GTB is a car that commands respect through sheer potency. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbocharged V6 engine, paired with an electric motor that drives the rear wheels exclusively (a departure from the all-wheel-drive layout of the SF90), delivers a staggering combined output of 819 horsepower. This configuration shattered established supercar norms upon its debut. The sheer audacity of this power figure is enough to make one ponder the ultimate trajectory of performance escalation in the supercar realm – a question the 296 GTB seems keen to answer, and perhaps, provoke its rivals into matching. But more critically, it begs the question: where can such blistering performance be truly unleashed and appreciated? That, however, is a discussion for another time.
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is its historical significance. It marks the first V6-powered Ferrari road car to bear the Prancing Horse emblem (the exquisite 246 GT Dino, though V6-powered, predates this era and never officially wore the badge). Furthermore, it pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger installation and embraces plug-in hybrid technology, offering a purely electric range of approximately 15 miles. This compact V6 engine is nestled low within a newly developed aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors. This architectural refinement also positions the occupants slightly further forward, contributing to a more focused driving experience.
The electric motor itself contributes a formidable 165 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 alone churns out an impressive 654 horsepower and 546 lb-ft of torque. The headline combined figure of 819 horsepower is astonishing, yet Ferrari judiciously refrains from quoting a specific combined peak torque figure. This is likely due to the intricate interplay and management between the V6 and the electric motor, but it’s safe to assume the resultant torque is nothing short of monumental. Across the board, the V6 unit offers a weight saving of 30kg over Ferrari’s V8 engines, and it’s mated to an advanced eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a long, slender unit, is strategically located behind the seats, a testament to the meticulous packaging that defines Ferrari engineering.
No Ferrari would be complete without an array of sophisticated electronic chassis control systems, denoted by a constellation of acronyms. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari has engineered a six-axis sensor known as the 6w-CDS (Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This advanced system precisely measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. It effectively replaces conventional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor integrated into the steering rack, provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of driver input and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data is then used to optimize systems like Side Slip Control and the active electronic differential, maximizing cornering speeds while upholding unwavering stability and driver confidence. A groundbreaking addition is the ABS-evo system, activated in RACE mode and above. Leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, it not only shortens braking distances but also enhances braking performance during trail braking maneuvers into corners, a crucial element for maximizing lap times.
In a notable shift of philosophy, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics technology not to minimize drag, but to generate substantial downforce. The company quotes an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with up to 100kg of this generated by an active rear wing that deploys from the car’s rear.
The thermal management of the 296 GTB is a marvel of engineering. Two radiators in the front are dedicated to cooling the engine and gearbox, while two additional condensers manage the temperature of the battery pack. Hot air is expelled underneath the car, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with the airflow directed into the intercoolers positioned along the flanks. The discreet apertures below the headlamps are specifically designed to draw air for brake cooling. Furthermore, a wing integrated into the roofline creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, efficiently channeling air towards the rear of the car as if guided by a precisely sculpted surface. The lion’s share of the 296’s downforce is, however, generated from beneath the car. Here, meticulous attention has been paid not only to the intricate airflow management and the rear diffuser but also to the underbody’s ground clearance, optimizing the effectiveness of these crucial downforce-generating surfaces.
Our initial encounters with the 296 GTB on track were exclusively with examples equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units, derived from GT racing technology. It also incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the front splitter, further enhancing front-end downforce by an additional 20kg. Inside the cabin, the extensive use of carbon fiber, including the door panels, contributes to an overall weight saving of 12kg. Opting for the Lexan rear engine cover shaves off an additional 3kg, bringing the total saving to 15kg. For those seeking the ultimate track-focused setup, the Assetto Fiorano package also offers the option of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, a significant upgrade over the standard Pilot Sport 4S. The Fiorano variant can even be specified with a striking exterior graphics package, paying homage to the iconic 250LM from the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 GTB ‘in the metal’, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It presents a form that is both strikingly beautiful and distinctly individual, with lines that subtly evoke the spirit of the legendary 250LM, even without the polarizing graphics package.
Performance and Dynamic Prowess
Initiating forward motion is as simple as a double-press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The 296 GTB defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing it to glide away silently on electric power alone, unless otherwise commanded via the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors located on the left side of the steering wheel’s hub. As long as throttle inputs are kept moderate, the car will continue to operate solely on electric power, provided the battery has sufficient charge.
For those who wish to prioritize silent running, the ‘e-Drive’ mode can be explicitly selected, overriding any performance demands on the powertrain. Alternatively, there are dedicated Performance and Qualifying modes. In both of these, both the internal combustion engine and electric motor work in unison. Performance mode aims to maintain optimal battery charge alongside potent acceleration, while Qualifying mode unleashes the absolute pinnacle of performance, with no regard for the battery’s state of charge.
The sheer tranquility of gliding through urban environments is an unexpected delight. The adaptive damping system is so sophisticated that it provides a surprisingly comfortable ride, making it an exceptionally capable grand tourer for covering long distances. The ‘frunk’ offers a reasonable amount of luggage space, a welcome practical touch absent in some of its hybridized brethren. However, the real question on everyone’s mind – mine included – is what it feels like when both the V6 engine and the electric motor are unleashed in their full fury.
The answer is profoundly exhilarating. Prod the throttle at low revs in a high gear, and the 296 GTB surges forward with an immediate, lag-free response that momentarily makes you question the very necessity of gear changes, such is its immediate potency. Yet, with eight gears at its disposal and an engine that willingly spins to 8500rpm, the experience of truly uncorking the 296 is nothing short of astonishing.
As the performance figures attest – a breathtaking 0-62mph sprint in 2.9 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205mph – the rate of acceleration is a dizzying, almost unnerving experience that elicits a mixture of wide-eyed disbelief and giddy laughter. This is a seriously rapid automobile, and its soundtrack is equally captivating, a melodic V6 rasp underscored by the evocative symphony of turbocharger activity.
Ride and Handling Dynamics: A Masterclass in Engagement
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is the uncanny responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s assertion that the car was engineered to be ‘fun to drive’ is not mere marketing hyperbole; it’s a deeply ingrained characteristic. The car feels incredibly agile without ever becoming nervous or unpredictable. The steering is characteristically light and rapid, yet it manages to convey a remarkable level of road feel and detail. While grip levels are predictably immense, the 296 GTB also possesses a remarkable degree of throttle adjustability, making every corner an invitation to a grin-inducing dance.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter, possessing an inherent fluidity and lack of inertia that encourages the driver to work with the car, making minute inputs and reveling in its pinpoint accuracy. The ‘CT Off’ mode, while disengaging some electronic nannies, still provides a safety net of an intelligent electronic brain, offering immense confidence to explore the car’s limits. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s intrinsic balance allows it to be coaxed into controlled oversteer in a manner that one might never expect from a car with 819 horsepower.
On a racetrack, the 296 GTB possesses an almost supernatural ability to seemingly shrink even the longest of straights. Its true brilliance, however, lies in its surgical precision. While the power is abundant enough to break rear-wheel traction at numerous points around a lap, the 296 GTB is also exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. It quickly becomes apparent that precision in control application yields the greatest rewards. The turn-in accuracy and immediate response dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing the car into turns and allowing grip to build incrementally, the 296 GTB takes an immediate set, its Multimatic dampers working in perfect harmony with the hyper-quick steering and the enhanced roll support provided by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for a driver accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are simply phenomenal and profoundly addictive, lap after lap.
Interior Design and Ergonomics
The cabin architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the two vehicles share a significant design lineage. The fully digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear, generously distributed across the steering wheel and the traditional Ferrari pods flanking it, can present a learning curve. While undeniably complex, this complexity is arguably necessary to convey the vast array of information and functions. The primary criticism lies in the occasional need for a second press for operations that don’t register initially, or the ambiguity of whether a press has been successful at all. Nevertheless, the cabin exudes an undeniable sense of occasion and exclusivity, making it a truly special place to be.
Verdict: A New Era for Ferrari Supercars
The arrival of the 296 GTB marked a significant moment for Ferrari. In the 2022 evo Car of the Year competition, it faced incredibly stiff competition, with the judges narrowly splitting their preferences between the Ferrari and the McLaren Artura. Three judges, including myself, narrowly favored the Ferrari, while three others gave a slight edge to the McLaren.
The sentiments expressed by the judges were illuminating. Jethro enthused, “What a spectacular car. 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.”
Dickie’s assessment, which resonated with many, declared it, “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355.” He further noted, “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.”
The seamless integration of the Ferrari’s hybrid system received widespread praise, although a singular incident where the battery depleted, leaving the car immobilized, highlighted a potential vulnerability. While Ferrari had provided guidance on preventing such occurrences, it remains a plausible scenario for an owner. As one judge astutely observed, “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, this occurred after all cars had been scored.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake pedal feel, while competent, didn’t quite match the absolute best in class. The technological interface also faced criticism for its over-complexity. Yet, despite these points, the 296 GTB proved irresistibly seductive. Vivian commented, “I thought I wouldn’t like the Fezza all that much – too complex, rather gratuitous points of difference – 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…”
As Peter Tomalin summarized in the evo Car of the Year 2022 verdict, “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.” He concluded that Ferrari had distilled the lessons learned from the SF90 into a series production model that is “one of its very best.”
Pricing and Future Competition
The inherent risk with any vehicle so laden with cutting-edge technology is that it might ultimately be less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment we encountered with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power, could be unsettlingly unpredictable. The 296 GTB, however, charts a different course. As evidenced by its strong showing at eCoty 2022, where it secured joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, it feels remarkably organic. Its potent blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect chord, effectively redefining what a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket can achieve. A forthcoming Versione Speciale variant, reportedly boasting even greater power and intensity, is anticipated this year. The hope is that this enhanced model will retain the standard 296’s inexplicably natural and intuitive driving feel.
It is precisely this aspect of the 296 GTB’s constitution that we anticipate Lamborghini has focused on most intently when refining its hybrid Temerario supercar. With over 900 horsepower on tap, it represents an obscene amount of power for a series-production supercar. If not expertly managed, such potency can easily overwhelm the chassis. However, considering the remarkable execution of the Revuelto, there is every reason to be optimistic. If Lamborghini has truly mastered this power delivery, we could be on the cusp of an electrifying twin test featuring two hyper-powerful hybrids.
One could even envision a sensational 2400bhp triple threat, incorporating the McLaren 750S. While now seemingly the ‘minnow’ of this hypercar class with a mere 740 horsepower, it compensates with a remarkably lithe kerb weight of 1389kg, translating to a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw immediacy, ergonomic rightness, razor-sharp steering, and delicately balanced chassis offer a distinct contrast to the comparatively more insulated Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Key Specifications
Engine: V6, 2992cc, twin-turbocharged, augmented by electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, with active electronic differential
Combined Power: 819 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Combined Torque: 546 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm (V6 peak)
Weight: 1470 kg (dry) (566 bhp/ton)
0-62 mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205 mph
Estimated Price: £250,000+
The Ferrari 296 GTB isn’t just a car; it’s a statement. It’s a bold declaration that the future of supercar performance is not solely about brute force, but about intelligent integration, thrilling dynamics, and an experience that resonates long after the engine falls silent. If you’re ready to witness and experience this new pinnacle of automotive engineering, the time to engage with the world of Ferrari is now.
