The Ferrari 296 GTB: Electrifying the Supercar Paradigm and Challenging the New Lamborghini Temerario
For over a decade, the roar of naturally aspirated V10s and the visceral punch of twin-turbo V8s h
ave defined the supercar elite. However, as an industry professional with ten years immersed in this exhilarating world, I’ve witnessed a seismic shift. The benchmark for automotive performance is no longer solely about brute internal combustion; it’s increasingly about intelligent electrification. This evolution is epitomized by the Ferrari 296 GTB, a machine that not only redefined Maranello’s mid-engined formula but also set a formidable new standard. As Lamborghini prepares to unleash its 903bhp hybrid beast, the Temerario, the 296 GTB stands as the formidable benchmark it must unequivocally surpass.
When the 296 GTB first broke cover in 2022, it represented a bold departure from Ferrari’s established lineage. Eschewing the multi-award-winning V8 that powered its predecessors, the company boldly embraced a new twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by cutting-edge electric propulsion. This radical move positioned the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a supercar segment still grappling with the full transition to hybrid power.
At its debut, the 296 GTB’s most direct contemporary rival was the Lamborghini Huracán, a darling of the naturally aspirated V10 era. While the Huracán offered a symphony of evocative noise and raw charisma, its comparative power output was undeniably overshadowed. The McLaren 720S, with its potent twin-turbo V8, also presented a formidable challenge, a theme further developed with the subsequent 750S, which champions power-to-weight supremacy. However, the anticipated arrival of the 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid Lamborghini Temerario signals a direct and audacious riposte to Ferrari’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta. The battle lines are drawn, and the stakes in the hybrid supercar arena have never been higher.
The 296 GTB is not merely another Ferrari; it’s a technological tour de force. Its heart is an all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbocharged V6 engine, working in concert with a potent electric motor. Uniquely, in contrast to the SF90 Stradale, all this power is channeled exclusively to the rear wheels. This configuration, producing a staggering combined output of 819bhp, unequivocally shattered established supercar conventions upon its release. It’s easy to become fixated on such prodigious power figures, leading one to ponder the upper limits of this escalating performance arms race – a question that undoubtedly weighs on minds in Sant’Agata Bolognese as they finalize the Ferrari 296 GTB specifications. Furthermore, one might question the practical application of such velocity in our modern world, but that, as they say, is a discussion for another time.
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is its groundbreaking engineering. It marks Ferrari’s first road-legal V6-powered automobile (the exquisite 246 GT Dino, while celebrated, never bore the Prancing Horse badge in its era). It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger arrangement, a configuration that optimizes packaging and performance. As a plug-in hybrid, it boasts an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles, a testament to its dual-nature capabilities. The compact V6, mounted low within a bespoke aluminum chassis, is paired with a wheelbase 50mm shorter than its V8-engined predecessors, subtly repositioning the occupants slightly further forward for a more immersive driving experience.
The electric motor itself contributes an impressive 165bhp and 232 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 alone unleashes a formidable 654bhp and 546 lb-ft. Ferrari, with its characteristic discretion, refrains from quoting combined peak torque figures, likely due to the complex interplay between the V6 and electric motor. However, it’s safe to assume this synergistic output is nothing short of monumental, a crucial factor for any competitor aiming to challenge this new Ferrari supercar. The V6 unit offers a significant weight saving of 30kg over Ferrari’s V8 engines and is seamlessly mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The compact battery pack, a long, slender unit, is discreetly housed behind the seats, a clever integration that contributes to the car’s svelte silhouette.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of sophisticated electronic chassis control systems. For the 296 GTB, engineers have developed the groundbreaking six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This advanced system meticulously measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes, providing an unprecedented level of real-time chassis awareness. Replacing traditional yaw sensors, and working in tandem with a sensor on the steering rack, it empowers the car to understand not only driver inputs but also the nuanced grip levels at the tire contact patches. This data is then leveraged by systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff to maximize cornering speeds while upholding unwavering stability and driver confidence. A particularly noteworthy innovation is the ABS-evo system, activated in RACE mode and above. Utilizing the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, ABS-evo significantly reduces braking distances and enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers, a critical aspect for any driver pushing the limits of a high-performance hybrid sports car.
In a fascinating twist, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics not for drag reduction, but for downforce generation. The company quotes an astonishing 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a substantial 100kg of that figure attributed to a deployable rear wing. The thermal management system is equally impressive. Two radiators in the front handle engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two condensers dedicated to battery cooling. Hot air is strategically expelled underneath to avoid disrupting the airflow directed to the intercoolers flanking the car. Small apertures below the headlamps are dedicated to cooling the brakes, while a roofline-integrated rear spoiler creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, channeling air efficiently to the rear of the vehicle. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated from beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid to airflow management, the rear diffuser, and crucially, the underbody’s ground clearance to maximize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces. This advanced aerodynamic package is a key differentiator when considering the best hybrid supercars.
Our initial encounters with the 296 GTB, particularly on a circuit during its launch, involved models 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 nose, contributing an extra 20kg of front downforce. Further weight savings are achieved through extensive use of carbon fiber in the cabin, including the door panels, and on exterior components, resulting in a total reduction of 12kg. This figure can be increased to 15kg with the optional Lexan rear engine cover. For the ultimate track-focused experience, the Assetto Fiorano package allows for the specification of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Furthermore, the Fiorano variant can be adorned with a distinctive exterior graphics package, paying homage to the iconic 250LM of the 1960s. These subtle yet impactful enhancements elevate the Ferrari 296 GTB price and exclusivity.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 GTB both in static observation and dynamic evaluation, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a unique, almost alien beauty, a departure from anything else on the road, subtly echoing the lines of the legendary 250LM, even without the more polarizing graphic options. This visual drama sets it apart from more conventional luxury sports cars.
Performance Dynamics: Unleashing the Hybrid Beast
Initiating forward motion is a simple affair: a double press on the lower portion of the steering wheel boss, followed by engaging first gear. The 296 GTB defaults to Hybrid mode, meaning it will glide away silently on electric power alone, unless intentionally overridden. As long as throttle application remains measured, and sufficient battery charge is available, pure electric propulsion is maintained. Drivers can also manually select ‘eDrive’ mode, irrespective of powertrain demands. Further enhancing the driving experience are the ‘Performance’ and ‘Qualifying’ modes. In Performance mode, both the V6 and electric motor work in tandem, with a focus on maintaining battery charge. Qualifying mode, however, unleashes the full, unadulterated performance potential, prioritizing maximum output regardless of the battery’s state of charge. This nuanced approach to power delivery allows for a surprising duality: the ability to glide silently through urban landscapes, a stark contrast to the sonic assault expected of a supercar. The damping sophistication is remarkable, rendering it a remarkably comfortable companion for long journeys, and a welcome surprise is the reasonably sized luggage compartment located in the ‘frunk,’ a feature notably absent in the SF90.
However, the true measure of this machine lies in its combined performance. When the throttle is firmly applied at low revs in a higher gear, the 296 GTB surges forward with astonishing immediacy, completely devoid of lag. It’s a sensation so potent it makes one question the very necessity of gear selection. Yet, with eight gears to exploit and an engine that willingly revs to 8500rpm, the full unleashing of the 296’s capabilities is nothing short of startling. The acceleration figures – a blistering 0-62mph in the low 2-second range and a top speed approaching 205mph – translate into a truly exhilarating, almost overwhelming, surge of speed. It’s a sensation that elicits nervous laughter, a blend of exhilaration and raw intensity that is strangely addictive. This is a seriously rapid automobile, and the auditory experience is equally compelling, with a delightful blend of turbocharger effects overlaying the tuneful rasp of the V6, a signature sound that distinguishes it from its rivals. The Ferrari 296 GTB 0-62mph time is a key metric for performance enthusiasts.
Ride and Handling: A Symphony of Precision and Agility
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is the extraordinary responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s stated objective of creating a ‘fun to drive’ experience has been met with resounding success. The car feels incredibly agile, yet it never crosses the threshold into nervousness. The steering is typically light and rapid, a hallmark of Ferrari engineering, but it also delivers a surprising level of tactile feedback. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable, a characteristic that inevitably brings a wide grin to the driver’s face.
Despite its claimed dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a palpable absence of inertia, encouraging the driver to work with the car, employing small, precise inputs and reveling in its accuracy. The ‘CT Off’ ( a stability control setting ) mode offers a remarkable degree of freedom, accompanied by the reassuring knowledge that an incredibly sophisticated electronic brain is still monitoring and safeguarding the experience. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows for playful manipulation into oversteer, a feat one might not believe possible in a car producing 819bhp. This level of driver engagement is a key selling point for any performance car enthusiast.
On the track, the 296 GTB has the uncanny ability to make even long straights feel diminished. What becomes immediately apparent is its razor-sharp focus as a driving instrument. While the power is readily available to break rear-end traction at numerous points around the lap, the 296 is also acutely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. Precision with the controls yields the greatest rewards. The turn-in accuracy and response are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing the car into turns and allowing loads to build, the 296 hunkers down immediately, settling into its line thanks to the adaptive Multimatic dampers. The hyper-quick steering harmonizes beautifully with the enhanced roll support provided by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers transitioning from more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are nothing short of phenomenal, delivering an exhilarating experience lap after lap. This exceptional handling characteristic is what makes the Ferrari 296 GTB performance so captivating.
Interior Ambience: A Digital Frontier
The cabin architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the two models share a significant design lineage. The entirely digital interface, coupled with its haptic switchgear, presents a considerable learning curve. These touch-sensitive controls are liberally applied across the steering wheel and on traditional Ferrari pods located on either side. While undeniably complex, it’s also a testament to the wealth of information the system needs to convey. The most significant challenge lies in the sometimes-frustrating need for a second press to register an input, or the uncertainty of whether a command has been successfully executed. Nevertheless, the cabin exudes an undeniable sense of occasion, a truly special place to inhabit. The Ferrari 296 GTB interior offers a glimpse into the future of automotive design.
Verdict: A Resounding Triumph and a New Benchmark
In the highly competitive landscape of supercar reviews, the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards offered a fascinating insight into the 296 GTB’s standing. The competition with the McLaren Artura was incredibly close, with a mere “fag paper” separating them in the final scores. The judging panel was evenly split, with three narrowly favoring the Ferrari and three giving a slight edge to the McLaren.
The three judges who placed the 296 GTB ahead – including myself – were effusive in their praise. “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.”
Dickie offered another compelling perspective: “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. He continued, “The hybrid system works very well and doesn’t change the driving experience as much as I’d feared. This is probably because we’ve already become accustomed to the torquey characteristics of the turbocharged V8s 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.”
While the Ferrari’s hybridisation was widely lauded for its seamless integration, a significant hiccup occurred on the final night when a depleted battery left one of the cars stranded. Ferrari had indeed cautioned about this possibility and provided guidance on preventative measures. However, it’s not inconceivable that an owner might find themselves in a similar predicament. As Gallagher aptly noted, “The fact that the company that 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 GTB, this incident occurred after the scoring was complete.
Ferrari’s signature super-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake feel didn’t quite match the very best in the group. The tech interface also drew widespread criticism for its complexity. Despite these points, the 296 GTB was irresistibly seductive. Vivian admitted, “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, editor of evo, concluded in his 2022 Car of the Year 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.” Gallagher agreed, stating, “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.” This sentiment solidifies the 296 GTB’s position as a truly exceptional automotive innovation.
Price and Rivals: Redefining the Supercar Equation
The risk with any car so heavily laden with advanced technology is that it may become less than the sum of its parts. This was a criticism leveled at the SF90 Stradale, which, despite its dazzling power, unnerved some with its challenging driving characteristics. However, the 296 GTB is a different proposition entirely. At the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards, where it secured a joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, it felt far more organic. Its potent blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect balance, effectively redefining what a supercar in the £250,000-ish bracket can be. A highly anticipated Versione Speciale variant of the 296 is expected, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity, with the hope that the standard 296’s remarkably natural feel is preserved.
It is precisely this aspect of the 296 GTB’s character that we hope Lamborghini has meticulously honed in the development of its hybrid Lamborghini Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an almost obscene amount of power for a series-production supercar, and it has the potential to corrupt the driving experience if the rest of the vehicle isn’t resolved to complement it. If Lamborghini has succeeded – and the prowess displayed in the Revuelto offers ample reason for optimism – then we are poised for an extraordinary twin test, a battle of titans featuring two hyper-potent hybrid machines.
Alternatively, we could envision a monumental 2400bhp triple-threat, including the McLaren 750S, which, while now appearing as the “minnow” of the class with its “mere” 740bhp, brings a comparatively petite 1389kg kerb weight to the table, thus maintaining a competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s rawness, ergonomic perfection, crisp steering, and deft chassis control offer a compelling counterpoint to the comparatively remote feel of the Ferrari. However, for those seeking the pinnacle of hybridized performance and engaging dynamics, the Ferrari 296 GTB lease options might also be a point of consideration for discerning enthusiasts.
As the supercar landscape continues its electrifying evolution, the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a beacon of innovation and driving pleasure. It’s a car that proves electrification doesn’t mean sacrificing soul, but rather enhancing it. If you’re ready to experience the future of performance, a personal consultation with a Ferrari specialist is your essential next step.

