Ferrari 296 GTB: The Electrified Icon Challenging Supercar Conventions
As an automotive industry professional with a decade immersed in the exhilarating world of high-performance vehicles, I’ve witnes
sed firsthand the seismic shifts transforming the supercar landscape. The year 2025 finds us at a fascinating juncture, where raw combustion power is increasingly intertwined with the silent, potent force of electrification. At the vanguard of this revolution stands the Ferrari 296 GTB, a vehicle that, even a few years into its tenure, continues to captivate and redefine expectations, particularly as formidable rivals like the Lamborghini Temerario loom on the horizon.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a significant departure from Maranello’s established lineage. Forgoing the multi-award-winning, charismatic twin-turbo V8 engines that had powered its predecessors, Ferrari introduced a groundbreaking twin-turbo V6, augmented by an electric motor. This bold move positioned the 296 GTB as a trailblazer in a supercar segment that was still in the nascent stages of embracing hybrid powertrains.
In its initial iteration, the 296 GTB’s most direct competitor was the Lamborghini Huracán, a car celebrated for its naturally aspirated V10 symphony and visceral character. While it might have lagged in sheer horsepower compared to the electrified Ferrari, the Huracán offered an intoxicating blend of analogue engagement and soul-stirring acoustics. Simultaneously, the formidable McLaren 720S, with its potent twin-turbo V8, presented another benchmark of performance. While the subsequent McLaren 750S represents an evolution of that theme, emphasizing power-to-weight ratios, the upcoming 903bhp, 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid Lamborghini Temerario is unequivocally Lamborghini’s direct riposte to Ferrari’s 819bhp electrified marvel.
The Ferrari 296 GTB unequivocally possesses formidable firepower. Its entirely new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, seamlessly integrated with an electric motor, propels the rear wheels exclusively – a distinction from the all-wheel-drive SF90. This 819bhp powerhouse wasn’t just an incremental update; it was a paradigm shift, fundamentally challenging established supercar norms.
It’s easy to be mesmerized by such astonishing power figures, leading one to ponder the ultimate limits of such performance escalation and, perhaps more pragmatically, where one might responsibly unleash such capability. These are questions that linger, but they don’t diminish the sheer engineering brilliance on display.
The 296 GTB holds a unique place in Ferrari’s history. It is the first V6-powered road-going Ferrari (the beloved 246 GT Dino, though V6-powered, never bore the Prancing Horse emblem during its production run). It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration and integrates a plug-in hybrid system, offering an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles. The compact V6 is mounted low within a new aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors. This packaging allows the occupants to sit slightly further forward, contributing to the car’s compact and dynamic profile.
The electric motor alone contributes an impressive 165bhp and 232 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine, unassisted, produces a staggering 654bhp and 546 lb-ft. The combined output, as widely publicized, is 819bhp. Ferrari judiciously refrains from quoting a peak combined torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the engine and electric motor. However, it’s safe to assume this figure is exceptionally substantial. Crucially, the V6 unit weighs approximately 30kg less than Ferrari’s V8s and is mated to an advanced eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The compact battery pack, a long, slender unit, is strategically located behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without an array of acronyms denoting sophisticated electronic chassis control systems. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari has developed an advanced six-axis sensor, christened the 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This sophisticated unit meticulously measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes.
This sensor effectively replaces traditional yaw sensors. In conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, it provides the car’s control units with an unprecedented understanding of both the driver’s intentions and the real-time grip levels at the tire contact patches. This data is fed into systems like the Side Slip Control and the active electronic differential (E-Diff), working in concert to maximize cornering speeds while steadfastly maintaining stability and driver confidence. Furthermore, the 6w-CDS enables a novel system dubbed ABS-evo. Active in RACE mode and above, this system, leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire architecture, not only reduces braking distances but also significantly enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners.
For the first time in its road car history, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics technology not to reduce drag, but to generate downforce. The company quotes a substantial figure of 360kg at 155mph. Impressively, up to 100kg of this downforce is attributed to the active rear wing, which elegantly deploys from the rear deck.
The cooling system is equally intricate. Two radiators are housed in the front fascia to manage engine and gearbox temperatures, supplemented by two additional condensers dedicated to cooling the battery pack. Hot air is strategically expelled underneath the car, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the airflow directed to the intercoolers positioned along the flanks. The subtle apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to feeding air to the front brake calipers, while the aerodynamically integrated wing at the base of the roofline creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, channeling air efficiently towards the rear of the car, akin to guiding it over a sculpted surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid not only to air channeling and the rear diffuser but also to the underbody’s ground clearance, optimizing the effectiveness of these crucial downforce-generating elements.
The pre-production 296 GTBs I had the privilege to sample on a closed circuit during the launch were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units, derived from Ferrari’s GT racing endeavors. It also incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the front fascia, contributing an extra 20kg of front-end downforce.
Further carbon fiber integration extends to the cabin, including door panels, and exterior components, collectively contributing to a weight saving of 12kg. This figure can be extended to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For those selecting the Assetto Fiorano package, an even more aggressive tire option becomes available: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Furthermore, Assetto Fiorano-equipped cars can be adorned with an exterior graphics package, artfully inspired by the iconic 250LM of the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time observing and interacting with the 296 GTB, I can attest to its striking visual appeal. It possesses a distinct aesthetic, unlike anything else on the road, with a design language that subtly evokes the spirit of the 1960s 250LM, even without the more polarizing graphic schemes.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: A New Benchmark
Initiating a drive in the 296 GTB is as simple as a double-press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by engaging first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, meaning it will silently glide away on electric power alone unless prompted otherwise via the intuitive, yet sophisticated, haptic driver mode selectors on the left side of the steering wheel boss. As long as throttle inputs remain measured, the 296 can continue its silent progress solely on electric power, provided the battery retains sufficient charge.
Drivers can also elect to actively engage pure EV mode, irrespective of powertrain demands. Beyond this, distinct Performance and Qualifying modes are available. In these settings, both the V6 engine and the electric motor work in tandem. Performance mode prioritizes sustained power delivery while also aiming to maintain battery charge, whereas Qualifying mode unleashes the full, unadulterated performance potential, disregarding the battery’s state of charge.
The ability to glide silently through urban environments is an unexpected delight. The damping sophistication is such that the 296 GTB proves to be a surprisingly comfortable grand tourer, capable of consuming long distances with ease. Even luggage capacity is thoughtfully addressed, with a reasonably sized ‘frunk’ at the front – a welcome improvement over the SF90. However, the ultimate question on everyone’s mind, including mine, is what transpires when both the V6 engine and the electric motor are unleashed to their full capabilities?
The answer becomes unequivocally clear when you decisively plant the throttle at low revs in a higher gear. The 296 GTB surges forward with astonishing immediacy, exhibiting virtually zero turbo lag. It’s a sensation so potent that it momentarily makes you question the necessity of gears, such is its relentless potency. However, with eight gears to exploit and an engine that willingly revs to an exhilarating 8500rpm, the experience of truly unleashing the 296 is nothing short of breathtaking.
The performance figures are, frankly, astounding. The acceleration is of the “hold on tight and brace for impact” variety, bordering on the exhilaratingly uncomfortable, yet it possesses a strangely addictive quality. This is, without question, a seriously rapid automobile. The auditory experience is equally compelling, with a delightful blend of turbocharger induction sounds harmoniously overlaid with the V6’s tuneful, raspy exhaust note.
Ride and Handling: Agile, Precise, and Utterly Engaging
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is the extraordinary responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s commitment to making this car “fun to drive” is not just marketing rhetoric; it’s a palpable reality. The car feels exceptionally agile without ever tipping into a nervous or unpredictable demeanor. The steering, a hallmark of Ferrari’s finest, is typically light and direct, yet it imparts a remarkable level of tactile feedback from the road surface. While the grip levels are predictably immense, the car’s true brilliance lies in its throttle adjustability. This allows drivers to subtly manipulate the car’s attitude mid-corner, eliciting grins of pure, unadulterated joy.
Despite its published dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a palpable absence of inertia throughout the entire vehicle, encouraging a more intuitive, collaborative driving style. Small, precise inputs are met with immediate and accurate responses, rewarding the driver with a profound sense of connection to the machine. Engaging the CT Off (Traction Control Off) mode allows for remarkable dynamic expression, yet the presence of Ferrari’s advanced electronic brain provides an underlying layer of reassurance, far more intelligent than one’s own instincts. Even with all electronic aids disengaged, the 296’s inherent balance allows it to be delicately coaxed into controlled oversteer in a manner one would scarcely believe possible in a car producing 819bhp.
On a racetrack, the 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to seemingly shrink even the longest start-finish straight. What becomes even more apparent is its surgical precision. While ample power is available to break rear-wheel traction at numerous points around a lap, the 296 is also exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. Drivers quickly learn that precision in control inputs translates directly into maximum reward. The turn-in accuracy and response are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing the car into turns and patiently building load, the 296 settles instantly, its Multimatic dampers working in perfect synergy with the hyper-quick steering and the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for those accustomed to more potent sports cars, the speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are nothing short of phenomenal, offering a truly joyous experience lap after lap.
Interior: A Blend of Familiarity and Future Tech
The cabin architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the 296 GTB inherits much of its interior design language. The fully digital interface, coupled with its accompanying haptic switchgear, presents a unique challenge. These controls are liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it.
While undoubtedly complex, it’s important to acknowledge the sheer volume of information and functions that need to be managed. The most significant hurdle, however, is the occasional need for a second press for simple operations that may not register on the first attempt, or the uncertainty about whether a press has been successfully registered at all. Despite these minor usability quirks, the cabin unequivocally feels like a special place to be, befitting a Ferrari of this caliber.
Evo Car of the Year 2022 Verdict: A Triumph of Integration
The 2022 Evo Car of the Year competition provided a stark illustration of the 296 GTB’s brilliance. The scores between the McLaren Artura and the Ferrari 296 GTB were incredibly close, so much so that the judges were evenly split. Three favored the Ferrari, while three narrowly preferred the McLaren.
Those who placed the 296 GTB at the top, myself included, were captivated by its “spectacular” nature. It was lauded as “beautiful to look at, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable, and so technically clever.” The V6 engine was seen as a masterclass in downsizing, proving that reduced displacement doesn’t necessitate a compromise in drama, allowing Ferrari to demonstrate to McLaren “how to downsize but turn up the drama.” It matched the Artura in sheer control while exuding a more playful and indulgent character.
One judge declared it “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. The hybrid system was praised for its seamless integration, proving far less intrusive than initially feared. This was likely due to the familiarity with the torquey characteristics of turbocharged V8s in the 488 and F8. The 296 GTB’s stonking pace was not its sole attribute; the character of the V6, with its always-sweet soundtrack that evolves with throttle opening, added a crucial layer of engagement.
While the Ferrari’s hybridisation was widely lauded for its seamlessness, a notable incident during the final night of testing left the car stranded due to a flat battery, with no apparent means of recovery. Ferrari had indeed cautioned about this possibility and detailed preventative measures. However, the possibility of an owner encountering a similar situation is not inconceivable, leading one judge to remark 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, this occurred after all cars had been scored.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake feel, while competent, didn’t quite match the absolute best in class. The technological interface also faced widespread criticism for its excessive complexity. Yet, despite these drawbacks, the 296 GTB remained irresistibly seductive. One judge admitted to being “bewitched” by its “spooky way it changes direction,” its “amazing damping and looney-tunes levels of grip,” and the “linearity of seemingly never-ending power.”
The 296 GTB was hailed as a significant return to form for Ferrari, especially in contrast to the SF90, which had left some reviewers feeling somewhat cold. The 296’s technical sophistication and the integration of its hybrid technology felt far more natural and less intrusive. Ferrari effectively distilled its learnings from the SF90 into a series-production model that stands as one of its very best.
Price and Rivals: Redefining the Supercar Equation
When a vehicle is so heavily engineered with advanced technology, there’s always an inherent risk of it becoming less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment echoed in our assessment of the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power, could sometimes feel somewhat aloof in its driving characteristics.
The 296 GTB, however, represents something entirely different. Its harmonious blend of prodigious power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect sweet spot, effectively redefining what a supercar costing in the region of £250,000 can achieve. A more potent Versione Speciale variant of the 296 is anticipated, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity. The hope is that the standard 296’s wonderfully natural feel will be retained.
It is precisely this aspect – the natural, intuitive feel – that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized when honing its upcoming hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an astronomical figure for a series-production supercar, and it has the potential to overwhelm the chassis and dynamics if not meticulously integrated. If Lamborghini has indeed achieved a similar level of resolution – and their success with the Revuelto offers strong grounds for optimism – then we are poised for an electrifying twin test between these titans, a clash of hybrid supercars that promises to be truly legendary.
Alternatively, we could broaden the comparison to a 2400bhp triple threat, incorporating the McLaren 750S. Against these electrified behemoths, the McLaren, with its 740bhp, might seem like the minnow. However, its relatively svelte 1389kg kerb weight grants it a fiercely competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw appeal, ergonomic rightness, crisp steering, and the deftness of its chassis still mark it out as a compelling, if perhaps more analogue, alternative to the comparatively more technologically distant Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications:
Engine: V6, 2992cc, twin-turbocharged, augmented by an electric motor.
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, with active E-diff.
Combined Power Output: 819bhp @ 8000rpm.
Combined Torque Output: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm.
Weight: 1470kg (dry); Power-to-weight ratio of 566bhp/ton.
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds.
Top Speed: 205mph.
Estimated Price: £250,000+
The Ferrari 296 GTB is more than just a supercar; it’s a statement of intent, a bold leap into the future of automotive performance that seamlessly blends electrifying power with an engaging, visceral driving experience. It stands as a testament to what’s possible when innovation meets heritage.
If you’re captivated by this fusion of raw power and cutting-edge hybrid technology, and are ready to explore how the Ferrari 296 GTB or its formidable rivals can elevate your driving passion, we invite you to connect with our team of experts. Let us guide you through the possibilities and help you find the supercar that perfectly aligns with your aspirations.
