Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Masterpiece Facing Its Ultimate Challenge
For a decade, I’ve navigated the evolving landscape of automotive engineering, witnessing firsthand the relentless pursuit of performance and innovation. The automotive industry, particularly the supercar segment, is in a perpetual state of flux, driven by a confluence of technological advancements, shifting consumer desires, and increasingly stringent environmental regulations. Among the pioneers in this exhilarating arena, Ferrari has consistently pushed the boundaries, and the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a testament to this enduring legacy. Even as the horizon beckons with formidable new contenders, this V6 hybrid marvel continues to captivate with its groundbreaking approach to supercar dynamics.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a seismic shift for Maranello’s mid-engined icon. Departing from the celebrated twin-turbo V8 that had graced previous generations and garnered numerous accolades, Ferrari opted for a radical departure: a sophisticated twin-turbocharged V6 engine, augmented by an electric motor. This bold move positioned the Ferrari 296 GTB at the vanguard of a supercar segment that was still tentatively embracing hybrid powertrains. At its debut, the Ferrari 296 GTB found itself in a traditional gladiatorial arena, facing rivals like the Lamborghini Huracán, renowned for its naturally aspirated V10 symphony, and the ferocious McLaren 720S, which championed its potent twin-turbo V8. While the McLaren 750S, an evolution of its predecessor, continues to champion power-to-weight supremacy, the whisper of the upcoming 903bhp, 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid Lamborghini Temerario, represents a direct and formidable challenge to Ferrari’s hybridised berlinetta.
Make no mistake, the Ferrari 296 GTB is an engineering tour de force, boasting an all-new 120-degree twin-turbo V6 engine and an integrated electric motor, exclusively powering the rear wheels – a distinction from the SF90’s all-wheel-drive configuration. This potent combination yields a staggering 819 horsepower, effectively rewriting the playbook for what a hybrid supercar could achieve. It’s a power output that prompts reflection: where does this relentless escalation of horsepower end? And more practically, where can such prodigious performance be truly unleashed? These are questions that extend beyond the immediate review, but they underscore the sheer audacity of the Ferrari 296 GTB.
This remarkable machine represents more than just raw power; it is steeped in history and innovation. The Ferrari 296 GTB proudly holds the distinction of being the first V6-powered Ferrari road car. While the legendary 246 GT Dino bore a similar engine configuration, it never officially carried the Prancing Horse emblem during its production era. Furthermore, the Ferrari 296 GTB pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger architecture in a road-going V6 and embraces plug-in hybrid technology, offering an electric-only range of approximately 15 miles. The compact V6 engine is nestled low within a newly engineered aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase reduced by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, with occupants positioned slightly further forward to optimize weight distribution.
The electric motor contributes an impressive 165 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 engine itself churns out a phenomenal 654 horsepower and 546 lb-ft. While Ferrari strategically refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure – likely due to the intricate interplay between the electric motor and the V6 – it is safe to assume this combined output is nothing short of prodigious. The V6 powertrain, in its entirety, offers a weight saving of 30kg over Ferrari’s V8 engines, and it is seamlessly mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a long, slender unit, is ingeniously housed behind the seats, a design choice that contributes to the Ferrari 296 GTB’s balanced dynamics.
As expected from a Ferrari, the Ferrari 296 GTB is equipped with a sophisticated suite of electronic chassis control systems. At its core lies the six-axis sensor, dubbed 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This advanced system meticulously measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes, effectively supplanting traditional yaw sensors. In conjunction with a sensor mounted on the steering rack, the 6w-CDS provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of driver intent and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data is then leveraged by systems such as Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff to maximize cornering speeds while preserving unwavering stability and occupant security. A notable innovation is the introduction of ABS-evo, available in RACE mode and above. Employing the Ferrari 296 GTB’s brake-by-wire system, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also significantly enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners, a testament to the vehicle’s advanced dynamic capabilities.
For the first time in its history, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics not merely to mitigate drag, but to actively generate downforce. The company claims an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a substantial portion of that – up to 100kg – attributed to the deployable rear wing. The thermal management of the Ferrari 296 GTB is equally impressive. Two radiators located in the front fascia manage engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two additional condensers dedicated to the battery pack. Hot air is strategically expelled from the underbody, ensuring it does not disrupt the airflow directed towards the intercoolers along the car’s flanks. Small apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to cooling the brakes, while a roofline-integrated rear wing creates a “virtual” rear screen, effectively channeling air to the rear of the car as if guided by a physical surface. The majority of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s downforce is generated from beneath the car, with particular attention paid to the design of the underbody, the rear diffuser, and the vehicle’s ride height to optimize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating elements.
During our initial circuit evaluations of the Ferrari 296 GTB, all test vehicles were equipped with the Assetto Fiorano package. This optional upgrade replaces the standard dampers with race-derived Multimatic units and incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the front fascia, contributing an extra 20kg of front downforce. The cabin and exterior also benefit from an increased use of carbon fiber, leading to an overall weight saving of 12kg, which can be further enhanced to 15kg with the optional Lexan rear engine cover. For those seeking the ultimate track-focused setup, the Assetto Fiorano package also offers Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires as an upgrade from the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Furthermore, Assetto Fiorano-equipped Ferrari 296 GTB models can be adorned with an exterior graphics package inspired by the iconic 250LM of the 1960s. In person, the Ferrari 296 GTB is a visually arresting machine, exuding a distinct and captivating presence that sets it apart, even without the more flamboyant graphics package, evoking the spirit of its classic predecessor.
Getting underway in the Ferrari 296 GTB is a straightforward affair: a double-press of the lower steering wheel boss followed by engaging first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing for silent, electric-only propulsion unless otherwise directed via the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors on the left side of the steering wheel boss. Gentle throttle inputs will maintain electric-only operation, provided sufficient battery charge is available. Drivers can also explicitly select EV mode, overriding any powertrain demands, or opt for the more assertive Performance and Qualifying modes. In these modes, both the V6 engine and electric motor work in concert, with Performance mode prioritizing battery replenishment alongside power delivery, while Qualifying mode unleashes the full, unadulterated performance potential, disregarding the battery’s state of charge.
The serene experience of gliding through urban landscapes, powered solely by electricity, is an unexpected pleasure. The damping system is remarkably sophisticated, rendering the Ferrari 296 GTB a surprisingly comfortable companion for extended journeys. The “frunk” up front even offers a reasonably practical luggage space, a welcome departure from the SF90’s limitations. But the question that truly ignites the enthusiast’s imagination is: what happens when both the V6 engine and electric motor are unleashed in their full glory?
The answer is profound. Plant the throttle from low revs in a high gear, and the Ferrari 296 GTB surges forward with an immediacy that momentarily blurs the perception of gear selection, such is its latent potency. While the eight gears and the 8,500rpm redline of the V6 offer ample opportunity for engagement, the experience of truly uncorking the Ferrari 296 GTB is nothing short of astonishing. The acceleration figures – a blistering 0-62mph in approximately 2.9 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205mph – paint a picture of relentless forward momentum, bordering on the exhilaratingly uncomfortable, yet undeniably addictive. This is a supercar of extraordinary velocity, and its auditory accompaniment is equally captivating, a harmonious blend of turbocharger effects overlaying the rich, tuneful rasp of the V6.
What truly elevates the Ferrari 296 GTB beyond mere straight-line speed is the extraordinary responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s assertion that the car’s primary objective was to be “fun to drive” is not hyperbole. The Ferrari 296 GTB exhibits remarkable agility without succumbing to skittishness. The steering, characteristically light and quick, is also imbued with a surprising level of tactile feedback, allowing the driver to precisely gauge road surface and grip levels. While the grip levels are, as expected, exceptionally high, the car’s ability to be adjusted with the throttle pedal is a source of immense driving pleasure, inducing grins with every well-executed maneuver.
Despite its 1470kg dry weight, the Ferrari 296 GTB feels significantly lighter, exhibiting a remarkable lack of inertia. This encourages an intuitive driving style, where small, precise inputs elicit immediate and accurate responses, fostering a deep connection between driver and machine. Engaging CT Off mode allows for astonishing feats of agility, reassured by the knowledge that an exceptionally intelligent electronic safety net remains in place. Even with all electronic aids disengaged, the inherent balance of the Ferrari 296 GTB allows for controlled oversteer, a feat one might not anticipate in a car with 819 horsepower.
On the racetrack, the Ferrari 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to seemingly shrink even the longest straights. Its precision as a driving instrument becomes profoundly apparent. While the power is readily available to break traction at multiple points around the lap, the Ferrari 296 GTB is acutely sensitive to braking and steering inputs, rewarding precise control with amplified driver engagement. The turn-in accuracy and responsiveness are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase into every corner. Instead of easing into turns and gradually building load, the Ferrari 296 GTB assumes its line instantaneously, aided by the Multimatic dampers and the hyper-quick steering that perfectly complements the increased roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the Ferrari 296 GTB deliver an exhilarating and deeply rewarding experience, lap after lap.
The interior architecture of the Ferrari 296 GTB will feel familiar to those who have experienced the SF90, as it inherits a significant design philosophy from its sibling. However, the fully digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear, liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods, present a notable learning curve. While the complexity is understandable given the sheer volume of information and functions to be conveyed, the primary challenge lies in the occasional need for a second press for operations to register, or indeed, the uncertainty of whether a press has been successful at all. Despite these minor usability quibbles, the cabin undeniably exudes an aura of exclusivity and advanced technology, making it a genuinely special place to inhabit.
The verdict from evo’s Car of the Year 2022 awards underscored the sheer brilliance of the Ferrari 296 GTB. The competition was exceptionally fierce, with the McLaren Artura running it neck-and-neck. Judges were evenly split, with three narrowly favoring the Ferrari and three opting for the McLaren. Those who championed the Ferrari 296 GTB lauded its spectacular design, outrageous speed, exploitable dynamics, and profound technical sophistication. Jethro Bovingdon eloquently described its V6 as a masterclass in downsizing, delivering drama that rivaled McLaren, while matching the Artura in control yet offering a more playful and indulgent character.
Richard Meaden declared it “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. He praised the seamless integration of the hybrid system, noting that it altered the driving experience far less than anticipated, perhaps due to the industry’s growing familiarity with the torque-rich characteristics of turbocharged V8s. He emphasized the Ferrari 296 GTB’s stonking acceleration, but crucially, highlighted that its appeal extends beyond mere speed, owing to the captivating character of the V6 and its ever-sweet soundtrack that evolves with throttle input.
The hybrid system’s seamless integration on the Ferrari 296 GTB was widely acclaimed. However, a notable incident during the awards week saw the car left stranded when the battery depleted with no apparent means of revival. Ferrari had indeed forewarned participants of this possibility and provided guidance on preventative measures. Nevertheless, the scenario is not inconceivable for an owner, prompting criticism that a company renowned for its advanced engineering couldn’t devise a simple fail-safe to prevent such an occurrence. Fortunately for the Ferrari 296 GTB, this happened after all scoring was completed.
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 complexity. Yet, despite these drawbacks, the Ferrari 296 GTB proved irresistibly seductive. Vivian’s initial reservations about its complexity and perceived gratuitous differences gave way to enchantment with its “spooky” directional changes, astonishing damping, “looney-tunes” levels of grip, and the linearity of its seemingly inexhaustible power delivery.
Peter Tomalin, summing up the ecoty 2022 verdict, declared the Ferrari 296 GTB a significant return to form for Ferrari, particularly when contrasted with the less inspiring SF90. He noted the Ferrari 296 GTB’s greater success lay in its technical sophistication and the natural, far less intrusive integration of its hybrid technology. Gallagher concurred, stating that Ferrari had evidently learned valuable lessons from the SF90, distilling that experience into a series production model that stands as one of its very finest achievements.
When a vehicle is so heavily endowed with cutting-edge technology, there’s always an inherent risk that the sum of its parts might fall short of its individual components’ potential. This was a sentiment we encountered with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power, proved somewhat unnerving with its challenging driving characteristics.
The Ferrari 296 GTB, however, represents a distinct departure. Its performance at the evo Car of the Year 2022, where it secured a joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, was a testament to its more organic feel. Its masterful blend of immense power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect balance, effectively redefining what a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket can be. Rumors of a ‘Versione Speciale’ variant, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity, are circulating. The hope is that the standard Ferrari 296 GTB’s inexplicably natural feel will be preserved.
It is this crucial aspect of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s inherent character that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900 horsepower is an almost obscene amount of power for a series-production supercar, and without a meticulously resolved chassis to match, it could easily become overwhelming. If Lamborghini has indeed achieved that delicate balance – and the sheer brilliance of the Revuelto offers ample reason for optimism – then we are poised for an epic twin test of over 1700 horsepower.
Alternatively, we could elevate the stakes to a 2400 horsepower triple threat by including the McLaren 750S. At this juncture, it must be described as the ‘minnow’ of this elite class, with a comparatively modest 740 horsepower. However, it compensates with a relatively lithe 1389kg kerb weight, translating to a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s rawness, ergonomic rightness, razor-sharp steering, and balletic chassis control offer a distinct counterpoint to the comparatively detached feel of the Ferrari.
For those seeking to understand the pinnacle of hybrid supercar engineering in the current market, the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a benchmark. Its fusion of V6 potency, electric augmentation, and sophisticated chassis control creates an experience that is both exhilarating and deeply rewarding. As the automotive landscape continues its relentless evolution, the Ferrari 296 GTB has not just kept pace; it has set a new standard.
Are you ready to experience the future of supercar performance firsthand? Explore financing options for a Ferrari 296 GTB for sale in your area or schedule a private viewing at a leading Ferrari dealership.
