The Ferrari 296 GTB: A New Era of Hybrid Supercar Excellence Facing Its Ultimate Challenge
For a decade, the supercar landscape has been defined by V8 roars and naturally aspirated symphony. But as an industry veteran with ten years of hands-on experience navigating the evolving world of high-performance automobiles, I’ve witnessed firsthand the seismic shifts that have reshaped this elite segment. The Ferrari 296 GTB, a marvel of engineering and a testament to Italian ingenuity, has been at the forefront of this transformation. It’s a car that didn’t just enter the fray; it redefined it. Yet, even as the 296 GTB continues to astound with its groundbreaking hybrid V6 powertrain, a formidable challenger is emerging from Sant’Agata Bolognese, poised to test the very limits of what we consider a modern supercar.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a pivotal moment for the Prancing Horse. Eschewing the storied twin-turbo V8 that had earned countless accolades, Ferrari embraced a bold new direction with a potent twin-turbo V6 augmented by electric power. This audacious move positioned the 296 GTB as a trailblazer in a segment where electrification was just beginning to gain traction, offering a glimpse into the future of performance.
In its initial years, the 296 GTB was primarily contrasted with the Lamborghini Huracán, celebrated for its emotive naturally aspirated V10, and the formidable McLaren 720S, a king of the twin-turbo V8 domain. While the McLaren 750S, an evolution of its predecessor, continued to champion power-to-weight superiority, the introduction of Lamborghini’s 903bhp, 10,000rpm V8 hybrid Temerario signals a direct, no-holds-barred assault on Maranello’s 819bhp hybrid berlinetta. This isn’t just evolution; it’s a revolution, and the Ferrari 296 GTB review we’re undertaking today is not just about the car itself, but about its place in this escalating battle of hypercar titans.
The 296 GTB is a powerhouse, no doubt. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6, coupled with an electric motor driving the rear wheels exclusively – a departure from the SF90’s AWD setup – delivers a staggering 819bhp. This combination has fundamentally disrupted supercar conventions, pushing the boundaries of performance for hybrid supercars. It’s easy to become fixated on such immense power figures and ponder their ultimate destination, or indeed, where one might legally and safely deploy such prodigious acceleration. But that’s a discussion for another time.
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is its pioneering spirit. It’s the first V6-powered road-going Ferrari, a lineage tracing back to the beloved 246 GT Dino, though the Dino never bore the iconic Prancing Horse badge in its era. The 296 GTB also boasts a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration and a plug-in hybrid system providing an estimated 15 miles of all-electric range. Nestled low within a novel aluminum chassis, its wheelbase is 50mm shorter than its V8 predecessors, with occupants positioned slightly forward, contributing to an incredibly compact and agile feel.
The electric motor alone contributes a significant 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 engine unleashes a formidable 654bhp and 546lb ft. Ferrari tactfully avoids quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the electric motor and internal combustion engine, but it’s safe to assume the figure is nothing short of colossal. The V6 powertrain, a triumph of lightweight engineering, shaves 30kg compared to Ferrari’s V8s. This is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the battery pack, a sleek, elongated unit, resides discreetly behind the seats. This innovative packaging is crucial for maintaining the supercar handling prowess that Ferrari is renowned for.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of sophisticated electronic chassis control systems. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari has introduced its six-axis sensor, the 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This advanced system meticulously measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes, replacing traditional yaw sensors. In concert with the steering rack sensor, it grants the car an unparalleled understanding of driver intent and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data feeds into systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, optimizing cornering speeds while preserving unwavering stability. Furthermore, it enables the groundbreaking ABS-evo system, which, in RACE mode and above, leverages the 296’s brake-by-wire technology to not only shorten braking distances but also enhance performance during trail braking into corners – a critical aspect for any performance car.
In a significant aerodynamic evolution for Ferrari, the 296 GTB utilizes its active aerodynamics not to reduce drag, but to generate substantial downforce. The company claims an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a substantial portion derived from the deployable rear wing. This focus on aerodynamic efficiency in supercars is a hallmark of 2025 trends.
The thermal management is equally impressive. Two radiators at the front handle engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two condensers for the battery. Hot air is expelled from beneath the car, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the airflow directed to the intercoolers along the flanks. Small apertures beneath the headlights are dedicated to brake cooling, while a roofline-integrated wing creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, effectively channeling air to the rear of the vehicle as if guided by a solid surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated from beneath the car, with meticulous attention paid to the underbody channels, the rear diffuser, and the crucial ride height to maximize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
Our initial encounters with the 296 GTB were on a closed circuit, with all test cars equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This includes race-derived Multimatic dampers, enhancing the car’s track capability, and additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the nose, boosting front downforce by 20kg. The package also introduces more carbon fiber throughout the cabin and exterior, contributing to a 12kg weight saving, extendable to 15kg with the optional Lexan engine cover. Further enhancing the track-focused nature, the Fiorano package can be optioned with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, a significant upgrade over the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Those opting for the Fiorano specification can even choose an exterior graphic package inspired by the iconic 250LM of the 1960s, a nod to Ferrari’s rich racing heritage.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 GTB in various environments, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a distinct and captivating design, evocative of the 250LM even without the polarizing graphic pack. For anyone seeking a luxury sports car that stands out, the 296 GTB delivers.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: The Heart of the Matter
Initiating the 296 GTB’s journey is as simple as a double-press of the lower steering wheel boss, followed by engaging first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing for silent, all-electric propulsion unless prompted otherwise via the haptic driver mode selectors. As long as the throttle inputs are judicious and the battery retains charge, the 296 GTB glides serenely, a surprisingly comfortable and refined experience for covering significant distances. The damping is exceptionally sophisticated, and the ‘frunk’ offers a reasonable amount of luggage space, a welcome practicality absent in the SF90. But the question that truly burns is: what happens when both the V6 and the electric motor are unleashed in their full fury?
The answer lies in the instantaneous surge of power when you plant the throttle from low revs in a high gear. The 296 simply rockets forward with no discernible lag, momentarily making you question the necessity of gears such is its sheer potency. With eight gears to play with and an engine that can rev to an astonishing 8500rpm, the experience when fully uncorked is nothing short of electrifying. The acceleration figures – a mere 2.9 seconds for 0-62mph and a top speed exceeding 205mph – translate into a visceral sensation of relentless forward momentum that is both exhilarating and, at times, almost overwhelming. The soundtrack is equally captivating, a symphony of turbocharger effects harmoniously blending with the V6’s melodious rasp, contributing to the overall driving experience.
The true magic of the 296 GTB lies in its chassis responsiveness. Ferrari’s promise of a car designed to be “fun to drive” is unequivocally delivered. It exhibits a sublime agility that never borders on nervousness. The steering, while typically light and rapid, is imbued with an exceptional level of feedback, allowing you to feel every nuance of the road surface. Grip levels are, as expected, stratospheric, but what truly elevates the 296 is its adjustability on the throttle. This inherent characteristic encourages spirited driving, eliciting grins with every precisely executed maneuver.
Despite its quoted dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 feels significantly lighter, exhibiting a remarkable lack of inertia. This encourages an intuitive, collaborative driving style, where small, precise inputs yield immediate and rewarding results. Engaging CT Off mode offers a tantalizing degree of freedom, with the reassurance of an intelligent electronic safety net always present. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows for controlled drifts and playful oversteer, a feat many would deem impossible in a car boasting 819bhp.
On the track, the 296 GTB possesses an uncanny ability to compress even the longest straights, highlighting its razor-sharp instrument-like precision. While the power is readily available to break rear-end traction at numerous points around the lap, the 296 is remarkably sensitive to braking and steering inputs. Master this sensitivity, and the rewards are immense. The turn-in accuracy is astonishing, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Instead of gradually loading the suspension, the 296 settles instantly, aided by its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering that harmonizes beautifully with the increased roll support offered by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for seasoned drivers accustomed to more mature sports cars, the speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are simply phenomenal, delivering an addictive and joyous experience lap after lap. This is the benchmark for performance handling.
The Cabin Experience: A Blend of Form and Functionality
The interior architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to those who have experienced the SF90, as it shares a significant design lineage. The fully digital interface, coupled with haptic switchgear integrated into the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods, presents a learning curve. While undoubtedly complex, it’s designed to convey a wealth of information. The primary frustration arises from occasionally requiring a second press for inputs to register, or uncertainty as to whether a command has been successfully executed. Nevertheless, the cabin exudes a palpable sense of occasion, making it a special place to be. For those seeking the ultimate exotic car interior, this offers a futuristic yet refined environment.
The Verdict: A Landmark Achievement Facing a New Frontier
In the evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, the 296 GTB achieved a joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, a testament to its exceptional qualities. The judges were divided, with a split decision reflecting the razor-thin margins at this elite level. Those who favored the Ferrari lauded its spectacular nature, breathtaking beauty, outrageous speed, exploitable dynamics, and remarkable technical sophistication. Jethro’s enthusiasm was palpable: “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, echoed by many, declared it, “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355.” He continued, “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 hybrid system was widely praised. However, a notable incident where a drained battery left the car stranded served as a cautionary tale, highlighting the potential pitfalls of advanced hybrid technology. Ferrari had indeed provided guidance to prevent such scenarios, but the oversight in engineering a simple fail-safe, as pointed out by Gallagher, was a significant concern. Fortunately, this occurred after the scoring was finalized.
Despite reservations about Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering, brake pedal feel not matching the very best, and a critique of the overly complex tech interface, the 296 GTB proved irresistibly seductive. Vivian confessed, “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…”
Peter Tomalin’s final verdict summarized the sentiment: “It’s a real return to form for Ferrari, after the SF90 left us cold last year. 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. 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.”
Price and the Looming Competition
The inherent risk with such technologically advanced vehicles is that they can become less than the sum of their parts. This was a sentiment evo experienced with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power, could be unnerving in its less predictable driving characteristics. However, the 296 GTB stands apart. Its organic feel, balanced by a potent mix of power and engaging dynamics, strikes a perfect chord, redefining expectations for a £250,000 supercar. Rumors of a Versione Speciale variant, promising even greater intensity, are on the horizon. The hope is that the standard 296’s intuitive, natural feel will be preserved.
It is precisely this aspect of the 296 GTB’s constitution – its inherent usability and dynamic finesse – that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an almost obscene amount of power for a series production car, and if the rest of the chassis isn’t perfectly resolved to manage it, the experience could be compromised. Given the brilliance of the Revuelto, there is strong reason to be optimistic that Lamborghini will get it right. If so, we’re on the cusp of a truly epic twin test, potentially featuring a combined output of a staggering 1700bhp!
The equation becomes even more extreme with the inclusion of the McLaren 750S, which, with its 740bhp, now appears as the ‘minnow’ of this hypercar class. However, its comparatively svelte 1389kg kerb weight still affords it a formidable power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw character, ergonomic perfection, crisp steering, and deft chassis control offer a compelling counterpoint to the Ferrari’s more curated, almost remote, feel. This dynamic rivalry between the Ferrari 296 GTB vs Lamborghini Temerario is what automotive enthusiasts live for.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications:
Engine: 2992cc, twin-turbo V6, plus electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, active E-diff
Power: 819bhp (combined) @ 8000rpm
Torque: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Price: £250,000+
The Ferrari 296 GTB is more than just a car; it’s a statement about the future of the supercar. It represents a bold leap into hybrid technology without compromising the soul-stirring driving experience Ferrari is celebrated for. While the competition heats up, the 296 GTB remains a benchmark for performance car innovation and driving pleasure.
Are you ready to experience the future of hybrid hypercars? Contact your nearest Ferrari dealership or a trusted performance car specialist today to arrange a private viewing and discover what makes the Ferrari 296 GTB a true icon of its generation.
