Ferrari 296 GTB: The Hybrid Benchmark Against Which Supercar Ambitions Will Be Measured
The Dawn of a New Era: Ferrari’s V6 Hybrid Revolution Continues to Captivate
For a decade, the supercar landscape has been dominated by the roar of V8s and the soul-stirring wail of naturally aspirated V10s. Yet, in recent years, a paradigm shift has been underway, one that the Ferrari 296 GTB has masterfully spearheaded. Even with the horizon hinting at hyper-hybrid rivals pushing the boundaries of power and performance, this Italian marvel, now a few years into its tenure, continues to utterly captivate. It’s a testament to Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of innovation, a bold departure from tradition that has set a new benchmark in a segment still grappling with the transition to electrified powertrains.
When the Ferrari 296 GTB first graced our streets in 2022, it represented an unprecedented evolution for Ferrari’s mid-engined supercar lineage. Shedding the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 in favor of an entirely new twin-turbo V6, augmented by a potent electric motor, the 296 GTB seized the initiative. It entered a rarefied tier of supercars where electrification was nascent, challenging established norms and prompting a recalcitrant industry to accelerate its own hybrid adoption.
In its early days, the 296 GTB’s natural adversaries were cars like the Lamborghini Huracán, celebrated for its sonorous, naturally aspirated V10, and the formidable McLaren 720S, a V8 powerhouse. The Huracán, while perhaps less potent in pure numbers, offered an intoxicating blend of V10 charisma and raw auditory theater. The McLaren 720S, a refined evolution of its predecessor, championed a relentless pursuit of power-to-weight supremacy. However, with the imminent arrival of the Lamborghini Temerario, boasting a staggering 903 horsepower from its 10,000rpm V8 hybrid powertrain, the competitive stakes have been dramatically raised. The Temerario, in essence, is Lamborghini’s audacious riposte to Maranello’s 819 horsepower hybrid berlinetta, signaling an intensified battle for supercar supremacy.
The sheer firepower contained within the Ferrari 296 GTB is undeniable. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6, seamlessly integrated with an electric motor powering the rear wheels exclusively (a distinction from the SF90 Stradale), catapults it to 819 horsepower. This potent combination didn’t just challenge conventions; it shattered them, proving that a V6, when expertly hybridized, could deliver performance levels previously reserved for larger displacement engines.
It’s easy to become fixated on such stratospheric power figures, prompting contemplation on the ultimate ceiling of such power escalation – a question the Ferrari 296 GTB seems to answer with a resounding “not yet,” much to the chagrin of rivals like Lamborghini. Furthermore, the practicalities of unleashing such performance on public roads are a constant, albeit thrilling, consideration.
The Ferrari 296 GTB carries significant historical weight. It marks Ferrari’s return to V6 power for a road-legal car (the iconic 246 GT Dino, while a V6, never bore the Prancing Horse emblem in its era). It’s also the first Ferrari to employ a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration, where the turbos are nestled within the engine’s V-angle for optimal efficiency and response. As a plug-in hybrid, it offers an entirely electric-only range of approximately 15 miles, a feature that adds a layer of everyday usability to this extreme machine. The compact V6 is mounted low within a newly engineered aluminum chassis, its wheelbase judiciously shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, with occupants positioned slightly further forward to optimize weight distribution and driving dynamics.
The electric motor itself contributes a formidable 165 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. The V6, unassisted, churns out a prodigious 654 horsepower and 546 lb-ft. When combined, these power units achieve the headline figure of 819 horsepower. Ferrari strategically refrains from quoting a peak combined torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the V6 and the electric motor. However, it’s safe to assume that the resultant torque is nothing short of colossal. Crucially, this V6 powertrain offers a weight saving of 30kg over Ferrari’s V8 units. Mated to an advanced eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and housing its long, rectangular battery pack ingeniously behind the seats, the Ferrari 296 GTB represents a masterclass in compact, high-performance engineering.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of sophisticated electronic chassis management systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has developed an advanced six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS (Six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This groundbreaking system meticulously measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. By replacing traditional yaw sensors and working in concert with a sensor on the steering rack, it provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of driver intent and available grip at the tire contact patch. This allows systems like the renowned Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff to operate with remarkable precision, maximizing cornering speeds while upholding unwavering stability and driver confidence. Furthermore, the 6w-CDS enables the novel ABS-evo system, activated in RACE mode and above. Linked to the 296’s brake-by-wire architecture, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also significantly enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners, a testament to the car’s deeply integrated dynamic capabilities.
For the first time in its history, Ferrari is leveraging its active aerodynamics technology not for drag reduction, but to generate substantial downforce. The marque quotes an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155 mph. A significant portion of this downforce, up to 100kg, is precisely engineered by the deployable rear wing, a dynamic element that extends from the car’s tail.
Cooling is a critical consideration for any hybrid hypercar, and the Ferrari 296 GTB employs a robust system. Two radiators positioned at the front manage engine and gearbox temperatures, supplemented by two additional condensers dedicated to cooling the battery pack. Hot air is expertly expelled from the underbody, ensuring it doesn’t impede the flow of cooling air directed towards the intercoolers flanking the car’s sides. The subtle apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to channeling air for brake cooling, while the aerodynamically integrated wing on the roofline creates a virtual rear screen, effectively guiding airflow to the rear of the car as if it were following a defined surface. The lion’s share of the 296’s downforce is generated from beneath the car. Meticulous attention has been paid to the intricate channeling of air, the design of the rear diffuser, and crucially, the underbody’s ground clearance, all to amplify the effectiveness of the downforce-generating surfaces.
The examples of the Ferrari 296 GTB we sampled on the launch circuit were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units derived from GT racing technology, and introduces additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements at the front, boosting front downforce by an additional 20kg. The cabin also benefits from a more liberal application of carbon fiber, including door panels, and further exterior carbon elements contribute to an overall weight saving of 12kg. This saving can be extended to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For those seeking the ultimate track-focused setup, the Fiorano package also offers the option of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the already exceptional standard Pilot Sport 4S tires. Assetto Fiorano-equipped cars can also be personalized with an exterior graphics package, paying homage to the iconic 250LM of the 1960s.
Having experienced the Ferrari 296 GTB firsthand, its aesthetic is undeniably striking. It possesses a unique visual identity, quite unlike anything else on the road, subtly evoking the spirit of the 1960s 250LM, even without the more overt graphics package.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: A Symphony of Power and Precision
Initiating a journey in the Ferrari 296 GTB is an elegant affair. A double press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss awakens the powertrain, followed by engaging first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, meaning it will depart silently on electric power alone unless prompted otherwise via the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors on the left side of the steering wheel boss. As long as throttle inputs remain measured, the car will continue its silent progress on electric power, provided the battery retains sufficient charge.
Owners can also manually select an all-electric EV mode, overriding the powertrain’s usual demands. Beyond this, the Performance and Qualifying modes orchestrate the combined might of the V6 and electric motor. Performance mode aims for exhilarating acceleration while concurrently managing battery replenishment, whereas Qualifying mode unleashes the vehicle’s ultimate performance potential, disregarding the battery’s state of charge.
The experience of gliding silently through urban landscapes is an unexpected delight. The damping sophistication of the Ferrari 296 GTB renders it a surprisingly comfortable chariot for covering long distances. Even the practicality of luggage is addressed, with a reasonably sized ‘frunk’ at the front, a welcome improvement over the SF90. However, the true question on everyone’s mind – including mine – is how does this hybrid marvel perform when both the V6 and electric motor are unleashed to their full potential?
The answer is both immediate and astonishing. Prod the throttle at low revs in a higher gear, and the Ferrari 296 GTB simply catapults forward with a ferocity that makes you momentarily question the very necessity of gear changes. Yet, there are eight gears to exploit, and a V6 engine that eagerly winds up to 8,500 rpm. When you truly unleash the Ferrari 296 GTB, the effect is nothing short of breathtaking.
The acceleration figures – a blistering 0-62mph in a fraction over two seconds and a top speed exceeding 200 mph – paint a picture of sheer velocity. The rate of acceleration is so intense it borders on the disorienting, inducing a state of nervous laughter, yet it’s paradoxically addictive. This is a car of immense, almost unsettling, speed. And the soundtrack? It’s a glorious symphony of turbocharger effects overlaying the tuneful rasp of the V6, a sonic experience that perfectly complements its performance.
Ride and Handling: An Unwavering Commitment to Driver Engagement
What truly sets the Ferrari 296 GTB apart is its astonishing chassis responsiveness and Ferrari’s unwavering commitment to creating a “fun to drive” experience. The car feels incredibly agile without ever tipping into nervousness. The steering, as is typical of Ferrari, is light and lightning-quick, yet it also provides a remarkable level of tactile feedback, allowing the driver to feel the road beneath. While grip levels are, as expected, immense, the Ferrari 296 GTB possesses a level of throttle adjustability that guarantees a grin-inducing experience.
Despite its dry weight of 1,470 kg, the car feels considerably lighter. There’s a remarkable absence of inertia, encouraging the driver to work with the car, making subtle inputs and reveling in its pinpoint accuracy and precision. Engaging CT Off mode allows for breathtaking liberties with the absolute assurance that a highly intelligent electronic safety net is still in place. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the inherent balance of the Ferrari 296 GTB allows for controlled drifts and playful oversteer in a manner one might not expect from a car boasting 819 horsepower.
On a racetrack, the Ferrari 296 GTB has the uncanny ability to compress even the longest straights. What becomes even more apparent is its razor-sharp precision. The power is readily available to break rear-wheel traction at numerous points around the circuit, but the car is exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. It quickly becomes apparent that precision in control inputs yields the greatest rewards. The turn-in accuracy and immediate response dramatically shorten the entry phase into every corner. Instead of easing the car into turns and allowing loads to build gradually, the Ferrari 296 GTB establishes its line instantly, aided by the Multimatic dampers and the hyper-quick steering, which perfectly complements the enhanced roll support offered by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even if you’ve just stepped out of a more conventional sports car, the speed, precision, and agility of the Ferrari 296 GTB are phenomenal, delivering an exhilarating and joyous experience lap after lap.
Interior: A Fusion of Tradition and Tomorrow
The cabin architecture of the Ferrari 296 GTB will feel familiar to those who have experienced the SF90 Stradale, as it draws heavily from that car. The fully digital interface, coupled with its extensive array of haptic switchgear, presents a learning curve. These controls are liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it.
Undoubtedly, the system is complex. However, it’s important to acknowledge the sheer volume of information being conveyed. The primary frustration lies in the fact that some simple operations may require a second press if the initial attempt isn’t registered, or a lack of definitive feedback as to whether a press has been successful. Nevertheless, the cabin unequivocally exudes an aura of exclusivity and specialness.
Evo Car of the Year 2022 Verdict: A Return to Form and a New Standard Bearer
“Now things get serious,” declared the Evo team in their 2022 Car of the Year assessment. “When the scores were tallied, there was barely a sliver of difference between the McLaren Artura and the Ferrari 296 GTB. The judges were evenly divided: three of us narrowly favored the Ferrari, while three scored the McLaren marginally higher.”
The trio who championed the Ferrari 296 GTB included the editorial team themselves. “What a spectacular car,” enthused Jethro. “Beautiful to behold, outrageously fast, astonishingly exploitable, and technically brilliant. Its V6 engine demonstrates to McLaren how to downsize while amplifying the drama. It matches the Artura in terms of pure control but possesses a more playful and indulgent character.”
“The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” was Dickie’s verdict, a sentiment echoed by many. “The hybrid system integrates seamlessly and doesn’t alter the driving experience as much as I feared. Perhaps this is because we’ve become accustomed to the torquey characteristics of the turbocharged V8s in the 488 and F8. The 296 is stonkingly fast, but its appeal extends beyond sheer speed, thanks to the character of the V6, which delivers a sweet soundtrack that evolves with throttle application.”
While the Ferrari’s hybridization was widely lauded for its seamless integration, a singular incident cast a shadow. On the final night of testing, the car was left stranded after the battery depleted with no apparent means of revival. Ferrari had, in fact, cautioned about this possibility and provided detailed instructions to mitigate such an occurrence. However, the scenario of an owner finding themselves similarly stranded is not inconceivable. As one tester noted, “The fact that the company that pioneered individual rear-wheel steering can’t engineer a simple failsafe to prevent this is a significant oversight.” Fortunately for the Ferrari 296 GTB, this issue arose after all scoring had been completed.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake pedal feel didn’t quite match the absolute best in the group. The technological interface was also broadly criticized for its excessive complexity. Despite these critiques, the Ferrari 296 GTB proved to be irresistibly seductive. “I initially thought I wouldn’t be overly impressed by the Fezza – too complex, with rather gratuitous points of differentiation,” commented Vivian. “But I found myself somewhat bewitched: the uncanny way it changes direction, its remarkable damping, and its looney-tunes levels of grip, coupled with the linearity of seemingly endless power…”
“This is a genuine return to form for Ferrari,” noted Peter Tomalin, editor of Evo. “After the SF90 left us feeling somewhat underwhelmed last year, the 296 GTB is a far more successful endeavor. Its technical sophistication, and particularly the integration of its hybrid technology, feels far more natural and considerably less intrusive. The team learned from the SF90, distilled those lessons, and produced a series production model that stands as one of their very best.”
Price, Rivals, and the Future of Supercars
When a vehicle is so heavily imbued with cutting-edge technology, there’s always an inherent risk that the sum of its parts might exceed its overall appeal. This was an observation made with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power output, could be unnerving in its less-than-intuitive driving characteristics.
However, the Ferrari 296 GTB presents a markedly different proposition. As evidenced by its joint third-place finish at the Evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, alongside the McLaren Artura, it feels far more organic. Its exquisite blend of raw power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect chord, redefining what a supercar in the £250,000-plus bracket can achieve. Rumors of a Versione Speciale variant of the 296, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity, are circulating, and the hope is that the standard 296’s inexplicably natural feel will be retained.
It is precisely this aspect of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s intrinsic character that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900 horsepower is an obscene amount of power to wield in a series-production supercar, a level that can undoubtedly overwhelm the chassis if the rest of the car isn’t meticulously engineered to manage it. If Lamborghini has indeed achieved the right balance – and their success with the Revuelto offers ample reason for optimism – then we are poised for an epic twin-test featuring two hybrid titans.
Alternatively, we could expand this to a 2,400 horsepower triple threat with the inclusion of the McLaren 750S, now rather comically described as the ‘minnow’ of this class with its “mere” 740 horsepower. However, as mentioned, the McLaren brings a comparatively petite 1,389 kg kerb weight to the table, resulting in a potent power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw engagement, ergonomic perfection, crisply precise steering, and chassis finesse undoubtedly set it apart from the comparatively more detached Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications:
Engine: 2992cc V6, twin-turbocharged, with integrated electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, with active E-diff
Combined Power: 819 bhp @ 8,000 rpm
Combined Torque: 546 lb ft @ 6,250 rpm
Weight (dry): 1,470 kg (566 bhp/ton)
0-62 mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205 mph
Price: Starting from £250,000+
The future of the supercar is undeniably hybrid, and the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a brilliant testament to what can be achieved. Its blend of ferocious performance, advanced technology, and surprisingly accessible driving dynamics sets a formidable precedent.
Are you ready to experience the future of Italian performance? Discover the exhilarating world of Ferrari and explore the models that continue to define automotive excellence. Contact your nearest authorized Ferrari dealer today to arrange a personal consultation and unlock the door to extraordinary.
