Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Masterclass Facing Its Toughest Challenge Yet
For a decade now, the supercar landscape has been a battlefield of escalating power figures and evolving technologies. As an industry insider with ten years immersed in the visceral world of performance automotive, I’ve witnessed firsthand the relentless pursuit of automotive perfection. Today, the spotlight shines brightly on Ferrari’s audacious 296 GTB, a machine that dared to redefine the mid-engined supercar formula with its revolutionary V6 hybrid powertrain. Even with a seemingly insurmountable 903 horsepower Lamborghini rival looming on the horizon, the 296 GTB remains a captivating proposition, a testament to Maranello’s enduring genius.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a seismic shift in the brand’s mid-engined supercar lineage. Forgoing the celebrated, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 in favor of a sophisticated new twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by an electric motor, the 296 GTB boldly seized the initiative in a segment that was only tentatively embracing electrification. It was a calculated gamble, a move that placed Ferrari at the forefront of a technological transition, leaving many competitors playing catch-up.
In its initial years, the 296 GTB’s primary adversaries were the Lamborghini Huracán, with its soul-stirring naturally aspirated V10, and the formidable McLaren 720S, which championed the cause of the twin-turbo V8. While the McLaren 750S represents an evolution of a proven theme, emphasizing power-to-weight supremacy, the incoming Lamborghini Temerario – a 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid beast – is an unmistakable challenge directly aimed at Ferrari’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta. This burgeoning rivalry is precisely what keeps the heart of any true automotive enthusiast racing.
Make no mistake, the 296 GTB is a car of immense firepower. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6, coupled with an integrated electric motor, drives exclusively the rear wheels – a departure from the more complex all-wheel-drive setup of the SF90. With a combined output of 819bhp, the 296 GTB shattered conventional supercar expectations, proving that smaller displacement and electrification could not only match but surpass previous V8 benchmarks.
It’s easy to be captivated by such staggering power figures, and one might ponder the ultimate limits of this power escalation, and more practically, where on public roads one could genuinely exploit such performance. But these are questions for another day; for now, let’s delve into what makes this Ferrari hybrid supercar so compelling.
The 296 GTB holds a unique place in Ferrari’s history as the first V6-powered road car to officially bear the Prancing Horse emblem – a lineage distinct from the revered, yet emblem-less, 246 GT Dino of yesteryear. It also pioneers Ferrari’s “hot-vee” turbocharger configuration, where the turbos are nestled within the engine’s V-angle for a more compact and responsive setup. Furthermore, its plug-in hybrid nature offers a tangible electric-only range of approximately 15 miles, allowing for silent, emissions-free urban commuting, a feature increasingly sought after in today’s environmentally conscious market. The compact V6 engine is mounted low within a new aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase reduced by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, with occupants positioned slightly further forward for a more intimate driving experience.
The electric motor contributes a robust 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 engine alone churns out an astonishing 654bhp and 546lb ft. Ferrari wisely refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the electric motor and the internal combustion engine. However, it’s safe to assume the resulting torque is nothing short of colossal. Crucially, this V6 unit is approximately 30kg lighter than Ferrari’s V8 engines and is mated to a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a slender, elongated structure, is strategically located behind the seats, contributing to the car’s near-perfect weight distribution.
No Ferrari would be complete without an array of acronym-laden electronic chassis control systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has developed an innovative six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor), capable of precisely measuring acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. This advanced system replaces traditional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of the driver’s intentions and the available grip at the tire contact patches. It works in concert with Ferrari’s renowned Side Slip Control and active E-Diff to optimize cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and confidence. This technological prowess also enables a groundbreaking new system: ABS-evo. Activated in RACE mode and above, ABS-evo leverages the 296’s brake-by-wire system to not only shorten braking distances but also enhance braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners, a technique that demands extreme precision.
In a significant departure, Ferrari has deployed its active aerodynamics not to minimize drag but to maximize downforce. The company claims a substantial 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a remarkable 100kg of that generated by the active rear wing that elegantly deploys from the car’s tail. This isn’t just about straight-line speed; it’s about generating the grip needed to exploit the immense power through the corners.
The thermal management of such a potent hybrid powertrain is a complex undertaking. Two radiators in the front fascia handle engine and gearbox cooling, while two additional condensers are dedicated to managing the battery’s temperature. Hot air is expertly expelled from the underbody to avoid disrupting the airflow directed towards the intercoolers flanking the car’s sides. The discreet apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to cooling the brakes, a vital component when dealing with such velocity. Furthermore, a cleverly integrated wing at the rear of the roofline creates a “virtual” rear screen, meticulously channeling airflow to the rear of the car as if guided by a precisely sculpted surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated beneath the car, with particular attention paid to the design of the underbody, the rear diffuser, and the critical ground clearance, all working in synergy to maximize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
Our initial encounters with the 296 GTB on the circuit were exclusively with models equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-enhancing upgrade replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units, derived from GT racing technology, and adds further carbon aerodynamic enhancements to the nose, increasing front downforce by an additional 20kg. The cabin also benefits from a generous application of carbon fiber, including door panels, contributing to an overall weight saving of 12kg. This can be further reduced by a further 3kg with the optional Lexan rear engine cover. For the truly track-focused enthusiast, the Assetto Fiorano package offers the ultimate Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, a significant step up from the already capable standard Pilot Sport 4S. Assetto Fiorano cars can also be adorned with an exterior graphics package, a nostalgic nod to the iconic 250LM of the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time observing and interacting with the 296 GTB, both in photographs and in the metal, I can attest to its breathtaking aesthetic. It possesses a unique, almost otherworldly beauty, a departure from anything else on the road today, and its silhouette subtly echoes the legendary 250LM, even without the more overt graphic treatments.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: A Hybrid Symphony
Initiating the 296 GTB’s journey requires a double press of the lower button on the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing for effortless departure on electric power alone, unless deliberately overridden via the haptic driver mode controls on the steering wheel. Gentle throttle application ensures continued silent, electric-only propulsion, provided the battery retains sufficient charge.
Owners can also explicitly select ‘EV mode,’ overriding any powertrain demands, or opt for the more potent Performance and Qualifying modes. In these settings, both power sources operate in tandem: Performance mode aims to maintain battery charge while delivering exhilarating performance, whereas Qualifying mode prioritizes absolute peak performance, irrespective of the battery’s state of charge.
The ability to glide silently through urban landscapes is an unexpected and deeply satisfying pleasure. The damping system is so sophisticated that it transforms long journeys into remarkably comfortable experiences. Even the practicality of a usable luggage compartment in the ‘frunk’ – a welcome addition absent in the SF90 – adds to its surprising versatility. But, of course, what truly ignites our curiosity is the sensation when both the V6 engine and the electric motor are fully unleashed.
The sheer potency is evident the moment you plant the throttle from low revs in a higher gear: the 296 simply surges forward, with absolutely no discernible lag, making you momentarily question the very necessity of gear changes. Yet, with eight gears at its disposal and an engine that willingly spins to 8500rpm, the experience of truly unleashing the 296 is nothing short of astonishing.
As the specifications suggest – a blistering 0-62mph sprint in just 2.9 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205mph – the rate of acceleration is akin to a visceral embrace, inducing a mixture of nervous laughter and an almost addictive sensation. This is, without question, a seriously rapid machine. And the sound! A symphony of turbocharger whistle harmoniously overlays the tuneful rasp of the V6, creating an auditory experience as exhilarating as the acceleration itself.
Ride and Handling: Precision Personified
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is the remarkable responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s assertion that the car was engineered for pure driving enjoyment is not hyperbole; it feels incredibly agile without ever becoming unnerving. The steering is typically light and direct, yet it conveys an astonishing level of tactile feedback. While grip levels are exceptionally high, as one would expect from a Ferrari, the car remains delightfully throttle-adjustable, eliciting grins with every dynamic maneuver.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a remarkable lack of inertia that encourages a more intuitive, collaborative driving style, rewarding small, precise inputs with exhilarating accuracy. Engaging CT Off mode allows for remarkable liberties with the confidence that an incredibly intelligent electronic guardian is still watching over you. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows it to be playfully coaxed into oversteer in ways one might never imagine possible in a car producing 819bhp.
On the racetrack, the 296 possesses the uncanny ability to shrink even the longest straights. What becomes even more apparent is its razor-sharp precision. The power is readily available to break traction at the rear in numerous corners, yet the 296 is acutely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. It quickly becomes apparent that meticulous precision with the controls yields the greatest rewards. The astonishing turn-in accuracy and immediate response dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing the car into turns and allowing load to build gradually, the 296 settles instantly, its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering working in perfect harmony with the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal, offering an experience that remains pure joy, lap after lap.
Interior: A Digital Frontier
The cabin architecture will feel familiar to those who have experienced the SF90, as the 296 borrows heavily from its flagship sibling. The fully digital interface, coupled with its accompanying haptic switchgear, presents a learning curve. These controls are liberally distributed across the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it.
While undeniably complex, it’s important to acknowledge the sheer volume of information and functionality being conveyed. The primary frustration lies in how simple operations occasionally require a second, deliberate press after an initial, unregistered attempt, or the uncertainty of whether a command has been successfully registered at all. Nevertheless, despite these minor ergonomic challenges, the cabin undeniably exudes a sense of occasion and exclusivity.
evo Car of the Year 2022 Verdict: A Return to Form
The competition for evo Car of the Year 2022 was exceptionally fierce. When the scores were tallied, the margin between the McLaren Artura and the Ferrari 296 GTB was infinitesimally small. The judging panel was almost perfectly divided, with three testers narrowly favoring the Ferrari, and three leaning towards the McLaren by the slimmest of margins.
Those who championed the 296 GTB, including myself, Mark Walton, and Henry Catchpole, were captivated by its sheer brilliance. “What a spectacular car,” enthused Jethro Bovingdon. “Beautiful to behold, outrageously fast, astonishingly exploitable, and so technically ingenious. Its V6 powertrain demonstrates to McLaren how to downsize while amplifying the drama. It matches the Artura in terms of sheer control but offers a more playful and indulgent character.”
Richard Meaden offered a profound observation: “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. “The hybrid system integrates seamlessly and doesn’t fundamentally alter the driving experience as much as I had feared. This is likely because we’ve already become accustomed to the torquey characteristics of turbocharged V8s in the 488 and F8. The 296 is stonkingly quick, but its appeal extends beyond sheer velocity, thanks to the character of the V6, which produces a consistently sweet soundtrack that evolves with throttle application.”
The Ferrari’s hybridisation was widely lauded for its seamless integration. However, a notable incident on the final night saw the car left stranded after the battery depleted with no apparent means of recovery. To be fair, Ferrari had preemptively warned of this possibility and provided detailed instructions to mitigate such an event. Nevertheless, it’s not inconceivable that an owner could find themselves in a similar predicament. As Ollie Marriage astutely pointed out, “It’s a significant oversight that the company which pioneered individual rear-wheel steering cannot engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this scenario.” Fortunately for the 296, this incident occurred after all cars had been scored.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake pedal feel didn’t quite match the very best in the group. The technological interface also drew widespread criticism for its perceived over-complexity. Despite these points, the 296 remained irresistibly seductive. “I initially anticipated I wouldn’t be overly impressed with the Fezza – too complex, with rather gratuitous points of difference,” confessed Tom Gallagher. “But I found myself somewhat bewitched: its uncanny ability to change direction; its astonishing damping and looney-tunes levels of grip; the linearity of its seemingly endless power…”
As Peter Tomalin, the esteemed editor of evo, concluded in his 2022 Car of the Year summary: “The 296 represents a significant return to form for Ferrari, especially after the SF90 left us somewhat underwhelmed last year. The 296 is far more successful because its technical sophistication, and particularly the integration of its hybrid technology, feels far more natural and considerably less intrusive. Ferrari has taken invaluable lessons from the SF90, refined them, and distilled them into a series production model that stands as one of its very finest.”
Price, Rivals, and the Future of Supercars
When a vehicle is so densely packed with cutting-edge technology, there’s always an inherent risk that it might become less than the sum of its parts. We encountered this with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power output, left us slightly unnerved by its challenging driving characteristics.
However, the Ferrari 296 GTB price is justified by its organic, holistic approach. As demonstrated at evo Car of the Year 2022, where it secured a joint third-place finish alongside the McLaren Artura, the 296 strikes a remarkable sweet spot, redefining the capabilities and the very essence of a supercar priced in the £250,000 bracket. A ‘Versione Speciale’ variant of the 296 is anticipated this year, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity. Our fervent hope is that the standard 296’s inexplicably natural and engaging feel is preserved.
It is this fundamental aspect of the 296 GTB’s character that we trust Lamborghini has meticulously addressed when honing its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power to harness in a series-production supercar, and it could easily overwhelm the chassis if not perfectly resolved. If Lamborghini has indeed nailed it – and their success with the Revuelto offers substantial reason for optimism – then we are on the cusp of an epic twin test, a showdown of titans, featuring these incredible hybrid machines.
Alternatively, we could elevate the contest to a staggering 2400bhp triple threat by including the McLaren 750S, now arguably the “minnow” of this class with “only” 740bhp. However, as noted earlier, it brings a comparatively lithe 1389kg kerb weight to the table, resulting in a potent power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw engagement, ergonomic perfection, crisp steering, and chassis finesse do set it apart against the comparatively remote-feeling Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications:
Engine: V6, 2992cc, twin-turbocharged, with integrated electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, active E-diff
Combined Power: 819bhp @ 8000rpm
Combined Torque: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Estimated Price: £250,000+
The automotive world is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a beacon of innovation. As the competition intensifies and hybrid technology becomes even more sophisticated, the benchmarks for performance and driving pleasure are continually being raised. If you’re a discerning enthusiast seeking the pinnacle of hybrid supercar engineering and an unparalleled driving experience, the Ferrari 296 GTB warrants your immediate attention. Explore financing options, book a test drive at your nearest Ferrari dealership, or consult with a specialist automotive consultant to understand how this extraordinary machine can transform your driving passion.
