The Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Masterpiece Forging a New Era of Supercar Performance
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For over a decade, the automotive landscape has been in a state of profound transformation, driven by an insatiable appetite for both raw power and environmental consciousness. As an industry veteran with ten years immersed in the heart of supercar development and evaluation, I’ve witnessed firsthand the seismic shifts that have redefined what a high-performance vehicle can be. Today, we stand at a pivotal juncture, where electrification is no longer a distant concept but a fundamental pillar of automotive advancement, particularly within the rarefied atmosphere of supercars. And at the forefront of this revolution, a name that consistently signifies pinnacle engineering and exhilarating performance, Ferrari, has unleashed a machine that challenges conventional wisdom and sets a new benchmark: the Ferrari 296 GTB.
The Ferrari 296 GTB review isn’t just about dissecting a car; it’s about understanding a paradigm shift. For years, Ferrari’s mid-engined supercars were synonymous with the thunderous roar of a naturally aspirated V8, a symphony of internal combustion that captivated the senses. However, with the arrival of the 296 GTB in 2022, Maranello embarked on an unprecedented journey, bidding farewell to its multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 in favor of a groundbreaking twin-turbo V6, augmented by a sophisticated electric powertrain. This audacious move positioned the 296 GTB as a trailblazer in a segment that was only just beginning its tentative embrace of hybrid power.
In its nascent years, the 296 GTB’s natural rivals were cars like the Lamborghini Huracán, celebrated for its charismatic, naturally aspirated V10, and the formidable McLaren 720S, which championed the cause of the twin-turbo V8. While the McLaren 750S, an evolution of its predecessor, continues to trade on its exceptional power-to-weight ratio, the whispers of Lamborghini’s upcoming hybrid titan, the Temerario, with its purported 10,000rpm redline and a staggering 903bhp, clearly signal an intensified battle for supremacy. This new V8 hybrid from Sant’Agata Bolognese is more than just a rival; it’s a direct challenge, a bold statement aimed squarely at Ferrari’s electrified Berlinetta.
Make no mistake, the Ferrari 296 GTB possesses genuine, awe-inspiring firepower. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, seamlessly integrated with an electric motor driving the rear wheels exclusively (a departure from the four-wheel-drive SF90 Stradale), produces a combined output of 819bhp. This configuration wasn’t just an incremental upgrade; it was a revolutionary statement that shattered established supercar conventions. The sheer magnitude of this power output is enough to make one ponder the ultimate limits of such performance escalation and, perhaps more pragmatically, the practical application of such prodigious energy on public roads. But for now, let’s focus on the exhilarating reality of the 296 GTB.
This remarkable machine marks a significant milestone as the first V6-powered road-legal Ferrari (the beloved 246 GT Dino, while exquisite, never officially bore the Prancing Horse emblem during its production run). It also pioneers Ferrari’s adoption of a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger arrangement, where the turbos are nestled within the engine’s cylinder banks for enhanced efficiency and response. Furthermore, its plug-in hybrid nature grants it an impressive all-electric range of approximately 15 miles, offering a glimpse into the future of luxury electric sports cars. This compact V6, mounted low within a newly engineered aluminum chassis, contributes to a wheelbase that is 50mm shorter than its V8 predecessors, with occupants positioned slightly further forward, enhancing the sense of intimacy and driver engagement.
The electric motor itself contributes a potent 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 alone unleashes a staggering 654bhp and 546lb ft. Ferrari, in its characteristic discretion, refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. However, it is safe to infer that the combined torque is nothing short of colossal. Notably, the V6 unit alone contributes a weight saving of 30kg over its V8 counterparts and is paired with a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a sleek, elongated structure, resides discreetly behind the seats, an integral component of the supercar powertrain evolution.
No Ferrari would be complete without a suite of advanced electronic chassis systems designed to enhance performance and driver confidence. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari has developed its innovative six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), dubbed the 6w-CDS (Six-Way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This cutting-edge technology measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes, effectively replacing traditional yaw sensors. Working in concert with a sensor on the steering rack, the 6w-CDS provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of driver inputs and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patches. This data is then intelligently processed to optimize systems like Side Slip Control and the active Electronic Differential (E-Diff), maximizing cornering speeds while meticulously preserving stability and driver security. This technological prowess also enables the introduction of ABS-evo in RACE mode and above. Leveraging the 296 GTB’s brake-by-wire system, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also refines braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners, a testament to the advanced automotive engineering at play.
For the first time in its history, Ferrari is employing its active aerodynamics technology not to reduce drag, but to actively generate downforce. The manufacturer claims an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with approximately 100kg of this figure attributed to the deployable rear wing. This sophisticated aerodynamic package is a critical element in the car’s dynamic capabilities, pushing the boundaries of supercar aerodynamics.
The thermal management system is equally impressive, featuring two radiators in the front for engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two condensers dedicated to battery cooling. Hot air is strategically expelled beneath the car to prevent interference with the cooling air directed to the intercoolers located along the flanks. Small apertures below the headlamps are dedicated to brake cooling, while a wing integrated into the roofline creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, effectively channeling airflow to the rear of the car as if guided by a sculpted surface. The majority of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s downforce is generated from beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid to the underbody’s channeling, the rear diffuser, and crucially, the ride height to optimize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces. This focus on aerodynamic efficiency is a key differentiator for next-generation supercars.
Our initial experience with the 296 GTB on the circuit was with examples equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with specialized Multimatic units, derived from GT racing technology. It also incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the front fascia, contributing an extra 20kg of front-end downforce. The package further enhances the car’s athletic persona with more carbon fiber interior components, such as the door panels, and exterior accents, leading to a total weight saving of 12kg. Opting for the Lexan rear engine cover further reduces weight by an additional 3kg. For those seeking the ultimate track-focused experience, the Assetto Fiorano package offers Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires as an alternative to the standard Pilot Sport 4S, and a distinctive exterior graphics package inspired by the legendary 250LM of the 1960s. This bespoke approach exemplifies bespoke supercar features.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 GTB in various environments, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a unique and captivating design that stands apart from anything else on the road, subtly referencing the iconic 250LM, even without the optional graphics. The visual allure alone contributes to its status as one of the most desirable exotic cars on the market.
To initiate forward motion, a simple double-press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss precedes engaging first gear. The 296 GTB defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing it to depart silently on electric power alone, unless prompted otherwise via the intuitive haptic driver mode controls located on the left side of the steering wheel boss. As long as throttle inputs remain moderate, the car will continue to operate solely on electric power, provided sufficient battery charge is available. Drivers can also explicitly select ‘EV’ mode, overriding any powertrain demands, or opt for ‘Performance’ or ‘Qualifying’ modes. In these modes, both the electric motor and the V6 engine work in unison. The ‘Performance’ mode prioritizes power delivery while also aiming to maintain optimal battery charge, whereas ‘Qualifying’ mode unleashes the full, unadulterated performance potential, disregarding the battery’s state of charge. This flexibility underscores the hybrid supercar’s adaptability.
The serene experience of gliding through picturesque villages, powered by electricity, is an unexpected delight. The sophistication of the damping system transforms the cabin into a surprisingly comfortable sanctuary for covering long distances. Even the ‘frunk’ at the front offers a reasonable amount of luggage space, a welcome convenience absent in the SF90. However, the question that truly captivates enthusiasts is the visceral sensation when both the engine and electric motor are unleashed to their full potential.
The answer becomes immediately apparent when applying substantial throttle from low revs in a higher gear: the 296 GTB surges forward with immediate, linear potency, momentarily making one question the very necessity of gear changes. Yet, with eight gears to exploit and an engine that eagerly spins to an 8500rpm redline, the full unleashing of the 296 GTB’s capabilities is nothing short of startling. The acceleration figures—a breathtaking 0-62mph in under 2.9 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205mph—describe a sensation of relentless forward momentum, inducing a unique blend of exhilaration and a touch of controlled apprehension. It’s a seriously rapid machine, accompanied by a captivating soundtrack that artfully blends the evocative sounds of the twin-turbochargers with the tuneful rasp of the V6. This is a core aspect of supercar performance.
What truly distinguishes the Ferrari 296 GTB review is its incredibly responsive chassis, embodying Ferrari’s commitment to making this car a genuinely “fun to drive” experience. It exhibits remarkable agility without succumbing to nervousness. The steering, typically light and swift, also conveys a remarkable level of feedback, allowing the driver to feel intimately connected to the road. While the grip levels are exceptionally high, as one would expect from a Ferrari supercar, the car remains delightfully adjustable on the throttle, a characteristic that inevitably brings a wide grin to the driver’s face.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s an absence of inertia throughout the entire vehicle that encourages a collaborative driving style, where subtle inputs yield precise and rewarding results. The ‘CT Off’ mode allows for daring maneuvers, with the reassurance of an intelligent electronic safety net far superior to human reflexes. However, even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296 GTB’s inherent balance allows for a degree of playful oversteer that one might never anticipate in a car with 819bhp. This exemplifies the pinnacle of supercar handling dynamics.
On the racetrack, the 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to shrink even the longest start-finish straight, becoming even more apparent as a razor-sharp instrument of precision. While the power is readily available to break rear traction at numerous points around the lap, the 296 GTB is also exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs, rewarding drivers who demonstrate precision with their controls. The astonishing turn-in accuracy and immediate response dramatically shorten the entry phase into every corner. Instead of gradually loading the chassis, the 296 GTB settles instantly, its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering harmonizing beautifully with the enhanced body control provided by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for those accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal and a joy to experience lap after lap, solidifying its reputation as a truly exceptional performance car.
The interior architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has spent time in the SF90 Stradale, as the 296 GTB borrows heavily from its elder sibling. However, the fully digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear, generously distributed across the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods on either side, present a learning curve. While undoubtedly complex, the system is tasked with conveying a wealth of information. The most notable challenge lies in the occasional need for a second press for simple operations to register, or uncertainty about whether a press has been successfully acknowledged. Nevertheless, the cabin exudes an undeniable sense of occasion, a hallmark of luxury sports cars.
In the prestigious evo Car of the Year 2022 competition, the 296 GTB found itself in an incredibly tight contest, narrowly missing out on overall victory to the McLaren Artura by the slimmest of margins. The judging panel was almost perfectly divided, with an equal split of opinions. Those who favored the Ferrari lauded its spectacular design, outrageous speed, astonishing exploitability, and remarkable technical sophistication. They noted how its V6 powertrain demonstrated a masterful approach to downsizing while amplifying the dramatic element, offering a level of control comparable to the Artura but with a more playful and indulgent character.
The sentiment echoed by many was that the 296 GTB represented the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355. The hybrid system was praised for its seamless integration, proving far less intrusive to the driving experience than initially feared, perhaps due to the widespread acceptance of the torquey characteristics of turbocharged V8 engines in models like the 488 and F8. The 296 GTB was described as stonkingly quick, yet it doesn’t rely solely on brute force. The character of the V6, with its consistently sweet soundtrack that evolves with throttle input, adds another layer of appeal.
While the seamless integration of the 296 GTB’s hybridisation was widely applauded, a notable incident occurred where the car was temporarily stranded due to a depleted battery. Although Ferrari had provided warnings and detailed procedures to mitigate this possibility, it highlighted a potential vulnerability for owners. A significant point of contention raised was the perceived oversight in not engineering a simple fail-safe mechanism to prevent such a scenario, particularly from a company that pioneered advanced technologies like individual rear-wheel steering. Fortunately, this occurred after the scoring for the competition was finalized.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering remained a topic of debate, and the brake feel, while competent, did not match the absolute best in the group. The tech interface also faced widespread criticism for its complexity. Despite these criticisms, the 296 GTB proved to be irresistibly seductive. One judge expressed initial skepticism about the car’s complexity but ultimately found himself bewitched by its uncanny ability to change direction, its phenomenal damping, astonishing levels of grip, and the linearity of its seemingly endless power delivery.
The 296 GTB was widely hailed as a significant return to form for Ferrari, particularly after the SF90 Stradale had left some critics feeling somewhat underwhelmed. The technical sophistication of the 296 GTB, and crucially, the integration of its hybrid technology, felt far more natural and less intrusive. Ferrari’s ability to learn from the SF90 and distill those lessons into a series-production model that stands as one of its finest achievements was a recurring theme.
When a vehicle is as heavily laden with cutting-edge technology as the 296 GTB, there’s always an inherent risk of it feeling like less than the sum of its parts. We observed this with the SF90, which, despite its dazzling power, could be somewhat unnerving due to its challenging driving characteristics. However, the Ferrari 296 GTB represents a distinct departure. Its organic feel, combined with a perfect fusion of power and engaging dynamics, strikes a sweet spot that redefines expectations for a supercar in the roughly $250,000 price bracket. A more extreme variant, tentatively codenamed Versione Speciale, is anticipated, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity, with the hope that the standard 296’s remarkably natural feel will be retained. This is the essence of automotive innovation.
It is precisely this aspect of the 296 GTB’s inherent character that we hope Lamborghini has diligently focused on while honing its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an almost obscene amount of power for a series-production supercar, and it has the potential to overwhelm if the rest of the vehicle is not meticulously engineered to complement it. If Lamborghini has truly mastered this challenge—and their success with the Revuelto offers considerable reason for optimism—then we are poised for an epic comparison test between these high-performance vehicles, potentially featuring a combined output of 1700bhp.
Alternatively, we could expand this to a staggering 2400bhp triple threat by including the McLaren 750S, now the relative ‘minnow’ of the class with a mere 740bhp. However, as previously noted, the McLaren brings a remarkably lithe 1389kg kerb weight to the table, ensuring a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw, ergonomic excellence, the crispness of its steering, and the deftness of its chassis offer a compelling contrast to the comparatively more detached feel of the Ferrari. This intricate dance of power, technology, and driving dynamics is what makes the Ferrari 296 GTB review so compelling.
In the realm of performance cars, the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a testament to what is possible when cutting-edge engineering meets an unwavering passion for driving exhilaration. It represents not just a new chapter for Ferrari, but a bold declaration for the future of the supercar.
Are you ready to experience the future of automotive performance? Explore the unparalleled capabilities of the Ferrari 296 GTB and discover how this hybrid masterpiece is redefining the supercar segment. Visit our showroom or contact us today to arrange your exclusive viewing and test drive.
