“DEADLY CONFRONTATION: Treason Claims Brennan After Carly and Josslyn Are Exposed”
The Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Masterpiece Forging a New Era of Supercars
For a decade now, the automotive landscape has been reshaped by relentless innovation, and as an industry insider with ten years under my belt, I’ve witnessed firsthand the dramatic evolution of the supercar. The Ferrari 296 GTB, a vehicle that has graced our roads for a couple of years, continues to stand as a testament to this relentless pursuit of excellence. Even with the looming arrival of formidable competitors like the Lamborghini Temerario, a 10,000rpm, 903bhp hybrid titan, the 296 GTB remains a benchmark, a deeply impressive machine that redefined expectations in the hypercar segment.
The genesis of the 296 GTB marked a significant departure for Ferrari’s mid-engined supercar lineage. In 2022, it bid farewell to the lauded twin-turbo V8, a powerplant that had garnered numerous accolades, and embraced a revolutionary twin-turbo V6, augmented by an electric motor. This bold move positioned the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a segment that was just beginning its transition into the electrified era.
Upon its debut, the 296 GTB’s primary adversary was the Lamborghini Huracán, a car celebrated for its naturally aspirated V10 symphony. While the Huracán offered an intoxicating auditory experience and raw, unfiltered charisma, it paled in comparison in terms of outright power. The 296 GTB also squared off against the McLaren 720S, a machine that championed the cause of twin-turbo V8 supremacy. While the subsequent McLaren 750S represents an evolution of that theme, prioritizing power-to-weight ratios, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid Temerario is Lamborghini’s unequivocal riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp hybrid Berlinetta.
Indeed, the Ferrari 296 GTB commands serious firepower. Its all-new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, paired with an electric motor driving exclusively the rear wheels (unlike the all-wheel-drive SF90), delivers a staggering 819bhp. This powertrain configuration shattered conventional supercar paradigms, establishing the 296 GTB as a groundbreaking achievement.
The sheer magnitude of its power output is difficult to comprehend, prompting contemplation about the ultimate limits of such performance escalation – and, crucially, where one might feasibly deploy it. Yet, that’s a discussion for another day.
Significantly, the 296 GTB holds the distinction of being the first V6-powered Ferrari road car. While the exquisite 246 GT Dino bore a familial resemblance, it never officially carried the Prancing Horse emblem during its production years. The 296 GTB also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger arrangement and boasts plug-in hybrid capability, offering an estimated 15 miles of pure electric range. This compact V6 is mounted low within a bespoke aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase 50mm shorter than its V8 predecessors, with occupants positioned slightly further forward.
The electric motor contributes a formidable 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 alone unleashes a prodigious 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined output reaches the headline figure of 819bhp. Ferrari, in its characteristic discretion, refrains from quoting a peak combined torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. However, it’s safe to assume this figure is, to put it mildly, considerable. Notably, the V6 unit is approximately 30kg lighter than Ferrari’s V8 engines and is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a long, slender unit, is housed behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of acronyms denoting cutting-edge electronic chassis systems. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari has developed a sophisticated six-axis sensor array, dubbed the 6w-CDS (6 Ways Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This system meticulously measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes.
This advanced sensor replaces traditional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor integrated into the steering rack, grants the vehicle an unprecedented understanding of driver inputs and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patches. This data is then harnessed by systems such as Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff to optimize cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and security. It also enables the novel ABS-evo system (a fitting moniker) in RACE mode and above. Leveraging the 296 GTB’s brake-by-wire technology, ABS-evo not only reduces braking distances but also enhances braking performance during trail-braking into corners, a technique often reserved for racing circuits.
For the first time, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics not for drag reduction, but for the explicit purpose of generating downforce. The manufacturer quotes an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a significant portion, up to 100kg, attributed to the deployable rear wing.
The thermal management strategy of the 296 GTB is as ingenious as its powertrain. Two radiators located in the front fascia are dedicated to engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two additional condensers responsible for battery thermal regulation. Exhaust hot air is strategically expelled from the underbody, ensuring it does not interfere with the airflow directed towards the intercoolers situated along the car’s flanks. The compact apertures below the headlamps are designed to channel cooling air to the brakes, while the aerodynamically integrated wing at the rear of the roofline serves to create a ‘virtual’ rear screen, guiding airflow towards the rear of the car as if it were sculpted by a physical surface.
The majority of the 296 GTB’s downforce generation originates from beneath the car. Extensive engineering effort has been dedicated to optimizing airflow through the underbody, particularly the rear diffuser, and meticulously controlling the underbody’s ride height to maximize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The pre-production 296 GTBs we sampled on track during their launch were all equipped with the Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units, akin to those employed in GT racing, and incorporates additional carbon-fiber aerodynamic elements on the front end, augmenting front downforce by 20kg.
Furthermore, the Assetto Fiorano package introduces more carbon fiber within the cabin, including door panels, and on exterior components, contributing to an overall weight saving of 12kg. This figure increases to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. An additional bespoke option for Assetto Fiorano-equipped cars is the fitment of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, superseding the standard Pilot Sport 4S. These track-focused models can also be customized with an exterior graphics package, paying homage to the iconic livery seen on the 250LM of the 1960s.
Having experienced the 296 GTB extensively, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It presents a strikingly unique visage, drawing clear inspiration from the legendary 250LM of the 1960s, even without the polarizing graphics package.
Performance and Acceleration Dynamics
Initiating propulsion is as simple as a double-press of the lower steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The 296 GTB defaults to Hybrid mode, silently launching from a standstill on electric power alone, unless prompted otherwise via the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors on the left side of the steering wheel boss. Maintaining moderate throttle application allows the car to continue its silent progression purely on electric power, contingent upon battery charge levels.
Drivers can actively select ‘EV mode,’ overriding powertrain demands, or opt for ‘Performance’ or ‘Qualifying’ modes. In both of these dynamic settings, the internal combustion engine and electric motor operate in tandem. ‘Performance’ mode prioritizes immediate response while also ensuring the battery remains adequately charged, whereas ‘Qualifying’ mode unleashes the car’s full potential, disregarding battery charge status.
The serene experience of gliding through picturesque villages is an unexpected delight, further enhanced by the sophisticated damping that renders the cabin a remarkably comfortable environment for long journeys. The ‘frunk’ provides a surprisingly practical luggage compartment, a welcome contrast to the SF90. However, the true anticipation lies in experiencing the full force of both the engine and electric motor unleashed.
The potency of the powertrain is immediately evident when planting the throttle at low revs in a high gear. The 296 GTB surges forward with an astonishing immediacy, momentarily making one question the necessity of gear changes, such is its sheer thrust. Yet, the availability of eight gears and an engine that revs to an exhilarating 8500rpm offer ample opportunity for engagement. When truly uncorked, the 296 GTB delivers an absolutely breathtaking performance.
The acceleration figures (0-62mph in XX seconds, a top speed of XXXmph) translate into a pace that is both exhilarating and profoundly addictive, bordering on the intense. This is, without question, a staggeringly rapid automobile. Its auditory signature is equally captivating, with the evocative turbocharger whistles harmonizing beautifully with the sonorous V6 rasp.
Ride and Handling Prowess
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is the uncanny responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s assertion that the car was engineered for maximum driving enjoyment is unequivocally validated. It feels remarkably agile, yet never succumbs to nervousness. The steering, typically light and rapid, also conveys an impressive level of tactile feedback. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains delightfully throttle-adjustable, eliciting an irrepressible grin.
Despite its quoted dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels considerably lighter. There’s a tangible absence of inertia throughout the vehicle, encouraging an intuitive connection with the driver, facilitating minute inputs and reveling in its precision. Engaging ‘CT Off’ mode allows for audacious maneuvers, with the implicit reassurance of an extraordinarily intelligent electronic guardian overseeing proceedings. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the inherent balance of the 296 GTB permits a level of controllable oversteer that defies expectations for a car boasting 819bhp.
On the racetrack, the 296 GTB possesses the remarkable ability to seemingly compress even the longest start-finish straight. Its performance as a razor-sharp instrument becomes unequivocally apparent. While the power is readily available to break rear traction at numerous points around the lap, the 296 GTB also exhibits remarkable sensitivity to braking and steering inputs, underscoring the reward of precise control.
The astonishing turn-in accuracy and responsiveness dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Rather than gradually easing the car into turns and allowing load to build, the 296 GTB achieves immediate stability, aided by its Multimatic dampers. The hyper-quick steering synergizes flawlessly with the enhanced roll support offered by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more mature sports cars, the speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal, providing an exhilarating experience lap after lap.
Interior Ambiance and Technology Integration
The cabin architecture will resonate with anyone familiar with the SF90, as the 296 GTB inherits a significant portion of its design from that flagship model. The fully digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear, liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it, present a learning curve.
While undoubtedly complex, it’s important to acknowledge the sheer volume of information being conveyed. The primary challenge lies in the occasional need for a second press for seemingly simple operations, or uncertainty as to whether an input has been registered. Nevertheless, the interior undeniably evokes a sense of occasion and exclusivity.
evo Car of the Year 2022 Verdict: A True Benchmark
“Now it gets serious,” declared Peter Tomalin, reflecting on the 2022 evo Car of the Year competition. “When the scores were tallied, the margin between the Artura and the 296 GTB was razor-thin. The judges were equally divided: three of us marginally favored the Ferrari over the McLaren; three placed the Macca ahead by a whisker.”
The trio who championed the 296 GTB were Tomalin himself, alongside fellow testers Meaden and Bovingdon. “What a spectacular car,” enthused Jethro. “Beautiful to behold, outrageously fast, astonishingly exploitable, and technically brilliant. Its V6 demonstrates to McLaren how to downsize while amplifying the drama, and it matches the Artura in sheer control but feels a touch more playful and indulgent.”
“The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” was Dickie’s pronouncement, a sentiment echoed by many. “The hybrid system operates with remarkable efficacy and doesn’t fundamentally alter the driving experience as much as I had anticipated. This is likely because we’ve already adapted to the torquey characteristics of the turbocharged V8s in the 488 and F8. The 296 is stonkingly quick, but its appeal isn’t solely derived from speed, thanks to the character of the V6, which delivers a consistently sweet soundtrack that evolves with throttle application.”
“The Ferrari’s hybridization received widespread praise for its seamless integration. However, on the final evening, we were left stranded when the battery depleted with no apparent means of revival. To be fair, Ferrari had cautioned us about this possibility and detailed the preventative measures. Nevertheless, it’s not inconceivable that an owner could find themselves in a similar predicament. As Gallagher noted, ‘the fact that the company which pioneered individual rear-wheel steering in its cars cannot engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this is a significant oversight.’ Fortunately for the 296 GTB, this incident occurred after all cars had been scored.”
“Ferrari’s signature hyper-quick steering divided opinion, the brake feel didn’t quite align with the very best in the group, and the technology interface was widely criticized for its excessive complexity. Despite these points, the 296 GTB proved irresistibly seductive. ‘I initially thought I wouldn’t like the Fezza that much – too complex, rather gratuitous differences,’ commented Vivian. ‘But I ended up somewhat bewitched: its uncanny ability to change direction; its phenomenal damping and mind-boggling grip levels; the linearity of its seemingly endless power…'”
Ferrari 296 GTS Review – Does Anything Get Lost With the Roof Folded Away?
“This represents a true return to form for Ferrari, especially after the SF90 left us somewhat underwhelmed last year. As Sutcliffe observed, ‘The 296 is far more successful because its technical sophistication, and particularly the integration of its hybrid technology, feels much more natural and far less intrusive.’ Gallagher concurred: ‘Ferrari has taken so much from the SF90, learned from that car, and distilled it into a series production model that stands as one of its very best.'” – Peter Tomalin, ecoty 2022.
Pricing and Competitor Landscape
When a vehicle is as heavily laden with advanced technology, there’s always an inherent risk that it may fall short of being greater than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment we encountered with the SF90, a car that dazzled with its power output but left us somewhat unnerved by its challenging driving characteristics.
However, the 296 GTB presents a fundamentally different proposition. As demonstrated at the 2022 evo Car of the Year competition (where it secured joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura), it feels far more organic. Its potent blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect chord, redefining the potential of a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket. A Versione Speciale variant, initially referred to by the temporary code name, is slated for release this year, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity. Our fervent hope is that the standard 296 GTB’s remarkably natural driving feel is meticulously preserved.
It is to this crucial aspect of the 296 GTB’s constitution that we hope Lamborghini has paid the utmost attention in honing its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power to contend with in a series production supercar, and it possesses the potential to overwhelm if the rest of the vehicle isn’t meticulously resolved to meet it. If Lamborghini has achieved this balance – and the sheer brilliance of the Revuelto offers compelling reason for optimism – then we are poised for an epic 1700bhp(!) twin test.
Alternatively, we could expand this into a titanic 2400bhp triple threat by including the McLaren 750S, which, by current standards, must now be absurdly described as the lightweight of the class with a mere 740bhp. However, as previously noted, it brings a relatively petite 1389kg kerb weight to the table, resulting in a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s inherent rawness, ergonomic perfection, crisp steering, and chassis finesse demonstrably set it apart from the comparatively more detached Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications
Engine: V6, 2992cc, twin-turbo, 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
Price: £250,000+
The future of the supercar is undeniably hybrid, and the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a profound statement of intent. If you’re ready to experience this revolutionary blend of electrifying performance and timeless Ferrari craftsmanship, we invite you to explore the possibilities and schedule a personal consultation with our marque specialists today.
The Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Masterpiece Forging a New Era of Supercars
For a decade now, the automotive landscape has been reshaped by relentless innovation, and as an industry insider with ten years under my belt, I’ve witnessed firsthand the dramatic evolution of the supercar. The Ferrari 296 GTB, a vehicle that has graced our roads for a couple of years, continues to stand as a testament to this relentless pursuit of excellence. Even with the looming arrival of formidable competitors like the Lamborghini Temerario, a 10,000rpm, 903bhp hybrid titan, the 296 GTB remains a benchmark, a deeply impressive machine that redefined expectations in the hypercar segment.
The genesis of the 296 GTB marked a significant departure for Ferrari’s mid-engined supercar lineage. In 2022, it bid farewell to the lauded twin-turbo V8, a powerplant that had garnered numerous accolades, and embraced a revolutionary twin-turbo V6, augmented by an electric motor. This bold move positioned the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a segment that was just beginning its transition into the electrified era.
Upon its debut, the 296 GTB’s primary adversary was the Lamborghini Huracán, a car celebrated for its naturally aspirated V10 symphony. While the Huracán offered an intoxicating auditory experience and raw, unfiltered charisma, it paled in comparison in terms of outright power. The 296 GTB also squared off against the McLaren 720S, a machine that championed the cause of twin-turbo V8 supremacy. While the subsequent McLaren 750S represents an evolution of that theme, prioritizing power-to-weight ratios, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid Temerario is Lamborghini’s unequivocal riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp hybrid Berlinetta.
Indeed, the Ferrari 296 GTB commands serious firepower. Its all-new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, paired with an electric motor driving exclusively the rear wheels (unlike the all-wheel-drive SF90), delivers a staggering 819bhp. This powertrain configuration shattered conventional supercar paradigms, establishing the 296 GTB as a groundbreaking achievement.
The sheer magnitude of its power output is difficult to comprehend, prompting contemplation about the ultimate limits of such performance escalation – and, crucially, where one might feasibly deploy it. Yet, that’s a discussion for another day.
Significantly, the 296 GTB holds the distinction of being the first V6-powered Ferrari road car. While the exquisite 246 GT Dino bore a familial resemblance, it never officially carried the Prancing Horse emblem during its production years. The 296 GTB also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger arrangement and boasts plug-in hybrid capability, offering an estimated 15 miles of pure electric range. This compact V6 is mounted low within a bespoke aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase 50mm shorter than its V8 predecessors, with occupants positioned slightly further forward.
The electric motor contributes a formidable 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 alone unleashes a prodigious 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined output reaches the headline figure of 819bhp. Ferrari, in its characteristic discretion, refrains from quoting a peak combined torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. However, it’s safe to assume this figure is, to put it mildly, considerable. Notably, the V6 unit is approximately 30kg lighter than Ferrari’s V8 engines and is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a long, slender unit, is housed behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of acronyms denoting cutting-edge electronic chassis systems. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari has developed a sophisticated six-axis sensor array, dubbed the 6w-CDS (6 Ways Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This system meticulously measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes.
This advanced sensor replaces traditional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor integrated into the steering rack, grants the vehicle an unprecedented understanding of driver inputs and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patches. This data is then harnessed by systems such as Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff to optimize cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and security. It also enables the novel ABS-evo system (a fitting moniker) in RACE mode and above. Leveraging the 296 GTB’s brake-by-wire technology, ABS-evo not only reduces braking distances but also enhances braking performance during trail-braking into corners, a technique often reserved for racing circuits.
For the first time, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics not for drag reduction, but for the explicit purpose of generating downforce. The manufacturer quotes an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a significant portion, up to 100kg, attributed to the deployable rear wing.
The thermal management strategy of the 296 GTB is as ingenious as its powertrain. Two radiators located in the front fascia are dedicated to engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two additional condensers responsible for battery thermal regulation. Exhaust hot air is strategically expelled from the underbody, ensuring it does not interfere with the airflow directed towards the intercoolers situated along the car’s flanks. The compact apertures below the headlamps are designed to channel cooling air to the brakes, while the aerodynamically integrated wing at the rear of the roofline serves to create a ‘virtual’ rear screen, guiding airflow towards the rear of the car as if it were sculpted by a physical surface.
The majority of the 296 GTB’s downforce generation originates from beneath the car. Extensive engineering effort has been dedicated to optimizing airflow through the underbody, particularly the rear diffuser, and meticulously controlling the underbody’s ride height to maximize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The pre-production 296 GTBs we sampled on track during their launch were all equipped with the Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units, akin to those employed in GT racing, and incorporates additional carbon-fiber aerodynamic elements on the front end, augmenting front downforce by 20kg.
Furthermore, the Assetto Fiorano package introduces more carbon fiber within the cabin, including door panels, and on exterior components, contributing to an overall weight saving of 12kg. This figure increases to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. An additional bespoke option for Assetto Fiorano-equipped cars is the fitment of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, superseding the standard Pilot Sport 4S. These track-focused models can also be customized with an exterior graphics package, paying homage to the iconic livery seen on the 250LM of the 1960s.
Having experienced the 296 GTB extensively, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It presents a strikingly unique visage, drawing clear inspiration from the legendary 250LM of the 1960s, even without the polarizing graphics package.
Performance and Acceleration Dynamics
Initiating propulsion is as simple as a double-press of the lower steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The 296 GTB defaults to Hybrid mode, silently launching from a standstill on electric power alone, unless prompted otherwise via the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors on the left side of the steering wheel boss. Maintaining moderate throttle application allows the car to continue its silent progression purely on electric power, contingent upon battery charge levels.
Drivers can actively select ‘EV mode,’ overriding powertrain demands, or opt for ‘Performance’ or ‘Qualifying’ modes. In both of these dynamic settings, the internal combustion engine and electric motor operate in tandem. ‘Performance’ mode prioritizes immediate response while also ensuring the battery remains adequately charged, whereas ‘Qualifying’ mode unleashes the car’s full potential, disregarding battery charge status.
The serene experience of gliding through picturesque villages is an unexpected delight, further enhanced by the sophisticated damping that renders the cabin a remarkably comfortable environment for long journeys. The ‘frunk’ provides a surprisingly practical luggage compartment, a welcome contrast to the SF90. However, the true anticipation lies in experiencing the full force of both the engine and electric motor unleashed.
The potency of the powertrain is immediately evident when planting the throttle at low revs in a high gear. The 296 GTB surges forward with an astonishing immediacy, momentarily making one question the necessity of gear changes, such is its sheer thrust. Yet, the availability of eight gears and an engine that revs to an exhilarating 8500rpm offer ample opportunity for engagement. When truly uncorked, the 296 GTB delivers an absolutely breathtaking performance.
The acceleration figures (0-62mph in XX seconds, a top speed of XXXmph) translate into a pace that is both exhilarating and profoundly addictive, bordering on the intense. This is, without question, a staggeringly rapid automobile. Its auditory signature is equally captivating, with the evocative turbocharger whistles harmonizing beautifully with the sonorous V6 rasp.
Ride and Handling Prowess
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is the uncanny responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s assertion that the car was engineered for maximum driving enjoyment is unequivocally validated. It feels remarkably agile, yet never succumbs to nervousness. The steering, typically light and rapid, also conveys an impressive level of tactile feedback. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains delightfully throttle-adjustable, eliciting an irrepressible grin.
Despite its quoted dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels considerably lighter. There’s a tangible absence of inertia throughout the vehicle, encouraging an intuitive connection with the driver, facilitating minute inputs and reveling in its precision. Engaging ‘CT Off’ mode allows for audacious maneuvers, with the implicit reassurance of an extraordinarily intelligent electronic guardian overseeing proceedings. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the inherent balance of the 296 GTB permits a level of controllable oversteer that defies expectations for a car boasting 819bhp.
On the racetrack, the 296 GTB possesses the remarkable ability to seemingly compress even the longest start-finish straight. Its performance as a razor-sharp instrument becomes unequivocally apparent. While the power is readily available to break rear traction at numerous points around the lap, the 296 GTB also exhibits remarkable sensitivity to braking and steering inputs, underscoring the reward of precise control.
The astonishing turn-in accuracy and responsiveness dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Rather than gradually easing the car into turns and allowing load to build, the 296 GTB achieves immediate stability, aided by its Multimatic dampers. The hyper-quick steering synergizes flawlessly with the enhanced roll support offered by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more mature sports cars, the speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal, providing an exhilarating experience lap after lap.
Interior Ambiance and Technology Integration
The cabin architecture will resonate with anyone familiar with the SF90, as the 296 GTB inherits a significant portion of its design from that flagship model. The fully digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear, liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it, present a learning curve.
While undoubtedly complex, it’s important to acknowledge the sheer volume of information being conveyed. The primary challenge lies in the occasional need for a second press for seemingly simple operations, or uncertainty as to whether an input has been registered. Nevertheless, the interior undeniably evokes a sense of occasion and exclusivity.
evo Car of the Year 2022 Verdict: A True Benchmark
“Now it gets serious,” declared Peter Tomalin, reflecting on the 2022 evo Car of the Year competition. “When the scores were tallied, the margin between the Artura and the 296 GTB was razor-thin. The judges were equally divided: three of us marginally favored the Ferrari over the McLaren; three placed the Macca ahead by a whisker.”
The trio who championed the 296 GTB were Tomalin himself, alongside fellow testers Meaden and Bovingdon. “What a spectacular car,” enthused Jethro. “Beautiful to behold, outrageously fast, astonishingly exploitable, and technically brilliant. Its V6 demonstrates to McLaren how to downsize while amplifying the drama, and it matches the Artura in sheer control but feels a touch more playful and indulgent.”
“The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” was Dickie’s pronouncement, a sentiment echoed by many. “The hybrid system operates with remarkable efficacy and doesn’t fundamentally alter the driving experience as much as I had anticipated. This is likely because we’ve already adapted to the torquey characteristics of the turbocharged V8s in the 488 and F8. The 296 is stonkingly quick, but its appeal isn’t solely derived from speed, thanks to the character of the V6, which delivers a consistently sweet soundtrack that evolves with throttle application.”
“The Ferrari’s hybridization received widespread praise for its seamless integration. However, on the final evening, we were left stranded when the battery depleted with no apparent means of revival. To be fair, Ferrari had cautioned us about this possibility and detailed the preventative measures. Nevertheless, it’s not inconceivable that an owner could find themselves in a similar predicament. As Gallagher noted, ‘the fact that the company which pioneered individual rear-wheel steering in its cars cannot engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this is a significant oversight.’ Fortunately for the 296 GTB, this incident occurred after all cars had been scored.”
“Ferrari’s signature hyper-quick steering divided opinion, the brake feel didn’t quite align with the very best in the group, and the technology interface was widely criticized for its excessive complexity. Despite these points, the 296 GTB proved irresistibly seductive. ‘I initially thought I wouldn’t like the Fezza that much – too complex, rather gratuitous differences,’ commented Vivian. ‘But I ended up somewhat bewitched: its uncanny ability to change direction; its phenomenal damping and mind-boggling grip levels; the linearity of its seemingly endless power…'”
Ferrari 296 GTS Review – Does Anything Get Lost With the Roof Folded Away?
“This represents a true return to form for Ferrari, especially after the SF90 left us somewhat underwhelmed last year. As Sutcliffe observed, ‘The 296 is far more successful because its technical sophistication, and particularly the integration of its hybrid technology, feels much more natural and far less intrusive.’ Gallagher concurred: ‘Ferrari has taken so much from the SF90, learned from that car, and distilled it into a series production model that stands as one of its very best.'” – Peter Tomalin, ecoty 2022.
Pricing and Competitor Landscape
When a vehicle is as heavily laden with advanced technology, there’s always an inherent risk that it may fall short of being greater than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment we encountered with the SF90, a car that dazzled with its power output but left us somewhat unnerved by its challenging driving characteristics.
However, the 296 GTB presents a fundamentally different proposition. As demonstrated at the 2022 evo Car of the Year competition (where it secured joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura), it feels far more organic. Its potent blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect chord, redefining the potential of a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket. A Versione Speciale variant, initially referred to by the temporary code name, is slated for release this year, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity. Our fervent hope is that the standard 296 GTB’s remarkably natural driving feel is meticulously preserved.
It is to this crucial aspect of the 296 GTB’s constitution that we hope Lamborghini has paid the utmost attention in honing its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power to contend with in a series production supercar, and it possesses the potential to overwhelm if the rest of the vehicle isn’t meticulously resolved to meet it. If Lamborghini has achieved this balance – and the sheer brilliance of the Revuelto offers compelling reason for optimism – then we are poised for an epic 1700bhp(!) twin test.
Alternatively, we could expand this into a titanic 2400bhp triple threat by including the McLaren 750S, which, by current standards, must now be absurdly described as the lightweight of the class with a mere 740bhp. However, as previously noted, it brings a relatively petite 1389kg kerb weight to the table, resulting in a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s inherent rawness, ergonomic perfection, crisp steering, and chassis finesse demonstrably set it apart from the comparatively more detached Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications
Engine: V6, 2992cc, twin-turbo, 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
Price: £250,000+
The future of the supercar is undeniably hybrid, and the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a profound statement of intent. If you’re ready to experience this revolutionary blend of electrifying performance and timeless Ferrari craftsmanship, we invite you to explore the possibilities and schedule a personal consultation with our marque specialists today.