ABC Full [12-28-2025] General Hospital: Portia Exposed! Did Curtis Nearly Kill Her in Rage?
Ferrari 296 GTB: Electrifying the Supercar Paradigm as Lamborghini Temerario Looms
For over a decade, I’ve navigated the thrilling, ever-evolving landscape of high-performance automobiles. From the raw, naturally aspirated symphony of V10s to the relentless torque of twin-turbo V8s, I’ve witnessed, and indeed driven, the benchmarks that define automotive excellence. Today, however, we stand at a precipice, a transformative moment where electrification isn’t just a footnote but the headline act. At the forefront of this seismic shift is Ferrari’s 296 GTB, a machine that not only rewrote the supercar rulebook upon its 2022 debut but continues to command attention even as formidable rivals like the forthcoming Lamborghini Temerario prepare to challenge its dominance.
The arrival of the 296 GTB marked a significant departure for Ferrari’s mid-engined supercar lineage. Eschewing the revered, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 in favor of a radical new twin-turbo V6 augmented by electric power, the 296 GTB took a bold initiative in a segment where hybrid integration was still in its nascent stages. At launch, its primary adversary was the Lamborghini Huracán, a purist’s dream powered by a sonorous, naturally aspirated V10. While the Huracán offered a visceral connection and an unmatched soundtrack, it was outgunned in the horsepower war. Then there was the McLaren 720S, a potent force leveraging its twin-turbo V8 for an assault on power-to-weight supremacy. Now, with the McLaren 750S representing an evolution of that theme, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm V8 hybrid Lamborghini Temerario emerges as Sant’Agata Bolognese’s direct riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta.
The 296 GTB indeed packs an astonishing punch. Its all-new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6, coupled with an electric motor – powering exclusively the rear wheels, a distinction from the SF90 – delivers a staggering 819bhp. This configuration shattered established supercar conventions. It’s easy to be mesmerized by such prodigious output, to ponder the trajectory of automotive power escalation (and whether the 296, and indeed Lamborghini’s next offering, are the zenith) and where one might realistically deploy such velocity. But that, as they say, is a story for another day.
What’s truly remarkable about the 296 GTB is its historical significance. It’s the first V6-powered Ferrari road car, a nod to the iconic 246 GT Dino, though the Dino never bore the Prancing Horse emblem in its era. It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger arrangement and, crucially, is a plug-in hybrid with a respectable EV-only range of approximately 15 miles. The compact V6 nestles low within a bespoke aluminum chassis, its wheelbase reduced by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, positioning occupants slightly further forward for an enhanced sense of immersion.
The electric motor contributes a formidable 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 itself churns out a remarkable 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined output reaches that headline-grabbing 819bhp figure. Ferrari judiciously refrains from publishing combined peak torque figures, likely due to the intricate interplay between the engine and electric motor. However, it’s safe to infer that the cumulative torque is nothing short of colossal. Furthermore, the V6 engine itself sheds 30kg compared to Ferrari’s V8s. This powerhouse is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, with the substantial battery pack, a long, slender unit, ingeniously housed behind the seats.
A Ferrari, of course, is incomplete without an arsenal of acronyms detailing its sophisticated electronic chassis management systems. For the 296, Ferrari has developed a groundbreaking six-axis sensor array, dubbed 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This innovative system meticulously measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. It replaces traditional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of driver intent and the precise grip levels at the tire contact patches. This intelligence is fed to other vital systems, including the Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, enabling maximum cornering speeds while steadfastly preserving stability and driver confidence. It also facilitates a novel system called ABS-evo, which, in RACE mode and above, leverages the 296’s brake-by-wire architecture to not only shorten braking distances but also enhance deceleration performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners.
In a notable evolution of its aerodynamic strategy, Ferrari is employing its active aerodynamics not for drag reduction, but for downforce generation. The company claims a remarkable 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a significant portion—up to 100kg—attributed to the deployable rear wing.
Cooling is addressed with meticulous precision. Two radiators at the front manage engine and gearbox temperatures, supplemented by two condensers dedicated to battery cooling. Hot air is expelled from beneath the car, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the airflow directed to the intercoolers located along the flanks. The subtle apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to brake cooling, while a wing integrated into the roofline creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, elegantly channeling air towards the rear of the car as if guided by a physical surface. The lion’s share of the 296’s downforce is generated beneath the car, where specific attention has been paid not only to airflow management and the rear diffuser but also to optimizing the underbody’s ground clearance to maximize the efficacy of these downforce-generating elements.
The 296 GTB variants I experienced on a circuit during the launch were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units derived from GT racing, and it incorporates additional carbon-fiber aerodynamic enhancements on the front fascia, contributing an extra 20kg of downforce. Further weight savings are achieved through increased use of carbon fiber in the cabin, such as the door panels, and on the exterior, resulting in a total reduction of 12kg. This figure 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 allows for the fitment of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Visually, Fiorano cars can be personalized with an exterior graphics package, subtly echoing the livery of the iconic 1960s 250LM.
Having spent considerable time evaluating the 296 GTB, both on and off the track, I can attest to its striking aesthetic. It possesses a unique and captivating presence, a design language that, even without the optional graphics, draws undeniable inspiration from the 250LM of the 1960s.
Performance and Dynamics: A Hybrid Symphony of Speed
Initiating the drive is as simple as a double press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The 296 defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing it to glide away on electric power alone, unless otherwise prompted via the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors on the left side of the steering wheel boss. As long as throttle application remains judicious, it will continue its silent progress on electric power, provided the battery has sufficient charge.
For those seeking pure electric propulsion, the car can be explicitly set to EV mode, irrespective of powertrain demands. Alternatively, Performance and Qualifying modes are available. In both of these, the engine and electric motor work in concert. Performance mode prioritizes overall driving, while also ensuring the battery is replenished. Qualifying mode, however, unleashes the car’s full, unadulterated potential, with scant regard for the battery’s state of charge.
The serene glide through urban environments is an unexpectedly delightful experience. The damping sophistication renders it a remarkably comfortable machine for covering long distances. Even the luggage capacity in the ‘frunk’ is surprisingly practical, a welcome improvement over the SF90. But the question that truly ignites the enthusiast’s curiosity is: what does it feel like when both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor are unleashed with full intent?
The answer lies in the astonishing surge of acceleration when you bury the throttle at low revs in a higher gear. The 296 simply erupts forward, utterly devoid of lag, making you momentarily question the very necessity of gear changes, such is its immediate potency. Yet, there are eight gears to exploit, and an engine that eagerly winds to 8500rpm. When you truly uncork the 296, the resulting experience is nothing short of breathtaking.
The acceleration figures—a sub-three-second 0-62mph sprint and a top speed exceeding 200mph—translate to a truly visceral sensation, a ‘hold-on-tight/nervous laughter’ kind of velocity that borders on the overwhelming, yet is paradoxically addictive. This is a profoundly rapid automobile. And its soundtrack is equally compelling, a blend of turbocharger whistle overlaying a melodious V6 rasp.
Ride and Handling: Precision Meets Playfulness
What truly elevates the 296 GTB is the astonishing responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s assertion that the car was engineered for pure driving enjoyment is not hyperbole. It exhibits a high degree of agility without ever feeling twitchy. The steering, typically light and rapid, also offers a surprising level of feedback, allowing you to feel the road beneath. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car’s true genius lies in its throttle adjustability, a trait that invariably elicits a wide grin.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 feels significantly lighter. There’s an absence of inertia that encourages you to work with the car, making minute inputs and reveling in its remarkable accuracy and precision. Engaging CT Off mode grants you extraordinary freedom, providing an implicit reassurance that an exceptionally intelligent electronic guardian is still overseeing proceedings. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s innate balance allows for a degree of lift-off oversteer that one would scarcely believe possible in a car with 819bhp.
On the track, the 296 possesses an uncanny ability to compress even the longest straights. What becomes even more apparent is its surgical precision. The power is readily available to break rear traction at numerous points around the lap, but the 296 is also remarkably sensitive to braking and steering inputs. You quickly learn that precise control yields the greatest rewards. The turn-in accuracy and response are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Rather than gradually loading the chassis, the 296 settles instantly, its Multimatic dampers, coupled with the hyper-quick steering and the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup, working in exquisite harmony. Even if you’ve just exited a more conventional sports car, the speed, precision, and agility of the 296 are simply phenomenal, a joyous experience to savour lap after lap.
Interior: A Digital Frontier with Tactile Quirks
The interior architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90, as the 296 largely inherits its cabin design. The fully digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear, liberally applied to the steering wheel and the traditional Ferrari pods flanking it, can initially present a learning curve. It is undeniably complex, but one must acknowledge the sheer volume of information and functionality being conveyed. The primary frustration arises when simple operations occasionally require a second, or even third, attempt to register, or when it’s unclear whether a touch input has been acknowledged at all. Nevertheless, it undeniably feels like a special place to be.
Evo Car of the Year 2022 Verdict: A Return to Form
“Now things get serious. When the scores were tallied, the margin between the McLaren Artura and the 296 GTB was razor-thin. The judges were equally divided: three of us narrowly favored the Ferrari, while three scored the McLaren ahead by a whisker. Those favoring the 296 GTB included myself, Meaden, and Bovingdon. ‘What a spectacular car,’ enthused Jethro. ‘Beautiful to behold, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable, and technically brilliant. Its V6 demonstrates to McLaren how to downsize while amplifying the drama, and it matches the Artura in sheer control, yet feels a touch more playful and indulgent.’
Dickie’s assessment—‘The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355’—resonated with many of us. ‘The hybrid system is exceptionally well integrated,’ he continued, ‘and doesn’t alter the driving experience as much as I had feared. This is likely because we’ve become accustomed to the torquey characteristics of the turbocharged V8s in the 488 and F8. The 296 is stonkingly quick, but it doesn’t rely solely on speed, thanks to the character of the V6, which produces a consistently sweet soundtrack that evolves with throttle opening.’
The Ferrari’s hybridisation earned widespread praise for its seamless integration. However, on the final night of testing, we were stranded when the battery depleted with no apparent means of recovery. To be fair, Ferrari had pre-emptively warned of this possibility and detailed the necessary precautions. Nevertheless, it’s not inconceivable that an owner could find themselves in a similar predicament. As Gallagher remarked, ‘For the company that pioneered individual rear-wheel steering, the inability to engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent such an occurrence is a significant oversight.’ Fortunately for the 296, this incident occurred after all cars had been scored.
‘Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, the brake feel didn’t quite match the very best in the group, and the tech interface faced widespread criticism for its excessive complexity. Despite these points, the 296 was irresistibly seductive. ‘I initially thought I wouldn’t like the Fezza all that much—too complex, rather gratuitous points of difference,’ confessed Vivian. ‘But I ended up somewhat bewitched: its uncanny ability to change direction, its astounding damping, looney-tunes levels of grip, and the linearity of its seemingly endless power…’
‘This represents a genuine return to form for Ferrari, especially after the SF90 left us feeling somewhat underwhelmed last year. As Sutcliffe aptly put it: ‘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.”
Price and Rivals: The Evolving Supercar Landscape
When a vehicle is so densely packed with cutting-edge technology, there’s always the inherent risk that it might ultimately feel less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment echoed in our assessment of the SF90, which, while dazzling with its power, left us unsettled by its challenging driving characteristics.
The 296 GTB, however, is a different proposition entirely. As evidenced by its joint third-place finish alongside the McLaren Artura at eCoty 2022, it feels far more organic. Its masterful blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect balance, redefining expectations for a supercar in the £250,000-plus price bracket. A Versione Speciale variant of the 296 is slated for release this year, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity. Our sincere hope is that the standard 296’s remarkably natural feel is retained.
It is this fundamental aspect of the 296 GTB’s character that we fervently hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power to wield in a series-production supercar; it possesses the potential to corrupt the entire driving experience if the rest of the car isn’t meticulously engineered to harness it. If Lamborghini has achieved the level of integration seen in the Revuelto, which offers ample reason for optimism, we are poised for an epic twin-test showdown featuring nearly 1700bhp.
Alternatively, we could expand this to a colossal 2400bhp triple-threat, including the McLaren 750S, which, by comparison, now absurdly appears as the ‘minnow’ of the class with a mere 740bhp. However, as noted, it brings a relatively svelte 1389kg kerb weight to the table, resulting in a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw engagement, ergonomic perfection, razor-sharp steering, and exquisite chassis finesse undoubtedly set it apart from the comparatively more remote sensation offered by the Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications:
Engine: 2992cc, twin-turbocharged V6, plus electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, active E-diff
Power: 819bhp (combined) @ 8000rpm
Torque: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Price: £250,000+
The automotive world continues its relentless charge towards a hybridized future, and the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a testament to what’s possible when passion meets innovation. If you’re ready to experience the pinnacle of electrified supercar performance and explore your own driving aspirations, now is the perfect moment to connect with a specialist dealer and schedule your personal encounter with automotive excellence.
![ABC Full [12-28-2025] General Hospital: Portia Exposed! Did Curtis Nearly Kill Her in Rage?](https://showus.vansonnguyen.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/fb_natural_20260325_135950.jpg){kind=small}
Ferrari 296 GTB: Electrifying the Supercar Paradigm as Lamborghini Temerario Looms
For over a decade, I’ve navigated the thrilling, ever-evolving landscape of high-performance automobiles. From the raw, naturally aspirated symphony of V10s to the relentless torque of twin-turbo V8s, I’ve witnessed, and indeed driven, the benchmarks that define automotive excellence. Today, however, we stand at a precipice, a transformative moment where electrification isn’t just a footnote but the headline act. At the forefront of this seismic shift is Ferrari’s 296 GTB, a machine that not only rewrote the supercar rulebook upon its 2022 debut but continues to command attention even as formidable rivals like the forthcoming Lamborghini Temerario prepare to challenge its dominance.
The arrival of the 296 GTB marked a significant departure for Ferrari’s mid-engined supercar lineage. Eschewing the revered, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 in favor of a radical new twin-turbo V6 augmented by electric power, the 296 GTB took a bold initiative in a segment where hybrid integration was still in its nascent stages. At launch, its primary adversary was the Lamborghini Huracán, a purist’s dream powered by a sonorous, naturally aspirated V10. While the Huracán offered a visceral connection and an unmatched soundtrack, it was outgunned in the horsepower war. Then there was the McLaren 720S, a potent force leveraging its twin-turbo V8 for an assault on power-to-weight supremacy. Now, with the McLaren 750S representing an evolution of that theme, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm V8 hybrid Lamborghini Temerario emerges as Sant’Agata Bolognese’s direct riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta.
The 296 GTB indeed packs an astonishing punch. Its all-new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6, coupled with an electric motor – powering exclusively the rear wheels, a distinction from the SF90 – delivers a staggering 819bhp. This configuration shattered established supercar conventions. It’s easy to be mesmerized by such prodigious output, to ponder the trajectory of automotive power escalation (and whether the 296, and indeed Lamborghini’s next offering, are the zenith) and where one might realistically deploy such velocity. But that, as they say, is a story for another day.
What’s truly remarkable about the 296 GTB is its historical significance. It’s the first V6-powered Ferrari road car, a nod to the iconic 246 GT Dino, though the Dino never bore the Prancing Horse emblem in its era. It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger arrangement and, crucially, is a plug-in hybrid with a respectable EV-only range of approximately 15 miles. The compact V6 nestles low within a bespoke aluminum chassis, its wheelbase reduced by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, positioning occupants slightly further forward for an enhanced sense of immersion.
The electric motor contributes a formidable 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 itself churns out a remarkable 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined output reaches that headline-grabbing 819bhp figure. Ferrari judiciously refrains from publishing combined peak torque figures, likely due to the intricate interplay between the engine and electric motor. However, it’s safe to infer that the cumulative torque is nothing short of colossal. Furthermore, the V6 engine itself sheds 30kg compared to Ferrari’s V8s. This powerhouse is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, with the substantial battery pack, a long, slender unit, ingeniously housed behind the seats.
A Ferrari, of course, is incomplete without an arsenal of acronyms detailing its sophisticated electronic chassis management systems. For the 296, Ferrari has developed a groundbreaking six-axis sensor array, dubbed 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This innovative system meticulously measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. It replaces traditional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of driver intent and the precise grip levels at the tire contact patches. This intelligence is fed to other vital systems, including the Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, enabling maximum cornering speeds while steadfastly preserving stability and driver confidence. It also facilitates a novel system called ABS-evo, which, in RACE mode and above, leverages the 296’s brake-by-wire architecture to not only shorten braking distances but also enhance deceleration performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners.
In a notable evolution of its aerodynamic strategy, Ferrari is employing its active aerodynamics not for drag reduction, but for downforce generation. The company claims a remarkable 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a significant portion—up to 100kg—attributed to the deployable rear wing.
Cooling is addressed with meticulous precision. Two radiators at the front manage engine and gearbox temperatures, supplemented by two condensers dedicated to battery cooling. Hot air is expelled from beneath the car, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the airflow directed to the intercoolers located along the flanks. The subtle apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to brake cooling, while a wing integrated into the roofline creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, elegantly channeling air towards the rear of the car as if guided by a physical surface. The lion’s share of the 296’s downforce is generated beneath the car, where specific attention has been paid not only to airflow management and the rear diffuser but also to optimizing the underbody’s ground clearance to maximize the efficacy of these downforce-generating elements.
The 296 GTB variants I experienced on a circuit during the launch were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units derived from GT racing, and it incorporates additional carbon-fiber aerodynamic enhancements on the front fascia, contributing an extra 20kg of downforce. Further weight savings are achieved through increased use of carbon fiber in the cabin, such as the door panels, and on the exterior, resulting in a total reduction of 12kg. This figure 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 allows for the fitment of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Visually, Fiorano cars can be personalized with an exterior graphics package, subtly echoing the livery of the iconic 1960s 250LM.
Having spent considerable time evaluating the 296 GTB, both on and off the track, I can attest to its striking aesthetic. It possesses a unique and captivating presence, a design language that, even without the optional graphics, draws undeniable inspiration from the 250LM of the 1960s.
Performance and Dynamics: A Hybrid Symphony of Speed
Initiating the drive is as simple as a double press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The 296 defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing it to glide away on electric power alone, unless otherwise prompted via the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors on the left side of the steering wheel boss. As long as throttle application remains judicious, it will continue its silent progress on electric power, provided the battery has sufficient charge.
For those seeking pure electric propulsion, the car can be explicitly set to EV mode, irrespective of powertrain demands. Alternatively, Performance and Qualifying modes are available. In both of these, the engine and electric motor work in concert. Performance mode prioritizes overall driving, while also ensuring the battery is replenished. Qualifying mode, however, unleashes the car’s full, unadulterated potential, with scant regard for the battery’s state of charge.
The serene glide through urban environments is an unexpectedly delightful experience. The damping sophistication renders it a remarkably comfortable machine for covering long distances. Even the luggage capacity in the ‘frunk’ is surprisingly practical, a welcome improvement over the SF90. But the question that truly ignites the enthusiast’s curiosity is: what does it feel like when both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor are unleashed with full intent?
The answer lies in the astonishing surge of acceleration when you bury the throttle at low revs in a higher gear. The 296 simply erupts forward, utterly devoid of lag, making you momentarily question the very necessity of gear changes, such is its immediate potency. Yet, there are eight gears to exploit, and an engine that eagerly winds to 8500rpm. When you truly uncork the 296, the resulting experience is nothing short of breathtaking.
The acceleration figures—a sub-three-second 0-62mph sprint and a top speed exceeding 200mph—translate to a truly visceral sensation, a ‘hold-on-tight/nervous laughter’ kind of velocity that borders on the overwhelming, yet is paradoxically addictive. This is a profoundly rapid automobile. And its soundtrack is equally compelling, a blend of turbocharger whistle overlaying a melodious V6 rasp.
Ride and Handling: Precision Meets Playfulness
What truly elevates the 296 GTB is the astonishing responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s assertion that the car was engineered for pure driving enjoyment is not hyperbole. It exhibits a high degree of agility without ever feeling twitchy. The steering, typically light and rapid, also offers a surprising level of feedback, allowing you to feel the road beneath. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car’s true genius lies in its throttle adjustability, a trait that invariably elicits a wide grin.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 feels significantly lighter. There’s an absence of inertia that encourages you to work with the car, making minute inputs and reveling in its remarkable accuracy and precision. Engaging CT Off mode grants you extraordinary freedom, providing an implicit reassurance that an exceptionally intelligent electronic guardian is still overseeing proceedings. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s innate balance allows for a degree of lift-off oversteer that one would scarcely believe possible in a car with 819bhp.
On the track, the 296 possesses an uncanny ability to compress even the longest straights. What becomes even more apparent is its surgical precision. The power is readily available to break rear traction at numerous points around the lap, but the 296 is also remarkably sensitive to braking and steering inputs. You quickly learn that precise control yields the greatest rewards. The turn-in accuracy and response are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Rather than gradually loading the chassis, the 296 settles instantly, its Multimatic dampers, coupled with the hyper-quick steering and the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup, working in exquisite harmony. Even if you’ve just exited a more conventional sports car, the speed, precision, and agility of the 296 are simply phenomenal, a joyous experience to savour lap after lap.
Interior: A Digital Frontier with Tactile Quirks
The interior architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90, as the 296 largely inherits its cabin design. The fully digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear, liberally applied to the steering wheel and the traditional Ferrari pods flanking it, can initially present a learning curve. It is undeniably complex, but one must acknowledge the sheer volume of information and functionality being conveyed. The primary frustration arises when simple operations occasionally require a second, or even third, attempt to register, or when it’s unclear whether a touch input has been acknowledged at all. Nevertheless, it undeniably feels like a special place to be.
Evo Car of the Year 2022 Verdict: A Return to Form
“Now things get serious. When the scores were tallied, the margin between the McLaren Artura and the 296 GTB was razor-thin. The judges were equally divided: three of us narrowly favored the Ferrari, while three scored the McLaren ahead by a whisker. Those favoring the 296 GTB included myself, Meaden, and Bovingdon. ‘What a spectacular car,’ enthused Jethro. ‘Beautiful to behold, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable, and technically brilliant. Its V6 demonstrates to McLaren how to downsize while amplifying the drama, and it matches the Artura in sheer control, yet feels a touch more playful and indulgent.’
Dickie’s assessment—‘The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355’—resonated with many of us. ‘The hybrid system is exceptionally well integrated,’ he continued, ‘and doesn’t alter the driving experience as much as I had feared. This is likely because we’ve become accustomed to the torquey characteristics of the turbocharged V8s in the 488 and F8. The 296 is stonkingly quick, but it doesn’t rely solely on speed, thanks to the character of the V6, which produces a consistently sweet soundtrack that evolves with throttle opening.’
The Ferrari’s hybridisation earned widespread praise for its seamless integration. However, on the final night of testing, we were stranded when the battery depleted with no apparent means of recovery. To be fair, Ferrari had pre-emptively warned of this possibility and detailed the necessary precautions. Nevertheless, it’s not inconceivable that an owner could find themselves in a similar predicament. As Gallagher remarked, ‘For the company that pioneered individual rear-wheel steering, the inability to engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent such an occurrence is a significant oversight.’ Fortunately for the 296, this incident occurred after all cars had been scored.
‘Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, the brake feel didn’t quite match the very best in the group, and the tech interface faced widespread criticism for its excessive complexity. Despite these points, the 296 was irresistibly seductive. ‘I initially thought I wouldn’t like the Fezza all that much—too complex, rather gratuitous points of difference,’ confessed Vivian. ‘But I ended up somewhat bewitched: its uncanny ability to change direction, its astounding damping, looney-tunes levels of grip, and the linearity of its seemingly endless power…’
‘This represents a genuine return to form for Ferrari, especially after the SF90 left us feeling somewhat underwhelmed last year. As Sutcliffe aptly put it: ‘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.”
Price and Rivals: The Evolving Supercar Landscape
When a vehicle is so densely packed with cutting-edge technology, there’s always the inherent risk that it might ultimately feel less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment echoed in our assessment of the SF90, which, while dazzling with its power, left us unsettled by its challenging driving characteristics.
The 296 GTB, however, is a different proposition entirely. As evidenced by its joint third-place finish alongside the McLaren Artura at eCoty 2022, it feels far more organic. Its masterful blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect balance, redefining expectations for a supercar in the £250,000-plus price bracket. A Versione Speciale variant of the 296 is slated for release this year, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity. Our sincere hope is that the standard 296’s remarkably natural feel is retained.
It is this fundamental aspect of the 296 GTB’s character that we fervently hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power to wield in a series-production supercar; it possesses the potential to corrupt the entire driving experience if the rest of the car isn’t meticulously engineered to harness it. If Lamborghini has achieved the level of integration seen in the Revuelto, which offers ample reason for optimism, we are poised for an epic twin-test showdown featuring nearly 1700bhp.
Alternatively, we could expand this to a colossal 2400bhp triple-threat, including the McLaren 750S, which, by comparison, now absurdly appears as the ‘minnow’ of the class with a mere 740bhp. However, as noted, it brings a relatively svelte 1389kg kerb weight to the table, resulting in a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw engagement, ergonomic perfection, razor-sharp steering, and exquisite chassis finesse undoubtedly set it apart from the comparatively more remote sensation offered by the Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications:
Engine: 2992cc, twin-turbocharged V6, plus electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, active E-diff
Power: 819bhp (combined) @ 8000rpm
Torque: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Price: £250,000+
The automotive world continues its relentless charge towards a hybridized future, and the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a testament to what’s possible when passion meets innovation. If you’re ready to experience the pinnacle of electrified supercar performance and explore your own driving aspirations, now is the perfect moment to connect with a specialist dealer and schedule your personal encounter with automotive excellence.