MINUTES AGO! It’s Over! Jason and Britt Give In to Desire During a Red-Hot Night!
Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Masterpiece Facing a New Era of Supercar Competition
As a seasoned observer of the automotive landscape for the past decade, I’ve witnessed firsthand the relentless evolution of the supercar segment. Technologies that once seemed like futuristic concepts are now standard fare, and the relentless pursuit of performance has led manufacturers to explore previously uncharted territories. Among the most significant shifts has been the embrace of electrification, a move that has not only redefined power delivery but also dramatically altered the very character of these high-performance machines. It’s within this dynamic context that the Ferrari 296 GTB emerged, a car that, even a couple of years into its tenure, continues to command respect and awe, particularly as it prepares to face formidable new challengers like the upcoming Lamborghini Temerario.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a pivotal moment for Maranello’s mid-engined supercar lineage. This wasn’t merely an update; it was a fundamental reimagining. Gone was the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8, replaced by a groundbreaking twin-turbo V6 augmented by an electric motor. This daring departure positioned the 296 GTB as a vanguard in a segment that, while increasingly exploring hybrid powertrains, was far from fully transitioned.
In its debut, the 296 GTB’s primary contemporary was the Lamborghini Huracán, a car celebrated for its naturally aspirated V10 symphony. While the Huracán offered a distinct flavour of visceral engagement and auditory drama, it was outgunned in terms of raw power by the hybridized Ferrari. The automotive arena also featured the ferocious McLaren 720S, a twin-turbo V8 powerhouse that exemplified the pursuit of power-to-weight supremacy. Now, however, the game has fundamentally changed. The McLaren 750S, an evolution of its predecessor, continues this theme. But the real headline-grabber, the one that directly challenges Ferrari’s latest offering, is the Lamborghini Temerario. With an astonishing 903bhp from its 10,000rpm redline twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain, the Temerario is a clear and unashamed statement of intent from Sant’Agata Bolognese, directly targeting Ferrari’s 819bhp hybridized Berlinetta.
The 296 GTB, it must be stated, possesses truly electrifying firepower. Its all-new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6, working in concert with an electric motor driving the rear wheels exclusively (a departure from the four-wheel-drive SF90), produces a combined output of 819bhp. This configuration shattered established supercar conventions upon its release. The sheer magnitude of this power figure is, frankly, staggering. It’s easy to find oneself contemplating the outer limits of such escalating performance and, perhaps more pragmatically, where one might realistically deploy such immense capability. However, that’s a discussion for another time.
What is undeniable is the historical significance of the 296 GTB. It is the first V6-powered Ferrari road car – a nod to the legendary, albeit unbadged, 246 GT Dino of yesteryear. It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger installation, a design where the turbos are nestled within the cylinder banks, promoting faster response and increased efficiency. Furthermore, it’s a plug-in hybrid, offering an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles. The compact V6 is mounted low within a new aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase that’s been shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, with occupants seated slightly further forward.
The electric motor alone contributes a substantial 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 engine independently churns out a remarkable 654bhp and 546lb ft. The headline 819bhp figure is the combined output, though Ferrari wisely refrains from quoting a peak combined torque figure. This is likely due to the complex interplay between the combustion engine and electric motor, but it’s safe to assume the cumulative torque is nothing short of prodigious. Crucially, the V6 package is approximately 30kg lighter than Ferrari’s V8s. This potent powertrain is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the battery pack – a sleek, elongated unit – is cleverly integrated behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without a sophisticated arsenal of electronic chassis control systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has developed a cutting-edge six-axis sensor, dubbed 6w-CDS, capable of measuring acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. This innovative sensor replaces traditional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of both driver input and instantaneous grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data is then fed to systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, optimizing cornering speeds while steadfastly maintaining stability and driver confidence. The 6w-CDS also enables a novel ABS-evo system, available in RACE mode and above. Working in conjunction with the 296’s brake-by-wire setup, ABS-evo demonstrably shortens braking distances and enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners.
For the first time in its history, Ferrari is employing its active aerodynamics not for drag reduction, but for downforce generation. The company quotes an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a significant 100kg of that figure being directly attributed to the deployable rear wing.
The thermal management of the 296 GTB is a masterclass in engineering. Two radiators are strategically placed in the front for engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two condensers dedicated to the battery. Hot air is expelled from the underbody to prevent any interference with the cooling air directed to the intercoolers along the flanks. The discreet apertures below the headlamps are dedicated to brake cooling, while the roofline-integrated rear wing cleverly creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, channeling airflow to the rear of the car as if it were guided by a physical surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated from beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid to the intricate channeling of air, the rear diffuser, and, crucially, the underbody’s ground clearance to maximize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
Our initial experiences with the 296 GTB on track were exclusively with cars fitted with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units, derived from GT racing technology, and incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the nose, boosting front downforce by a further 20kg. The Assetto Fiorano specification also introduces more carbon fiber throughout the cabin, including the door panels, and externally, contributing to an overall weight saving of 12kg. This figure increases to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is selected. Furthermore, for those opting for the Fiorano pack, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires are available, replacing the standard Pilot Sport 4S rubber. Assetto Fiorano cars can also be specified with an exterior graphics package, paying homage to the iconic 250LM from the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 GTB, both in photographs and in person, I can attest to its stunning aesthetic. It possesses a unique and captivating design, unlike anything else on the road, with styling cues that subtly echo the legendary 250LM, even without the more assertive graphics package.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: A Hybrid Symphony
Initiating movement in the 296 GTB is a simple affair: a double press of the lower button on the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, meaning it will pull away using electric power alone, unless overridden by the driver via the haptic mode selectors on the left side of the steering wheel boss. As long as throttle inputs remain moderate, it will continue to operate on pure electric power, assuming sufficient battery charge.
Drivers can also choose to explicitly engage EV mode, irrespective of powertrain demands, or select between Performance and Qualifying modes. In both of these latter modes, both power sources collaborate. Performance mode prioritizes maximum power delivery while also ensuring the battery remains adequately charged. Qualifying mode, as its name suggests, unleashes the absolute maximum performance, with no regard for the battery’s state of charge.
The ability to glide silently through urban environments is an unexpectedly delightful experience, and the sophisticated damping makes it a remarkably comfortable machine for covering long distances. There’s even a surprisingly practical luggage area in the front ‘frunk’ – a welcome departure from the SF90. But, as we all truly want to know, what does it feel like when both the engine and electric motor are truly unleashed?
The answer becomes immediately apparent when you stomp on the throttle at low revs in a high gear. The 296 simply bolts forward with absolutely no discernible lag, making you question the very necessity of gear changes given its immediate and potent response. Yet, there are eight gears at your disposal, and an engine that revs to a breathtaking 8500rpm. When you truly uncork the 296, the effect is nothing short of startling. The acceleration figures are indicative of a ‘hold-on-tight/nervous laughter’ kind of acceleration, bordering on the uncomfortable, yet undeniably addictive. This is a seriously rapid automobile. And it sounds magnificent too, with a captivating blend of turbocharger sound effects overlaying the tuneful rasp of the V6.
Ride and Handling: Precision Meets Playfulness
What truly impresses is the exceptional responsiveness of the 296 GTB’s chassis and Ferrari’s commitment to making it a “fun to drive” car. It feels incredibly agile without ever becoming overly nervous. The steering is typically light and direct, yet it also communicates crucial information about the road surface. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable, eliciting grins at every opportunity.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 feels significantly lighter. There’s a palpable lack of inertia, encouraging the driver to work with the car, making minute inputs and reveling in its accuracy and precision. The CT Off mode offers a remarkable degree of freedom, with the reassurance of an intelligent electronic guardian watching over you. However, even with all systems disengaged, the 296’s inherent balance allows for playful teasing into oversteer, a feat that might seem impossible in a car producing 819bhp.
On track, the 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to make even the longest straights feel abbreviated. What becomes even more apparent is its surgical precision. The power is readily available to break traction at the rear at numerous points around the lap, yet the 296 is exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. One quickly learns that precise control yields the greatest rewards. The incredible turn-in accuracy and response dramatically shorten the corner entry phase. Instead of gradually loading the car into turns, the 296 settles immediately, aided by its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering, which perfectly complements the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more mature sports cars, the speed, precision, and agility of the 296 are phenomenal and provide a joy that is consistently repeatable lap after lap.
Interior: A Digital Realm
The cabin architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90, as the 296 borrows heavily from its larger sibling. The fully digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear, liberally applied to the steering wheel and the traditional Ferrari pods flanking it, present a notable learning curve. It is undoubtedly complex, and to be fair, there is a substantial amount of information to convey. However, the most frustrating aspect is that simple operations sometimes require a second attempt to register, or the user is left unsure if a press has been successful at all. Despite these usability challenges, the interior undoubtedly feels like a special place to be.
Industry Verdict: A New Benchmark
The 2022 evo Car of the Year competition highlighted the sheer brilliance of the 296 GTB. The results were incredibly close, with the McLaren Artura running it down to the wire. The judges were almost perfectly divided: three narrowly favored the Ferrari, while three placed the McLaren slightly ahead.
Those who championed the 296 GTB, including myself, Jethro Bovingdon, and Ollie Marriage, expressed profound admiration. Jethro described it as “a spectacular car – beautiful to look at, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable, and so technically clever. Its V6 shows McLaren how to downsize but turn up the drama, and it matches the Artura in terms of sheer control but feels a bit more playful and indulgent.”
Richard Meaden echoed this sentiment, calling it “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment shared by many. He noted that “the hybrid system works very well and doesn’t change the driving experience as much as I’d feared, probably because we’ve already got used to the torquey characteristics of the turbocharged V8 in the 488 and F8. The 296 is stonkingly quick, but doesn’t rely solely on speed thanks to the character of the V6, which has a soundtrack that’s always sweet and changes with throttle opening.”
The seamless integration of Ferrari’s hybridisation was widely praised. However, a notable incident saw a 296 GTB stranded after its battery depleted with no apparent means of revival. While Ferrari had provided guidance on preventing such occurrences, it’s not inconceivable that an owner could find themselves in a similar predicament. As Gallagher observed, “the company that introduced individual rear-wheel steering to its cars can’t engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this happening is a huge oversight.” Fortunately, this incident occurred after scoring was complete.
Ferrari’s signature hyper-quick steering proved divisive, and the brake feel didn’t quite match the very best in the group. The technological interface also faced widespread criticism for its complexity. Nevertheless, the 296’s allure was irresistible. Vivian confessed, “I thought I wouldn’t like the Fezza all that much – too complex, rather gratuitous points of difference – but I ended up somewhat bewitched: the spooky way it changes direction; its amazing damping and looney-tunes levels of grip; the linearity of seemingly never-ending power…”
As Peter Tomalin, the ecoty 2022 chief judge, concluded, “The 296 is a real return to form for Ferrari, after the SF90 left us cold last year. It’s way more successful because its technical sophistication, and the integration of its hybrid technology in particular, feels much more natural, and far less intrusive. Ferrari has taken so much from the SF90, learnt from that car, and distilled it into a series production model that’s one of its very best.”
Price and Rivals: The Evolving Landscape
The inherent risk with such technologically advanced vehicles is that they can become less than the sum of their parts. This was a sentiment echoed in our assessment of the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power, felt somewhat unnerving in its difficult-to-read driving characteristics.
However, the 296 GTB is a different proposition entirely. Its performance at the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards, where it secured a joint third place with the McLaren Artura, underscored its organic feel. The perfect synergy of its power and engaging dynamics strikes a remarkable sweet spot, redefining what a supercar in the £250,000-plus bracket can achieve. A more potent Versione Speciale variant of the 296 is slated for release, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity. The hope is that the standard 296’s inexplicably natural feel will be retained.
It is this very aspect – the natural feel and engagement – that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized with its upcoming hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power for a series-production supercar, and it possesses the potential to corrupt the entire driving experience if the rest of the car isn’t meticulously resolved to manage it. If Lamborghini has indeed nailed it, as evidenced by the exceptional Revuelto, then we are poised for an epic twin test involving a staggering 1700bhp of hybrid hypercar combat.
Alternatively, we could broaden the field to a 2400bhp triple threat by including the McLaren 750S, which, by current supercar standards, might seem like the ‘minnow’ of the class with ‘only’ 740bhp. However, its relatively petite 1389kg kerb weight ensures a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw unfiltered nature, ergonomic perfection, razor-sharp steering, and deft chassis control still mark it as a formidable rival against the comparatively more detached feel of 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 is a constantly evolving arena, and the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a testament to this relentless progress. As we anticipate the formidable challenges from Maranello’s rivals, the question remains: how will these incredible machines continue to push the boundaries of performance, innovation, and driving exhilaration? If you’re captivated by the cutting edge of automotive engineering and crave an unparalleled driving experience, now is the perfect time to explore the world of hybrid supercars and discover what the future holds.
Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Masterpiece Facing a New Era of Supercar Competition
As a seasoned observer of the automotive landscape for the past decade, I’ve witnessed firsthand the relentless evolution of the supercar segment. Technologies that once seemed like futuristic concepts are now standard fare, and the relentless pursuit of performance has led manufacturers to explore previously uncharted territories. Among the most significant shifts has been the embrace of electrification, a move that has not only redefined power delivery but also dramatically altered the very character of these high-performance machines. It’s within this dynamic context that the Ferrari 296 GTB emerged, a car that, even a couple of years into its tenure, continues to command respect and awe, particularly as it prepares to face formidable new challengers like the upcoming Lamborghini Temerario.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a pivotal moment for Maranello’s mid-engined supercar lineage. This wasn’t merely an update; it was a fundamental reimagining. Gone was the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8, replaced by a groundbreaking twin-turbo V6 augmented by an electric motor. This daring departure positioned the 296 GTB as a vanguard in a segment that, while increasingly exploring hybrid powertrains, was far from fully transitioned.
In its debut, the 296 GTB’s primary contemporary was the Lamborghini Huracán, a car celebrated for its naturally aspirated V10 symphony. While the Huracán offered a distinct flavour of visceral engagement and auditory drama, it was outgunned in terms of raw power by the hybridized Ferrari. The automotive arena also featured the ferocious McLaren 720S, a twin-turbo V8 powerhouse that exemplified the pursuit of power-to-weight supremacy. Now, however, the game has fundamentally changed. The McLaren 750S, an evolution of its predecessor, continues this theme. But the real headline-grabber, the one that directly challenges Ferrari’s latest offering, is the Lamborghini Temerario. With an astonishing 903bhp from its 10,000rpm redline twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain, the Temerario is a clear and unashamed statement of intent from Sant’Agata Bolognese, directly targeting Ferrari’s 819bhp hybridized Berlinetta.
The 296 GTB, it must be stated, possesses truly electrifying firepower. Its all-new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6, working in concert with an electric motor driving the rear wheels exclusively (a departure from the four-wheel-drive SF90), produces a combined output of 819bhp. This configuration shattered established supercar conventions upon its release. The sheer magnitude of this power figure is, frankly, staggering. It’s easy to find oneself contemplating the outer limits of such escalating performance and, perhaps more pragmatically, where one might realistically deploy such immense capability. However, that’s a discussion for another time.
What is undeniable is the historical significance of the 296 GTB. It is the first V6-powered Ferrari road car – a nod to the legendary, albeit unbadged, 246 GT Dino of yesteryear. It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger installation, a design where the turbos are nestled within the cylinder banks, promoting faster response and increased efficiency. Furthermore, it’s a plug-in hybrid, offering an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles. The compact V6 is mounted low within a new aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase that’s been shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, with occupants seated slightly further forward.
The electric motor alone contributes a substantial 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 engine independently churns out a remarkable 654bhp and 546lb ft. The headline 819bhp figure is the combined output, though Ferrari wisely refrains from quoting a peak combined torque figure. This is likely due to the complex interplay between the combustion engine and electric motor, but it’s safe to assume the cumulative torque is nothing short of prodigious. Crucially, the V6 package is approximately 30kg lighter than Ferrari’s V8s. This potent powertrain is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the battery pack – a sleek, elongated unit – is cleverly integrated behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without a sophisticated arsenal of electronic chassis control systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has developed a cutting-edge six-axis sensor, dubbed 6w-CDS, capable of measuring acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. This innovative sensor replaces traditional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of both driver input and instantaneous grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data is then fed to systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, optimizing cornering speeds while steadfastly maintaining stability and driver confidence. The 6w-CDS also enables a novel ABS-evo system, available in RACE mode and above. Working in conjunction with the 296’s brake-by-wire setup, ABS-evo demonstrably shortens braking distances and enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners.
For the first time in its history, Ferrari is employing its active aerodynamics not for drag reduction, but for downforce generation. The company quotes an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a significant 100kg of that figure being directly attributed to the deployable rear wing.
The thermal management of the 296 GTB is a masterclass in engineering. Two radiators are strategically placed in the front for engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two condensers dedicated to the battery. Hot air is expelled from the underbody to prevent any interference with the cooling air directed to the intercoolers along the flanks. The discreet apertures below the headlamps are dedicated to brake cooling, while the roofline-integrated rear wing cleverly creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, channeling airflow to the rear of the car as if it were guided by a physical surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated from beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid to the intricate channeling of air, the rear diffuser, and, crucially, the underbody’s ground clearance to maximize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
Our initial experiences with the 296 GTB on track were exclusively with cars fitted with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units, derived from GT racing technology, and incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the nose, boosting front downforce by a further 20kg. The Assetto Fiorano specification also introduces more carbon fiber throughout the cabin, including the door panels, and externally, contributing to an overall weight saving of 12kg. This figure increases to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is selected. Furthermore, for those opting for the Fiorano pack, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires are available, replacing the standard Pilot Sport 4S rubber. Assetto Fiorano cars can also be specified with an exterior graphics package, paying homage to the iconic 250LM from the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 GTB, both in photographs and in person, I can attest to its stunning aesthetic. It possesses a unique and captivating design, unlike anything else on the road, with styling cues that subtly echo the legendary 250LM, even without the more assertive graphics package.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: A Hybrid Symphony
Initiating movement in the 296 GTB is a simple affair: a double press of the lower button on the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, meaning it will pull away using electric power alone, unless overridden by the driver via the haptic mode selectors on the left side of the steering wheel boss. As long as throttle inputs remain moderate, it will continue to operate on pure electric power, assuming sufficient battery charge.
Drivers can also choose to explicitly engage EV mode, irrespective of powertrain demands, or select between Performance and Qualifying modes. In both of these latter modes, both power sources collaborate. Performance mode prioritizes maximum power delivery while also ensuring the battery remains adequately charged. Qualifying mode, as its name suggests, unleashes the absolute maximum performance, with no regard for the battery’s state of charge.
The ability to glide silently through urban environments is an unexpectedly delightful experience, and the sophisticated damping makes it a remarkably comfortable machine for covering long distances. There’s even a surprisingly practical luggage area in the front ‘frunk’ – a welcome departure from the SF90. But, as we all truly want to know, what does it feel like when both the engine and electric motor are truly unleashed?
The answer becomes immediately apparent when you stomp on the throttle at low revs in a high gear. The 296 simply bolts forward with absolutely no discernible lag, making you question the very necessity of gear changes given its immediate and potent response. Yet, there are eight gears at your disposal, and an engine that revs to a breathtaking 8500rpm. When you truly uncork the 296, the effect is nothing short of startling. The acceleration figures are indicative of a ‘hold-on-tight/nervous laughter’ kind of acceleration, bordering on the uncomfortable, yet undeniably addictive. This is a seriously rapid automobile. And it sounds magnificent too, with a captivating blend of turbocharger sound effects overlaying the tuneful rasp of the V6.
Ride and Handling: Precision Meets Playfulness
What truly impresses is the exceptional responsiveness of the 296 GTB’s chassis and Ferrari’s commitment to making it a “fun to drive” car. It feels incredibly agile without ever becoming overly nervous. The steering is typically light and direct, yet it also communicates crucial information about the road surface. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable, eliciting grins at every opportunity.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 feels significantly lighter. There’s a palpable lack of inertia, encouraging the driver to work with the car, making minute inputs and reveling in its accuracy and precision. The CT Off mode offers a remarkable degree of freedom, with the reassurance of an intelligent electronic guardian watching over you. However, even with all systems disengaged, the 296’s inherent balance allows for playful teasing into oversteer, a feat that might seem impossible in a car producing 819bhp.
On track, the 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to make even the longest straights feel abbreviated. What becomes even more apparent is its surgical precision. The power is readily available to break traction at the rear at numerous points around the lap, yet the 296 is exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. One quickly learns that precise control yields the greatest rewards. The incredible turn-in accuracy and response dramatically shorten the corner entry phase. Instead of gradually loading the car into turns, the 296 settles immediately, aided by its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering, which perfectly complements the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more mature sports cars, the speed, precision, and agility of the 296 are phenomenal and provide a joy that is consistently repeatable lap after lap.
Interior: A Digital Realm
The cabin architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90, as the 296 borrows heavily from its larger sibling. The fully digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear, liberally applied to the steering wheel and the traditional Ferrari pods flanking it, present a notable learning curve. It is undoubtedly complex, and to be fair, there is a substantial amount of information to convey. However, the most frustrating aspect is that simple operations sometimes require a second attempt to register, or the user is left unsure if a press has been successful at all. Despite these usability challenges, the interior undoubtedly feels like a special place to be.
Industry Verdict: A New Benchmark
The 2022 evo Car of the Year competition highlighted the sheer brilliance of the 296 GTB. The results were incredibly close, with the McLaren Artura running it down to the wire. The judges were almost perfectly divided: three narrowly favored the Ferrari, while three placed the McLaren slightly ahead.
Those who championed the 296 GTB, including myself, Jethro Bovingdon, and Ollie Marriage, expressed profound admiration. Jethro described it as “a spectacular car – beautiful to look at, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable, and so technically clever. Its V6 shows McLaren how to downsize but turn up the drama, and it matches the Artura in terms of sheer control but feels a bit more playful and indulgent.”
Richard Meaden echoed this sentiment, calling it “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment shared by many. He noted that “the hybrid system works very well and doesn’t change the driving experience as much as I’d feared, probably because we’ve already got used to the torquey characteristics of the turbocharged V8 in the 488 and F8. The 296 is stonkingly quick, but doesn’t rely solely on speed thanks to the character of the V6, which has a soundtrack that’s always sweet and changes with throttle opening.”
The seamless integration of Ferrari’s hybridisation was widely praised. However, a notable incident saw a 296 GTB stranded after its battery depleted with no apparent means of revival. While Ferrari had provided guidance on preventing such occurrences, it’s not inconceivable that an owner could find themselves in a similar predicament. As Gallagher observed, “the company that introduced individual rear-wheel steering to its cars can’t engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this happening is a huge oversight.” Fortunately, this incident occurred after scoring was complete.
Ferrari’s signature hyper-quick steering proved divisive, and the brake feel didn’t quite match the very best in the group. The technological interface also faced widespread criticism for its complexity. Nevertheless, the 296’s allure was irresistible. Vivian confessed, “I thought I wouldn’t like the Fezza all that much – too complex, rather gratuitous points of difference – but I ended up somewhat bewitched: the spooky way it changes direction; its amazing damping and looney-tunes levels of grip; the linearity of seemingly never-ending power…”
As Peter Tomalin, the ecoty 2022 chief judge, concluded, “The 296 is a real return to form for Ferrari, after the SF90 left us cold last year. It’s way more successful because its technical sophistication, and the integration of its hybrid technology in particular, feels much more natural, and far less intrusive. Ferrari has taken so much from the SF90, learnt from that car, and distilled it into a series production model that’s one of its very best.”
Price and Rivals: The Evolving Landscape
The inherent risk with such technologically advanced vehicles is that they can become less than the sum of their parts. This was a sentiment echoed in our assessment of the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power, felt somewhat unnerving in its difficult-to-read driving characteristics.
However, the 296 GTB is a different proposition entirely. Its performance at the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards, where it secured a joint third place with the McLaren Artura, underscored its organic feel. The perfect synergy of its power and engaging dynamics strikes a remarkable sweet spot, redefining what a supercar in the £250,000-plus bracket can achieve. A more potent Versione Speciale variant of the 296 is slated for release, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity. The hope is that the standard 296’s inexplicably natural feel will be retained.
It is this very aspect – the natural feel and engagement – that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized with its upcoming hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power for a series-production supercar, and it possesses the potential to corrupt the entire driving experience if the rest of the car isn’t meticulously resolved to manage it. If Lamborghini has indeed nailed it, as evidenced by the exceptional Revuelto, then we are poised for an epic twin test involving a staggering 1700bhp of hybrid hypercar combat.
Alternatively, we could broaden the field to a 2400bhp triple threat by including the McLaren 750S, which, by current supercar standards, might seem like the ‘minnow’ of the class with ‘only’ 740bhp. However, its relatively petite 1389kg kerb weight ensures a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw unfiltered nature, ergonomic perfection, razor-sharp steering, and deft chassis control still mark it as a formidable rival against the comparatively more detached feel of 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 is a constantly evolving arena, and the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a testament to this relentless progress. As we anticipate the formidable challenges from Maranello’s rivals, the question remains: how will these incredible machines continue to push the boundaries of performance, innovation, and driving exhilaration? If you’re captivated by the cutting edge of automotive engineering and crave an unparalleled driving experience, now is the perfect time to explore the world of hybrid supercars and discover what the future holds.