A Ferrari 296 GTB review requires a recalibration of expectation. For the first time in nearly five decades, a V6 powers a road-going Ferrari, yet the 296 GTB does not retreat into heritage—it redefines it. With a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre engine that punches with 663 hp on its own, plus a 167-hp electric motor nestled between the block and the eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the total output of 819 hp is delivered exclusively to the rear wheels. This is a plug-in hybrid supercar that channels the spirit of the Dino while shredding any notion that cylinder count dictates nobility. From the first press of the steering-wheel-mounted start button, the 296 GTB announces its presence with a timbre entirely its own—a visceral, metallic howl that owes nothing to the V8s that preceded it.
The V6 Revolution: A Bold Return to Six Cylinders
Ferrari’s decision to resurrect a V6 was not an exercise in downsizing economy—it was an engineering declaration. The F163 engine family is a clean-sheet design that borrows from the Formula 1 unit powering the SF21 and F1-75, using a 120° vee angle for an ideally balanced combustion cycle and a lower centre of gravity. Inside, the hot-vee twin turbos sit between the cylinder banks, reducing lag and sharpening throttle response. The result is 663 hp (655 lb-ft of torque) at 8,000 rpm, figures that eclipse the F8 Tributo’s V8. When the rear-mounted electric motor adds its 167 hp, the system’s 819 hp thrusts the 296 GTB into hypercar territory—all while maintaining a dry weight of just 1,470 kg, making it significantly lighter than the SF90 Stradale.
The engineering team at Maranello understood that to make a V6 acceptable to the tifosi, it had to produce a sound that stirred the soul. A bespoke exhaust system with hot-tube resonators amplifies the harmonic frequencies of the six-cylinder firing order, creating a layered, high-pitched wail that climbs from a guttural idle to an 8,500-rpm crescendo. Coupled with the instant torque fill from the electric motor—eliminating any trace of turbo lag—the powertrain delivers a driving sensation that feels naturally aspirated in its linearity, yet devastatingly potent in its execution.
Cockpit Alchemy: Minimalism Meets Telemetry
The 296 GTB’s cockpit is a masterclass in digital integration without tactile sacrifice. The steering wheel, inspired by the SF90, houses the manettino drive-mode selector, but the interface has been refined. The all-digital instrument cluster curves around the driver, displaying revs in a prominent arc, while a haptic touchpad on the right spoke manages infotainment. Alcantara, carbon fibre, and optional leather configurations wrap the cabin in a cockpit that feels purpose-built for driving, not passive transport. The passenger gets an optional display showing speed, gear, and g-forces—a gesture that makes even the co-pilot part of the experience.
“The 296 GTB proves that cylinder count is a hollow measure. Its V6 sings a new song—one of precision, not mere displacement.”
— TIMELESS GENIE FEEDS DESK
On the road, the 296 GTB channels its power with a delicacy that belies its output. The rear-wheel-drive layout, combined with a shorter wheelbase than the F8 Tributo, yields a agility that feels organic. The eManettino offers four modes: eDrive for silent urban running, Hybrid for default balance, Performance to keep the V6 always alive, and Qualify for maximum attack. In Performance and Qualify, the electric motor acts as a torque-fill partner, eliminating any hesitation. The 0-100 km/h sprint of 2.9 seconds is almost an afterthought; the car’s genius lies in its mid-corner adjustability, where the brake-by-wire and magnetorheological dampers work in concert to let the driver place the car with millimetre precision. The steering, light but impossibly talkative, filters road texture directly to the palms. This is a Ferrari that dances.
Strategic Positioning: The Purist’s Hybrid
The 296 GTB occupies a carefully curated slot in Ferrari’s portfolio. Below the all-wheel-drive SF90 Stradale and above the Roma, it serves as the entry point to Maranello’s hybrid era while preserving the rear-drive ethos that defines the brand’s mid-engined heritage. By keeping the hybrid system focused on the rear axle, Ferrari avoided the weight and complexity of a front electric motor, resulting in a car that is 200 kg lighter than the SF90. This purity of intent extends to the optional Assetto Fiorano package, which strips a further 15 kg with carbon-fibre panels, a Lexan rear screen, and Multimatic spool-valve dampers optimized for circuit use. In Assetto Fiorano guise, the 296 GTB laps Fiorano in 1:21.00—matching the pace of the far more powerful SF90.
EXECUTIVE INSIGHT
The 296 GTB is a strategic masterstroke. By introducing a rear-drive hybrid that undercuts the SF90 on price and weight, Ferrari widens its hybrid portfolio without cannibalizing the V12 range. For collectors, the 296 GTB represents the first chapter of a new V6 hybrid dynasty—a model that will likely appreciate as the production run remains limited and the narrative around its gutsy engineering grows.
Ferrari produces the 296 GTB in limited numbers, with allocations tightly managed through its dealer network. The Spider variant and the track-focused 296 Challenge have already expanded the family, yet the coupe remains the purest expression. For the astute patron, a well-optioned 296 GTB—especially in Assetto Fiorano trim—is both an instantaneous thrill machine and a long-term asset, its V6 engine marking a pivotal moment in Ferrari’s history.
Commissioning and Living with the 296 GTB
Ordering a 296 GTB begins with a base price around $320,000, though no Ferrari leaves the factory at that figure. Tailor Made personalization opens a universe of heritage colours, Alcantara hues, and carbon-fibre finishes. Clients can spend months refining their specification, selecting everything from coloured stitching to bespoke floor mats. The Assetto Fiorano package, a $40,000 option, is highly recommended for those who intend to visit circuits; its passive dampers and lightweight panels transform the car’s capability.
Daily usability is surprisingly high. The 7.45 kWh battery provides a 25 km electric range, enabling silent city driving and emissions-free ingress into low-emission zones. The suspension, even in its standard adaptive form, rides with a compliance that filters out urban harshness. Ferrari’s 7-year maintenance programme covers routine servicing, and the global network of official dealers ensures that the hybrid system’s high-voltage components are handled by trained technicians. Resale values for limited-run Ferraris remain robust, and the 296 GTB’s unique position as the first V6 hybrid means that well-preserved examples are poised to become coveted collector items.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total horsepower of the Ferrari 296 GTB?
The Ferrari 296 GTB’s plug-in hybrid system delivers a combined 819 hp (830 CV). The twin-turbo V6 alone contributes 663 hp, while the rear-mounted electric motor adds 167 hp, all sent to the rear wheels.
Is the Ferrari 296 GTB all-wheel drive?
No, the 296 GTB is strictly rear-wheel drive. Unlike the SF90 Stradale, it does not use front electric motors, which keeps the weight down and preserves the mid-engined, purist handling dynamics Ferrari enthusiasts cherish.
What is the 0-100 km/h acceleration time of the 296 GTB?
The 296 GTB accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 2.9 seconds, with 0-200 km/h in 7.3 seconds, and has a top speed exceeding 330 km/h (205 mph).
What is the electric-only range of the Ferrari 296 GTB?
Using only the electric motor, the 296 GTB can travel approximately 25 km (15 miles) in near silence, at speeds up to 135 km/h. This eDrive mode is ideal for urban driving and zero-emission zones.
How much does the Ferrari 296 GTB cost?
The starting price is approximately $320,000 (USD) before options. With customization, the Assetto Fiorano package, and Tailor Made selections, the final transaction price frequently surpasses $400,000.
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Read Article →The Ferrari 296 GTB is a bridge between epochs—a car that honours the Dino’s spirit while charging into an electrified future with V6 claws bared. It refuses to be defined by cylinder count or hybrid compromise, instead offering a sensory experience that is distinctly, beautifully Ferrari. To drive it is to accept that progress need not mute passion, and that sometimes the most intoxicating notes come from the smallest chambers. In the 296 GTB, Maranello has not merely built a hybrid supercar; it has sculpted a new archetype.
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