Overview
Ferrari unveiled the 296 GTB in June 2021 as a very different kind of mid-engined Ferrari. It’s a plug-in hybrid with a V6 instead of a V8, and it sits below the SF90 Stradale in the range. The name spells out the layout: 2.9 litres, six cylinders and GTB for Gran Turismo Berlinetta. The Ferrari Design Centre, led by Flavio Manzoni, drew on the compact, curvy sports cars of the 1960s, and it shows in the short wheelbase, the sculpted flanks and the rear window that sweeps down into the tail. It looks small, taut and muscular, with a clean surface and few unnecessary details.
Engine and Performance
Behind the seats sits a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 with a 120-degree angle between the cylinder banks, producing about 663 PS (487 kW). A rear-mounted electric motor adds around 167 PS, so the combined output is roughly 830 PS (610 kW). The V6 revs to about 8,500 rpm, and its sound is sharper and more exotic than people expect from a six-cylinder. Power goes through an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Ferrari quotes 2.9 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, around 7.3 seconds to 200 km/h and a top speed of over 330 km/h (205 mph).
Chassis and Handling
The 296 GTB uses an aluminium chassis with a wheelbase 50 mm shorter than the F8 Tributo’s, and that makes it feel eager to turn. The electric motor and a battery of about 7.5 kWh fill in torque instantly and let the car run silently on electric power alone for roughly 25 km. The eManettino dial lets the driver choose between electric, hybrid, performance and qualify modes. A six-way chassis dynamics sensor, Side Slip Angle Control and a brake-by-wire system work together to manage the power. The car feels playful, quick and easy to place, with a lot of grip and remarkably little drama. The Assetto Fiorano package adds lighter parts and sharper suspension for buyers who want more track focus.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the cabin follows the new Ferrari layout, with a 16-inch digital instrument display and touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel. Some owners found those controls take getting used to. The seats are supportive, the materials are high quality and there’s a small boot at the front. It’s more comfortable and more usable than its performance suggests, and in electric mode it can be quiet enough for a calm drive into town.
Production and Legacy
Production began in 2022, and the open-top 296 GTS, with a retractable hardtop, followed the same year. Ferrari later added the more extreme 296 Speciale. The 296 GTB is seen as the car that proved a V6 hybrid could carry the Ferrari badge, and it brought hybrid performance to a more accessible price point than the SF90.
