Ferrari 296 GTB is a truly perfect car. With regard to the fantastic amount of power, it’s really simple to drive yet tremendously enjoyable. The clever chassis technology gives it an approachability that allows you to make the most of the magnificent engine, which sounds amazing.
When it comes to the clever integration of mechanical and electrical systems, both in terms of the powertrain and the software that controls it, Ferrari has again set a clear gap between itself and its rivals. There’s nothing to be concerned about if this is how Ferrari plans to approach electric vehicle technology in the future.
Ferrari 296 GTB 2022 is on the roads
| Model: | Ferrari 296 GTB |
| Price: | £241,550 (about $314,941) |
| Engine: | 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 PHEV |
| Power/torque: | 819bhp/740Nm |
| Transmission: | Eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, rear-wheel drive |
| 0-62mph: | 2.9 seconds |
| Top speed: | >205mph |
| Economy: | TBC |
| CO2: | TBC |
| On sale: | Now |
The future of Ferrari is beginning. In 2025, the first-ever Ferrari EV will be available, and an SUV will soon join its ranks. But the brand isn’t ready to abandon combustion-powered sports cars just yet, as Ferrari 296 GTB has arrived and it houses some incredible technology. It comes with an 819bhp engine.
The engine is the centerpiece of this Ferrari. It’s a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that is the first V6 from Ferrari and the company’s first with a “hot vee” turbo layout. This setup reduces intake length while improving throttle response. The model’s powertrain is a 7.45kWh battery and an electric motor that produces 165bhp and 315Nm of torque.
There are so many working systems and sensors that monitor and compute a variety of measurements and values, and the technology is so advanced and capable that it almost feels genuine.
The GTB’s 0-62 mph time is 2.9 seconds, and its 0-124 mph time is 7.3 seconds. However quirky these statistics are, it’s not the numbers that blow you away; it’s how the GTB gets them and how you feel while doing so. Turn the ignition on and switch to eDrive mode in the eManettino, and the car departs silently.
You may use the same key to switch on or off either a petrol engine, or an electric motor depending on your preference. The car intelligently handles which sources are required via Hybrid mode. The integration of petrol and electric is so smooth thanks to a clever new clutch between the engine and motor.
In the performance mode, electric power rolled back slightly from its maximum potential to maintain battery efficiency, while stepping up to Qualify deploys everything the system has to give at the expense of charge.
However, in either of these two settings, it’s surprising how quickly the battery does recharge to full once you back off. When at 100 percent, the state-of-charge range stands at 16 miles, which seemed accurate to us. The top speed in eDrive is 83mph.
When you start the engine, you may enjoy one of Ferrari 296 GTB ‘s greatest features: the sound. The crankshaft’s pins are also split by 120 degrees, giving a normal firing order and a note that genuinely mimics a naturally aspirated Ferrari V12. It sounds wonderful as it approaches its 8,500rpm limitation with Hot Tube Resonator technology recreating natural exhaust frequencies in the cabin.
The side slip control of Ferrari 296 GTB has been updated to include a grip estimator function that predicts the amount of adhesion available based on how much torque is fed back through the steering.
With a curb weight of 1,470 kg, it’s relatively light for a plug-in hybrid. With a short 2,600mm wheelbase, it has an agile feel about it. The light steering isn’t packed with feedback, but it is responsive and accurate. This gives you confidence.
The top of the brake pedal’s travel is perhaps the only question mark in the car’s dynamic profile, where response and regenerative effects could be a bit too strong for some. The addition of ABS Evo, a new ABS function that allows you to brake later and harder into corners without losing performance or steering control, is worth noting.
Even if the interface is still a little clunky when doing basic activities, the updated infotainment and digital dash from the SF90 and Roma should be more user-friendly. Go to Ferrari’s website to find out more.
