BY: TAREK HAWCHAR
Unveiled in mid-2021, Ferrari’s first RWD hybrid ditched the Prancing Horse’s usual V8s and V12s for the sake of a hybridized V6
Touted as one of the greatest mid-engine Ferrari sports cars ever built, and successor to the legendary Dino, the Ferrari 296 GTB is the latest iteration in a long line of the Prancing Horse’s GT Berlinettas that gain EV capabilities without compromising drivability.
Unveiled in mid-2021, Ferrari’s first RWD hybrid ditched the Prancing Horse’s usual V8s and V12s for the sake of a hybridized V6, making it the first Ferrari-badged car with a V-6 engine—the Dino was a sub-brand, don’t forget that!
We had the chance to explore the full potential of the all-new Ferrari GT on the Monteblanco circuit—a famous fast track just outside Seville, Spain—surely a mind-blowing experience for sports-car lovers like us!
While trotting at high speed, the 2022 Ferrari 296 GTB handled with tremendous agility given the fast curves of the circuit. It was great fun to push the latest evolution of Ferrari to the very limit!
The Ferrari 296 GTB borrowed some design traits from the SF90 Stradale and Ferrari’s classic mid-engine 250 LM racer from the 1960s
Exterior
Visually, the all-new 296 GTB is unmistakably a Ferrari. However, it doesn’t look as sharp and aggressive as the other Prancing Horse creations—there are hardly any cuts or creases visible.
The Ferrari 296 GTB also borrowed some design traits from the SF90 Stradale and Ferrari’s classic mid-engine 250 LM racer from the 1960s.
Up front, there is a distinctive front bumper with large intakes and an air duct that channels air under the supercar and towards the rear diffuser, along with slim LED headlights with two air intakes built into the headlight clusters.
At the rear, there is an active rear spoiler that contributes to 360kg of downforce at 250 km/h, along with a large central exhaust outlet to give the supercar a menacing look. There is also a clear separation between the B pillar and roof panel, making the overall design cleaner.
Dimensionally speaking, the new mid-engined Ferrari has an overall length of 4565 mm and measures 1958 mm and 1187 mm in width and height, respectively, with a 2600 mm long wheelbase.
Looking instantly recognizable, the Ferrari 296 GTB's interior shares some design features with its larger SF90 sibling, particularly the retro-style gear selector
Interior
Looking instantly recognizable, the Ferrari 296 GTB's interior shares some design features with its larger SF90 sibling, particularly the retro-style gear selector. However, the long horizontal dashboard that is almost unconnected to the transmission tunnel is reminiscent of the original Dino 246.
The driver-focused cockpit also features a fully digital instrument cluster, capacitive buttons all around, a flat-bottomed steering wheel that includes a touchpad and touch-sensitive controls, and a standard passenger-side display to allow the passenger to access information and infotainment systems.
Among the other interior highlights are a small compartment on the center console for storing the ignition key and a head-up display that is discreetly integrated into the top of the dashboard.
On the technology front, the 2022 Ferrari 296 GTB comes with a plethora of ADAS systems as standard, including the electronic Side Slip Control (eSSC), E-Diff, Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer (FDE 2.0), Electronic Traction Control (ETC), and Suspension Control System (SCS), along with a revamped ABS system, to name but a few.
The new GT also features a sophisticated brake-by-wire system with ventilated brake discs, meaning that there is no mechanical connection to the calipers, providing excellent stopping power
Engine and Performance
Under the hood, Ferrari’s first RWD hybrid debuts with a turbo V-6 engine paired with a plug-in hybrid system. The twin-turbo, 2.9-liter V6 engine delivers 663 hp and mates to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The latest Ferrari creation also benefits from a single electric motor mounted between the V6 engine and the eight-speed transmission. This adds 167 hp to the internal combustion engine, raising the total output of the hybrid drivetrain to 830 hp and 740 Nm of torque at 6250 rpm. With its 7.45-kWh battery pack under the floor, the new 296 GTB can travel 25 kilometers on electricity alone.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain is powerful enough to push the 296 GTB from zero to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds, and to 200 km/h in 7.3 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 330 km/h.
The Maranello-based carmaker also developed a four-position Manettino, telling the electric motor how to behave: eDrive, Hybrid, Performance, and Qualify. The eDrive is an all-electric mode, while the Hybrid is the default one that focuses on the efficiency of the internal combustion engine. Performance mode keeps the V6 engine running all the time and Qualify mode focuses on providing as blistering performance as possible.
With a dry weight of 1470 kg, the 296 GTB is only 35 kg heavier than its F8 Tributo sibling. It also features a sophisticated brake-by-wire system with ventilated brake discs, meaning that there is no mechanical connection to the calipers, providing excellent stopping power. Similarly, with fully electric power assisted steering, this car can "attack" corners—it simply does not understeer, and its tires cling to the asphalt more naturally.
Assetto Fiorano
The optional Assetto Fiorano 2022 296 GTB track-focused package comes with carbon fiber elements both inside and out, a unique two-tone paint job inspired by the classic 250 LM, Multimac shock absorbers optimized for track use, a lightweight Lexan rear screen, and Michelin Cup 2 R tires which help reduce weight by 12kg.
Our Verdict
Thanks to its weight-to-power ratio of 1.77 kg/hp, a more efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain, a beautiful, clean design, and a firm suspension allowing it to handle tight bends, we expect the Ferrari 296 GTB to bring in the highest sales for the Prancing Horse brand and give its rivals sleepless nights. For all these virtues, the latest bona fide Ferrari is worth every penny!