Ferrari 296 GTB Review: The 830-Horsepower Hybrid Supercar That Feels Anything But Heavy

Introduction

The Ferrari 296 GTB pairs a very traditional, very Ferrari name with a thoroughly modern and advanced kind of supercar. At its core is a staggering 830 horsepower, delivered by an all-new three-litre twin-turbo V6 producing 663 horsepower on its own, with an electric motor making up the rest. It is a plug-in hybrid with an EV-only range of around 15 miles, and unlike the SF-90 it is rear-wheel drive only.

Weight is quoted at 1,470 kilograms, though that is a dry figure, and with lightweight options that number looks even better. The body is aluminium once again, but Ferrari has shortened the wheelbase by 50 millimetres compared with the old V8 cars in pursuit of a more agile chassis. Ferrari says the 296 is, above all, about being fun to drive. Styling is subjective, but the car looks gorgeous in the metal, and this first drive took place on the twisty mountain roads of southern Spain.

How Fast Is It?

To put it plainly: shockingly fast. This is the sort of rearrange-your-internal-organs fast that is genuinely fierce. Part of what makes it so quick is that the hybrid system fills in the gaps, so the 296 barely feels like it has any turbo lag at all. Throttle response is excellent, and there is a low and mid-range urge that is totally addictive.

On really twisty mountain roads, the 296 proves to be a delicate, slightly surprising car. It is not light, but it has that classic Ferrari quick steering rack, which means small inputs are the way to go. Too much correction and the car can feel nervous. Once you are on its wavelength, though, it simply flows down the road, rides remarkably well, and never feels anxious despite being genuinely agile.

Handling and Balance

The balance is fabulous, and it feels like the masses are contained low, with that compact V6 sitting on the floor of the car. When you turn in, the car feels like it pivots beneath you, sitting down on its rear haunch and asking what you want to do next.

Here is what makes it astonishing: with 830 horsepower, you can work up to the limit and take some liberties, yet it never feels scary. Push harder and it starts to understeer ever so slightly in tight corners, or if you are more aggressive with the throttle it will begin to step the rear out. For a car with this level of performance to be that clear and friendly is remarkable.

Braking and Sound

Ferrari has also got the brake pedal really right. It is nice and firm, with an ease of modulation that makes judging braking distances easy. If you never find yourself thinking about the brake pedal, it has clearly been set correctly, and that is the acid test here.

The engine sounds good too. It revs to an 8,500 rpm limit, which is impressive for a turbo engine, and it never sounds coarse, gritty, or harsh. There is a lovely growl low down and it is pretty sonorous at higher revs. The best part is the turbo noise: build some boost on a gradient and the whistle and whoosh are genuinely addictive.

On the Track

At the Monte Blanco circuit, the 296 was fitted with the optional Fiorano pack, which saves up to 15 kilos and features even more trick Multimatic dampers, plus Michelin Cup 2R tyres instead of the regular Michelins. Just a handful of laps is enough to confirm that the 296 can shrink almost any straight, and that it is a proper live wire.

The more you peel back the electronic systems, the more it is keen to rotate into a corner, to oversteer, or to do pretty much anything you command. It rewards a smooth, precise driving style. With ESC off it is just you and the ABS, and Ferrari has put an enormous amount of work into these systems: they give you real leeway to get the car moving around without that nannying restraint older systems imposed.

Buying Advice

Overall, the 296 GTB is comfortable, reasonably practical, and silent running one moment, then an absolute animal of a machine the next, with almost overwhelming power that feels amazingly nimble, playful, and surprisingly exploitable regardless of its weight. If you want a supercar that is genuinely fun and approachable rather than intimidating, this is a very special option.

Conclusion

Based on this first acquaintance, Ferrari has created something very special indeed. The 296 GTB blends hybrid efficiency, a ferocious V6, and a chassis of rare balance into a supercar that is fierce when you ask and friendly when you are not.