Ferrari 296 GT

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Ferrari 296 GT

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An Evolving Hierarchy

The Ferrari 296 GTB is the brand’s new ‘entry-level’ mid-engined supercar and is being touted as their latest “gateway” to experiencing Ferrari’s race-bred DNA.

Immediately, the rear-wheel-driven 296 GTB will draw direct comparisons to none other than the brand’s range-topping Ferrari SF90 hypercar. This is an apples-to-apples comparison after all, as the SF90 also has a hybrid powerplant and is only one of two such cars, with the 296 GTB now forming part of that family.

Ferrari reiterated this by going as far as saying that it believes it to be the “most fun car to drive in our product range”, both on track and on normal roads—it sure sounds like Ferrari’s marketing department wants to turn the pyramid upside down when it comes to their sales pitch.

Will all this help the company tap into a broader demographic of potential new customers, without souring the relationships they have with the marque’s more diehard loyalists? Time will tell.

Performance & Drivetrain

Taking center stage for the Ferrari 296 GTB’s performance is its mid-mounted 120-degree “hot V” 2.9L twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid engine. Through the petrol-driven component alone, the unit is able to produce 645 hp. When the electric motor—powered by a 7.45 kWh battery—is on full blast, that adds another 167 hp for a grand total of 830 hp (819 bhp) and 546 lb-ft of torque. 

Chassis

Their “Fun to Drive” philosophy has always been a key component of any Ferrari car, and the 296 GTB is further emboldened by it. Three ingredients are required to make this happen per Ferrari. The first is ‘sound’—the symphony provided by the engine. The Second is ‘perceived acceleration’—not just 0-60 mph and 1/4 mile times, but also how the car transmits the sensation of speed to the driver. The third is ‘go-kart feeling’—how well the car responds to driver input and its connection to the road.

So how are these philosophies amalgamated into the essence that is the 296 GTB? Well for starters, there’s a lightweight, compact, all-aluminum frame underneath it all, but that’s hardly a shock. What’s more exciting are its state-of-the-art vehicle dynamic control systems, which actively monitor and manage factors such as tire grip, suspension settings, and driver inputs.

Design

The Ferrari 296 GTB is a modern interpretation of Ferrari’s old-school DNA and has a more compact footprint than any other Ferrari available right now thanks to its short wheelbase.

Arguably, the best angle is from behind; a sleek Kammtail design with jewel-like taillights which are integrated with an active rear spoiler, are one of the car’s most defining features. At the front, air intakes integrated with modernized ‘tear-drop’ headlights and a suspended front splitter—similar to that of F1 cars—complete the silhouette.

Inside, you can expect the same design language as the exterior; a perfect balance of sportiness and elegance. Ferrari provided the 296 GTB with a thoughtfully procured concoction of carbon fiber, metals, and high-quality leather materials. Ergonomics are spot-on—in large part thanks to those exquisite carbon-fiber bucket seats—while a classic “canceletto” center console serves as an obligatory nod to Ferrari’s heritage.

Ferrari 296 GTB Assetto Fiorano

Also available is a more hardcore version of the car known as the Ferrari 296 GTB Assetto Fiorano, which is named after the company’s iconic test circuit. Not many specifics have yet been revealed about this version, but we were told that it will feature the extensive use of carbon fiber to further reduce the overall weight.

In addition, it will be equipped with a race-derived suspension—for more extreme handling abilities—and racing harnesses. The Assetto Fiorano also gets its own special livery. We suspect bespoke enthusiasts and collectors will be more inclined to purchase this trim.

Pricing & Availability

When the Ferrari 296 GTB was unveiled last year, we expected it to hover around the Ferrari F8 Tributo’s base MSRP of $277,000 USD, with it being the marque’s self-proclaimed ‘brand new entry-level model’ and all that jazz.

Perhaps that’s how Ferrari has positioned it within its own internal hierarchy, but in terms in price, it’s not insignificantly more than the aforementioned model. In fact, the 296 GTB has a starting price of $321,400 USD—that’s almost $45,000 above its senior counterpart.

When the F8 Tributo gets phased out, we might then see the 296 GTB’s pricing and its entry-level status marching to the same beat. Then again, it does have 830 hp, so perhaps its price has always been justified. An Assetto Fiorano spec will set you back even more, with its $360,900 USD base MSRP.