Ferrari 296 GTB

The Ferrari 296 GTB, heir to the F8 Tributo, arrives as a plug-in hybrid V6 supercar boasting 830 horsepower, claiming the title of the fastest rear-wheel-drive Ferrari in the world. Following the success of the SF90 Stradale hybrid supercar, Ferrari launched the 296 GTB in 2021, targeting the “accessible supercar” segment while delivering hypercar-level performance at a more approachable price.

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The name 296 GTB is derived from its 2.9-liter engine displacement and six cylinders, with GTB standing for Gran Turismo Berlinetta, signifying a GT sports car with a hardtop. The 296 GTB surpasses the F8 Tributo thanks to its 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine set at a 120-degree angle, producing 663 horsepower, combined with an electric motor adding 167 horsepower, for a total of 830 horsepower and 740 Nm of torque at 6,250 rpm. This puts the 296 GTB significantly above the 710-horsepower F8 Tributo.

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Power is sent to the rear wheels through an 8-speed F1 DCT dual-clutch transmission, allowing the car to accelerate from 0–100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and 0–200 km/h in 7.3 seconds, with a top speed of 330 km/h.

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The exterior design of the 296 GTB draws inspiration from the larger SF90 Stradale and the classic 1960 Ferrari 250 LM race car, enhanced with extensive aerodynamic features. These include side air intakes by the headlights, enlarged rear wheel arches with cooling air channels feeding the engine, and modern Ferrari-style taillights. At the rear, an active spoiler generates up to 360 kg of downforce at 249 km/h, while the overall design maintains the clean, elegant lines typical of Ferrari.

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Inside, the cockpit is driver-focused, with instrument clusters reminiscent of the original Dino and a retro-style gear lever inspired by the SF90. A small horizontal screen on the center console provides passengers with relevant information.

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The hybrid system features a 164-horsepower electric motor producing 315 Nm of torque, positioned between the engine and the 8-speed automatic gearbox. A 7.45 kWh battery mounted under the floor enables around 25 km of pure electric driving, similar to the SF90. The car’s lightweight structure weighs just 1,470 kg, only 35 kg heavier than the F8 Tributo despite the hybrid system.

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The Ferrari 296 GTB has officially earned the title of the fastest rear-wheel-drive car ever tested by Car and Driver, cementing its position as a groundbreaking and thrilling hybrid supercar.