In June 2021, Ferrari unveiled their third Hybrid, the Ferrari 296 GTB (Gran Turismo Berlinetta), which is more than a hybrid. It was the first modern-day production Ferrari road car with a V6 engine, which Ferrari last used in the Ferrari Dino. According to Ferrari, the Ferrari 296 GTB defines fun to drive with its hybrid system that maximizes driving pleasure, guaranteeing pure emotions when pushing the car to its limits and in day-to-day driving situations. The hybrid system showcases Ferrari's evolution towards hybridization and performance, which came with the arrival of the kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) introduced to Formula 1 for the 2009 season. Ferrari first used this system in the legendary Ferrari LaFerrari, the automaker's first hybrid car. This makes the Ferrari 296 GTB a smaller manifestation of the LaFerrari with an engine half the size in cylinders than the V12 used in the LaFerrari. However, the horsepower difference between the two cars is almost dismissible. The GTB Ferrari 296 GTB has 819 horsepower compared to the LaFerrari's 949, showing Ferrari's hybrid technology advancement over the years. Despite the criticism that hybrids get, the Ferrari 296 GTB, in this context, sales have been better than expected. This is not only for Ferrari but also for McLaren, with the 296 GTB's biggest and almost equally matched competitor, the McLaren Artura. Market reports state that Ferrari sold more hybrids in the last quarter of 2023 than conventional ICE models. How much is a Ferrari 296 GTB? Kickstarting the Ferrari hybrid range and ranking lower than the Ferrari SF90 Stradale, a 2023 Ferrari 296 GTB will set you back $371,139 for a base model without options. Quite a lot, but it's a small price for a supercar that defines electrifying performance, literally.
After shocking the world with the Ferrari LaFerrari in 2013, Ferrari took a while before unveiling their current range of hybrid vehicles, but those years were not in vain. In 2019, they unveiled the 1,000-horsepower Ferrari SF90 Stradale, which paved the way for its smaller yet uncompromising brother, the Ferrari 296 GTB. Although not as powerful as the SF90, the Ferrari 296 GTB showcases technological innovation that relies not only on its electrification. The twin-turbocharged V6, which alone makes 666 horsepower, set a new specific power output hp/l record of 221 horsepower per liter due to its revolutionary design, especially from its configuration and turbocharger placement. The Ferrari 296 GTB's rear-wheel-drive drivetrain layout makes it the first Ferrari with a rear-wheel-biased hybrid powertrain. It's a marvel how the engine and the electric motor power the rear wheels, which is not usually the case in most hybrids. For example, in the Ferrari SF90 Stradale, two electric motors power the front wheels, and the third motor is between the engine and transmission on the rear axle. Ferrari has not cited any plans to discontinue the Ferrari 296 GTB soon, with production continuing at the automaker's plant in Maranello, Italy. And with Ferrari's average yearly production of 8,000 cars, we'll likely see more Ferrari 296 GTBs on the road, defying misconceptions by winning track day trophies and drag races and proving that hybrid cars are certainly not slow and boring.
The Ferrari 296 GTB provides electrifying performance in the experience you get when you drive it and in the literal sense. Driving one will give you chills, especially when launching it since its partially electric-sourced 819 horsepower and 546 lb.ft catapults the Ferrari 296 GTB from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 2.4 seconds, earning it the title of the fastest accelerating rear-wheel-drive car. Engineered to provide instantaneous gear changes, the 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission shifts fears on the Ferrari 296 GTB, a mega contributing factor to the car's rapid acceleration. Ferrari states that the Ferrari 296 GTB's top speed is 205mph, but tests on closed roads by professionals have proved it can do more than that. Weighing significantly less at 3,254 pounds, the Ferrari 296 GTB's weight underpins its dynamic prowess. It offers an unmatched level of agility, handling, and performance, backing Ferrari's statement that the 296 GTB is defining fun to drive. Its low weight, but mostly its hybrid powertrain, also helps enhance fuel economy, a minor concern for most supercar owners. Nonetheless, the Ferrari 296 GTB has a combined fuel economy of 47 mpg on engine and electric motor power.
Two years after Ferrari unveiled the Ferrari 296 GTB, they have yet to make any noteworthy changes in the 2023 model. Its performance remains as spirited and exhilarating as the day it was unveiled, a true embodiment of Ferrari's enduring craftsmanship and design.
Ferrari is renowned for making some of the best interiors with exquisite designs, upholding a standard of excellence and commitment to delivering an exceptional in-cabin experience. The Italian automaker took the Ferrari 296 GTB up a notch with digitalization, exemplifying the technology and engineering at the driver's fingertips. However, Ferrari didn't abandon the timeless elegance from generations discontinued decades ago. The Ferrari 296 GTB's instruments are on the driver's side on a 16-inch digital instrument cluster backed by a head-up display. For a better view and fewer distractions caused by reflection, the instrument display is cradled by two buttresses. There's no infotainment display, keeping the interior as driver-focused as possible. But on the passenger side, there is a screen that offers a view of the car's performance stats and access to the infotainment system with Apple Car Play, among other entertainment and navigation necessities, but there is no Android Auto. Ferrari offers copious customization options for the interior, including five leather seat options, which provide different levels of comfort and grip to cater to most drivers' requirements. Interior color and trim options are also available, allowing you to tweak and personalize almost everything, including the floor mats!
The Ferrari 296 GTB's short wheelbase gives it a compact look, but its design elements speak volumes of what lies beyond the exterior. What captivates most are the muscular wings and robust flying buttresses that give the car a high-performance aura that most wouldn't pass the Ferrari 296 GTB for if they saw it for the first time, not knowing what lies underneath the clear glass hood cover. One of the most recognizable aspects of the Ferrari 296 GTB's exterior design is the visor-style windscreen that slightly curves away from the A-pillars. It's one of the designs penned down by the designers while discovering the most authentic principles of Italian car design, but it also has a purpose, to enhance aerodynamics. At the front, the headlights on the Ferrari 296 GTB set on the bumper like jewels take inspiration from classic Ferrari teardrop headlights. The front bumper has a centralized vent stretching from edge to edge instead of the traditional two or three vents to improve airflow to the two massive radiators at the front and the front brakes. Also, there's a wing on the front bumper that smoothens airflow underneath the vehicle. At the rear end, the Ferrari 296 GTB showcases a marriage of aerodynamic prowess and a striking design, starting with the wing, which retracts into the body and rises to improve downforce and reduce drag. The sleek taillights and dual exhaust tips elegantly embedded into the bodywork exude a unique appeal that the diffuser enhances. But the diffuser does more than give the Ferrari 296 GTB's rear end an aesthetically appealing look. It effectively creates a low-pressure zone, thus reducing drag and lift and increasing downforce.
Being a Hybrid and Ferrari, not including an electric-only driving mode would be unacceptable in the Ferrari 296 GTB, but since they did, let's talk about it. When on eDrive, the engine is shut off, and the electric motor can power the Ferrari 296 GTB for up to 15 miles and propel the car to speeds not exceeding 80mph. This makes the Ferrari 296 GTB perfect for city or morning driving when you don't want to annoy neighbors, even though the exhaust is as silent as a cat waiting to pounce. eDrive adds to the Ferrari 296 GTB's driving modes: eDrive, Hybrid, Performance and Qualify. Hybrid is the default mode on ignition and allows controlled power delivery from the engine and electric motor for enhanced efficiency. Performance mode keeps the engine constantly on and helps maintain battery efficiency to ensure full power at all times. Lastly, Qualify mode provides maximum battery and electric motor power output. This mode is suitable for demanding conditions such as track driving but lowers the battery level quicker since the engine does not recharge the battery. The driving modes are controlled from the digital instrument cluster that also partially serves as an infotainment display for the driver. It also displays navigational maps, AC status, a compass, time and phone status just like a normal infotainment on the dashboard or the centre console would. On the steering wheel, the driver gets a multitude of controls, enhancing convenience since it allows the operation of various functions without taking hands off the wheel.
As a pinnacle of Ferrari's engineering, the 296 GTB commands a price that reflects its exceptional pedigree. Buying one from Ferrari comes with a price point of $371,139 for a base model without options. Ferrari's numerous customization options can add thousands to the price, easily totalling half a million dollars inclusive of the car's cost. If buying from factory is not worth the patience, used and dealership-stocked Ferrari 296 GTBs average around $500,000. Interested in a Ferrari 296 GTB? We've got you covered here at Exotic Car Trader. Our platform has a host of Ferrari 296 GTBs for sale, and if there's none or you can't find any that matches your taste, regularly check back as we update our Ferrari listings frequently.
The Ferrari 296 GTB is far more than a hybrid supercar. It signifies Ferrari's strides towards electrification, which the automaker says is here to stay. The legacy started with the Ferrari LaFerrari, which paved the way for the Ferrari 296 GTB and Ferrari SF90, which have set new performance standards for supercars not only due to their hybrid technologies but also their electrifying performance that puts both cars above their competition.
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The Ferrari 296 GTB, priced from $371,139, is a technological marvel that underscores Ferrari's dedication to electrification. It sets new performance standards in the supercar domain and stands as a testament to Ferrari's innovative prowess, marking a significant advancement in their journey towards electrified automotive excellence.
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