The Ferrari 296 GTB is a breathtaking testament to Italian engineering prowess, blending cutting-edge hybrid technology with the timeless allure of a Ferrari supercar. Unveiled in June 2021 and launched in India in August 2022, this mid-rear-engined, two-seater sports berlinetta redefines what it means to drive a Ferrari. It marks a significant evolution for the Maranello-based manufacturer, introducing a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain powered by a revolutionary 120° V6 engine—a departure from the traditional V8 or V12 engines that have long defined the brand. The “296” in its name nods to its 2.9-liter (technically 2,992 cc) engine displacement and six cylinders, while “GTB” stands for Gran Turismo Berlinetta, signifying its grand touring coupe heritage.
This car is not just about raw power; it’s about delivering an exhilarating yet approachable driving experience. With a combined output of 830 horsepower, the 296 GTB seamlessly marries the visceral thrill of a combustion engine with the efficiency and instant torque of an electric motor. It’s a bridge between Ferrari’s storied past and its electrified future, offering pure electric driving for short distances—an impressive feat for a brand synonymous with roaring engines. The 296 GTB replaces the F8 Tributo in Ferrari’s lineup, bringing a fresh design philosophy inspired by classics like the 1963 250 LM, while incorporating modern aerodynamics and technology derived from the SF90 Stradale. Available as a coupe (GTB) and a convertible (GTS), it appeals to enthusiasts who crave both performance and prestige.
In this detailed exploration, we’ll dive into the technical specifications, available variants, pricing in metro cities, and an in-depth look at what makes the Ferrari 296 GTB a standout in the supercar realm. We’ll also examine its close competitors, pitting it against the best from brands like McLaren, Lamborghini, and Porsche. Whether you’re an automotive aficionado or simply curious about this prancing horse, this guide will leave no stone unturned.
Technical Specifications
The Ferrari 296 GTB’s technical prowess is a blend of innovative engineering and high-performance design. Below is a comprehensive table summarizing its key specifications, sourced and verified from trusted platforms like CarDekho, ZigWheels, and CarWale.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 3.0L Twin-Turbocharged 120° V6 + Electric Motor (PHEV) |
| Displacement | 2,992 cc |
| Max Power (Combustion) | 645 bhp @ 8,000 rpm |
| Max Power (Electric) | 164 bhp |
| Combined Power Output | 819 bhp (830 PS / 610 kW) |
| Max Torque | 740 Nm @ 6,250 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic (DCT) with E-Differential |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) |
| Battery Capacity | 7.45 kWh (High-Voltage Lithium-Ion) |
| Electric-Only Range | 25 km (16 miles) |
| Top Speed | >330 km/h (>205 mph) |
| 0-100 km/h | 2.9 seconds |
| 0-200 km/h | 7.3 seconds |
| Fuel Type | Petrol + Electric (Hybrid) |
| Mileage (Claimed) | 15.62 kmpl (combined, per ZigWheels) |
| Emission Standard | BS6 Phase 2 |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4,565 mm x 1,958 mm x 1,187 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,600 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 1,470 kg (GTB) / 1,540 kg (GTS) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 liters |
| Seating Capacity | 2 |
| Suspension (Front) | Double Wishbone, Adaptive Dampers |
| Suspension (Rear) | Multi-Link, Adaptive Dampers |
| Brakes (Front & Rear) | Carbon-Ceramic Discs (Brake-by-Wire System) |
| Tyre Size | Front: 245/35 ZR20 / Rear: 305/35 ZR20 |
| Ground Clearance | 113 mm |
These specifications highlight the 296 GTB’s ability to deliver blistering performance while incorporating hybrid efficiency, making it a versatile supercar for both track and urban environments.
Variants
The Ferrari 296 GTB is offered in a streamlined lineup, focusing on delivering a fully loaded experience. Below is a table detailing its variants, including the GTS convertible option.
| Variant | Description | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 296 GTB V6 Hybrid | Base coupe model with hybrid powertrain | Fixed roof, 830 PS hybrid system, single fully loaded trim |
| 296 GTS | Convertible version with retractable hardtop | Folding hardtop (14-second operation up to 45 km/h), 70 kg heavier than GTB |
| Assetto Fiorano | Track-focused package (optional for GTB/GTS) | Lightweight materials, aero enhancements, Multimatic dampers, Michelin Sport Cup 2R tires |
The Assetto Fiorano package elevates the 296 GTB and GTS into track-ready beasts, reducing weight by approximately 15 kg through carbon-fiber components and offering enhanced aerodynamics with an additional 10 kg of downforce. While the GTB and GTS share the same powertrain, the GTS’s retractable hardtop adds a layer of open-top exhilaration without compromising performance.
Price in Metro Cities
Pricing for the Ferrari 296 GTB varies slightly across Indian metro cities due to differences in RTO charges, insurance, and taxes. Below is a table of its on-road prices (ex-showroom + RTO + insurance) as of March 15, 2025, based on data from CarDekho and CarWale.
| City | Ex-Showroom Price (₹) | On-Road Price (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | 5.40 Crore | 6.21 Crore |
| Mumbai | 5.40 Crore | 6.21 Crore |
| Bangalore | 5.40 Crore | 6.21 Crore |
| Kolkata | 5.40 Crore | 6.21 Crore |
| Chennai | 5.40 Crore | 6.20 Crore |
Note: Prices are approximate and subject to change based on customization options, dealer discounts, and additional taxes. The Assetto Fiorano package and bespoke personalization through Ferrari’s Tailor Made program can significantly increase the final cost.
About the Ferrari 296 GTB
Design and Aesthetics
The Ferrari 296 GTB’s exterior is a masterpiece of aerodynamic efficiency and Italian design heritage. Its sleek, low-slung profile is sculpted to slice through the air, with a compact wheelbase of 2,600 mm—50 mm shorter than the F8 Tributo—enhancing agility. The front features teardrop-shaped headlights inspired by the 250 Le Mans, paired with a wide air dam that optimizes cooling and downforce. The rear showcases a vertically mounted exhaust and a large diffuser, complemented by an active spoiler that generates additional grip at high speeds. The GTS variant adds a retractable hardtop that folds in just 14 seconds, maintaining the car’s elegant lines even when open.
Inside, the 296 GTB offers a driver-centric cockpit that blends sportiness with luxury. High-quality materials like Italian leather, carbon fiber, and Alcantara adorn the cabin, creating a premium yet purposeful atmosphere. The dashboard features a fully digital interface derived from the SF90 Stradale, with a curved display serving as both the instrument cluster and control hub. Notably, there’s no traditional infotainment screen; audio and navigation functions are integrated into the driver’s display, operated via touch-sensitive steering wheel controls. While this minimalist approach enhances focus, some critics note it requires a learning curve. The seats, available in standard or Daytona-style options with the Assetto Fiorano package, provide excellent support for spirited driving while remaining comfortable for longer journeys.
Performance and Powertrain
At the heart of the 296 GTB lies its hybrid powertrain, a groundbreaking setup for Ferrari. The 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, with its 120° configuration, produces 645 bhp on its own—an impressive feat for a six-cylinder engine. Paired with a 164 bhp electric motor sandwiched between the engine and gearbox, the combined output reaches a staggering 830 PS. This power is delivered to the rear wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, ensuring lightning-fast shifts and precise control. The V6’s 8,500-rpm redline delivers a visceral soundtrack, amplified in the GTS with the top down, while the electric motor provides instant torque for seamless acceleration.
The 296 GTB offers four driving modes—eDrive, Hybrid, Performance, and Qualify—each unlocking different levels of power and efficiency. In eDrive mode, the car operates silently on electric power alone for up to 25 km, ideal for emission-free urban driving. Switch to Performance or Qualify, and the full might of the hybrid system is unleashed, propelling the car from 0-100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds and on to a top speed exceeding 330 km/h. The brake-by-wire system and electrically assisted steering enhance handling, making the 296 GTB both approachable and thrilling, whether on a racetrack or a winding mountain road.
Efficiency and Practicality
While fuel efficiency isn’t the primary concern for a supercar, the 296 GTB’s hybrid system offers a nod to sustainability. Claimed mileage stands at 15.62 kmpl (combined), though real-world figures vary depending on driving style. The 7.45 kWh battery, positioned under the floor, adds minimal weight while enabling short electric-only trips—a rarity in this segment. However, practicality takes a backseat to performance. Trunk space is limited to a small front “frunk,” and rear visibility is compromised by the low-slung design and flying buttresses. For enthusiasts, these trade-offs are a small price to pay for the sheer driving pleasure.
Technology and Safety
The 296 GTB is packed with cutting-edge technology, from its adaptive suspension to its aerodynamic aids. The active rear spoiler adjusts dynamically to balance downforce and drag, while the “Tea-tray” aero element at the front—a nod to Ferrari’s racing heritage—optimizes airflow. The digital cockpit integrates navigation, multimedia, and vehicle settings, though its complexity has drawn mixed reviews. Safety features include carbon-ceramic brakes, ABS, and a suite of driver-assistance systems, though the car prioritizes performance over extensive nanny tech. It has not been crash-tested, as is typical for low-volume supercars, but Ferrari’s engineering standards inspire confidence.
Driving Experience
Driving the 296 GTB is an immersive experience that blends raw power with surprising refinement. Reviewers praise its hyper-agility, noting that it feels lighter and more responsive than its predecessors. The hybrid system eliminates turbo lag, delivering instant thrust that pins you to the seat. On the track, the Assetto Fiorano package shines, with its Multimatic dampers and sticky Michelin tires offering razor-sharp handling. On the road, the suspension smooths out imperfections, and the cabin remains quieter than expected for a supercar. Critics like Top Gear have lauded its accessibility, calling it “devastatingly fast, yet manageable,” while its V6 soundtrack rivals the drama of a V8.
Customization and Ownership
Ferrari’s Tailor Made program allows buyers to personalize the 296 GTB with a vast array of colors (28 options, including Rosso Corsa and Blu Pozzi), materials, and finishes. The Assetto Fiorano package adds lightweight carbon-fiber wheels and aero tweaks for track enthusiasts. Ownership, however, comes at a premium. Maintenance costs are high, and the car’s low ground clearance (113 mm) demands careful navigation in cities like Mumbai or Delhi. Ferrari’s 7-year maintenance program and strong resale value soften the blow, but this is undeniably a car for those who can afford the best.
Close Competitors
The Ferrari 296 GTB faces stiff competition in the supercar segment. Here’s how it stacks up against its closest rivals:
McLaren 720S
- Power: 710 bhp (4.0L V8 Twin-Turbo)
- 0-100 km/h: 2.9 seconds
- Price: ₹4.65 Crore (ex-showroom)
- Comparison: The 720S offers pure combustion power and a lighter chassis (1,283 kg), but lacks hybrid efficiency. Its dihedral doors and sharper handling appeal to purists, though the 296 GTB’s hybrid tech and electric mode give it an edge in versatility.
Lamborghini Huracan EVO
- Power: 631 bhp (5.2L V10 Naturally Aspirated)
- 0-100 km/h: 2.9 seconds
- Price: ₹4.99 Crore (ex-showroom)
- Comparison: The Huracan’s V10 delivers an intoxicating sound and all-wheel-drive grip, contrasting with the 296 GTB’s rear-wheel-drive hybrid setup. The Ferrari feels more modern and efficient, while the Lambo leans on raw drama.
Porsche 911 Turbo S
- Power: 641 bhp (3.8L Flat-6 Twin-Turbo)
- 0-100 km/h: 2.7 seconds
- Price: ₹3.35 Crore (ex-showroom)
- Comparison: The 911 Turbo S is faster off the line and more practical, with all-wheel drive and a rear seat. However, the 296 GTB outshines it in design flair and hybrid innovation, appealing to those seeking a purer supercar experience.
Bentley Continental GT
- Power: 626 bhp (6.0L W12 Twin-Turbo)
- 0-100 km/h: 3.7 seconds
- Price: ₹5.22 Crore (ex-showroom)
- Comparison: The Continental GT prioritizes luxury over outright performance, making it less of a direct rival. The 296 GTB’s agility and track focus set it apart in this matchup.
The 296 GTB holds its own with a unique blend of performance, efficiency, and style, carving a niche between traditional supercars and the electrified future.
Final Thoughts!
The Ferrari 296 GTB is more than a car—it’s a statement. It combines the soul-stirring performance Ferrari is known for with a forward-thinking hybrid powertrain, delivering 819 bhp of exhilaration while embracing sustainability. Its stunning design, advanced technology, and thrilling dynamics make it a worthy successor to the F8 Tributo and a standout in its class. Priced at ₹6.21 Crore on-road in metro cities, it’s an investment in automotive excellence, appealing to enthusiasts who demand the pinnacle of driving pleasure. Against competitors like the McLaren 720S and Lamborghini Huracan EVO, it offers a compelling mix of innovation and heritage, cementing Ferrari’s place at the forefront of the supercar world. Whether roaring down the highway or silently gliding through the city, the 296 GTB is a legend in the making.
