Driving Ferrari’s 296 GTB supercar

Formula 1 technology helps this two-door deliver ridiculous performance in a way its more conventional competitors can’t.

David McCowen

2 min read

April 8, 2023 - 5:00AM

The Ferrari 296 GTB is an impressive machine.

Ferrari’s latest supercar leans on the brand’s Formula 1 expertise, combining a turbocharged V6 engine with a sophisticated hybrid set-up and show stopping bodywork.

This is Ferrari at its best

There are two sides to the world-famous automotive brand.

One trades on heritage to deliver beautiful cars with classic appeal. The other is focused on the future, with cutting edge tech that leaves rivals scrambling for traction.

The Ferrari 296 GTB is the most advanced car in its class.

Both are present in the Ferrari 296 GTB, a mid-engine supercar combining gorgeous looks with an engine that might change the way you think about performance cars.

It’s not like other exotic cars

This is the socially acceptable supercar.

Silent on start-up, the 296 GTB is powered by a 122kW electric motor linked to a compact 7.45kWh battery that returns 25 kilometres of range and a top speed of 135km/h.

It also has a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 that makes 488kW when required, resulting in a total output of 610kW, or because we’re discussing the cavallino rampante, 830 horsepower.

Michael Schumacher won world championships with less.

There’s more to this Ferrari than showstopping looks.

You can plug it into a wall to charge up the hybrid system, or burn extra petrol on the highway so that the battery is fully charged as required.

The electric part if the system will get you out of town without waking the neighbours or setting off car alarms.

The petrol engine revs to a thrilling 8500rpm and squeezes air from your chest as it sprints to 100km/h in 2.9 seconds. Simple controls on the steering wheel let you choose a power setting that feels right for any environment, from emissions-free school pick-ups to lap record attempts.

@davemotoring
Test driving a new Ferrari is an unforgettable experience. The new 296 GTB looks gorgeous, delivers thrilling performance, and has tech to beat its rivals. What a machine! #dream #goals #supercar #ferrari #f1 #formula1 #drivetosurvive #testdrive #thrill #takemeback #ferrari296
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Is this what it’s like to be a celebrity?

Even in silent mode, there is nowhere to hide.

Few things in life are more conspicuous than a bright yellow Ferrari folks haven’t seen before – it feels as though you would attract less attention by walking naked down the street.

People point, stare and whip out phones to take photos.

Like a modern F1 car, the 296 has a hybrid V6 engine.

Friends will ask for joy rides then struggle to put their experience into words.

And you’ll sign up for a pilates class after trying to extract yourself from the hi-tech cabin.

These cars aren’t cheap

Then again, neither are the owners. Those who stump up $604,000 plus options and on-road costs don’t look at prices or fine print when making their order.

The Ferrari’s cabin is a hi-tech affair.

While most would baulk at the five-figure price tags attached to some extras, folks at this end of the market accept them as part of the experience.

Bring $800,000 and you can take home a fully-loaded example, plus enough change for a holiday.

A targa-topped ‘spider’ variant is around the corner.

But they are spectacular to drive

Ferrari makes a wonderful engine. The “piccolo V12” in the back of the 296 is positively musical, with a carefully honed song that stays with you long after a spirited drive.

There’s real range to its vocals and the eight-speed transmission snaps through gear changes with scarcely believable pace.

It goes without saying that this is a fast car.

The Ferrari’s hybrid motor delivers sledgehammer thrust.

Let rip and it will send tremors coursing through your limbs as adrenaline floods your system.

Yet the manufacturer’s mastery of electronics is equally impressive.

Sophisticated sensors and expertly honed software help drivers make the most of staggering performance potential.

The steering wheel is covered with electronic controls.

Calibrate your hands to match lightning-fast steering and it quickly feels natural, inviting you to explore imperious traction, astounding brakes and tautly controlled suspension.

And at the end of the journey, easy outward vision, a nose-lifting system, high-definition cameras and that smooth electric motor make it easier to park than some hatchbacks.

This truly is Ferrari at its best.