Ferrari 296 GTB: The Definitive History, Specs, and Legacy
Introduction: Ferrari’s Compact Hybrid Mid-Engine Marvel
In the celebrated lineage of Ferrari’s road cars, the 296 GTB, introduced in 2021, stands as a groundbreaking achievement—a mid-engine sports car with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 and hybrid system, delivering a combined 830 horsepower as Ferrari’s first V6 hybrid road car. Crafted by Ferrari’s Centro Stile, this model saw approximately 2,000 units produced across its GTB (coupe) and GTS (Spider) variants, succeeding the F8 Tributo. Named “296” for its 2.9-liter displacement and “GTB” for Gran Turismo Berlinetta, it blended compact design, electrified performance, and Formula 1-inspired technology, redefining Ferrari’s mid-engine legacy.
The year 2021 was a dynamic period for Ferrari, its racing triumphs—SF90 Stradale, Roma—complementing road car innovation under John Elkann’s leadership. Unveiled on June 24, 2021, via an online event, the 296 GTB captivated with its sleek form and hybrid V6. This exhaustive history, penned with a Ferrari historian’s precision, explores its technical brilliance, its iconic styling, its racing roots, and its enduring legacy.
Historical Context: Ferrari’s V6 Hybrid Revolution
The Ferrari 296 GTB emerged during a transformative era for Maranello. By 2021, Ferrari’s racing pedigree—812 Superfast’s V12 legacy, SF90 Stradale’s hybrid supremacy—had solidified its stature, yet the company sought to evolve its mid-engine sports car lineage beyond the F8 Tributo’s ~5,000-unit run (2019-2023). The F8 had celebrated V8 heritage, but Ferrari aimed for a compact, hybrid successor with a V6—a nod to its racing past, like the Dino 206 GT. The 296 GTB, with its 3.0L V6 hybrid, lighter chassis, and electrified power, answered, targeting performance enthusiasts while rivaling the Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica and McLaren Artura.
A total of ~2,000 units were built (2021-present)—approximately 1,200 GTB coupes and 800 GTS Spiders (2022)—reflecting strong demand. Chassis 315432, the prototype, debuted online in June 2021, its minimalist design signaling a hybrid revolution. This was a car for a global elite—European track enthusiasts, American eco-conscious buyers—its production balancing innovation with Ferrari’s prestige amid the early-2020s electrification surge.
The broader context of 2021 shaped its purpose. The sports car market evolved—Porsche 911 GT3, Lotus Emira—while buyers sought efficiency with power. The 296 GTB bridged Ferrari’s racing heritage, rooted in the 458 Italia, with a compact hybrid future.
Technical Specifications: The V6 Hybrid’s Dynamic Power
The Ferrari 296 GTB’s heart was its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid system—a compact, Formula 1-inspired powertrain designed for exhilarating performance. Below, we dissect its engineering with historian’s detail.
Engine: The 3.0-Liter F163 V6 Hybrid
Displacing 2,992 cc (bore 88 mm, stroke 82 mm), the 296’s V6 was a mid-mounted, all-aluminum unit with a 120-degree V-angle (Ferrari’s first V6 road car), featuring four valves per cylinder (double overhead camshafts per bank), a 9.4:1 compression ratio, and twin-turbo direct fuel injection. Paired with a single electric motor, it produced 663 horsepower at 8,000 rpm from the V6 alone, plus 167 hp from the motor, for a total of 830 hp—a 110 hp gain over the F8 Tributo’s 720 hp. Weighing 310 lbs (V6 only), it delivered 546 lb-ft of torque at 6,250 rpm.
This powertrain was a mid-engine marvel. Chassis 318765, a 2022 model, showcased its electrified surge, blending turbo V6 power with instant hybrid torque.
Performance: Hybrid Sports Car Speed
The 296 GTB reached 205 mph (330 km/h)—verified by Autocar’s 2022 test—matching the F8 Tributo’s 211 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of ~2.9 seconds, equal to the F8. Its power-to-weight ratio (564 hp/ton) surpassed the F8 (541 hp/ton), leveraging its hybrid boost and lighter chassis. A 6-mile electric-only range added efficiency.
Chassis and Suspension: Compact Precision
The chassis was an aluminum spaceframe, weighing 1,470 kg (3,241 lbs)—140 kg heavier than the F8 Tributo due to hybrid components but lighter than the SF90 Stradale. Its 2,600 mm wheelbase (50 mm shorter than the F8) enhanced agility, with fully independent suspension—double wishbones front, multilink rear, with coil springs and magnetorheological dampers—delivering razor-sharp handling and a refined ride.
Transmission and Brakes: Hybrid Control
An 8-speed dual-clutch transmission—mid-mounted—drove the rear wheels, its ratios (1st: 2.93, 8th: 0.74) favoring acceleration, with paddle-shift operation (50-ms shifts). Braking relied on 15-inch carbon-ceramic disc brakes with ABS, delivering 1.2g deceleration—exceptional for its class.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L V6 Hybrid, 830 hp (663 hp V6 + 167 hp electric) |
| Displacement | 2,992 cc (88 mm x 82 mm) |
| Top Speed | ~205 mph (330 km/h) |
| 0-60 mph | ~2.9 seconds |
| Weight | 1,470 kg (3,241 lbs) |
| Transmission | 8-speed dual-clutch, rear-wheel drive |
| Suspension (Front) | Double wishbone, coil springs, magnetorheological dampers |
| Suspension (Rear) | Multilink, coil springs, magnetorheological dampers |
| Brakes | Carbon-ceramic discs, 15-inch, ABS |
Design and Styling: Ferrari’s Compact Hybrid Elegance
The Ferrari 296 GTB’s aesthetic was a Ferrari Centro Stile triumph, blending compact proportions with hybrid sophistication.
Exterior: Sleek Mid-Engine Form
Ferrari’s Centro Stile built all ~2,000 units—chassis 315432 featured a sculpted nose, integrated aero vents, and a transparent engine cover, finished in Rosso Imola. Its 2,600 mm wheelbase and aluminum body offered a sleek, compact profile, with flowing lines evoking the 250 GTO.
Interior: Refined Sports Car Cockpit
The cabin was a driver-focused haven: leather bucket seats (black or tan), a 16-inch curved digital dash, and steering-mounted controls, with minimal gauges—tachometer (10,000 rpm redline), speedometer. Chassis 318765’s interior, with upgrades over the F8 Tributo, balanced sportiness with refinement, contrasting the SF90 Stradale’s tech-heavy focus.
Production and Variants: A Hybrid Mid-Engine Legacy
The Ferrari 296 GTB’s ~2,000-unit run (2021-present) included ~1,200 GTB coupes and ~800 GTS Spiders (2022), with no major racing variants. Chassis 315432 launched the series, with production ongoing as of 2025, complementing models like the Roma. Its focus was road-going hybrid performance.
Performance and Racing Legacy: A Road-Born Hybrid
The Ferrari 296 GTB racing history was minimal, its road focus paramount, though its platform inspired the 296 GT3 racer. Chassis 317543 ran exhibition laps, but no official road-car races ensued. Its realm was the road—Autostrada, Laguna Seca—where its 205 mph top speed and hybrid agility shone.
Ownership and Market Value: A Compact Classic
The Ferrari 296 GTB value reflects its innovative status. Early owners included European racers and U.S. eco-enthusiasts. Today, prices range $350,000-$400,000—chassis 315432 sold for $375,000 at RM Sotheby’s 2023. Restoration costs—hybrid system at $150,000—highlight its elite appeal.
Cultural Impact: Ferrari’s V6 Hybrid Milestone
The 296 GTB introduced Ferrari’s V6 hybrid era, its compact design and electrified power shaping future models. In 2020s lore, it’s the car of agile performance and hybrid innovation, a milestone in Ferrari’s mid-engine heritage.
Comparisons: Ferrari 296 GTB vs Rivals
The Ferrari 296 GTB vs Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica pits 830 hp V6 hybrid against 631 hp V10—Ferrari led in efficiency, Lamborghini in raw sound. The McLaren Artura (671 hp) matched in hybrid tech but trailed in power.
| Model | Engine | Power | Weight | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrari 296 GTB | 3.0L V6 Hybrid | 830 hp | 1,470 kg | ~205 mph |
| Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica | 5.2L V10 | 631 hp | 1,379 kg | ~202 mph |
| McLaren Artura | 3.0L V6 Hybrid | 671 hp | 1,498 kg | ~205 mph |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Ferrari 296 GTB?
A 2021 3.0L V6 hybrid mid-engine sports car.
How many were made?
~2,000 units (~1,200 GTB, ~800 GTS).
What engine powered it?
2,992 cc V6 hybrid, 830 hp.
Did it race?
Rarely—GT3 variant raced; built for road use.
What’s its value?
$350,000-$400,000.
