Ferrari 296 GTB Expert Review

Visually, the 296 GTB is compact, muscular and beautifully proportioned. The tightly sculpted bodywork, broad rear haunches and clean aerodynamic surfacing give it a more restrained and elegant appearance than some recent Ferraris.
Underneath sits a lightweight aluminium chassis paired with Ferrari’s latest electronic systems, including Side Slip Control and an electronic differential. The hybrid setup combines a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor mounted between the engine and gearbox. Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels.

Inside, the 296 GTB adopts Ferrari’s latest minimalist cockpit philosophy. The cabin feels clean and driver-focused, with very few physical buttons and a strong emphasis on digital interfaces. The seating position is extremely low, almost kart-like, immediately reinforcing the car’s performance intent. The seats are a bit hard but beautifully built and pretty comfortable. Visibility is surprisingly good for a mid-engined supercar, making the 296 feel less intimidating in everyday driving than expected. Material quality is excellent throughout, and the overall design feels modern and sophisticated.

The 296 GTB’s hybrid powertrain produces a combined 830hp and 740Nm, making it one of Ferrari’s most powerful rear-wheel-drive road cars ever.  Performance is extraordinary. Ferrari claims 0–100kph in 2.9 seconds and 0–200kph in 7.3 seconds.
What stands out most is the immediacy of the responses. The electric motor eliminates turbo lag almost entirely, while the V6 delivers relentless acceleration all the way to the limiter at 8500 revvs. The 296 feels explosive. 
Ferrari has also worked hard on the engine’s character. The 120-degree V6 produces a distinctive high-pitched soundtrack that is surprisingly emotional despite lacking two cylinders compared to Ferrari’s traditional V8s. Refinement is excellent too.

The plug-in hybrid system allows the 296 GTB to travel up to 25km in EV-only mode. One should expect single digits to low tens figure. Fuel efficiency is not a priority considering the focus on performance.

Handling is where the 296 GTB truly excels. The steering is razor sharp, body control is exceptional and the chassis feels incredibly agile. The car feels alive and playful through corners, the rear-wheel-drive layout makes the 296 feel engaging and interactive rather than overly clinical. Ferrari’s electronic systems work seamlessly in the background, allowing huge performance without intimidating the driver.
Ride quality is also surprisingly compliant. Even on imperfect Indian roads, the suspension absorbs bumps well enough to make the 296 genuinely usable outside racetracks.

The 296 GTB gets Ferrari’s latest digital instrument display, advanced hybrid management systems and multiple drive modes including EV-only operation. 
Safety equipment includes 4 airbags, stability control (ESC), ABS with brake assist, Active aerodynamics, carbon-ceramic brakes and Ferrari’s latest chassis electronics.

Priced at around Rs 5.4 crore (ex-showroom), the 296 GTB sits firmly in elite supercar territory. Objectively, it marks a dramatic departure from Ferrari tradition with its hybrid V6 setup. Yet the 296 succeeds because it retains the emotional intensity, excitement and driver connection expected from a Ferrari while adding astonishing performance and everyday usability.