Overview
Ferrari isn’t afraid to try something new, as proven by the 296GTB and 296GTS, which pair a mid-mounted turbocharged V-6 with a—gasp!—electric motor. The resulting hybrid powertrain is not only wildly powerful, making a combined 819 horsepower, but it also sounds wonderfully melodic. Sure, the 296 doesn’t belt out the same arias as the Italian automaker’s high-revving V-8s and V-12s, but it nonetheless bodes well for a future when electrification is expected to become more common than internal combustion. If the 296 coupe (GTB) and convertible (GTS) are any indication, Ferrari hasn’t forgotten how to make absolutely stunning sports cars that have you thinking you must be in automotive nirvana. The 296 GTB that we drove also confirmed that, even though it was laden with all manner of high-tech aids, it’s still a phenomenal machine that drivers of all skill sets can exploit. It might not sound exactly like exotic Ferraris of old but as the 296 shows, new ingredients don’t always ruin a famous recipe.
What’s New for 2024?
For 2024, neither 296 variant sees any significant changes. The GTB coupe and the GTS convertible, the latter of which was added for the 2023 model year, carry over without any updates—not that they begged for any.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The 296GTB and 296GTS’s price tags make them unobtainable for most of us. However, if we could afford one, we’d opt for the coupe and tick the box for carbon-fiber wheels as well as the carbon-fiber Daytona seats. Then, we’d use the money saved from forgoing the top-down version to fund track days and road trips in the 296.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Behind the 296’s cockpit lives a turbocharged V-6 that pairs with a plug-in-hybrid system. Together the gas engine and an electric motor combine to produce a whopping 819 horsepower that’s sent exclusively to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Both coupe and convertible are capable of driving on electricity alone on power drawn from a 6.0-kWh battery pack located under the floor. The 8500-rpm redline provides a visceral driving experience, as we learned during our first drive of the 296GTB coupe (we’ve yet to pilot a 296GTS convertible). We also experienced its exhilarating acceleration and the ability to easily probe the limits of its lofty performance. Along with four drive modes–eDrive, Hybrid, Performance, and Qualify–that provide ascending performance characteristics, the 296GTB features communicative electrically assisted power steering and a brake-by-wire system. If you want lighter wheels than the standard twin-spoke forged units, a set of rims made of carbon fiber are available.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
EPA estimates for the 2024 model year have not yet been released, though we expect them to remain the same for the 296GTB given that no mechanical changes have been made to the Italian super coupe. For reference, the 2022 296GTB was rated at 47 MPGe, and its onboard battery can deliver around eight miles of electric-only motoring. We think the 296GTS convertible will see similar ratings. For more information about the 296GTB’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the 296 is an exercise in elegant minimalism, except for the steering wheel. Its excessive controls create an ergonomic nightmare. Otherwise, the dashboard features an entirely digital interface that is derived from the SF90. The GTB’s seats and various interior surfaces are covered with Italian leather that showcases the coupe’s luxurious side. The center console contains a push-button shifter inspired by the gated manual Ferrari gearboxes of old. There’s a small compartment for storing the GTB’s ignition key on the center console, too. A head-up display is also discreetly integrated into the top of the dash. The interior of the GTS is said to be nearly identical to that of the GTB save for reworked seats and flaps designed to minimize buffeting when the top is down.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 296 doesn’t have a traditional infotainment system. Instead, functions for the audio and navigation systems are integrated into the digital gauge cluster. Unfortunately, we found the system to be rather clumsy to use. The passenger is also treated to a digital display that Ferrari says is intended to make them feel like a co-driver.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 296GTB and 296GTS are cars that are made to be driven, so Ferrari hasn’t endowed them with any driver-assistance tech. They do have airbags and a backup camera, though. For more information about the 296’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Ferrari’s powertrain warranty is shorter than what many mainstream automakers offer, but it’s competitive with other supercar makers, such as Lamborghini and McLaren. Unlike those two rivals, however, Ferrari also provides an incredible amount of complimentary maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers three years and unlimited miles
- Powertrain warranty covers three years and unlimited miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for seven years and unlimited miles
Specifications
Specifications
2022 Ferrari 296GTB
Vehicle Type: mid-engine, mid-motor, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door coupe
PRICE
Base: $322,986
POWERTRAIN
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve 3.0-liter V-6, 654 hp, 546 lb-ft + AC motor, 164 hp, 232 lb-ft (combined output: 819 hp, 546 lb-ft; 6.0-kWh lithium-ion battery pack)
TRANSMISSION
8-speed dual-clutch automatic
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 102.4 in
Length: 179.7 in
Width: 77.1 in
Height: 46.7 in
Cargo Volume: 7 ft3
Curb Weight: 3700 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 2.9 sec
100 mph: 5.7 sec
1/4-Mile: 9.7 sec
Top Speed: 205 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)
Combined/City/Highway: 20/18/22 mpg
Combined Gas + Electric: 60 MPGe
EV Range: 10 mi
