Ferrari

Ferrari 296 Berlinetta 2021

2021

Unveiled on June 24, 2021, the Ferrari 296 GTB is a two-seat, mid-rear-engined berlinetta that introduced an entirely new plug-in hybrid V6 architecture to Ferrari’s road-car range. Its powertrain combines a 2,992 cc twin-turbocharged V6 with an electric motor positioned between the combustion engine and the gearbox. Total system output reaches 830 cv, delivered exclusively to the rear wheels. The 296 GTB can also operate in a fully electric mode for a claimed 25 kilometers. Its compact bodywork draws clear inspiration from the 1963 Ferrari 250 LM, while its engineering blends supercar performance with sophisticated electronic controls and greater everyday usability.

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History

Ferrari unveiled the 296 GTB on June 24, 2021, during an online presentation. The car marked an important technical step for the company: after introducing plug-in hybrid technology with the SF90 Stradale, Ferrari adopted a more compact six-cylinder layout while retaining rear-wheel drive. The combustion engine is a 120-degree V6 developed specifically for this installation. Its turbochargers sit inside the engine’s vee, helping reduce packaging requirements and lower the center of gravity. An electric motor is supplied by a 7.45 kWh high-voltage battery and works with an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Ferrari also described the 296 GTB as its first road car with a V6 engine and its first rear-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid. The car uses a two-seat berlinetta body and features active aerodynamic hardware designed to increase rear downforce when required.

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Anecdotes

The 296 name follows Ferrari’s traditional numerical logic: “29” refers to the engine’s 2.992-liter displacement, while “6” identifies the cylinder count. During development, Ferrari engineers reportedly nicknamed the V6 “piccolo V12,” or “little V12,” because of its 120-degree layout and distinctive sound. The design team also studied the 1963 Ferrari 250 LM, particularly its rear-quarter air intakes, compact proportions and Kamm-style tail treatment.

Production

The Ferrari 296 GTB is a series-production model introduced in 2021, but Ferrari did not publish a total production figure in the technical documents and press material reviewed. A precise number should therefore not be assigned to the car. The 296 GTB was developed as a regular production berlinetta rather than as a numbered limited edition. That distinction matters when comparing it with Ferrari models built in strictly defined quantities. Cars fitted with the Assetto Fiorano package remain part of 296 GTB production and do not represent a separately counted series.

Press reception

The Ferrari 296 GTB received broadly positive reviews from established automotive publications. Car and Driver praised its acceleration, approachable handling and the effectiveness of its electronic systems, while noting reservations about the infotainment interface and the limited electric-only range. Autocar described it as a strong example of the plug-in hybrid supercar generation, combining advanced technology with an unusually engaging driving experience. Its styling also received formal recognition: the 296 GTB won the Production Car category at the 2022 Car Design Award, selected by a jury of automotive journalists.

Evolution

The 296 GTB reshaped Ferrari’s mid-engined berlinetta formula in several ways. Its 120-degree V6 departed from the category’s established V8 tradition, while electric assistance improved throttle response and allowed the car to operate without the combustion engine in suitable conditions. The eManettino system provides four driving modes: eDrive, Hybrid, Performance and Qualify. This makes the 296 GTB more than a conventional combustion car with electrical support. Ferrari also introduced active aerodynamic hardware intended to create additional downforce rather than simply reduce drag. Despite its performance, the car remains compact, measuring 4.565 meters in length, with a claimed dry weight of 1,470 kilograms when specified with lightweight content.

Variants

At launch, the Ferrari 296 GTB was offered as a two-seat, rear-wheel-drive berlinetta using the 830 cv plug-in hybrid powertrain. The main track-focused specification was the Assetto Fiorano package. It combined lightweight components, specific suspension-related measures and aerodynamic solutions intended to improve circuit performance. Ferrari quoted as much as 360 kilograms of downforce at 250 km/h in the high-downforce configuration with this package. Assetto Fiorano was not a separate engine version, but a more circuit-oriented specification of the same 296 GTB. The later 296 GTS used the same basic technical concept in a retractable-hardtop body and should not be confused with the 2021 Berlinetta.

References

296 GTB: defining fun to driveFerrari
Supports the unveiling date, powertrain architecture, technical specifications, electric range, Assetto Fiorano details and design references.
Ferrari 296 GTBFerrari
Supports the model description, V6 hybrid layout, 830 cv output and positioning as a two-seat berlinetta.
Ferrari 296 GTB: Ferrari HistoryFerrari
Supports the historical model entry and core technical data.
2022 Ferrari 296GTB Embraces Electric AssistCar and Driver
Supports independent observations on acceleration, handling, rear-wheel drive and Assetto Fiorano behavior.
2022 Ferrari 296GTB Review, Pricing, and SpecsCar and Driver
Supports independent press reception and editorial comments on the model’s strengths and limitations.
Autocar writers' cars of 2022: Ferrari 296 GTBAutocar
Supports the positive assessment of the 296 GTB as a plug-in hybrid supercar and its driving character.
The Ferrari 296 GTB wins Production Car Category at the Car Design Award 2022Ferrari
Supports the 2022 design award and the award’s automotive-journalist jury.
296 GTS: defining the concept of driving thrillsFerrari
Supports the distinction between the later 296 GTS retractable-hardtop derivative and the 296 GTB Berlinetta.