New 2022 Ferrari 296 GTB plug-in hybrid supercar unveiled

Following in the footsteps of the LaFerrari and SF90 Stradale, Ferrari has unveiled its latest hybrid supercar: the 296 GTB.

The prestigious Italian brand’s new entry-level supercar uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain made up of a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine and a single 161bhp electric motor sandwiched between the engine and the eight-speed automatic transmission.

Combined, the 296 GTB produces a whopping 819bhp and 740Nm of torque which, according to Ferrari, will make the mid-engined supercar capable of doing 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds and reaching a top speed of 205mph. With just one electric motor at the rear, the 296 GTB is rear-drive only, unlike the almost 1,000bhp SF90 Stradale which has three motors – one for each front wheel and one on the rear axle.

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The McLaren Artura, the 296 GTB’s most direct rival, also has a single electric motor. While the Ferrari might have an almost-150bhp advantage over the McLaren, when it comes to on-paper acceleration and top speed, they’re on par with each other.

That may be down to the weight of the 296 GTB, which at 1,470kg is 75kg heavier than the Artura. However, the 296 GTB is available with an optional Assetto Fiorano package, which trims 12kg off its standard figure. The pack includes carbon-fibre trim, a Lexan (polycarbonate) rear screen, some redesigned panels and harder GT racing-derived shock absorbers. Opt for the ultra-light Lexan rear screen as well and you’ll hack an extra 3kg off the weight.

Another similarity with the Artura is a relatively small battery size: just 7.45kWh. That means pure-electric driving range is limited to 15 miles, however it ensures a good power-to-weight ratio for the car overall. There is an electric-only eDrive mode for the 296 GTB, along with Hybrid, Performance and Qualify. The car's traction control also features the latest version of Ferrari’s Side Slip Control system.

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Inside, the 296 GTB features the cockpit design that made its debut in the SF90 Stradale. That includes a H-pattern gear selector and no central infotainment screen. Instead, the driver gets a large digital display and the passenger gets a smaller screen in the dashboard – although we expect that’ll be an optional extra with a hefty price tag.

Ferrari has not yet announced a UK-specific price for its new plug-in hybrid supercar, but it will start from €269,000 in mainland Europe, which is £230,000 under the current exchange rate. If the 296 GTB does cost £230,000 and up when it arrives in the UK next year, that's £50,000 more than the £180,000 McLaren Artura. If you go for the optional Assetto Fiorano package as well, that will increase the Ferrari's price tag by around £30,000 to £260,000.

The 296 GTB is the fifth hybrid road car Ferrari has produced, following the coupe and open-top variants of the LaFerrari and SF90 Stradale. However, the company isn't stopping at plug-in hybrids; company chairman John Elkann revealed earlier this year that a fully electric model bearing the Prancing Horse badge will be unveiled in 2025.