2022 Ferrari 296 GTB V6 Review

When Ferrari fans first heard that the 296 GTB uses a V6 engine, most probably paused for a moment—after all, the iconic roaring sound of the Prancing Horse was previously always associated with V8 or V12 engines. But in the supercar market of 2024, the dual demands for "performance + efficiency" have become a necessity, and this 2.9T hybrid V6 is Ferrari's answer to this new era. This time, we got our hands on the 2022 model for testing, and the main purpose is to see whether this hybrid system not only preserves the "essence of a supercar" but also balances the potential for everyday usability.

At first glance, it's hard not to be drawn in by the lines of the 296 GTB. With a length of 4,565mm paired with a 2,600mm wheelbase, it's more compact than the F8, yet its low and aggressive stance still exudes the attack capability of a supercar. The large front grille is entirely functional for cooling, and the blade-shaped LED headlights on both sides are a hallmark of the Ferrari family design, offering full recognition value. The most captivating aspect of the car's side profile is the line extending from the door to the rear, which, along with the 20-inch wheels (245/35 front, 305/35 rear), gives a sense of fluid motion when the car is in action. The active rear spoiler is a design highlight, automatically rising at high speeds to provide downforce and retracting at low speeds for a cleaner look. Below the horizontal LED taillights lies a dual exhaust system. Don’t underestimate this V6—the sound, after tuning, roars robustly at high revs, rivaling competitors in its segment.

Sitting in the driver’s seat, you'll find that the interior of the 296 GTB retains the sporty feel of a supercar but quietly incorporates plenty of tech elements. The center console is angled towards the driver, and a 16-inch curved fully digital instrument panel places all driving data right in front of you. Key functions like navigation and driving modes can be operated via the touch controls on the steering wheel without needing to lower your head to find a screen. Although the central screen is not very large, features like CarPlay and connected car functions are very practical and make daily usability less of a hassle. In terms of materials, large areas are upholstered in Alcantara, covering the seats and door panels. Combined with carbon fiber trim, the touch feels extremely high-quality. The sport seats provide robust wrapping, with manually adjustable lumbar and thigh support—this ensures you stay firmly in place when racing on the track. It's worth mentioning that, although it’s a two-seater supercar, the space behind the seats can barely accommodate two carry-on suitcases, and the storage compartment in front of the passenger seat can fit a phone and a wallet, making it slightly more practical than some "pure track toys."

Turning the key to start, the electric motor operates silently at first, and then the V6 engine gently kicks in—the details of this hybrid system are impeccably handled. Here are the core parameters: 2.9T turbo engine with 663 horsepower, electric motor with 166 horsepower, and a combined output of 830 horsepower. The official claimed 0-100 km/h acceleration is 2.9 seconds. In actual driving, the throttle response in Sport mode is almost instantaneous, with power surging the moment you press down, pinning you firmly against your seat. Switching to Race mode, the engine maintains high RPMs, and the gear shifts accelerate—the performance of the DCT gearbox is as crisp as an F1 gearbox; during downshifting, it provides automatic rev-matching, and the sound is particularly thrilling. On the highway, the stability of the 296 GTB is nothing to worry about—the confidence behind its top speed of 330 km/h is not just talk.

In terms of handling, the front double-wishbone suspension combined with rear-wheel steering gives this small car a level of agility beyond expectations. The steering feel is quite heavy, but there is virtually no slack—whatever amount you turn, that's the amount of feedback you get. When tackling mountain roads, cornering is as precise as a scalpel. The suspension is relatively stiff in Sport mode, and even the tiniest road bumps are felt through the seats, but when crossing speed bumps or larger potholes, the impact is softened significantly, so you won't feel "uncomfortably jolted." The chassis has a particularly strong sense of cohesiveness. Even during acceleration on wet roads, the all-wheel-drive system distributes power evenly to all four wheels, eliminating any concerns of slipping. It's worth mentioning the pure electric mode—its 7.45kWh battery supports a range of 25km, which is more than enough for short daily commutes, and it can even sneak into restricted traffic zones—a privilege Ferrari owners previously couldn't even dream of.

Fuel consumption and range are bonus points for this hybrid supercar. The official combined fuel consumption is 6.6L/100km. In our actual tests, it used pure electric mode for city traffic jams, while the engine took over for highway cruising, resulting in an average consumption of roughly 8L per 100km—about half that of a traditional gasoline supercar. In pure electric mode, the actual range is around 20km. While that's not extensive, it's sufficient for those last few kilometers in congested areas. Noise control is also pleasantly surprising. In pure electric mode, it’s virtually silent, and even during highway cruising, wind and tire noise are kept well under control, making it noticeably quieter than the F8.

Overall, the 296 GTB brings a "new option" to the supercar market—it possesses the performance and handling of a traditional supercar, combined with the low fuel consumption and short-distance electric capabilities of a hybrid system. Compared to the McLaren Artura or the Porsche 911 Turbo S, the 296 GTB's advantages are clear: Ferrari's brand prestige, purer driving enjoyment, and greater everyday practicality. If you're a player seeking both "track passion" and "occasional commuting ability," the 296 GTB is absolutely for you. And even if you just want a supercar you can drive daily, it won't disappoint. After all, this is a Ferrari that can "commute calmly and go wild when needed"—who could resist a car like that?