When Ferrari Japan offered up the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the 296GTB I jumped at the chance to spend a week with the controversial V6 and hybrid-powered “baby” model of the line up.
Ferrari’s decision to pivot to a compact twin‑turbocharged V6 had enthusiasts not too convinced when the car was released initially. Fast forward to earlier on this year and they did it all over again with the F80, their much anticipated halo hypercar, something that continues to spark controversy in enthusiast circles. My stance when it comes to production cars of this caliber is to always give the manufacturer a chance and sample said car for myself. I mean if top level engineers though this would be the right approach, we can at least give them the benefit of the doubt.
Plus I’m a big of a fan of the Dino, not because we share the same name, but because it introduced a whole new segment for Ferrari back in the day and the similarities with the 296 are obvious, starting of course with the V6 engine.
The moment I saw the first pictures of the GTB I was in awe. I had much the same reaction when I saw it waiting for me at Ferrari’s press car park a few levels under ground at Roppongi Hill’s main business tower. I’ll be the first one to complain about Ferrari’s design direction after abandoning the long relationship with Pininfarina. But the in-house designers that penned the lines to the 296 nailed it, I personally love the flow, it has impact but most importantly of all flow; it’s not over-designed and fussy, something that can’t be said for the rest of the line up.
But let’s jump straight to what you all want to know. The hybrid system serves as a performance booster—not an Eco mode courtesy card. Instant electric torque fills wherever the turbos are out of puff. It’s a seamless dance of electricity, boost and petrol, one that turns the 296 GTB into something special but the best part is it doesn’t feel gimmicky, believe you me this is the most focused proper road-going Ferrari out there.
On paper, the 296 GTB lives up to its promise: a combined 830 horsepower, and torque figures that make you forget about naturally aspirated Ferraris of old. The best part is the way the fury is released, progressive and linear, tuned to mimic more a big aspirated motor than a little blown V6. The dual‑clutch gearbox is blisteringly quick; gear changes vanish into a blur, leaving nothing but a relentless forward surge.
Throttle response is near telepathic. One moment you’re tip‑toeing through Tokyo’s crowded streets, the next you’re winding up Hakone’s touges, chasing apexes while your brain continuously wonders how such a pace is possible! The handling is incisive while turn‑in is immediate, and boy can you lean on that modern-day traction and stability control! That said coming out of a toll booth I did light up the big rear 305-section Michelin’s in fourth gear at very not legal speeds. It’s fast, intuitive and rewarding when pushing hard, but you better show it respect because the GTB bites back in a split-second if you momentarily forget what you’re piloting.
Step inside, and the 296 GTB greets you with a modern, driver‑centric cockpit with clean lines, and high‑quality materials. Seats feel just right even for the more generously sized gentleman, and of course, like with any Ferrari model, you can customize the cabin to your heart’s content – or rather what the wallet will allow.
If I have to nit‑pick, it’s Ferrari’s lingering fascination with capacitive‑touch buttons that kind of let me down. While sleek-looking and futuristic, they lack the satisfying tactility of physical switches. Luckily, Ferrari has begun to retreat from these touch controls, opting instead for tangible, mechanical buttons and switches. A welcome change but most importantly a nod to us, the enthusiasts, as Ferrari shows us they are listening.
In Tokyo, the 296 GTB is a paradox. How can such a capable sports car be so at home smoothly gliding through traffic, quietly cocooning you in comfort and elegance. I tip my hat to Ferrari for executing the perfect modern day performance machine, combining a hybrid system that elevates rather than dilutes. I can’t wait to see how the boys and girls in Maranello improve on this!
