Ferrari’s mid-rear-engined, two-seat 296 GTB pairs a V6 with electric power. Here are the model’s name, launch context and distinction from the open-top GTS.
The essentials
- House
- Ferrari
- Model family
- 296 GTB
A berlinetta with a clear date
Ferrari unveiled the 296 GTB on 24 June 2021, describing it as a mid-rear-engined, two-seat berlinetta. Those details locate this exact model within Ferrari’s road-car range: a closed-body two-seater with its engine behind the cabin.1
What “296 GTB” means
“296” refers to the engine’s displacement and cylinder count; GTB stands for Gran Turismo Berlinetta. The badge joins a technical reference to the body-style name Ferrari gives this car.1
A V6 hybrid at the centre
The GTB and the open-top GTS
Start with the exact designation
For a useful comparison, begin with the model name and body style: GTB identifies the berlinetta described in Ferrari’s 2021 release, while GTS is the later berlinetta spider. Ferrari’s name explanation gives context for “296”, but a badge alone is not a complete technical specification for a particular car.1,3
A wide V with a purpose
The most revealing number on the 296 GTB is not its power output but the angle between the cylinder banks: 120 degrees. The wide V creates room for the turbochargers inside it. That arrangement concentrates the machinery rather than hanging the turbos outside the engine. Behind the V6, an electric motor sits between the combustion engine and the eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox; a disconnect clutch lets the electric side propel the car while the V6 is off.4
This is why “hybrid” needs a fuller explanation than an extra number beside the engine’s output. The layout has to accommodate propulsion, electricity storage and the choice of when the combustion engine takes part. The body encloses a relationship between those systems, not simply a smaller engine substituted for a larger one.4
Read the launch figures with their conditions
| 2021 296 GTB launch specification | Figure |
|---|---|
| Combustion engine | 2992 cc, 120° turbo V6 |
| Combustion engine maximum power | 663 cv at 8000 rpm, with 98 RON petrol |
| Hybrid system maximum power | 830 cv / 610 kW at 8000 rpm, Qualify mode |
| High-voltage battery capacity | 7.45 kWh |
| Length × width × height | 4565 × 1958 × 1187 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2600 mm |
| Dry weight | 1470 kg with optional lightweight content |
The 830 cv figure belongs to the combined hybrid system in Qualify mode; it is not the V6’s standalone output. Likewise, dry weight with lightweight options is not a promise about the ready-to-drive weight of every car. Keep the model, configuration and measurement condition beside each figure when comparing a GTB with the open-top GTS or a later derivative.4
Four ways to manage the energy
The eManettino manages energy flow alongside the separate Manettino for vehicle dynamics. The distinction is useful: one choice concerns how the power sources work together; the other concerns the car’s dynamic controls. The four energy settings do different jobs.4
- eDrive: the V6 stays off. A charged battery permits up to 25 km of electric driving, with a maximum speed of 135 km/h. These are manufacturer limits, not a promised range on every journey.
- Hybrid: the default at switch-on. The system decides when to start or stop the combustion engine.
- Performance: the engine stays running and preserving battery charge takes priority over efficiency.
- Qualify: maximum performance takes priority over maintaining battery charge.
For a specific GTB, ask for a demonstration of charging equipment and energy displays, plus its service history. The badge and headline power figure cannot tell you what cables accompany the car or establish the condition of its battery.
