Earlier, Ferrari had introduced the SF90 Stradale which is, by all accounts, a tarmac-scorching hybrid with 1000 hp. To create the 296 GTB, Ferrari needed to scale it down a bit so they removed two of the three electric motors and two of the eight cylinders to deliver a more driver-friendly sportscar.

The new turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 is directly mated to a single electric motor and this hybrid engine produces a total system power of 830 PS. The electric motor alone accounts for 167 hp and the remaining 663 hp comes from the turbo V6.

In classic Ferrari fashion, the V6 engine, though tiny by Ferrari standards, has been tuned to not just behave like a V12 but sound like one too. Unlike most other V6 engines, the cylinders are configured to fire at even intervals so it can, under the right conditions, sound like their V12 engines, just lower in pitch.

Developing well over 600 hp from such a small turbocharged V6 will most certainly come with turbo-lag. However, the attached electric motor with a healthy 315 Nm of instantaneous torque neutralises the lag immediately and perfectly complements this high-performance sportscar.

A new 8-speed F-1 DCT with a mechanical reverse gear has been developed for the 296 GTB, unlike the SF90 Stradale which reverses using its electric motors. The gearbox is just brilliant in its execution, shifting rapidly and now with an extra gear ratio to better realise performance and efficiency.

Together, this engine and gearbox launches the 296 GTB to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds and can reach a top speed of over 330 km/h while sipping fuel like a family sedan. On paper, it looks much like what the Ferrari F8 Tributo can do but I found the 296 GTB far more energetic thanks to this potent hybrid engine.

In case you missed it: Ferrari Launches the Most Powerful Cars in Time for Summer

As a hybrid, the Ferrari 296 GTB presents an unfamiliar experience because when it is in full electric (EV) mode or even Hybrid mode, it is silent. It might be expected in a Rolls Royce but can we appreciate a silent Ferrari? However, it does not stay silent for long because once the combustion engine cuts back in, it really announces its presence.

I preferred to keep it in Performance or Qualifying mode where the combustion engine stays active all the time. This way it still sounds and behaves like the traditional Ferrari engine we have come to appreciate.

This synergises with the way the 296 GTB handles. It now has greater agility to compliment the energetic engine, allowing it to behave like a much smaller and lighter car even though it is a tad heavier and wider.

It is truly amazing to experience just how much agility and clarity there is in the way it handles because it is so positively connected to the road. This allows the 296 GTB to steer with such authority that it really redefines this genre of sportscar.

Some may think hybridisation is merely a last ditch effort from these traditional sportscar manufacturers to remain relevant as the EV revolution sweeps through the industry, but I have come away with great admiration of the hybrid Ferrari 296 GTB. Rather than being in its dying throes, it really is truly an amazing car, brimming with affirmation and excitement.  Obviously, the rumours of its imminent death have been greatly exaggerated.

DETAILS

Price from: $1.24 million without options/COE
Engine: 2995cc, Twin-Turbo V6, Plug-in Hybrid
Transmission: 8-Speed F1 DCT
Power: 830 PS at 8000 rpm
Torque: 740 Nm at 6250 rpm
0-100 km/h: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: over 330 km/h
Fuel Consumption: 6.4 L/100 km (WLTP)
Agent: Ital Auto Pte Ltd.

NOW READ 

Lamborghini's Huracan STO Makes One Last Hurrah For Traditional Supercars

Aston Martin Makes Its Return to Its Glory Days With the DBX 707

Is the Audi RS e-tron GT the Marque’s Best Electric Vehicle Yet?