Ferrari's most advanced traction and stability controls as well as ABS - 2023 Ferrari 296 GTB Review
3Overview
The 296GTB coupe and 296GTS convertible may take advantage of hybrid technology, but they still deliver a familiar and familial Ferrari experience thanks to tremendous power, lithe handling, sublime steering, strong brakes, and scintillating speed. Their gas-fired power is provided by a compact twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6—a first for a production Ferrari vehicle—coupled to a battery-fed drive motor sandwiched between the engine block and eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. These various components work together seamlessly to enable a C/D-estimated sub-three-second 60-mph time and quarter-mile sprint of under 10 seconds. Beyond being a mechanical marvel, this Italian coupe and convertible duo provides the same high-level of customization opportunities that make buying one of these machines so special. The ability to personalize your own spec with the precision of a boutique tailor means you get to decide on finer details including at least 15 different interior color combinations, various textures and trims, roof and engine bay finishes, plus much more. How lucky it would be to find yourself facing the conundrum of how to spec out a Ferrari 296.
What's New for 2023?
The Ferrari 296GTB coupe sees no notable changes for the 2023 model year. The 296GTS convertible is a new addition to the line for 2023.
The 296GTB and 296GTS's price tags make them unobtainable for most of us. However, if we could afford one, we'd opt for the coupe and tick the box for carbon-fiber wheels as well as the carbon-fiber Daytona seats. Then, we'd use the money saved from forgoing the top-down version to fund track days and road trips in the 296.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Behind the 296’s cockpit lives a turbocharged V-6 that pairs with a plug-in-hybrid system. Together the gas engine and an electric motor combine to produce a whopping 819 horsepower that's sent exclusively to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Both coupe and convertible are capable of driving on electricity alone on power drawn from a 6.0-kWh battery pack located under the floor. The 8500-rpm redline provides a visceral driving experience, as we learned during our first drive of the 296GTB coupe (we’ve yet to pilot a 296GTS convertible). We also experienced its exhilarating acceleration and the ability to easily probe the limits of its lofty performance. Along with four drive modes–eDrive, Hybrid, Performance, and Qualify–that provide ascending performance characteristics, the 296GTB features communicative electrically assisted power steering and a brake-by-wire system. If you want lighter wheels than the standard twin-spoke forged units, a set of rims made of carbon fiber are available.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
EPA estimates for the 2023 model year have not yet been released, though we expect them to remain the same for the 296GTB given that no mechanical changes have been made to the Italian super coupe. For reference, the 2022 296GTB was rated at 47 MPGe, and its onboard battery is capable of delivering around eight miles of electric-only motoring. We think the 296GTS convertible will see similar ratings. For more information about the 296GTB's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the 296 is an exercise in elegant minimalism, except for the steering wheel. Its excessive controls create an ergonomic nightmare. Otherwise, the dashboard features an entirely digital interface that is derived from the SF90. The GTB's seats and various interior surfaces are covered with Italian leather that showcases the coupe's luxurious side. The center console contains a push-button shifter inspired by the gated manual Ferrari gearboxes of old. There's a small compartment for storing the GTB's ignition key on the center console, too. A head-up display is also discreetly integrated into the top of the dash. The interior of the GTS is said to be nearly identical to that of the GTB save for reworked seats and flaps designed to minimize buffeting when the top is down.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 296 doesn't have a traditional infotainment system. Instead, functions for the audio and navigation systems are integrated into the digital gauge cluster. Unfortunately, we found the system to be rather clumsy to use. The passenger is also treated to a digital display that Ferrari says is intended to make them feel like a co-driver.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 296GTB and 296GTS are cars that are made to be driven, so Ferrari hasn't endowed them with any driver-assistance tech. They do have airbags and a backup camera though. For more information about the 296's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Ferrari's powertrain warranty is shorter than what many mainstream