Recently, rumors swirled that a new hybrid supercar would grace Ferrari dealerships. But at the time, we didn’t know much about its powertrain, its arrival date, or even its exact looks. However, this speculation can now be laid to rest, because that car has finally broken cover. It’s the Ferrari 296 GTB, and it gives the Italian brand something it’s never really had.

Don’t call it a Dino, but the plug-in hybrid Ferrari 296 GTB is the brand’s first V6 supercar

Perhaps the most important aspect of the Ferrari 296 GTB is its powertrain. Like the SF90 Stradale, the 296 GTB is a plug-in hybrid supercar, though it only has one electric motor, rather than three. But the electric motor is arguably secondary to what it’s connected to—a mid-mounted 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6.

To be sure, the V6 in the Ferrari 296 GTB isn’t the brand’s first-ever V6. In the 1960s and 1970s, the Dino 206 and 246 both used Ferrari-developed V6s. However, Dino was a Ferrari sub-brand, so the 206 and 246 never bore the Prancing Horse badge, Automobile explains. The later 308 GT4 eventually became a Ferrari, but it had a V8, not a V6. So, the 296 GTB is technically the first Ferrari with a V6.

And it’s not lacking in power. On its own, the 3.0-liter V6 makes 654 hp, Car and Driver reports, and revs to 8500 RPM. But it also works in tandem with the electric motor, which is connected to a 7.45-kWh battery pack. In total, the Ferrari 296 GTB makes 818 hp, sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. That’s over 100 more hp than the F8 Tributo makes with its 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8.

As a result, despite weighing roughly 300 pounds more, the 296 GTB is just as fast, Roadshow notes. It goes 0-62 mph in a claimed 2.9 seconds, the same as the F8 Tributo. And Ferrari claims it goes around the company’s test track only two seconds slower than the SF90 Stradale.

What else does it offer?

Speaking of the SF90 Stradale, the Ferrari 296 GTB beats it slightly on EV-only driving range. The former can only go 15 miles on battery power; the latter can go 16 miles. It also borrows several of the SF90’s styling cues, as well as its digital instrument cluster, capacitive-touch controls, and driving modes, Road & Track says.

As standard, the Ferrari 296 GTB has adjustable magnetic dampers and an electronic limited-slip differential. It’s also the first Ferrari with an active rear spoiler designed for downforce, rather than drag-reduction, Autoweek explains. The 296 GTB will also likely offer several driver-assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring, Roadshow notes.

And for those who want some extra performance, the Ferrari 296 GTB will offer an optional Assetto Fiorano package. This gives the plug-in hybrid supercar adjustable Multimatic shocks, a Lexan rear windscreen, multiple downforce-boosting carbon-fiber trim pieces, and lighter-weight door panels. Altogether, the package sheds 26 pounds from the 296 GTB; 33 with the optional Lexan rear window.

Separate from the Assetto Fiorano package, the 296 GTB will also offer optional Michelin Sport Cup 2R tires, Autoweek reports. Plus, Ferrari plans to offer a special livery based on the 250 Le Mans racer.

How much does the Ferrari 296 GTB cost?

As of this writing, Ferrari hasn’t confirmed a US delivery date for the 296 GTB. But European customers will get their plug-in hybrid supercars in Q1 2022. Prices start at roughly $321K for the base car and $360K for Assetto Fiorano-equipped ones.

That price is roughly $100K dearer than the ‘entry-level’ Ferrari, the 612-hp non-hybrid Roma. That also makes the 296 GTB more than twice as expensive as another V6-powered hybrid supercar, the Acura NSX. But compared to the SF90 Stradale, it’s a relative bargain. And it marks a new stage of Ferrari performance.

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