Ferrari 296 GTB Specs: Hybrid Supercar Explained for Enthusiasts

Saudi Arabia: Ferrari needs no long introduction, not least in the Saudi Arabian market or anywhere else in the world for that matter. This Italian brand is identified with racing and performance cars, which have defined it in the world of automobiles. In Saudi Arabia, over the years, Ferrari has developed a loyal and growing customer base. The brand operates an official dealership in Riyadh that caters to buyers who see these cars as both a passion and a statement.

The 296 GTB is Ferrari's entry into the mid-engine, plug-in hybrid sports car segment. It competes with the Lamborghini Huracán and sits below the SF90 Stradale in Ferrari's own lineup, so you can think of it as the brand's most accessible performance machine in 2026. In the Saudi market, it captures a space where supercar buyers want raw performance with a modern powertrain story. Demand for these vehicles will grow as Saudi Arabia is becoming the Global Motorsport hub. 

Why the 296 GTB Grabs Attention 

Just take a look at this supercar, and it is not hard to see why it not only grabs attention but also instantly commands admiration for its design and presence. Ferrari introduced the 296 GTB in 2021, and it became one of the most significant models—marking the first time Ferrari put a V6 engine in a road car since the Dino in the 1970s. That alone made pure engine enthusiasts nervous, but Ferrari paired it with a plug-in hybrid system, and together they produce a number that blows your mind: 818 hp of humongous power. This is not a V6 trying to punch above its weight; it is a clean-sheet design developed specifically for this car, with a twin-turbo setup and a hot-vee configuration inspired by Ferrari's Formula 1 program.

The Numbers Behind the Machine

The 296 GTB uses a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6, called the F163, combined with an electric motor mounted between the engine and the 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Together, they push out 818 hp and 740 Nm of torque. 0–100 km/h takes under 2.9 seconds. Top speed is 330 km/h. And in electric-only mode, the 7.45 kWh battery gives you around 25 km of pure EV driving, enough for quiet runs through the city before you hit the open road and let the engine breathe.

Ferrari's chassis engineers built this car around a new rear-mounted architecture. The weight distribution is near-perfect, and the suspension geometry is borrowed from track-focused thinking. The electronic systems, including Ferrari's own Side Slip Control and the new Manettino, tie everything together so the driver stays in control even at the edge.

The exterior is perfectly and typically Ferrari. Long hood, compact tail, and a ducktail spoiler that generates downforce without a traditional wing. The headlights are split and aggressive. The side intakes are functional, feeding air directly to the engine. Nothing about the shape is decorative; every surface has a purpose.

Inside, it is strictly a two-seater. Ferrari did not try to add rear seats or extra storage. The dashboard is driver-focused: a large digital display, a central screen for the passenger, and Ferrari's manettino dial on the steering wheel for switching between driving modes. The materials are premium: carbon fiber, Alcantara, and leather throughout, all customizable through Ferrari's Tailor Made program.

What Stands Out

Exterior

• Ducktail rear spoiler with active aerodynamic elements
• Aggressive split LED headlights with a distinct light signature
• Functional side air intakes channeling air to the engine
• Wide rear haunches housing large 305-section rear tyres
• Available in 10 exterior colors, including Rosso Corsa, Blu Corsa, and Nero DS

Interior

• Pure two-seat cockpit with no compromise on driver focus
• Large curved digital instrument cluster plus passenger display
• Steering wheel-mounted manettino for driving mode selection
• Premium Alcantara and leather finish throughout
• Full personalisation through Ferrari's Tailor Made program

Safety

• Dual front airbags for driver and passenger
• Anti-lock braking system with brake assist and Electronic brake distribution 
• Central locking and power door locks
• Crash sensors and seatbelt warning system
• Ferrari's Side Slip Control for handling stability

Powertrain—The Core of It All

Specification	Details
Engine	3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 (F163) + Electric Motor
Total System Power	818 hp @ 8,000 rpm
Total Torque	740 Nm @ 6,250–8,500 rpm
Battery Capacity	7.45 kWh
Gearbox	8-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT)
0–100 km/h	Under 2.9 seconds
Top Speed	330 km/h
Drive Mode	Rear-Wheel Drive
EV Range	25 km (electric only)

The 296 GTB is priced above the Huracán and in a clear step above the Porsche 911 range. The 296 GTS, the open-top version, costs significantly more. For SAR 1.65 million, you're getting the most powerful Ferrari in this price bracket, and that V6 hybrid package genuinely justifies the premium over the Huracán.

How It Stacks Up Against Key Rivals in KSA

Model	Price (SAR)	Power	0–100 km/h
Ferrari 296 GTB	1.65 Million	818 hp	2.9 sec
Lamborghini Huracán	1.35–1.62 Million	602 hp	3.2 sec
Ferrari 296 GTS	2.2 Million	818 hp	2.9 sec
Porsche 911 Turbo S	~1.18 Million	641 hp	2.7 sec

The Verdict

The Ferrari 296 GTB is what happens when Ferrari stops playing it safe—yes, it represents a bold new direction for the brand. Instead of compromising its identity, it introduced something innovative without sacrificing performance. A V6 could have been a disaster for the brand's image, and instead it became one of the most talked-about engines in recent Ferrari history.

As everyone is well aware, Saudi Arabia is a country where supercar culture is deeply rooted, and buyers understand the difference between claimed and real performance. The 296 GTB makes a strong case at SAR 1.65 million. But as expected, this supercar is certainly not for everyone. It was never meant to be. Once you see it and look at the specs, it is pretty obvious it belongs to a different league altogether.

Also Read: Is the Kia Pegas a Good Value-for-Money Sedan in Saudi Arabia