Overview Few other carmakers can elevate a pulse like Ferrari, and the 296 is a sports car spiked with enough adrenaline to restart a stopped heart. While it might not have a signature V-12 under its rear clamshell, the 296’s sonorous, hybrid twin-turbo V-6 won’t leave you wanting for more power. In the 296GTB coupe and 296GTS convertible, that means 819 horsepower delivered to the rear wheels, while the stripped-down and dialed-up 296 Speciale ups output to 868 prancing ponies. Its plug-in hybrid powertrain might not be a purist’s first choice, but as the quickest rear-drive car that we’ve ever tested and a stunner around corners, the 296 is as electrifying as a defibrillator. What’s New for 2026?Special editions have become somewhat of a Ferrari staple, and the 296 gets its own for 2026. Like previous extra-extraordinary Prancing Horse models, the 296 Speciale takes the standard 296GTB and dials it up in nearly every conceivable way. Its power output is increased to 868 horsepower (49 hp more than in the GTB and GTS) thanks to engine upgrades and hybrid system improvements. It features a unique aero package that increases downforce and cornering ability, and its carbon-fiber-laden interior is optimized for maximum weight savings. The Speciale’s significant upgrades come at an equally significant price premium, with the special edition model expected to cost around half a million dollars. Ferrari says that the Speciale will debut as a coupe in the first quarter of 2026, with a convertible variant to follow midyear. Pricing and Which One to BuyThe price of the 2026 Ferrari 296 is expected to start around $350,000 and go up to $500,000 depending on the trim and options.296GTB$350,000 (est)296GTS$380,000 (est)296 Speciale$500,000 (est)If you’re in the market for a new Ferrari, chances are that price is of little consideration. For that reason, we would argue the case to shell out the extra $120,000 or so for the ultra-exclusive 296 Speciale. But as is often the case with limited-edition Ferraris, all of them are already spoken for before they’ve even left the factory. So, we’d go for the GTB coupe instead, preferably with the $34,000 carbon-fiber 10-spoke wheels. Engine, Transmission, and PerformanceBehind the 296’s cockpit lives a twin-turbocharged V-6 that pairs with a plug-in hybrid system. Together, the gas engine and electric motor combine to produce a whopping 819 horsepower in both the GTB and GTS. The 296 Speciale ups output to 868 horsepower via engine upgrades and tuning tweaks, in addition to a revised electric motor. In all 296 variants, power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 296 is capable of driving a short distance on electricity alone, with 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 a test drive of the 296GTB coupe; with the top down in the 296GTS, the feeling is even more heightened with the wind ruffling your hair at triple-digit speeds. 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 296 features communicative electrically assisted power steering and a brake-by-wire system. 0–60-MPH TimesAt our test track, the 296GTB hit 60 mph in 2.4 seconds and covered the quarter mile in a mere 9.7 seconds at 150 mph. We haven’t yet tested the Speciale, but we expect it to be even quicker.More on the 296 Coupe and ConvertibleRange, Charging, and Battery LifeThe EPA estimated that last year’s 296 GTB was capable of driving on electricity alone for up to 8 miles; the convertible GTS was rated for one fewer mile. Figures should remain similar, or identical, for the 2026 models.Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGeWhile Ferrari hasn’t yet released any fuel economy information for any of the 2026 296 variants, the GTB coupe earned a rating of 47 MPGe in 2025; the GTS coupe trailed by 1 MPGe. Without any significant changes, the newest versions should produce similar, if not identical, results. Producing more power from its hybrid powertrain, the 296 Speciale will likely take a hit to its fuel economy rating compared to the other models, not that it really matters. MPGe stands for miles per gallon of gas equivalent, an EPA metric that estimates PHEV and EV vehicle fuel efficiency. For more information about the 296’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.Interior, Comfort, and CargoInside, 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. Its seats and various interior surfaces are covered with Italian leather that showcases the sports car’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 296’s ignition key on the center console, too. A head-up display is also discreetly integrated into the top of the dash. The 296 Speciale gets a special interior that is stripped out for weight-saving purposes. With unique carbon-fiber door panels and exposed fasteners, the Speciale’s cabin is designed to reduce lap times, not improve comfort. The Car and Driver DifferenceInfotainment and ConnectivityThe 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 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.How to Buy and Maintain a CarSafety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesThe 296 is a car that is made to be driven with gusto and your full attention, so Ferrari hasn’t endowed it with any advanced driver-assistance tech. It does 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 CoverageFerrari’s powertrain warranty is shorter than those of many mainstream automakers, but it is competitive with other supercar makers such as Lamborghini and McLaren. Unlike those two rivals, however, Ferrari also provides an impressive amount of complimentary maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers three years and unlimited miles
- Powertrain warranty covers three years and unlimited miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for seven years and unlimited miles
SpecificationsSpecifications
2022 Ferrari 296GTB
Vehicle Type: mid-engine, mid-motor, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door coupe
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $317,986/$538,399
Options: Assetto Fiorano package, $41,956; carbon-fiber wheels, $33,748; Assetto Fiorano livery, $23,301; Canna di Fucile paint, $12,487; carbon-fiber rear diffuser, $11,812; specific design racing seats, $10,124; carbon-fiber under-door cover, $8606; carbon-fiber engine cover, $7931; carbon-fiber dashboard stripe inserts, $7593; carbon-fiber trunk cover, $6750; premium stereo, $6243; black Alcantara carpet, $5906; carbon under-windshield insert, $5400; Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, $5062; carbon-fiber dashboard inserts, $5062; carbon-fiber steering wheel with paddles and LEDs, $5062; carbon-fiber upper-tunnel trim, $4050; interior inserts in special leather, $2531; racing-seat lifter, $2531; Scuderia Ferrari shields, $1856; titanium wheel bolts, $1687; black ceramic exhaust pipes, $1687; wireless device charging, $1687; yellow brake calipers, $1519; front parking sensors, $1519; auto-dimming exterior mirrors, $1350; colored floor mats with logo, $1350; carbon-fiber key fob, $844; special stitching, $759; advanced front driving camera, $0; Apple CarPlay, $0
ENGINE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads direct fuel injection
Displacement: 183 in3, 2992 cm3
Power: 654 hp @ 8000 rpm
Torque: 546 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm
POWERTRAIN
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve 3.0-liter V-6, 654 hp, 546 lb-ft + AC motor, 165 hp, 232 lb-ft (combined output: 819 hp, 546 lb-ft; 6.0-kWh lithium-ion battery pack; 3.3-kW onboard charger)
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: ind; unequal-length control arms; coil springs; anti-roll bar/ind; 2 diagonal links, 2 lateral links, and a toe-control link per side; coil springs; anti-roll bar
Brakes, F/R: 15.7 x 1.5-in vented cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc; 6-piston fixed caliper/14.2 x 1.3-in vented cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc; 4-piston fixed caliper
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R
F: 245-35ZR-20 (95Y) K2
R: 305/35ZR-20 (107Y) K2
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 102.4 in
Length: 179.7 in
Width: 77.1 in
Height: 46.7 in
Trunk Volume: 7 ft3
Curb Weight: 3532 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 2.4 sec
100 mph: 4.7 sec
1/4-Mile: 9.7 sec @ 150 mph
130 mph: 7.3 sec
150 mph: 9.7 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 3.0 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 1.9 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 2.1 sec
Top Speed (mfr’s claim): 205 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 130 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 245 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 1.12 g
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 18/16/22 mpg
Combined Gasoline + Electricity: 47 MPGe
C/D TESTING EXPLAINEDMore Features and Specs
Source: caranddriver.com