As the number of EVs on the market grows, Ferrari remains a late adopter. The Italian luxury automaker recognizes that EV technology, in its current form, is not compatible with the brand's ethos of intricate, lightweight designs. A world where a fully electric Ferrari exists without compromising on the essential elements that make up Ferrari's DNA is still a ways off; the brand is already investing in the future with plans to integrate handcrafted battery modules into the chassis of its electric cars. Until then, advancements are taking place in smaller engines combined with hybrid technology.

Following the SF90 Stradale and Spider, the 296 GTB is Ferrari's newest plug-in-hybrid model. The 296 stands for 2.9 liters and six cylinders, while the GTB is short for Gran Turismo Berlinetta. Building off of the brand's rich racing heritage and the latest hybrid technology, the 2022 Ferrari 296 GTB represents the best of all worlds — performance, luxury, status — in an increasingly electric auto world, even if forced induction dampens the fun to a small degree.

RELATED: Here’s Why The 2023 C8 Corvette Z06 Is The Ferrari 296 GTB’s Worst Nightmare

2022 Ferrari 296 GTB: What We Love Most

We like what the 296 GTB offers on paper compared to other 2022 supercars. We love that it is, despite having attributes in common with the SF90 Stradale, a brand new plug-in-hybrid model from the prancing horse that's fit for the racetrack. Equipped with a powerful twin-turbocharged V6 and dual-rotor single-stator axial flux motor, the 296 GTB generates a combined 818 horsepower and 546 pound-feet of torque. And similar to its mid-engine competitor, the upcoming Chevy Corvette Z06, the Ferrari supercar has a glass tailgate to flaunt its powerplant.

The V6-powered Ferrari manages to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.9 seconds. When pushed to the limit it can reach a top speed of 206 mph, largely thanks to the eight-speed double-clutch automatic (inherited from the SF90, Portofino, and Roma models).

The electric motor provides more than just performance too. With eDrive selected (one of four drive modes), the 296 GTB can cruise for up to 10 miles on electric power alone (and on to a top speed of 84 mph). When not in eDrive, drivers can expect decent fuel economy whenever they use the other three drive modes, as the supercar gets around 18 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway.

RELATED: Banned For Life: These Celebrities Can Never Buy A Ferrari Again

Why The 2022 296 GTB Is The Supercar To Beat

296 GTB supercar rear
Via: Ferrari

With mainstay supercar makers in the running for 2022 such as Lamborghini and McLaren, Ferrari had its usual work cut out for them. While we deemed the 2022 Lamborghini Huracan Evo RWD the most practical high-performance supercar on the market, the 296 GTB's performance figures from one of the most power-dense car engines on the market make it our pick for today's best-in-class driver's supercar.

The same argument applies when comparing the Ferrari plug-in hybrid with the Maserati MC20, which arguably beats the 296 GTB in the looks department. While both supercars share similar engine specs, the Ferrari manages to edge out the MC20 in horsepower by 33. While we love to see Maserati make an exciting return to the supercar market, we have to recognize the MC20 is ultimately a beautiful but flawed supercar. It's hard to find flaws about the 296 GTB without making blatant attempts at hyperbole, though if we had to declare one it'd be the price tag. An obvious sticking point for any Ferrari, the 296 GTB's starting cost of $321,400 means few enthusiasts will probably ever get to experience driving the luxury supercar.

RELATED: The Legendary Ferrari Testarossa Returns With A Modern Edge

Worthy Mention: The Ferrari's Italian Luxury Interior

296 GTB luxury interior
Ferrari

The Ferrari 296 GTB offers a comfortable and luxurious interior to match the supercar's performance, further supporting the brand's tagline for the vehicle: "defining fun to drive". The 296 GTB manages to strike a balance between having a refined aesthetic and digital interface. The cabin and its dashboard instruments revolve (as it should) around the driver. And the modern take on the H-gate, which Ferrari Chief Design Officer Flavio Manzoni refers to as the "cancelletto", serves as the center console's focal point. Materials in the cabin include Italian leather along with components made of carbon fiber and metal.

The 296 GTB's cabin is an evolution in design as the brand's vehicles adopt even more technology than before. We assume the supercar is laying the groundwork for more breathtaking interiors to come on such models as the four-door Purosangue SUV. The interior is largely part of what made the Roma special, and the 296 GTB carries many of the same attributes including a minimalist design, grippy front seats, and high-quality materials. There is no other supercar on the market today that can deliver this level of elegance on both the inside and out.