There was a time when supercars were defined with glorious-sounding V12s and V8s. But now, the automotive landscape is shifting hard. So hard that we had already bid adieu to the V12s, and the V8s are on the brink of extinction. There is no turning back now, as electrification has caught up, even to the exotic likes. Supercar makers are making a lot of bold decisions to cater to the stringent emission norms.

And the most efficient move is downsizing of engines. It sure is a dart through the hearts of disciples who worship iconic V12s from Lamborghini and V8s for Ferrari. But change is hard, and also the dawn of something new. The bold new change that we are keenly hooked on is the dawn of hybridized V6 engines. And the first wave of supercars to pack V6 power are here with the all-new 2022 Ferrari 296 GTB and the 2022 McLaren Artura.

It is odd to address the fact that we are finally getting fuel-efficient supercars. But both these automakers have made sure to still possess insane performance figures, thanks to the combined efficacy. Both these supercars are the first from the respective automakers to come packed with a V6. Well, now the only player missing from this puzzle is a V6 Lamborghini (cries in 'V12')!

The first duo of hybrid supercars is here with Ferrari and McLaren in a fistfight with V6s. This is an interesting face-off.

Ferrari 296 GTB Vs McLaren Artura: Battle Of Electrified V6s

There were times when putting a V8 engine in a supercar was considered demeaning, but here we are with a hybrid V6 in a Ferrari and a McLaren. In terms of performance, Ferrari has clearly put more in the bucket with its plug-in hybrid V6 layout pumping out an impressively combined 818 HP. It is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-Speed DCT. Ferrari's first-ever V6 powered car is slated to do 0-60 MPH in 2.9 seconds and have a top speed of 205 MPH.

On the other hand, McLaren mellowed down gravely on the performance front. Its hybridized V6 churns out a combined 671 HP and 531 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels only via an 8-Speed Automatic Transmission. But despite the power difference, it comes neck-on-neck with the Prancing Horse with a 0-60 MPH time of 3 seconds but shies away in terms of a top speed of 186 MPH.

Ferrari 296 GTB Vs McLaren Artura: Fuel-Efficient Supercars Per Se

With the advent of hybridization and electrification, we have a tight-knitted battle between Ferrari and McLaren to see which is more fuel-efficient. While the official EPA figures are not out, Ferrari claims that the 296 GTB is capable of doing 15 miles on electric power alone, and we suspect the combined EPA rating to hover near the 50 MPG mark. Yes! for a supercar.

McLaren Artura also packs a similar aura when it comes to efficiency. And it happens to be the most fuel-efficient McLaren to date with a combined 50+ MPG and can run for 19 miles on electric power alone. A tad bit more than the Italian here. Its weight advantage over Ferrari is a major reason for this.

Related: These Are The Fastest Hybrid Cars Ever Made

Ferrari 296 GTB Vs McLaren Artura: Class-Leading Electrified Tech Face-Off

Talking of the electrified technology, the Ferrari 296 GTB gets a 7.45 kWh battery pack located under the floor. This allows for an even lowered center of gravity, thus improving driving dynamics. All the available tech compilation gives the Ferrari 4 vibrant driving modes - eDrive, Hybrid, Performance, and Qualify.

As for the Artura, McLaren has packed a 7.4 kWh battery pack under the rear end of the cabin. The electric motor alone churns out close to 100 horses for the McLaren. In both these supercars, the insane 3 second acceleration time is because of the instant torque available down-under because of the electric powertrains.

Ferrari 296 GTB Vs McLaren Artura: Sporty And Plush Interior

Both these supercars have beautifully integrated technology into the interiors without losing the exotic essence. The Ferrari 296 GTB shares a lot of its modern elements from the SF90 Stradale with the all-digital instrument cluster and touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. It packs a lot of screens, even for the passenger to get busy on the road.

As for the Artura, McLaren has done quite the revamp on its interior and demonstrates the weightage of function. Leather, Alcantara, and microfibre are laid out lavishly in both the cabins and minimalism seems to be the trend-setter here. As in the case of the infotainment, McLaren has done a killer job with its intuitive layout and takes the crown. Related: 10 Awesome Supercars We'd Love To Own... But They Only Exist In Video Games

Ferrari 296 GTB Vs McLaren Artura: Bold Exterior

The interesting fact about the exterior design language in both these exotics is the commonality when it comes to sharpness. But they take a very different approach to it. While Ferrari derives most of its design elements from the likes of the Ferrari 458 Italia and even the limited-run J50, Mclaren likes to keep things curvaceously sharp.

While both these supercars are bold in their respective formats, Ferrari looks a lot more compact than the McLaren. We personally love the beefed-up form factor highlighted by sleek LED lighting of the Artura over the quite relatable Ferrari silhouette. Nonetheless, both are gorgeous machines that highlight their respective DNA in style.

Ferrari 296 GTB Vs McLaren Artura: Who's Got The Upper Hand

That's a tough question for now, as we are still waiting for both these supercars to reach US shores. But the insanely close face-off on paper, gives us quite the strong hunch, that this face-off is going to be an epic one. Ferrari with its first-ever V6 clinging onto an electric motor takes on the bolder McLaren that seems to have done its homework really well.

Sources: Caricos.com, Cars.McLaren.press, Corporate.ferrari.com