The Indian supercar market is witnessing a major shift, and right at the center of it is the Ferrari 296 GTB. For decades, Ferrari was defined by roaring V8s and V12s. But with the 296 GTB, the Italian giant has done something bold: they put a V6 engine in a flagship sports car and added electric power.

Why is this car trending in India right now? Apart from being a favorite among car collectors and celebrities like Dulquer Salmaan, recent reports about the India-European Union Trade Deal (January 2026) suggest that import duties on luxury European cars could drop. This makes the 296 GTB not just a dream machine, but a hot topic of discussion for potential buyers hoping for a better price tag soon.

Here is everything you need to know about the Ferrari 296 GTB, its “Baby V12” engine, and its price in India.

What is the Ferrari 296 GTB?

The Ferrari 296 GTB is a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) supercar. The name “296” comes from its engine size (2.9 liters) and number of cylinders (6), while “GTB” stands for Gran Turismo Berlinetta. It is designed to replace the famous Ferrari F8 Tributo.

Many critics worried that a V6 engine would not sound good. However, Ferrari engineers designed the exhaust so perfectly that they nicknamed this engine the “Piccolo V12” (Little V12). It sounds loud, aggressive, and purely Ferrari.

Read more: MG Windsor EV

Engine and Performance: The Real Magic

The heart of this car is what makes it special. It combines a petrol engine with an electric motor for mind-blowing speed.

• Engine: 3.0-liter Twin-Turbo V6
• Electric Motor: 167 hp e-motor
• Total Power: 830 hp (Combined)
• Torque: 740 Nm
• 0 to 100 km/h: 2.9 seconds
• Top Speed: Over 330 km/h
• Electric-Only Range: 25 km (You can drive it silently in the city!)

Unlike older hybrids that felt heavy, this system is light and makes the car feel even faster than a standard petrol car.

Design and Interior Features

The 296 GTB looks smooth and clean. It lacks the big wings and vents of older models, opting for a sleek, modern look inspired by the classic Ferrari 250 LM.

Inside, the cabin is strictly driver-focused:

• Digital Dashboard: There is no central touchscreen for music or maps. Everything is on the driver’s digital display.
• Steering Wheel: Almost all controls, including the engine start button and drive modes (Manettino dial), are on the steering wheel.
• Passenger Display: A small, thin screen in front of the passenger lets them see how fast the car is going, which adds to the thrill.

Ferrari 296 GTB Price in India

As of early 2026, the Ferrari 296 GTB price in India starts at Rs 5.40 Crore (ex-showroom).

However, this is just the “base” price. Most buyers add custom options (like special paint, carbon fiber wheels, or racing seats), which can easily push the on-road price to over Rs 6.5 Crore to Rs 7 Crore.

Note on Price Drop: With the new trade discussions between India and the EU, industry experts believe import taxes on cars like Ferrari might be reduced over the next few years. If this happens, European supercars could become slightly more accessible to Indian buyers.

Why Does This Car Matter for India?

1. Usable Power: India’s roads are not always perfect. The 296 GTB has a “Bumpy Road” mode that softens the suspension, making it surprisingly driveable in cities like Mumbai or Delhi.
2. Silent Start: Because it is a hybrid, you can leave your house in “eDrive” mode without waking up the neighbors with a loud engine roar.
3. Future Proof: As emission norms get stricter in India, hybrid supercars like the 296 GTB are safer investments than pure petrol V8s or V10s.

Competition

The Ferrari 296 GTB fights against some serious rivals in the Indian market:

• McLaren Artura: Another V6 hybrid, but slightly less powerful (671 hp).
• Maserati MC20: A stunning V6 car, but it lacks the hybrid system.
• Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica: Famous for its V10 sound, but the technology is older compared to the Ferrari.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)