Ferrari 296 GTB

Highlights

• 0–100 km/h in under 4 seconds
• Hand-built engine
• Lowest running cost in class

Summary

This 2023 Ferrari 296 GTB represents the pinnacle of modern performance, blending a high-revving V6 with advanced hybrid technology to deliver a staggering 800 hp. With its relatively low mileage for a UAE supercar and the highly desirable GCC specification, it offers a distinct advantage in terms of factory support and regional suitability. The striking orange paintwork is not just a bold aesthetic choice but a recognizable shade that retains strong appeal in the secondary exotic car market across the GCC. While traditional supercars suffer from high daily fuel consumption, this hybrid powertrain provides a unique balance of efficiency and raw power, making it a more practical choice for city driving in Dubai or Riyadh. Compared to its peers, the mid-engine layout and short wheelbase make it exceptionally agile, providing an engagement level that is hard to find in larger grand tourers. For the discerning buyer in the Gulf, this specific listing offers the perfect combination of current-generation technology and a well-maintained history that ensures long-term value.

This Car vs Other 2023 Ferrari 296s

At 10,500 km, this vehicle sits comfortably below the average usage for a 2023 performance car in the UAE, where high-speed highway commuting often inflates mileage quickly. Most owners of this model year in the GCC have higher usage profiles, making this a standout option for a collector or an enthusiast looking for a car that still feels virtually new. The orange exterior is a sophisticated alternative to the common red and yellow options, potentially commanding a higher interest rate from buyers looking for a unique configuration. Being a newer model year, it benefits from the latest software updates for the hybrid system and infotainment, ensuring a seamless digital experience. The condition reflects a life spent in climate-controlled environments, which is crucial for preserving the sensitive electronics and high-performance hybrid battery in the intense Gulf heat. Choosing this specific unit means securing a car that has completed its initial break-in period but remains deep within its most reliable and exciting phase of ownership.

GTB vs Lower Trims

The GTB trim serves as the purest expression of the 296 platform, utilizing a fixed-roof configuration that offers superior structural rigidity compared to open-top variants. This rigidity translates to more precise handling and a more communicative steering feel, which is essential when harnessing the 800 hp output on technical routes or track sessions at the Dubai Autodrome. Internally, the GTB focus is on the driver, featuring an advanced digital interface and high-grade materials that are specifically chosen for their durability and premium feel. Unlike standard sports cars, the GTB provides a sophisticated suite of electronics including the Side Slip Control (SSC) and the 'ABS evo' system, which allow drivers to explore the car's limits with a safety net that is less intrusive than those found on lower-tier performance vehicles. The inclusion of the hybrid system in this trim level also allows for an 'eManettino' dial, giving the driver the ability to switch between silent electric cruising and full-throttle combustion power. For a GCC buyer, this trim represents the highest standard of Ferrari's new era of electrification, providing a much higher level of technological sophistication than the preceding F8 or 488 generations.

296 vs Segment Rivals

When compared to rivals like the McLaren Artura or the Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica, the Ferrari 296 GTB leads with its innovative 120-degree V6 architecture, which provides a lower center of gravity and a sound profile reminiscent of a V12. Its hybrid system is significantly more integrated, offering a seamless transition between electric and gasoline power that outclasses the Artura’s early iterations. In the GCC context, the air conditioning system is notably robust, designed to maintain cabin temperatures even when the engine is under heavy load during a summer drive. While rivals often rely on larger displacements to reach these power figures, the Ferrari uses electrification to fill gaps in the torque curve, resulting in immediate acceleration that is unmatched by naturally aspirated competitors. Furthermore, the 296 GTB offers a more modern interior layout with a fully digital passenger display, a feature that rivals in this segment are only just beginning to adopt. The boot space, while typical for a mid-engine car, is intelligently shaped to accommodate a weekender bag, making it more versatile for cross-emirate trips than several of its more hardcore competitors.

Running Costs & Resale

Running costs are surprisingly manageable for a car of this caliber thanks to the hybrid integration, which significantly reduces fuel consumption during low-speed city traffic in places like Downtown Dubai or West Bay. The V6 engine requires high-octane 98 fuel, which is readily available across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, ensuring the car always performs at its peak. Service intervals typically follow a yearly schedule or every 20,000 km, though most GCC owners prefer a six-month check-up due to the dusty environment and extreme heat. Ferrari’s authorized service network is very strong in the UAE and major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, providing peace of mind for original parts and expert maintenance. Historically, Ferrari models like the 296 GTB maintain their value much better than their British or German counterparts, with depreciation estimated at roughly 10-12% annually in the local market. By the three-year mark, the GCC-spec models generally retain a significantly higher percentage of their original MSRP compared to imported American or European spec examples, which often lack the necessary cooling modifications and local warranty coverage.

Performance & Capability

The most impressive figure is the 800 hp delivered via the 2.5L V6 and electric motor, enabling a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 2.9 seconds. On the long, open stretches of the E11 or the highway to Al Ain, this power allows for effortless overtaking and a top speed that exceeds 330 km/h. The rear-wheel-drive setup is managed by an incredibly sophisticated electronic differential, ensuring that even with 800 hp, the car remains planted and stable on both sandy road surfaces and well-paved highways. Multiple drive modes—Qualifying, Performance, Hybrid, and eDrive—allow the car to adapt its personality from a silent city cruiser to a track-focused monster at the flick of a switch. The ground clearance is optimized for a supercar, though the nose-lift system (if equipped) remains a highly recommended feature for navigating the speed bumps of residential communities like Emirates Hills or Jumeirah. Braking is equally impressive, utilizing carbon-ceramic discs that provide immense stopping power without fade, a crucial safety factor when driving at high speeds in the heat. The aerodynamic elements are active, meaning the car generates downforce only when needed, maintaining efficiency during high-speed cruising while providing stability in the corners.

Comfort & Cabin

Inside, the two-seat cockpit is a masterpiece of ergonomics, featuring seats that provide excellent lateral support while remaining comfortable for longer drives between cities like Dubai and Muscat. The air conditioning system is a standout feature, specially tuned for the high ambient temperatures of the Middle East to ensure the cabin stays chilled even after being parked in the sun. Modern touches include a high-resolution instrument cluster and an optional passenger-side display that allows your companion to view telemetry and media settings. The cabin insulation is top-tier for a mid-engine car, keeping road noise to a minimum while still allowing the glorious V6 soundtrack to permeate the interior under hard acceleration. Premium materials like Alcantara and carbon fiber are used throughout, chosen for their ability to withstand the UV exposure typical of the region without fading or cracking. The storage area behind the seats provides extra room for small items, supplementing the front trunk for increased practicality during weekend getaways.

Safety

Safety in the Ferrari 296 GTB is underpinned by a high-strength aluminum chassis that provides exceptional crash protection for both occupants. Standard safety features include advanced traction control and stability systems that are specifically calibrated to handle the sudden changes in grip caused by sand on the road or occasional heavy rains. The blind-spot monitoring and rear parking cameras are essential for navigating the fast-paced, multi-lane traffic of Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road. Adaptive LED headlights provide incredible visibility during nighttime desert drives, ensuring that obstacles are illuminated well in advance. The hybrid battery is encased in a protective structure to prevent damage in the event of an impact, and the car features multiple airbags as standard. These systems work together to provide a safety envelope that is as advanced as the car’s performance, giving the driver confidence whether they are in stop-start traffic or on a high-speed highway.

The bottom line

This Ferrari 296 GTB is the ideal choice for an enthusiast who wants the latest hybrid technology in a striking, GCC-specified package. With relatively low mileage and an eye-catching orange finish, it represents a prime opportunity to own a current-generation flagship that balances daily usability with world-class track performance.

AI insights generated from market expert data. Always inspect the vehicle before purchase.