A New Era of Ferrari Performance Begins
Ferrari has always lived in a space where emotion and engineering collide, and by 2026, that philosophy feels more intense than ever. The Ferrari SF90 and the 296 GTB are not just fast cars built to dominate spec sheets. They are statements of intent. One represents the absolute peak of Ferrari’s hybrid hypercar thinking, while the other proves that downsizing can still feel dramatic, soulful, and unmistakably Italian.
| Model | Powertrain | Max Power | 0–100 km/h | Top Speed | Body Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrari SF90 | Plug-in Hybrid V8 | ~1000 PS | ~2.5 sec | 340+ km/h | Coupe |
| Ferrari 296 GTB | V6 Hybrid | ~830 PS | ~2.9 sec | 330 km/h | Coupe |
Design That Speaks Without Words
At first glance, the Ferrari SF90 looks like it has been carved by airflow itself. Every line feels purposeful, every surface shaped to guide air where it matters most. The front end is sharp and aggressive, with a low nose that hugs the road. The rear is wide and planted, giving the impression that the car is always ready to explode forward.
The 296 GTB takes a slightly different approach. It feels cleaner, almost minimalist by Ferrari standards. Inspired by classic mid-engine Ferraris, it brings back softer curves while still hiding serious aerodynamic intent beneath the skin. Where the Ferrari SF90 looks futuristic and brutal, the 296 GTB feels elegant, compact, and beautifully balanced.
Both cars turn heads, but in different ways. The Ferrari SF90 demands attention. The 296 GTB earns admiration the longer you look at it.
Inside the Cockpit: Where Technology Meets Tradition
Step inside the Ferrari SF90 and you immediately know you are sitting in something special. The cabin feels like a modern fighter jet blended with Italian craftsmanship. Digital screens dominate the dashboard, but they never feel cold. Ferrari has carefully balanced technology with tactile surfaces, making sure the driver still feels connected.
The steering wheel is packed with controls, from driving modes to indicators, all designed to keep your hands exactly where they should be. In the Ferrari SF90, everything revolves around performance, yet comfort has not been ignored. Long drives are possible, but the car always reminds you of its racing DNA.
The 296 GTB offers a slightly more intimate experience. The cabin wraps around the driver, making you feel at one with the machine. The layout is simpler, but still modern, and the focus is clearly on driving pleasure. Materials feel rich, solid, and unmistakably Ferrari.
Hybrid Power Without Losing the Soul
One of the biggest talking points around modern supercars is electrification. Ferrari’s approach with the Ferrari SF90 proves that hybrid technology can enhance emotion rather than dilute it. Under the hood sits a powerful V8 engine working alongside electric motors to deliver jaw-dropping performance.
The Ferrari SF90 accelerates with an intensity that feels almost unreal. There is no hesitation, no pause. Power arrives instantly and keeps building in a relentless wave. Yet, when driven calmly, the car can cruise quietly, showcasing a level of versatility that would have seemed impossible in a Ferrari just a decade ago.
The 296 GTB tells a slightly different story. Its V6 hybrid setup might sound modest on paper compared to the Ferrari SF90, but on the road, it feels anything but. The engine note is sharp and distinctive, and the electric assistance fills in the gaps beautifully. The result is a car that feels alive at all speeds.
Aerodynamics Inspired by the Track
Aerodynamics play a crucial role in how these cars behave, especially at high speeds. The Ferrari SF90 uses advanced active aero systems to adapt to driving conditions in real time. At lower speeds, the focus is on efficiency and stability. Push harder, and the car transforms, generating serious downforce to keep everything planted.
The rear spoiler system on the Ferrari SF90 is particularly impressive. It adjusts automatically, balancing drag and grip without the driver needing to think about it. This technology comes directly from Ferrari’s racing experience, refined for the road.
The 296 GTB relies more on clever passive aerodynamics. Its design channels air smoothly over and under the car, improving stability while maintaining a clean look. It may not shout about its aero tricks, but the results are clear the moment you take a fast corner.
Driving Experience: Two Personalities, One Passion
Driving the Ferrari SF90 is an event. The car feels incredibly fast, yet surprisingly manageable. Advanced electronics work quietly in the background, allowing drivers of varying skill levels to enjoy its performance. When pushed, it feels brutally quick, but never intimidating.
The 296 GTB, on the other hand, feels more playful. It encourages the driver to explore its limits, rewarding smooth inputs and confidence. Where the Ferrari SF90 overwhelms with sheer force, the 296 GTB charms with balance and agility.
Both cars deliver unforgettable experiences, but they appeal to slightly different personalities. One is a technological masterpiece. The other is a driver’s delight.
Italian Elegance in Motion
Beyond speed and numbers, what truly defines these cars is how they make you feel. The Ferrari SF90 feels like the future arriving early. It shows how innovation can coexist with emotion. Every drive feels special, even short ones.
The 296 GTB feels like a love letter to Ferrari’s heritage, reimagined for a modern world. It reminds you why driving matters, why sound, balance, and feedback still count.
Together, they represent two sides of the same philosophy. Ferrari is not choosing between tradition and progress. It is embracing both.
Ownership Experience and Everyday Usability
Surprisingly, both cars offer a level of usability that goes beyond expectations. The Ferrari SF90, despite its extreme performance, can be driven daily if desired. Electric-only mode allows quiet city driving, while adaptive suspension helps manage rough roads.
The 296 GTB is even more approachable. Its size makes it easier to live with, and its hybrid system improves efficiency without compromising excitement. These are cars built to be driven, not hidden away.
Ferrari’s Vision for the Future
Looking at the Ferrari SF90 and the 296 GTB together, it becomes clear where Ferrari is heading. Electrification is here to stay, but it will be done on Ferrari’s terms. Performance will remain thrilling. Design will remain emotional. Driving will remain central.
The Ferrari SF90 stands as a bold statement of what is possible when technology is pushed to its limits. The 296 GTB proves that innovation does not have to come at the cost of character.
Final Thoughts: Two Cars, One Legendary Name
The Ferrari SF90 and the 296 GTB are more than just machines. They are experiences shaped by decades of racing, design, and passion. Whether you are drawn to the sheer power of the Ferrari SF90 or the balanced brilliance of the 296 GTB, one thing is certain. Ferrari’s future looks every bit as exciting as its past.
These cars remind us that even in a world changing rapidly, true automotive emotion still has a place. And Ferrari, once again, leads the way.
FAQs
What makes the Ferrari SF90 special in 2026?
The Ferrari SF90 stands out because it combines extreme hybrid performance with everyday usability, offering supercar thrills alongside advanced technology.
Is the Ferrari SF90 suitable for daily driving?
Yes, the Ferrari SF90 includes electric driving modes and adaptive systems that make it surprisingly comfortable for regular use.
How is the Ferrari SF90 different from the 296 GTB?
The Ferrari SF90 focuses on maximum power and cutting-edge technology, while the 296 GTB emphasizes balance, agility, and a more traditional driving feel.
Does the Ferrari SF90 still feel like a true Ferrari?
Absolutely. Despite its hybrid setup, the Ferrari SF90 delivers emotion, sound, and performance that align perfectly with Ferrari’s legacy.
Will the Ferrari SF90 define Ferrari’s future?
The Ferrari SF90 clearly showcases Ferrari’s direction, blending electrification with passion while setting new benchmarks for performance.