The Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Masterpiece Redefining Supercar Prowess in 2025
The Dawn of a New Supercar Era: Ferrari’s Electrifying Evolution
Ten years in the automotive industry, particularly withi
n the hypercar segment, reveals a landscape in constant, exhilarating flux. As an industry veteran, I’ve witnessed firsthand the seismic shifts that redefine performance, technology, and driver engagement. Today, the benchmark for what constitutes a true supercar is being aggressively rewritten, and at the forefront of this revolution stands the Ferrari 296 GTB. While it’s been gracing our roads for a couple of years, its blend of V6 potency and electric augmentation remains nothing short of astonishing, especially with formidable rivals like the upcoming Lamborghini Temerario, boasting a monstrous 10,000rpm, 903bhp hybrid powertrain, now on the horizon.
The arrival of the 296 GTB in 2022 marked an unprecedented departure for Ferrari’s mid-engined supercar lineage. Abandoning the celebrated, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 in favor of a groundbreaking twin-turbo V6, meticulously integrated with electric power, the 296 GTB boldly seized the initiative in a high-tier supercar segment that is still navigating the complex transition to widespread hybrid adoption.
At its debut, the 296 GTB’s most direct competitor was the Lamborghini Huracán, a car defined by its naturally aspirated V10 symphony. While lower in comparative horsepower, the Huracán offered an intoxicating V10 charisma and a raw auditory experience that captivated in its heyday. Simultaneously, it contended with the ferocious McLaren 720S, which held firm with its twin-turbo V8. While the McLaren 750S represents an evolution of an existing theme, prioritizing power-to-weight supremacy, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid Temerario emerges as Lamborghini’s direct riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp hybridized Berlinetta.
Indeed, the 296 GTB packs a formidable punch. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, artfully combined with an electric motor driving only the rear wheels (a departure from the SF90’s AWD configuration), propels the 819bhp 296 GTB into a realm that shatters traditional supercar conventions.
It’s easy to be captivated by such an awe-inspiring power output, and one might naturally ponder the ultimate limits of this escalating performance – a question the 296 GTB itself seems to pose to rivals like Lamborghini – and more practically, where and how one can responsibly harness such colossal performance. But that, as they say, is a story for another drive.
The 296 GTB holds the distinction of being the first V6-powered Ferrari road car (the exquisite 246 GT Dino, while bearing a spiritual connection, never officially wore the Prancing Horse emblem during its production era). It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration and embraces plug-in hybrid technology, offering an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles. This compact V6 is strategically mounted low within a novel aluminum chassis, with a wheelbase reduced by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, resulting in occupants being positioned slightly further forward.
The integrated electric motor contributes a substantial 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 engine alone unleashes a staggering 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined output culminates in the headline figure of 819bhp. Ferrari, however, judiciously refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay and synergistic operation between the engine and electric motor. Nevertheless, it’s safe to assume this combined torque figure is nothing short of prodigious. In total, the V6 unit achieves a weight saving of 30kg over Ferrari’s V8 engines and is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a sleek, oblong structure, is neatly housed behind the seats.
It simply wouldn’t be a Ferrari without an arsenal of acronyms denoting its sophisticated electronic chassis management systems. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari has engineered what it terms a six-axis sensor, the 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This advanced system meticulously measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes.
Replacing conventional yaw sensors, and in conjunction with a sensor integrated into the steering rack, the 6w-CDS grants the car unparalleled awareness of driver intentions and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patches. This intelligence empowers other dynamic systems, such as the renowned Side Slip Control and the active Electronic Differential (E-Diff), to maximize cornering speeds while meticulously preserving stability and occupant security. Furthermore, it enables the novel ABS-evo system (a fitting nomenclature), active in RACE mode and above. Leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire architecture, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners.
For the first time in its history, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics technology not to minimize drag, but to actively generate downforce. The manufacturer quotes a remarkable 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with an impressive 100kg of that generated by the deployable rear wing.
The thermal management system is equally sophisticated. Two radiators in the front fascia are dedicated to engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two additional condensers responsible for battery thermal regulation. Hot air is efficiently expelled from beneath the vehicle, ensuring it does not interfere with the cooling air directed to the intercoolers strategically located along the car’s flanks. The discreet apertures beneath the headlamps are engineered to draw in air for brake cooling. The elegantly integrated wing at the rear of the roofline plays a crucial role in creating a ‘virtual’ rear screen, effectively channeling air towards the rear of the car as if guided by a precisely sculpted surface.
The lion’s share of the 296’s downforce is generated from beneath the chassis. Here, meticulous attention has been paid not only to the intricate channeling of airflow and the design of the rear diffuser but also to the precise ground clearance, optimizing the effectiveness of the underbody’s downforce-generating surfaces.
The 296 GTBs we sampled on track during their launch were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-enhancing upgrade replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units, directly derived from GT racing technology. It also incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the front fascia, contributing an additional 20kg of front-end downforce.
Further weight savings are realized through the extensive use of carbon fiber within the cabin, including door panels, and on the exterior. These enhancements contribute to an overall weight reduction of 12kg, a figure that can be further improved to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. An additional option for Assetto Fiorano equipped cars includes the fitment of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, superseding the standard Pilot Sport 4S rubber. Cars optioned with the Fiorano package can also be personalized with an exterior graphics package, paying homage to the iconic 250LM of the 1960s.
Having thoroughly scrutinized the 296 GTB up close, I can attest to its striking visual appeal. It’s a genuinely beautiful machine, possessing a distinct character that sets it apart from anything else on the road, and its design subtly evokes the spirit of the 1960s 250LM, even without the more polarizing graphics package.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: A Hybrid Symphony of Speed
Initiating motion in the 296 GTB is a simple affair: a double press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by engaging first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing for silent departure on electric power alone, unless the driver explicitly overrides this via the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors on the left side of the steering wheel boss. As long as throttle inputs remain measured, and the battery retains charge, the 296 GTB will continue its journey in pure electric propulsion.
Owners can also elect to ‘force’ the car into full EV mode, irrespective of current powertrain demands. Beyond this, the Performance and Qualifying modes offer distinct driving experiences. In Performance mode, both the internal combustion engine and electric motor work in concert, with a secondary objective of maintaining battery charge. Qualifying mode, however, unleashes the full, unadulterated performance potential of the powertrain, with battery charge status becoming a secondary concern.
The experience of gliding silently through picturesque villages is an unexpectedly serene pleasure. The damping calibration is so advanced that it transforms the 296 GTB into a surprisingly comfortable mile-muncher, and the ‘frunk’ offers a reasonable amount of luggage space – a welcome advantage over the SF90. However, the question that truly lingers in the minds of enthusiasts, myself included, is the visceral sensation when both the engine and electric motor are unleashed to their full potential.
The answer becomes startlingly clear when one plants the throttle at low revs in a higher gear: the 296 GTB simply surges forward with an immediate, lag-free response that momentarily makes you question the very need for gear changes, such is its sheer potency. Yet, with eight gears to exploit and an engine revving to an exhilarating 8,500rpm, the experience when truly uncorking the 296 GTB is nothing short of breathtaking.
As the performance figures suggest (0-62mph in a mere 2.9 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 205mph), the rate of acceleration is in the realm of “hold-on-tight/nervous laughter,” teetering on the edge of overwhelming, yet undeniably addictive. This is a car of profound speed. And the sound! The V6 rasp is tuneful, beautifully overlaid with a symphony of turbocharger effects, creating an auditory experience that is as engaging as the performance itself.
Ride and Handling: Agile, Precise, and Utterly Engaging
What truly impresses is the remarkable responsiveness of the 296 GTB’s chassis. Ferrari’s assertion that the car’s primary objective was to be “fun to drive” rings resoundingly true. It feels exceptionally agile without ever becoming overly nervous. The steering is typically light and rapid, yet it conveys a remarkable level of tactile information. While the grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains delightfully throttle-adjustable in a manner that invariably elicits a broad grin.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a distinct lack of inertia that encourages an intuitive, collaborative driving style, favoring small, precise inputs and reveling in its uncanny accuracy. Engaging CT Off mode provides a reassuring safety net, acknowledging the presence of an electronic guardian far more sophisticated than one’s own instincts, yet even with all electronic aids deactivated, the inherent balance of the 296 GTB allows for playful coaxing into oversteer, a feat one might not have believed possible in a car with 819bhp.
On track, the 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to dramatically shorten even the longest straights. Its sharp, surgical precision becomes even more apparent. While the prodigious power is readily available to break rear-wheel traction at numerous points around the lap, the 296 GTB is also exceptionally sensitive to braking and steering inputs, quickly teaching the driver that precision in control yields the greatest rewards.
The astounding turn-in accuracy and immediacy dramatically abbreviate the entry phase of every corner. Instead of gradually easing the car into turns and allowing loads to build, the 296 GTB immediately adopts its line, benefiting from the responsive Multimatic dampers. The hyper-quick steering complements the enhanced roll support provided by the Assetto Fiorano setup beautifully. Even for drivers transitioning from more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal, offering a joyous experience lap after lap.
Interior Design: A Futuristic Yet Familiar Cocoon
The cabin architecture will feel immediately familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the 296 GTB liberally borrows from its larger sibling. The fully digital interface, coupled with its haptic switchgear, presents a learning curve. These controls are ubiquitously applied, adorning the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari stalks flanking it.
While undeniably complex, it’s important to acknowledge the sheer volume of information and functions that need to be conveyed. The most significant critique, however, lies in the occasional need for a second press for simple operations that fail to register on the first attempt, or the uncertainty as to whether a press has been successfully acknowledged at all. Nevertheless, the cabin undoubtedly exudes a special, exclusive ambiance.
Industry Verdict: A Masterclass in Hybrid Supercar Design
The consensus from reputable automotive journals, such as evo, during their 2022 Car of the Year assessments, was overwhelmingly positive. The competition was fierce, with the McLaren Artura pushing the 296 GTB to its absolute limits, the scoring separated by the proverbial “fag paper.” Judges were notably divided, with an even split between those narrowly favoring the Ferrari and those who placed the McLaren marginally ahead.
The three judges who championed the 296 GTB, including myself, highlighted its spectacular nature. The car was lauded for its stunning aesthetics, outrageous speed, astonishing exploitability, and profound technical sophistication. The V6 engine, in particular, was seen as a masterclass in downsizing, delivering drama that rivaled larger displacement engines. Its control and agility were compared favorably to the Artura, yet with a perceived added layer of playfulness and indulgence.
One judge famously declared it “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. The hybrid system was praised for its seamless integration, remarkably not detracting from the driving experience as some had feared, perhaps due to the familiarity with the torquey characteristics of turbocharged V8 engines in models like the 488 and F8. The 296 GTB’s stonking pace was not its sole virtue; the character of the V6, with its consistently sweet soundtrack that evolves with throttle opening, provided a compelling driving narrative.
While the hybrid integration received widespread acclaim for its seamlessness, a singular incident during the evo Car of the Year assessment saw a car rendered immobile due to a depleted battery, with no apparent means of recovery. Ferrari had indeed cautioned participants about this possibility and provided guidance to mitigate such occurrences. However, the scenario remains plausible for an owner, leading to a pertinent observation: “that the company who introduced individual rear-wheel steering to its cars can’t engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this happening is a huge oversight.” Fortunately for the 296 GTB, this occurred after all scoring was completed.
Ferrari’s signature hyper-quick steering, while polarizing, divided opinion. Brake feel, while commendable, didn’t quite match the very best in the segment. The technological interface, as mentioned, drew widespread criticism for its complexity. Despite these critiques, the 296 GTB’s allure was undeniable, its seductive qualities proving irresistible. One judge confessed to being “bewitched,” citing the uncanny directional changes, astonishing damping, “looney-tunes” levels of grip, and the seemingly unending linearity of its power delivery.
The 296 GTB was widely hailed as a significant return to form for Ferrari, especially after the SF90 Stradale left some feeling somewhat underwhelmed. Its technical sophistication and the integration of its hybrid technology felt considerably more natural and far less intrusive. It was evident that Ferrari had absorbed lessons learned from the SF90 and distilled that knowledge into a series-production model that stands as one of its very finest achievements.
The Price of Perfection and the Future of Supercar Rivalries
When a vehicle is so heavily imbued with advanced technology, there’s always an inherent risk of the final product being less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment we encountered with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power output, sometimes felt slightly unnerving due to its less intuitive driving characteristics.
However, the 296 GTB represents a distinct evolution. Its harmonious blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect chord, redefining what a supercar in the approximately £250,000 price bracket can achieve. An even more potent Versione Speciale variant is anticipated, promising increased power, performance, and intensity, and the hope remains that the standard 296’s remarkably natural feel will be preserved.
It is this fundamental aspect of the 296 GTB’s character that we hope Lamborghini has meticulously addressed in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an almost obscene amount of power for a series-production supercar, capable of overwhelming the chassis if not expertly resolved. If Lamborghini has indeed achieved this parity – and their success with the Revuelto offers strong grounds for optimism – then the automotive world is poised for an epic, high-horsepower showdown.
Alternatively, a triple-threat comparison could include the McLaren 750S, now seemingly the “minnow” of this esteemed class with a comparatively modest 740bhp. However, it brings to the table a remarkably petite kerb weight of 1389kg, ensuring a potent power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw, ergonomically sound design, the crispness of its steering, and the deftness of its chassis undoubtedly set it apart, offering a more analogue, connected experience compared to the Ferrari’s more technologically advanced, and perhaps comparatively remote, feel.
Ferrari 296 GTB: A Glimpse at the Pinnacle
Engine: 2992cc, twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by an electric motor.
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch, featuring an active E-Diff.
Combined Power: 819bhp @ 8000rpm.
Combined Torque: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm.
Weight: 1470kg (dry), equating to approximately 566bhp per ton.
Acceleration: 0-62mph in just 2.9 seconds.
Top Speed: 205mph.
Estimated Price: Starting from £250,000+.
The Ferrari 296 GTB is not merely a car; it’s a statement about the future of performance motoring. It’s a harmonious convergence of cutting-edge technology and a profound understanding of driver engagement. As the automotive landscape continues its electrifying transformation, the 296 GTB stands as a testament to Ferrari’s enduring ability to innovate, inspire, and deliver unparalleled driving exhilaration.
Ready to experience the future of supercar performance? Discover the Ferrari 296 GTB and its unparalleled blend of hybrid power and dynamic prowess. Contact your nearest authorized Ferrari dealer today to learn more and schedule your exclusive viewing and test drive.

