Ferrari 296 GTB 2025: A Masterclass in Electrified Supercar Prowess Facing Its Toughest Challenger
The Ferrari 296 GTB, a revolutionary hybrid supercar, has redefined performance benchmarks for nearly
three years. Now, with the formidable Lamborghini Temerario on the horizon, boasting a staggering 10,000rpm, 903bhp hybrid V8, the stakes have never been higher in the ultra-luxury performance segment.
As a decade-long veteran of the automotive industry, witnessing the evolution of the supercar has been nothing short of breathtaking. The landscape has shifted dramatically, and few vehicles embody this transformation as profoundly as the Ferrari 296 GTB. Introduced in 2022, it marked a seismic departure for Ferrari’s mid-engined icon, replacing the celebrated, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 with an all-new twin-turbo V6 augmented by electric power. This bold move positioned the 296 GTB as a trailblazer in a hypercar arena that is still navigating the complex transition to hybridized powertrains.
In its initial release, the 296 GTB’s most direct competitor was the Lamborghini Huracán, a V10-powered naturally aspirated marvel. While the Huracán might have lacked the raw horsepower figures of its electrified rival, it offered an unparalleled symphony of V10 charisma and visceral auditory feedback, a cherished characteristic in its final years. Concurrently, the McLaren 720S, with its potent twin-turbo V8, presented another formidable challenge. While the subsequent McLaren 750S represents an evolution of that theme, focusing on power-to-weight superiority, the upcoming 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid V8 Temerario from Lamborghini is a direct, assertive response to Maranello’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta.
Indeed, the 296 GTB packs an almost unbelievable punch. Its entirely new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, working in concert with an electric motor, propels the rear wheels exclusively – a distinction from the SF90 Stradale. This potent combination delivers a headline figure of 819bhp, effectively shattering established supercar conventions. The sheer magnitude of this power output is awe-inspiring, prompting contemplation on the ultimate limits of such performance escalation and, crucially, where and how such capabilities can be fully unleashed.
What makes the 296 GTB particularly significant is its status as the first V6-powered Ferrari road car. While the charming 246 GT Dino, a car often fondly remembered, never bore the Prancing Horse emblem during its production run, the 296 GTB carries the full weight of Ferrari’s legacy. It also pioneers the ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration and incorporates plug-in hybrid technology, offering an impressive EV-only range of approximately 15 miles. The compact V6 engine is mounted low within a newly engineered aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase reduced by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, with occupants positioned slightly further forward.
The electric motor contributes an additional 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 alone produces a remarkable 654bhp and 546lb ft. Ferrari wisely chooses not to quote a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the V6 and electric motor. However, it’s safe to assume this combined torque output is nothing short of prodigious. Crucially, the V6 configuration shaves approximately 30kg off the weight of a comparable Ferrari V8. This is mated to a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the battery pack, a sleek, elongated structure, is strategically located behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without a sophisticated array of electronic chassis management systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has developed a cutting-edge six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This advanced system meticulously measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes. By replacing traditional yaw sensors and working in tandem with a sensor on the steering rack, the 6w-CDS provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of both driver input and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data allows for the optimization of systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, maximizing cornering speeds while upholding unwavering stability and driver confidence. Furthermore, this innovation enables a new system called ABS-evo, available in RACE mode and above. Utilizing the 296’s brake-by-wire system, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also enhances braking performance during trail-braking into corners, offering a more intuitive and effective deceleration experience.
For the first time in its history, Ferrari is leveraging its active aerodynamics technology not to reduce drag, but to significantly increase downforce. The manufacturer claims an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a remarkable 100kg of that generated by an active rear wing that deploys from the rear deck. The cooling architecture is equally sophisticated. Two radiators in the front handle engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two additional condensers dedicated to managing the battery temperature. Hot air is expelled beneath the car, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with the airflow directed to the intercoolers positioned along the car’s flanks. The subtly integrated apertures below the headlamps are designed to draw air for brake cooling, while the roofline-integrated rear spoiler contributes to a ‘virtual’ rear screen, effectively guiding air towards the rear of the car as if it were flowing over a continuous surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated from beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid not only to air channeling and the rear diffuser but also to the underbody’s ground clearance, thereby amplifying the effectiveness of its downforce-generating surfaces.
The 296 GTB models sampled during the launch event were all equipped with the Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented option swaps the standard dampers for Multimatic units derived from GT racing technology and adds further carbon fiber aerodynamic elements to the front, increasing front downforce by an additional 20kg. The package also incorporates more carbon fiber within the cabin, such as the door panels, and on the exterior, contributing to a total weight saving of 12kg. This figure increases to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. As a further enhancement for Assetto Fiorano equipped cars, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires can be chosen, replacing the standard Pilot Sport 4S. The Fiorano variant also offers an optional exterior graphics package, paying homage to the iconic 250LM of the 1960s. Visually, the 296 GTB is a strikingly beautiful machine, distinctive and unique, echoing the elegance of the 250LM even without the graphic enhancements.
Performance and Acceleration: A Hybrid Thrill Ride
Initiating the driving experience is as simple as a double-press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The 296 GTB defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing for silent departure on electric power alone unless prompted otherwise via the haptic driver mode selectors on the steering wheel. With judicious throttle application, the car can maintain purely electric propulsion, provided the battery has sufficient charge. An ‘e-drive’ mode can be manually selected, overriding powertrain demands and enabling full electric operation. Beyond this, the Performance and Qualifying modes offer progressively escalating levels of engagement. In Performance mode, both power sources work in unison with a focus on maintaining battery charge. Qualifying mode, however, unleashes the full, unadulterated performance potential, with battery charge becoming a secondary concern.
The sensation of gliding silently through urban landscapes is an unexpectedly serene pleasure. The damping sophistication ensures a remarkably comfortable ride, making it an ideal companion for long-distance cruising. Even the luggage space in the front ‘frunk’ is surprisingly practical, a welcome contrast to the SF90. However, the true exhilaration lies in experiencing the full force of both the V6 engine and the electric motor operating in tandem.
A compelling demonstration of this synergy occurs when applying significant throttle in a high gear at low RPM. The 296 GTB surges forward with an immediacy that momentarily makes one question the very necessity of gear changes, such is its astonishing potency. Yet, with eight gears at its disposal and an engine that revs to a jubilant 8500rpm, the full unleashing of the 296’s capabilities is nothing short of startling. The acceleration figures—a sub-3-second 0-62mph sprint and a top speed exceeding 200mph—translate into a visceral, hold-on-tight experience accompanied by nervous laughter, a sensation that is both bordering on the extreme and utterly addictive. Complementing this phenomenal speed is a captivating soundtrack, a harmonious blend of potent turbocharger effects overlaying the tuneful rasp of the V6.
Ride and Handling: Precision Engineering for Pure Driving Joy
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is the profound responsiveness of its chassis, a testament to Ferrari’s commitment to delivering an inherently fun driving experience. The car exhibits exceptional agility without ever feeling precariously nervous. The steering, a hallmark of Ferrari’s engineering, is typically light and razor-sharp, yet it also conveys a remarkable level of road feel and information. While the grip levels are predictably immense, the car’s ability to be dynamically adjusted with throttle inputs fosters a sense of playful engagement that is guaranteed to elicit grins.
Despite its 1470kg dry weight, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter, possessing a fluidity of movement that encourages precise, small inputs and a deep appreciation for its accuracy and precision. Engaging CT Off mode allows for audacious maneuvers, bolstered by the reassuring presence of an intelligent electronic safety net. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows for subtle coaxing into controllable oversteer, a feat one might deem impossible in a car with such prodigious power.
On the racetrack, the 296 GTB possesses the remarkable ability to seemingly shrink even the longest straights. Its sharpness as a precision instrument becomes even more apparent. While the power is readily available to break rear-end traction at numerous points around the lap, the 296 GTB is also acutely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. It quickly becomes apparent that precise control application yields the most rewarding results. The astonishing turn-in accuracy and immediate response dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing the car into turns and gradually building load, the 296 GTB settles instantly into its line, its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering perfectly complementing the enhanced roll support provided by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers transitioning from more conventional sports cars, the speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are simply phenomenal and a consistent source of exhilaration lap after lap.
Interior: A Digital Frontier with Familiar Ferrari DNA
The cabin architecture will feel familiar to those who have experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the 296 GTB inherits a significant portion of its interior design. The fully digital interface, coupled with its array of haptic switchgear—liberally applied across the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it—presents a learning curve. While undeniably complex, it’s a necessary complexity given the sheer volume of information and functions to be managed. The primary frustration stems from the occasional need for a second press for simple operations that haven’t registered on the first attempt, or the uncertainty about whether a button press has been successfully acknowledged. Nevertheless, the overall impression is one of an exclusive and special environment.
Expert Verdict: A Landmark Achievement in Electrified Performance
The 2022 evo Car of the Year competition underscored the remarkable prowess of the 296 GTB. In a fiercely contested field, it narrowly tied with the McLaren Artura, with judges’ scores split almost evenly. Three testers narrowly favored the Ferrari, while three placed the McLaren ahead by a slender margin.
Those who favored the 296 GTB, including myself, lauded its spectacular design, outrageous speed, exploitable nature, and technical sophistication. The V6 powertrain was seen as a masterclass in downsizing, injecting dramatic flair where McLaren had previously excelled. The car’s sheer control was on par with the Artura, yet it offered a more playful and indulgent character.
The sentiment that the 296 GTB represented Ferrari’s first genuinely beautiful car since the F355 was widely echoed. The hybrid system’s seamless integration was particularly praised, its impact on the driving experience far less intrusive than initially feared, perhaps due to the familiarity with the torque-rich characteristics of turbocharged V8 engines in models like the 488 and F8. The 296 GTB’s stonking pace was balanced by the character of its V6, delivering a consistently sweet soundtrack that evolved with throttle application.
While the hybrid integration received widespread acclaim, a notable incident involved a flat battery leaving the car stranded. Although Ferrari had provided clear guidance on preventing such occurrences, the inability to revive the vehicle without external assistance was seen as a significant oversight, particularly for a marque known for its engineering innovation. Fortunately, this event occurred after scoring, thus not impacting the 296’s overall evaluation.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering did divide opinion, and brake feel, while competent, didn’t quite match the absolute best in class. The technological interface also faced criticism for its complexity. However, these minor drawbacks were overshadowed by the 296’s undeniable allure. Many found themselves unexpectedly captivated, bewitched by its uncanny directional changes, astonishing damping, prodigious grip levels, and the sensation of seemingly unending, linear power delivery.
As one judge eloquently put it, “The 296 is far more successful because its technical sophistication, and the integration of its hybrid technology in particular, feels much more natural, and far less intrusive. Ferrari has taken so much from the SF90, learned from that car, and distilled it into a series production model that’s one of its very best.”
Pricing, Rivals, and the Future of Hybrid Supercars
The inherent risk with any vehicle heavily laden with cutting-edge technology is that it might become less than the sum of its parts. This was a concern evident in the SF90 Stradale, which, despite its dazzling power, could sometimes feel aloof and difficult to fully connect with. The 296 GTB, however, represents a different proposition entirely. Its organic integration of power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect chord, effectively redefining expectations for a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket. Rumors of an upcoming Versione Speciale variant, promising even greater power and intensity, suggest that Ferrari is not resting on its laurels. The hope remains that this enhanced model will retain the standard 296’s remarkably natural and intuitive driving feel.
It is precisely this aspect – the natural, engaging feel – that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its forthcoming hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an almost obscene amount of power for a series production supercar, and it has the potential to overwhelm the chassis if not meticulously engineered to match. Given the exceptional standard set by the Revuelto, there is genuine optimism that Lamborghini will deliver a compelling contender. If both the Temerario and the 296 GTB are expertly realized, we could be on the cusp of an epic twin-test featuring nearly 1700bhp of hybrid hypercar might.
Adding the McLaren 750S to the mix would create a staggering 2400bhp triple threat. While it might appear the “minnow” of this group with “only” 740bhp, the McLaren’s considerably lower 1389kg kerb weight ensures a fiercely competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw character, ergonomic perfection, crisp steering, and sublime chassis dynamics offer a distinct contrast to the comparatively more detached feel of the Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Key Specifications:
Engine: 2992cc, twin-turbocharged V6, plus electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, active E-diff
Combined Power Output: 819bhp @ 8000rpm
Combined Torque Output: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Estimated Price: £250,000+
The automotive world is in constant flux, and the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a beacon of innovation, brilliantly blending electrifying performance with an engaging driving experience. As its rivals sharpen their claws, particularly with the impending arrival of the Lamborghini Temerario, the future of the hybrid supercar promises to be more exhilarating than ever.
Are you ready to experience the pinnacle of electrified automotive engineering? Explore the Ferrari 296 GTB for yourself or contact our specialist team to discuss bespoke performance options and schedule your ultimate driving experience.

