The Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Masterpiece Redefining Supercar Prowess in 2025
For a decade, I’ve witnessed the relentless evolution of the supercar, a journey marked by escalating power figures, incre
asingly sophisticated electronics, and a persistent push towards electrified performance. In this landscape, the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a pivotal moment, a testament to Maranello’s audacious vision. Arriving in 2022, it fundamentally shifted the paradigm for Ferrari’s mid-engined icon, forsaking the celebrated twin-turbo V8 for a groundbreaking twin-turbocharged V6 augmented by electric power. This bold move positioned the Ferrari 296 GTB at the vanguard of a segment still grappling with its hybrid destiny.
Initially, the Ferrari 296 GTB faced formidable adversaries. Its predecessor’s traditional rival, the Lamborghini Huracán, championed the soul-stirring wail of a naturally aspirated V10. While perhaps outgunned in raw horsepower, the Huracán offered an intoxicating blend of auditory drama and visceral engagement that defined its era. The McLaren 720S, a twin-turbo V8 behemoth, also presented a potent challenge, built on a philosophy of unadulterated power-to-weight supremacy. However, as we stand on the cusp of 2025, the game has irrevocably changed. The horizon now glimmers with the much-anticipated Lamborghini Temerario, a hybrid beast boasting a staggering 903bhp and a screaming 10,000rpm redline. This electric-assisted V8 machine represents Lamborghini’s direct riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta, setting the stage for an electrifying rivalry that will define the next chapter of supercar performance.
The Ferrari 296 GTB is, without question, a powerhouse. Its all-new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6, coupled with an electric motor driving solely the rear wheels (a departure from the SF90’s AWD configuration), unleashes a combined 819bhp. This potent combination shattered conventional supercar benchmarks upon its debut. It’s easy to be mesmerized by such astronomical power figures and ponder the ultimate limits of this escalation – a question the Ferrari 296 GTB seems determined to answer with every blip of the throttle. But beyond the sheer numbers, the true revelation lies in where and how this immense performance can be unleashed, transforming everyday drives into extraordinary experiences.
This remarkable machine marks several significant “firsts” for Ferrari. It’s the first V6-powered road car to proudly wear the Prancing Horse emblem (the exquisite 246 GT Dino, while a V6, never bore the badge in its time). It’s also the first to adopt a “hot-vee” turbocharger arrangement, optimizing packaging and responsiveness. Furthermore, its plug-in hybrid nature grants it an electric-only range of approximately 15 miles, offering a glimpse into a more sustainable, albeit electrifying, future for automotive performance. The compact V6 engine nestles low within a newly engineered aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase 50mm shorter than its V8 predecessors, subtly repositioning the occupants slightly further forward for enhanced engagement.
The electric motor itself contributes a potent 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque. The V6, operating independently, is a marvel of engineering, producing a breathtaking 654bhp and 546lb ft. Ferrari prudently refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the V6 and the electric motor, but it’s safe to assume this figure is nothing short of prodigious. Crucially, the V6 unit itself is approximately 30kg lighter than its V8 counterpart, contributing to the car’s agility. This potent powertrain is managed by an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, with the compact battery pack, a long, slender unit, cleverly housed behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of acronyms denoting cutting-edge electronic chassis management. The Ferrari 296 GTB debuts the revolutionary six-axis sensor, dubbed 6w-CDS. This sophisticated system measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes, replacing traditional yaw sensors. In conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, it provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of driver intent and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data allows the car to optimize systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff to maximize cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and driver confidence. A new ABS-evo system, integrated with the brake-by-wire technology, is also introduced in RACE mode and above, promising reduced braking distances and enhanced performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners.
For the first time, Ferrari’s active aerodynamics are employed not to reduce drag, but to generate significant downforce. The firm claims an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with approximately 100kg of this attributable to the deployable rear wing. The cooling system is equally ingenious. Two radiators in the front manage engine and gearbox temperatures, supplemented by two additional condensers for battery cooling. Hot air is expelled beneath the car, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the airflow directed towards the intercoolers along the flanks. Small apertures below the headlights are dedicated to brake cooling, while a roofline-integrated wing cleverly creates a “virtual” rear screen, channeling air to the rear of the car with remarkable efficiency. The majority of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s downforce is generated from beneath the chassis, with meticulous attention paid to the underbody’s design, including the rear diffuser and its ground clearance, to maximize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The pre-production Ferrari 296 GTB models we experienced on track at the launch were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-enhancing upgrade swaps the standard dampers for Multimatic units derived from GT racing, and adds further carbon fiber aerodynamic elements to the front, boosting 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. Opting for the Lexan rear engine cover shaves off an additional 3kg, bringing the total reduction to 15kg. For the ultimate track-focused setup, Assetto Fiorano cars can be specified with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the already excellent standard Pilot Sport 4S. An optional exterior graphics package, inspired by the iconic 250LM of the 1960s, further enhances the visual drama of the Assetto Fiorano equipped Ferrari 296 GTB.
Having had the opportunity to thoroughly assess the Ferrari 296 GTB, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a captivating beauty, utterly distinct from anything else on the road, with styling cues that subtly nod to the legendary 250LM, even without the more overt graphics package.
Performance Prowess and Electrifying Acceleration
Engaging the Ferrari 296 GTB is an intuitive process. A double-press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss and a swift selection of first gear are all that’s required. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, initiating its journey on electric power alone unless explicitly instructed otherwise via the haptic driver mode selectors on the steering wheel. As long as the throttle application remains gentle and the battery retains charge, the car will continue its silent progression.
Drivers can also opt to forcefully engage EV mode, irrespective of powertrain demands. For more spirited driving, Performance and Qualify modes are available. In Performance mode, both power sources collaborate, with a secondary objective of maintaining battery charge. Qualify mode, as the name suggests, prioritizes absolute maximum performance, disregarding the battery’s state of charge.
The sensation of gliding silently through urban landscapes is surprisingly serene, and the damping sophistication makes the Ferrari 296 GTB an exceptionally comfortable car for covering long distances. The front trunk offers a reasonable amount of luggage space, a welcome convenience absent in the SF90. However, the question that truly ignites the passion of any enthusiast is: what does it feel like when both the V6 engine and the electric motor are unleashed to their full potential?
The answer is immediate and profound. Prod the throttle at low revs in a high gear, and the Ferrari 296 GTB surges forward with an astonishing lack of lag, prompting an immediate re-evaluation of the need for gear changes, such is its sheer potency. Yet, with eight gears to exploit and an engine that willingly spins to an exhilarating 8,500rpm, the full unleashing of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s capabilities is nothing short of astonishing.
The acceleration figures – a blistering 0-62mph in a mere 2.9 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205mph – translate into a driving experience that is both exhilarating and verging on the disorienting. It’s a sensation of relentless forward propulsion that elicits a nervous laugh and an almost addictive thrill. This is a seriously rapid machine, and its auditory accompaniment is equally captivating, with the tuneful rasp of the V6 beautifully overlaid with evocative turbocharger sounds.
Ride and Handling Dynamics: A Symphony of Precision
What truly elevates the Ferrari 296 GTB is the profound responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s assertion that the car’s primary objective was to be “fun to drive” is unequivocally validated. It feels remarkably agile without ever becoming nervous. The steering, typically a Ferrari hallmark, is light and incredibly quick, yet it also relays an exceptional level of tactile feedback from the road surface. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car also exhibits a remarkable degree of throttle adjustability, a trait that invariably brings a wide grin to the driver’s face.
Despite a dry weight of 1470kg, the Ferrari 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s an almost complete absence of inertia, encouraging a more intuitive and collaborative driving style. Small, precise inputs are rewarded with immediate and accurate responses. Engaging “CT Off” mode provides a substantial safety net, allowing for daring maneuvers with the reassurance of an incredibly intelligent electronic guardian. However, even with all electronic aids deactivated, the Ferrari 296 GTB’s inherent balance allows for subtle teasing into oversteer in a manner one might deem impossible for a car producing 819bhp.
On track, the Ferrari 296 GTB has the uncanny ability to make even the longest straights feel shorter. Its precision is that of a finely honed scalpel. While ample power exists to break rear traction at various points around the circuit, the car is acutely sensitive to both braking and steering inputs. Mastering these controls unlocks the greatest rewards, revealing the car’s true potential. The turn-in accuracy and immediate response dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Rather than easing into bends, the Ferrari 296 GTB sets its line instantaneously, its posture perfectly complemented by the hyper-quick steering and the enhanced body control afforded by the Assetto Fiorano package’s dampers. Even for drivers accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the Ferrari 296 GTB are phenomenal, delivering a joy that endures lap after lap.
The Interior Experience: A Digital Embrace
The cabin architecture of the Ferrari 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90. The entirely digital interface and its array of haptic switchgear, liberally distributed across the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari stalks, represent a significant departure. While undeniably complex, the system is tasked with relaying a vast amount of information. The primary challenge lies in occasional double-presses being required for commands to register, and the ambiguity of whether an input has been successfully acknowledged. Nevertheless, the cabin undeniably conveys a sense of occasion and exclusivity, befitting a Ferrari supercar.
evo Car of the Year 2022 Verdict: A Near-Perfect Score
The competition for evo Car of the Year 2022 was incredibly close. The Ferrari 296 GTB and the McLaren Artura were separated by the narrowest of margins, with judges evenly split in their preference. Those who favored the Ferrari 296 GTB lauded its spectacular design, outrageous speed, exploitable performance, and technical brilliance. Jethro enthused about how the V6 concept demonstrated to McLaren how to downsize while amplifying the drama, and how it matched the Artura’s control while offering a more playful and indulgent character.
Dickie described it as “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. He praised the seamless integration of the hybrid system, which remarkably didn’t detract from the driving experience as much as anticipated, perhaps due to the familiarity with the torquey nature of turbocharged V8s in the 488 and F8. He highlighted the Ferrari 296 GTB’s stonking pace but emphasized that its appeal extended beyond mere speed, thanks to the character of the V6 and its consistently sweet, throttle-dependent soundtrack.
While the Ferrari 296 GTB’s hybridisation was widely celebrated for its seamlessness, a single incident on the final night saw the car stranded when the battery depleted with no apparent means of recovery. Ferrari had indeed cautioned about this possibility and outlined preventative measures. However, the oversight of a company renowned for introducing sophisticated technologies failing to engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent such a scenario was noted as a significant drawback. Fortunately, this event occurred after scoring had concluded.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake pedal feel didn’t quite match the very best in class. The technological interface also faced criticism for its excessive complexity. Yet, despite these points, the Ferrari 296 GTB proved irresistibly seductive. Vivian confessed to being “somewhat bewitched,” initially expecting to be put off by its complexity and perceived gratuitous differences. Instead, she was captivated by its “spooky” directional changes, astonishing damping, “looney-tunes” levels of grip, and the linearity of its seemingly endless power delivery.
Peter Tomalin, editor of evo, concluded that the Ferrari 296 GTB represented “a real return to form for Ferrari,” especially following the less inspiring SF90. He noted that the Ferrari 296 GTB’s technical sophistication and hybrid integration felt far more natural and less intrusive, learning from the SF90 and distilling its essence into a production model that is among Ferrari’s finest.
Price, Rivals, and the Future of Supercar Performance
The inherent risk with such technologically advanced vehicles is that they may become less than the sum of their parts. This was an observation evo made with the SF90, which, despite its dazzling power, proved somewhat unnerving due to its challenging driving characteristics.
However, the Ferrari 296 GTB charts a different course. Its performance at the evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, where it secured joint third place with the McLaren Artura, underscored its more organic feel. The harmonious blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a remarkable sweet spot, redefining the expectations for a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket. Rumors of a “Versione Speciale” variant, promising even more power, performance, and intensity, are circulating, and the hope is that the standard Ferrari 296 GTB’s remarkably natural feel will be retained.
It is this very aspect – the nuanced driving experience – that we fervently hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. The prospect of over 900bhp in a series-production supercar is an almost obscene amount of power, capable of overwhelming a less resolved chassis. If Lamborghini has indeed mastered this challenge, as their recent success with the Revuelto suggests, then we are poised for an epic twin-test, potentially featuring a combined 1700bhp of hybrid fury.
Alternatively, the equation could expand to a colossal 2400bhp triple threat with the inclusion of the McLaren 750S. Astonishingly, this model, with its 740bhp, is now the relative “minnow” of this elite class. However, it counters with a remarkably light 1389kg kerb weight, ensuring a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw character, ergonomic perfection, razor-sharp steering, and exquisitely deft chassis offer a distinct, more visceral experience compared to the comparatively remote Ferrari.
For those seeking the pinnacle of automotive engineering and driving pleasure, the Ferrari 296 GTB represents a compelling destination. Its masterful fusion of V6 prowess, electric augmentation, and an uncompromising focus on driver engagement sets a new benchmark.
If you’re ready to experience the future of supercar performance firsthand, we invite you to explore the exceptional offerings at our premier Ferrari dealerships. Contact us today to schedule your private viewing and discover the electrifying thrill of the Ferrari 296 GTB.
