The Electrifying Apex: Ferrari 296 GTB Redefines Supercar Dynamics in 2025
For a decade, the automotive landscape has been a relentless pursuit of raw power and visceral sensation. As an industry expe
rt with ten years immersed in the supercar arena, I’ve witnessed firsthand the evolution from thunderous naturally-aspirated engines to the current era of forced induction and burgeoning electrification. The Ferrari 296 GTB review encapsulates this monumental shift, presenting a machine that not only keeps pace but actively leads the charge into the future of high-performance automobiles. While the horizon gleams with the promise of a 10,000rpm, 903bhp V8 hybrid rival from Sant’Agata Bolognese – the Lamborghini Temerario – the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a testament to Italian ingenuity, a sophisticated marvel that has recalibrated our understanding of what a V6 hybrid supercar can achieve.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked an unprecedented departure from Maranello’s established playbook. Forsaking the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 that had graced its predecessors, the 296 GTB embraced a revolutionary twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by an electric motor. This bold pivot positioned the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a segment still grappling with the widespread adoption of hybrid powertrains. At its inception, its primary rival was the Lamborghini Huracán, a symphony of naturally-aspirated V10 charisma and auditory drama. While lacking the sheer grunt of its electrified counterpart, the Huracán offered a raw, unadulterated driving experience that defined its golden years. Equally formidable was the McLaren 720S, a twin-turbo V8 behemoth that championed power-to-weight supremacy. Now, as the McLaren 750S refines an existing formula, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid Temerario emerges as Lamborghini’s direct riposte to Ferrari’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta. The Ferrari 296 GTB isn’t just a competitor; it’s a statement of intent.
The sheer potency of the Ferrari 296 GTB is undeniable. Its all-new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6, paired with an electric motor driving exclusively the rear wheels (a departure from the all-wheel-drive SF90), propels the 296 GTB to a staggering 819bhp. This fusion of internal combustion and electric propulsion shattered conventional supercar paradigms. It’s easy to become fixated on such prodigious power figures and ponder the ultimate zenith of this performance escalation – a question the 296 GTB itself implicitly answers – and more importantly, where on earth one can legitimately deploy such might. Yet, the essence of the 296 GTB transcends mere numbers.
This is not just any Ferrari; it is the first V6-powered Ferrari road car, a lineage tracing back conceptually to the exquisite 246 GT Dino, though that legend never bore the Prancing Horse emblem in its era. It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration and boasts plug-in hybrid capability, offering an electric-only range of approximately 15 miles. The compact V6 is nestled low within a newly engineered aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, and repositioning the occupants slightly further forward. The electric motor contributes a potent 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 alone unleashes a breathtaking 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined output culminates in the headline-grabbing 819bhp. Ferrari wisely abstains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the combustion engine and electric motor. However, it’s safe to surmise that this figure is, to put it mildly, considerable. Critically, the V6 unit itself is approximately 30kg lighter than Ferrari’s V8 counterparts and is mated to an imperious eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The battery pack, a long, rectangular unit, is discreetly housed behind the seats.
No modern Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of acronyms denoting its sophisticated electronic chassis control systems. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari has developed the revolutionary six-axis sensor suite, dubbed 6w-CDS. This advanced system meticulously measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. It effectively supersedes traditional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, provides the vehicle with an unparalleled understanding of driver intent and instantaneous grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data empowers systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff to maximize cornering speeds while preserving unwavering stability and occupant confidence. Furthermore, it enables the novel ABS-evo system (a fitting moniker) in RACE mode and above. Leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, ABS-evo not only curtails braking distances but also refines braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners.
In a remarkable evolution, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics not for drag reduction, but for outright downforce generation. The manufacturer quotes an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a substantial portion, up to 100kg, attributed to the deployable rear wing. Cooling is a masterclass in thermal management. Two radiators in the front handle engine and gearbox temperatures, supplemented by two condensers dedicated to cooling the battery. Hot air is expelled from beneath the car, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the airflow directed towards the intercoolers integrated along the flanks. The subtle apertures below the headlamps are tasked with channeling air to cool the brakes. A cleverly integrated wing at the base of the roofline creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, guiding air to the rear of the car as if flowing over a meticulously sculpted surface. The majority of the 296 GTB’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 crucial underbody ride height, optimizing the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The Ferrari 296 GTB models we sampled on the launch circuit were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units, derived from GT racing technology. It also incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the front fascia, augmenting front downforce by a further 20kg. The extensive use of carbon fiber extends to the interior, with components like the door panels, contributing to a net weight saving of 12kg. This figure escalates to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For those seeking the ultimate track-focused setup, the Fiorano package also offers the choice of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, a significant upgrade over the standard Pilot Sport 4S. The Assetto Fiorano variants can also be personalized with an exterior graphics package, drawing inspiration from the iconic 250LM of the 1960s. Having spent considerable time with the 296 GTB ‘in the metal’, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a distinct character, an elegant design that subtly echoes the legendary 250LM, even without the more polarizing graphics.
To initiate propulsion, a double press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss and the selection of first gear are all that’s required. The 296 GTB defaults to Hybrid mode, meaning it will silently glide away using electric power alone, unless deliberate driver intervention via the haptic mode selectors on the left side of the steering wheel boss dictates otherwise. Maintaining a measured throttle input allows the 296 GTB to continue its silent progress on electric power alone, provided sufficient battery charge is available. Drivers can also elect to manually engage ‘eDrive’ mode, overriding any powertrain demands, or select from further Performance and Qualifying modes. In these dynamic settings, both power sources operate in concert. Performance mode prioritizes exhilarating acceleration while also managing to keep the battery topped up, whereas Qualifying mode unleashes the full, unadulterated potential of the powertrain, disregarding the battery’s state of charge.
The serene experience of gliding through tranquil villages is an unexpected, yet profoundly enjoyable facet of the 296 GTB. The sophistication of its damping system transforms it into a surprisingly comfortable long-distance companion, and the inclusion of a reasonably capacious luggage compartment in the front ‘frunk’ is a welcome bonus, especially when compared to the SF90. However, the true allure, the burning question for any enthusiast, lies in the experience when both the internal combustion engine and electric motor are unleashed in their full fury.
The potency of the Ferrari 296 GTB is immediately evident when accelerating from low revs in a high gear. The car surges forward with an immediate, lag-free response that momentarily makes one question the very necessity of gear changes, such is its sheer force. Still, the presence of eight meticulously calibrated gears and an engine that eagerly spins to an 8500rpm redline offers an exhilarating playground. When the 296 GTB is truly uncorked, the effect is nothing short of startling. The acceleration figures—a sub-3-second 0-62mph sprint and a top speed exceeding 205mph—paint a picture of relentless forward momentum, a sensation that borders on the overwhelming, inducing a peculiar blend of nervous laughter and an insatiable addiction. This is a car of formidable speed, and it sounds sensational too, with a captivating V6 rasp interwoven with evocative turbocharger effects.
What truly elevates the 296 GTB is the astonishing responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s assertion that the car’s primary objective was to be ‘fun to drive’ is not hyperbole. It exhibits a remarkable agility without succumbing to nervous tendencies. The steering is, as expected from Ferrari, exceptionally light and quick, yet it’s imbued with a surprising level of tactile feedback. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable in a manner that elicits unadulterated joy. It feels considerably lighter than its 1470kg (dry) weight suggests, with a delightful lack of inertia that encourages the driver to work with the machine, making precise inputs and reveling in its accuracy. The ‘CT Off’ mode provides a safety net of electronic intervention, offering a reassuring safety net far more intelligent than human reflexes, yet even with all electronic aids deactivated, the inherent balance of the 296 GTB allows for controlled oversteer that defies its prodigious 819bhp output.
On track, the 296 GTB possesses the remarkable ability to seemingly shrink even the longest straights. Its true prowess as a precision instrument becomes acutely apparent. The power is ample to break rear-end traction at numerous points around the lap, but the 296 GTB is also exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs, quickly teaching the driver that precision yields the greatest rewards. The turn-in accuracy and response are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing into turns and allowing loads to build gradually, the 296 GTB immediately settles into its line, its hyper-quick steering perfectly complementing the enhanced roll support provided by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for a driver accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are simply phenomenal, offering a joyous experience lap after lap.
The interior architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has spent time in the SF90, as the 296 GTB liberally borrows from its elder sibling. The fully digital interface, coupled with its haptic switchgear, presents a significant learning curve. These controls are liberally distributed across the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari stalks flanking it. While undoubtedly complex, it’s understandable given the wealth of information and functions to manage. The primary frustration arises when seemingly simple operations require multiple attempts to register or when the user is uncertain if an input has been acknowledged. Nevertheless, the cabin exudes an undeniable sense of occasion and exclusivity.
In the Ferrari 296 GTB review for evo Car of the Year 2022, the competition was fierce, with the McLaren Artura running neck and neck. The judges were narrowly divided, with three favoring the Ferrari and three favoring the McLaren. Those who placed the 296 GTB ahead lauded its spectacular design, outrageous speed, exploitable nature, and technical brilliance. The V6 engine was seen as a masterclass in downsizing, delivering drama that rivaled larger displacements. While matching the Artura in control, the 296 GTB was perceived as more playful and indulgent.
One prominent verdict declared the 296 GTB “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. The hybrid system was praised for its seamless integration, significantly less intrusive than some had feared, likely due to the familiarity with the torquey nature of turbocharged V8s in models like the 488 and F8. The 296 GTB’s blistering pace was tempered by the character of its V6, which offered a sweet, throttle-responsive soundtrack.
However, the seamless hybridization wasn’t without its challenges. On the final night of testing, a flat battery left one car stranded, with no apparent means of revival. While Ferrari had cautioned about this possibility and provided guidance, the scenario of an owner facing a similar predicament is conceivable. The criticism levied was that a company known for its engineering prowess, including the introduction of individual rear-wheel steering, couldn’t engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent such an occurrence. Fortunately, this incident 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 the class. The technological interface also drew widespread criticism for its over-complexity. Despite these criticisms, the 296 GTB proved to be an irresistibly seductive proposition. One judge, initially skeptical of its complexity and perceived gratuitous differentiations, found himself utterly bewitched by its uncanny directional changes, astonishing damping, and exhilarating levels of grip, all underpinned by a linearity of power delivery that felt seemingly endless.
As the Ferrari 296 GTS review highlighted, the convertible variant largely retains the core appeal of its coupe sibling. The 296 GTB represented a significant return to form for Ferrari, especially when contrasted with the less inspiring SF90 from the previous year. The technical sophistication and seamless integration of hybrid technology in the 296 GTB felt far more natural and less intrusive. Ferrari had evidently learned valuable lessons from the SF90, distilling that experience into a production model that stands as one of its very best.
When a vehicle is so laden with cutting-edge technology, there’s always a risk it might become less than the sum of its parts. This was a concern noted with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power output, could be unnerving due to its challenging driving characteristics. The 296 GTB, however, charts a different course. As evidenced by its joint third-place finish alongside the McLaren Artura in the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards, it feels far more organic. Its potent blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect chord, redefining the very essence of a sub-$300,000 supercar. Rumors of a Versione Speciale variant, promising even greater power and intensity, are circulating, with the fervent hope that the 296’s inherent natural feel will be preserved.
It is precisely this nuanced character, this harmonious integration of technology and driver engagement, that we hope Lamborghini has meticulously honed in its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power in a production supercar, capable of overwhelming a chassis that isn’t perfectly resolved. If Lamborghini has achieved the same level of dynamic brilliance evident in the Revuelto, then we are on the cusp of an extraordinary twin-test between two titans of hybrid hypercar technology.
Alternatively, one could envision a colossal 2400bhp triple-threat showdown, incorporating the McLaren 750S. In this context, the McLaren, with its 740bhp, might appear the relative ‘minnow’. However, it compensates with a remarkably svelte 1389kg kerb weight, resulting in a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw character, ergonomic excellence, razor-sharp steering, and deft chassis control offer a compelling counterpoint to the comparatively more remote feel of the Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications:
Engine: 2992cc, twin-turbocharged V6, plus electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, active E-diff
Combined Power: 819bhp @ 8000rpm
Combined Torque: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Price: Starting from approximately $320,000 USD (subject to regional taxes and options)
The Ferrari 296 GTB isn’t just a supercar; it’s a visionary statement about the future of performance driving. If you’re ready to experience this electrifying evolution firsthand and understand how Maranello is shaping the apex of automotive engineering, we invite you to explore bespoke configurator options or connect with an authorized Ferrari dealer to arrange a personal consultation and discover the profound capabilities of this remarkable machine.

