Ferrari 296 GTB 2025: The Benchmark Hybrid Supercar Facing a New Era of Competition
For a decade, I’ve navigated the intricate landscape of high-performance automotive engineering, witnessing firsthan
d the relentless evolution of the supercar segment. In this time, few vehicles have disrupted the established order quite like the Ferrari 296 GTB. Introduced in 2022, this mid-engined marvel from Maranello fundamentally reshaped expectations, embracing a hybrid powertrain that felt both revolutionary and, surprisingly, utterly natural. Even as whispers of a 10,000rpm, 900-horsepower V8 hybrid rival from Lamborghini echo through the industry, the 296 GTB remains a benchmark – a testament to Ferrari’s audacious vision and engineering prowess. This isn’t just a car; it’s a paradigm shift in supercar performance, and its continued relevance in 2025 is undeniable.
The supercar landscape has always been defined by tradition. For decades, a naturally aspirated V10 or a potent twin-turbo V8 were the cornerstones of visceral performance. The 296 GTB, however, dared to break that mold. It gracefully retired Ferrari’s multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 in favor of a completely novel twin-turbo V6, seamlessly integrated with electric augmentation. This move wasn’t merely a nod to future emissions regulations; it was a proactive step into a higher-tier supercar segment that was only beginning its transition to hybrid power.
At its debut, the 296 GTB’s most direct competitor was the Lamborghini Huracán, a car celebrated for its soul-stirring, naturally aspirated V10 symphony. While numerically outmatched in raw horsepower by the Ferrari, the Huracán offered a different, equally compelling brand of charisma – an unadulterated, raw auditory experience that defined its era. Then there was the formidable McLaren 720S, a champion of twin-turbo V8 dominance and power-to-weight supremacy. Now, as the McLaren 750S refines an already potent formula, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid codenamed “Temerario” emerges as Lamborghini’s direct riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp hybridized Berlinetta. This intensifying rivalry only elevates the significance of the 296 GTB as the established player.
Make no mistake, the 296 GTB packs genuine, earth-shattering firepower. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6, paired with a potent electric motor driving the rear wheels exclusively (a deliberate departure from the SF90’s AWD), delivers a combined 819bhp. This setup didn’t just push boundaries; it shattered existing supercar conventions. The sheer audacity of this power output begs the question: where does this escalation end, and perhaps more importantly, where can one truly unleash such a force? Yet, these philosophical ponderings fade when confronted with the sheer exhilaration the 296 GTB offers.
Historically, the V6 engine in a road-going Ferrari was a rarity, most famously represented by the iconic 246 GT Dino, which, in its time, didn’t bear the Prancing Horse emblem. The 296 GTB marks the first instance of a V6 powering a Ferrari bearing the full Maranello crest. It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger installation, a configuration where the turbochargers are mounted within the cylinder banks, facilitating a more compact design and quicker throttle response. Furthermore, it’s a plug-in hybrid, boasting an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles, offering a glimpse into sustainable supercar performance. The compact V6 engine is strategically mounted low within a newly developed aluminum chassis. This design choice allowed for a 50mm reduction in wheelbase compared to its V8 predecessors, with the occupants positioned slightly further forward to optimize weight distribution and packaging.
The electric motor alone contributes a staggering 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 engine independently produces a remarkable 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined figure of 819bhp is the headline, but Ferrari, with characteristic discretion, refrains from quoting a peak combined torque figure. This likely stems from the intricate interplay between the engine and electric motor, where their power delivery isn’t simply additive. However, it’s safe to surmise that the combined torque is nothing short of monumental. Critically, the V6 unit itself is approximately 30kg lighter than comparable Ferrari V8 engines. This is mated to an advanced eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, while the compact battery pack, a long, slender unit, resides discreetly behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of sophisticated electronic chassis control systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has developed an advanced six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS (Chassis Dynamic Sensor), capable of measuring acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes. This sensor replaces traditional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, provides the car with an unprecedented understanding of driver inputs and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patches. This intelligence allows for the optimization of systems like Side Slip Control and the active Electronic Differential (E-Diff) to maximize cornering speeds while steadfastly maintaining stability and driver confidence. It also enables the introduction of the innovative ABS-evo system in RACE mode and above. Leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners, a technique that demands exceptional precision and feel.
In a significant departure from previous applications, Ferrari is utilizing its active aerodynamics technology not for drag reduction, but for increasing downforce. The company quotes a remarkable 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with the rear wing, which deploys from the rear deck, contributing up to 100kg of that figure. The car’s aerodynamic efficiency is a masterclass in integrated design. Two radiators located in the front of the car manage engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two additional condensers dedicated to cooling the battery pack. Hot air is expertly expelled beneath the car, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the airflow directed towards the intercoolers positioned along the car’s flanks. The discreet apertures beneath the headlights are dedicated to cooling the brakes, while the roofline-integrated rear wing plays a crucial role in generating a ‘virtual’ rear screen, channeling air towards the rear of the car as if guided by an invisible surface. The majority of the 296’s substantial downforce is generated from beneath the chassis. Here, meticulous attention has been paid not only to the intricate channeling of air and the aggressive rear diffuser but also to the critical underbody height, which is optimized to enhance the effectiveness of the downforce-generating surfaces.
Our initial experience with the 296 GTB on a closed circuit was exclusively with models equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with specialized Multimatic units derived from GT racing applications. It also incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements at the front, boosting front downforce by an additional 20kg. The pursuit of lightness continues with increased use of carbon fiber within the cabin, including the door panels, and on exterior components, contributing to an overall weight saving of 12kg. This figure can be further enhanced by an additional 3kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. A further tantalizing option for Assetto Fiorano equipped cars is the choice of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, a significant upgrade from the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Visually, Assetto Fiorano cars can also be personalized with an exterior graphics package, a stylish homage to the iconic 250LM of the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 GTB in person, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a unique and captivating presence, distinct from anything else on the road, with design cues that subtly echo the legendary 250LM, even without the more flamboyant graphic options.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: A Symphony of Power and Precision
Engaging the 296 GTB is a ritual of deliberate actions. A double press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear, initiates the experience. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, enabling it to move away using electric power alone. Unless dictated otherwise by the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors on the left side of the steering wheel boss, and provided moderate throttle input, the 296 can glide silently on electricity alone, assuming sufficient battery charge.
Drivers have the option to definitively engage EV mode, irrespective of powertrain demands. Beyond this, there are distinct Performance and Qualifying modes. In both, the electric motor and V6 engine collaborate. Performance mode aims to maintain optimal battery levels alongside exhilarating power delivery, while Qualifying mode unleashes the absolute maximum performance, with little regard for the battery’s state of charge.
The unexpected pleasure of gliding silently through urban environments is a revelation. The damping system is remarkably sophisticated, offering a surprisingly comfortable ride for covering long distances. Even luggage space is thoughtfully considered, with a usable ‘frunk’ at the front, a welcome advantage over the SF90. However, what truly captures the imagination is the experience when both the engine and electric motor are unleashed.
The immediacy of response is astonishing. Planting the throttle at low revs in a high gear results in an immediate, lag-free surge forward. It’s a sensation so potent it makes you momentarily question the necessity of gear changes. Yet, with eight gears at your disposal and an engine that willingly revs to an exhilarating 8500rpm, the full deployment of the 296’s capabilities is nothing short of breathtaking. The acceleration figures – a sub-3-second 0-62mph time and a top speed exceeding 200mph – translate into a visceral, hold-on-tight, nervous laughter-inducing experience. It’s a level of velocity that is both thrillingly addictive and, at times, verging on overwhelming. Complementing this raw performance is a captivating soundtrack: the V6 delivers a tuneful rasp, artfully overlaid with the subtle, futuristic effects of turbochargers.
Ride and Handling: A Masterclass in Agile Engagement
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is the extraordinary responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s stated objective of making this car “fun to drive” is not just a marketing slogan; it’s a palpable reality. The car feels exceptionally agile without ever becoming nervous. The steering, characteristically light and quick, also offers a surprising level of tactile feedback, conveying crucial information about the road surface. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car’s true brilliance lies in its throttle adjustability. The ability to subtly manipulate the rear end with precise throttle inputs elicits an irrepressible grin.
Despite its quoted dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels considerably lighter. There’s a distinct lack of inertia throughout the car, encouraging a collaborative driving style where small, precise inputs yield dramatic and rewarding results. The CT Off (Traction Control Off) mode provides a remarkable degree of freedom, underpinned by the reassurance of an incredibly intelligent electronic safety net. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows for controlled oversteer, a feat that seems improbable in a car producing 819bhp.
On the racetrack, the 296 GTB has the remarkable ability to compress even the longest straights. Its true nature as a razor-sharp instrument becomes profoundly evident. While the power is readily available to break rear-end traction at numerous points around the lap, the car’s exquisite sensitivity to braking and steering inputs rewards precision above all else. Mastering these controls unlocks the car’s full potential, leading to a profoundly engaging and rewarding driving experience. The turn-in accuracy and immediacy dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Rather than easing into turns and allowing load to build gradually, the 296 GTB adopts its line instantly, aided by the sophisticated Multimatic dampers and the hyper-quick steering that perfectly complements the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are nothing short of phenomenal, offering an addictive thrill lap after lap.
Interior Design and Technology: A Digital Frontier with a Learning Curve
The cabin architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale. The extensive use of a purely digital interface, coupled with complementary haptic switchgear integrated into the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods, presents a complex, albeit futuristic, environment. While the sheer volume of information and control is undeniable, the interface can be challenging. Simple operations sometimes require multiple attempts to register, and discerning confirmation of a successful press can occasionally be ambiguous. Nevertheless, the overall impression is one of a special, focused environment befitting a supercar of this caliber.
Industry Recognition and Competitive Context
In 2022, during the highly esteemed evo Car of the Year competition, the 296 GTB found itself in a nail-biting contest. It achieved a joint third-place finish alongside the McLaren Artura, a testament to its exceptional performance. The judging panel was famously divided, with an equal number of testers narrowly preferring the Ferrari and the McLaren.
Those who championed the 296 GTB, including myself, praised its spectacular design, outrageous speed, remarkable exploitability, and profound technical sophistication. It was seen as a masterclass in how to downsize an engine while amplifying dramatic flair, showcasing a level of control comparable to the Artura but with a more playful and indulgent character. The verdict was that the 296 GTB represented the first truly beautiful Ferrari since the F355, a sentiment echoed by many.
The seamless integration of its hybrid system was widely applauded, proving far less intrusive than initially feared. This was attributed, in part, to the growing familiarity with the torquey characteristics of turbocharged V8s in models like the 488 and F8. The 296 GTB is exceptionally quick, but it doesn’t rely solely on brute speed. The character of the V6, with its always-sweet soundtrack that dynamically evolves with throttle opening, adds another layer of engagement.
However, a critical concern emerged: on the final night of testing, a fully discharged battery left one of the cars stranded, with no apparent means of recovery. Ferrari had indeed warned of this possibility and outlined preventative measures. Nevertheless, the potential for an owner to encounter a similar predicament was a significant point of discussion. As one tester aptly put it, the inability of a company that pioneered individual rear-wheel steering to engineer a simple fail-safe against such an event was a “huge oversight.” Fortunately for the 296 GTB, this incident occurred after all scoring was complete.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering, while praised by some, also divided opinion. Brake feel, while competent, was deemed not to match the absolute best in class. The technological interface, as mentioned, drew widespread criticism for its complexity. Yet, despite these criticisms, the 296 GTB proved irresistibly seductive. One judge confessed to initially being skeptical, finding the car “too complex, rather gratuitous points of difference,” but ultimately found himself “bewitched” by its uncanny ability to change direction, its astonishing damping, its “looney-tunes” levels of grip, and the sheer linearity of its seemingly endless power delivery.
The consensus was that the 296 GTB represented a significant return to form for Ferrari, particularly in contrast to the SF90, which had left some feeling somewhat cold. The technical sophistication and the integration of its hybrid technology were perceived as far more natural and far less intrusive in the 296. Ferrari demonstrably learned valuable lessons from the SF90, distilling that knowledge into a series-production model that stands as one of its very finest achievements.
Price, Rivals, and the Future of Supercar Dominance
When a vehicle is as densely packed with cutting-edge technology as the 296 GTB, there’s always a risk that it might become less than the sum of its parts. We observed this potential pitfall with the SF90, which, despite its dazzling power, could feel somewhat unnerving due to its challenging driving characteristics.
The 296 GTB, however, is a different proposition entirely. Its success in the evo Car of the Year 2022 competition, where it shared third place with the McLaren Artura, underscores its more organic and integrated appeal. The seamless blend of immense power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect balance, effectively redefining what a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket can and should be. Furthermore, rumors of a “Versione Speciale” variant, anticipated for 2025, promise even greater power, performance, and intensity. The paramount hope is that this enhanced iteration retains the inherently natural and intuitive feel that defines the standard 296.
It is precisely this aspect – the natural feel and intuitive engagement – that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized when perfecting its highly anticipated hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an almost obscene amount of power in a production supercar, a figure that can easily overwhelm the chassis and dynamics if not meticulously resolved. If Lamborghini has indeed achieved that delicate balance, as evidenced by the exceptional Revuelto, then we are poised for an electrifying twin-test showdown.
Alternatively, the field could expand to a staggering 2400bhp triple-threat with the inclusion of the McLaren 750S. In this context, the 750S, with its 740bhp, might appear the “minnow” of the group. However, its relatively svelte 1389kg kerb weight ensures a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw character, ergonomic perfection, crisp steering, and finely honed chassis offer a distinct alternative to the Ferrari’s more technologically advanced, yet comparatively more remote, driving experience.
The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB isn’t just a supercar; it’s a statement of intent and a benchmark for what hybrid performance can achieve. As the automotive world continues its relentless pursuit of electrification and enhanced performance, the 296 GTB stands as a shining example of how to marry innovation with pure, unadulterated driving pleasure.
Are you ready to experience the future of supercar performance? Explore the Ferrari 296 GTB at your nearest authorized dealer and discover the thrill of hybridized Italian excellence.

