The Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Masterpiece Redefining Supercar Performance in 2025
In the ever-evolving landscape of high-performance automobiles, few marques command the reverence and aspiration quite
like Ferrari. For a decade now, I’ve been immersed in the intricacies of automotive engineering and performance, witnessing firsthand the relentless pursuit of perfection that defines brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini. This journey has brought us to a pivotal moment in 2025, a year where the Ferrari 296 GTB stands not just as a remarkable machine, but as a benchmark, a testament to innovation, and a direct challenge to the established order. Its very existence, especially in the face of burgeoning competition from rivals like the much-anticipated Lamborghini Temerario, compels a deep dive into what makes this hybrid V6 supercar so extraordinary.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a significant, almost seismic, shift in Ferrari’s mid-engined supercar philosophy. Forgoing the hallowed, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8, Maranello embarked on a bold new path, embracing a twin-turbocharged V6 engine augmented by electric power. This daring pivot positioned the 296 GTB at the forefront of a segment that, while still grappling with the full transition to hybrid powertrains, was undoubtedly heading in this electrifying direction.
In its initial competitive milieu, the 296 GTB’s most traditional adversary was the Lamborghini Huracán, celebrated for its naturally aspirated V10 symphony and visceral charisma. While perhaps outmatched in raw horsepower by the newcomer, the Huracán offered an irreplaceable analogue driving experience. Then there was the formidable McLaren 720S, a V8-powered titan that has since evolved into the 750S, continuing its legacy of power-to-weight supremacy. However, the narrative has dramatically shifted. The 903 horsepower, 10,000 rpm hybrid powerhouse that is the Lamborghini Temerario represents a direct, audacious retort to Ferrari’s electrified Berlinetta, which boasts a potent 819 horsepower. This isn’t just a rivalry; it’s an arms race of innovation.
The sheer firepower of the Ferrari 296 GTB is, frankly, mind-boggling. Featuring an all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine meticulously paired with an electric motor, it drives the rear wheels exclusively—a distinction from the SF90 Stradale. This 819 horsepower hybrid marvel didn’t just enter the supercar arena; it fundamentally rewrote the rules of engagement. It’s easy to become fixated on these astronomical power figures, to ponder the zenith of this performance escalation—a question the 296 GTB seems intent on answering for its rivals—and to question where, in reality, such prodigious performance can be fully unleashed. But these are philosophical debates; the immediate reality is the tangible engineering prowess on display.
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is its pioneering status. It is the first V6-powered road-going Ferrari, a lineage that consciously excludes the iconic 246 GT Dino, which never bore the Prancing Horse emblem during its production run. Furthermore, it introduces Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration to a road car and incorporates a plug-in hybrid system capable of approximately 15 miles of pure electric range. The compact V6, a marvel of modern engineering, is mounted low within a bespoke aluminum chassis. This chassis is notably shorter than its V8 predecessors, with a wheelbase reduced by 50mm, contributing to a slightly more forward seating position for occupants.
The electric motor itself contributes an impressive 165 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 engine alone delivers a staggering 654 horsepower and 546 lb-ft. When these forces combine, they achieve the headline figure of 819 horsepower. Ferrari, in its characteristic discretion, refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the engine and electric motor. However, it is safe to assume this combined torque output is nothing short of colossal, contributing to the car’s astonishingly immediate acceleration. Crucially, the V6 unit is approximately 30kg lighter than Ferrari’s equivalent V8 engines. This is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and the battery pack, a sleek, elongated structure, is cleverly housed behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of acronyms denoting its sophisticated electronic chassis control systems. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari has developed the six-axis sensor known as 6w-CDS (Six-Way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This advanced system measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes, effectively replacing traditional yaw sensors. In conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, it provides the car with an unparalleled 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 E-Diff, maximizing cornering speeds while meticulously preserving stability and driver confidence. It also enables the innovative ABS-evo system, available in RACE mode and above. Through the car’s brake-by-wire architecture, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners, a testament to the precision engineered into this supercar performance machine.
In a significant departure from convention, Ferrari is leveraging its active aerodynamics not primarily for drag reduction, but for generating substantial downforce. The manufacturer quotes a remarkable 360kg of downforce at 155 mph, with the deployable rear wing alone contributing up to 100kg. The cooling architecture is equally impressive. Two radiators in the front handle engine and gearbox temperatures, supplemented by two condensers dedicated to cooling the battery. Hot air is expelled discreetly beneath the car, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the airflow directed to the intercoolers nestled along the car’s flanks. The subtle apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to cooling the brakes, while the aerodynamically integrated wing at the base of the roofline creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, effectively channeling air to the rear of the vehicle as if guided by a dedicated 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.
Our initial encounters with the Ferrari 296 GTB were on track, with all test cars equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This track-focused upgrade swaps the standard dampers for Multimatic units, directly derived from GT racing technology, and adds further carbon fiber aerodynamic elements to the front, increasing front downforce by an additional 20kg. The cabin also benefits from increased carbon fiber application, notably on the door panels, contributing to an overall weight saving of 12kg. Opting for the Lexan rear engine cover shaves off an additional 3kg. Furthermore, Assetto Fiorano specification allows for the fitment of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the already excellent standard Pilot Sport 4S. These track-oriented variants can also be adorned with an exterior graphics package, a stylish nod to the legendary 250LM of the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 GTB both in digital renderings and in the flesh, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a strikingly unique design, a captivating fusion of modern aggression and classic automotive sculpture, even without the optional racing livery, subtly evoking the spirit of the 250LM.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: A Symphony of Power and Precision
Initiating motion in the Ferrari 296 GTB is as simple as 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, electric-only departure from a standstill, unless deliberately overridden via the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors positioned on the left side of the steering wheel boss. With judicious throttle application, the 296 can maintain pure electric propulsion, contingent on battery charge, offering a surprisingly serene urban driving experience.
The ability to ‘force’ the car into full EV mode, irrespective of powertrain demands, offers further flexibility. Beyond this, there are dedicated Performance and Qualifying modes. In these settings, both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor operate in unison. Performance mode prioritizes both power delivery and battery replenishment, while Qualifying mode unlocks the ultimate performance threshold, disregarding the battery’s state of charge.
The unexpected pleasure of gliding silently through urban landscapes, coupled with remarkably sophisticated damping that renders it a comfortable mile-muncher, is a pleasant revelation. The ‘frunk’ at the front offers a usable luggage space, a thoughtful addition absent in the SF90. But the question on everyone’s mind—mine included—is the visceral experience of unleashing both the V6 engine and the electric motor in full concert.
The true character of the 296 GTB is revealed when you decisively plant the throttle at low revs in a high gear. The car surges forward with an immediacy that eradicates any notion of turbo lag, prompting a fleeting contemplation of the necessity of gears given such effortless potency. Yet, with eight gears to exploit and an engine that willingly revs to an exhilarating 8,500 rpm, the full unleashing of the 296’s capabilities is nothing short of astonishing.
As the specifications suggest—a blistering 0-62 mph time measured in mere seconds and a top speed exceeding 205 mph—the rate of acceleration is intense, bordering on the overwhelming, yet paradoxically addictive. This is an exceptionally rapid automobile. Its auditory signature is equally compelling, a harmonious blend of aggressive turbocharger spooling sounds interwoven with the tuneful V6 rasp.
Ride and Handling: The Art of Agile Engagement
What truly distinguishes the Ferrari 296 GTB is the extraordinary responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s promise of a ‘fun to drive’ experience is not an exaggeration; the car feels agile without venturing into nervousness. The steering is typically Ferrari—light and rapid—yet imbued with an impressive level of tactile feedback. While the grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable, eliciting an irrepressible grin with every corner exit.
Despite its quoted dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a palpable lack of inertia that encourages the driver to work with the car, making minute inputs and reveling in its pinpoint accuracy and precision. Engaging CT Off mode allows for audacious explorations of its dynamic envelope, underpinned by the reassurance of an incredibly intelligent electronic guardian. Even with all electronic aids disengaged, the 296’s inherent balance facilitates a degree of controllable oversteer that would be unthinkable in many other cars with comparable horsepower.
On the track, the 296 GTB has the remarkable ability to compress even the longest straights, transforming the circuit into a more intimate playground. What becomes strikingly apparent is its surgical precision. While the power is certainly abundant enough to break rear traction at numerous points around the lap, the 296 is also exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs, rewarding precise control with amplified driver engagement. The turn-in accuracy and responsiveness are phenomenal, drastically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing into turns and gradually building load, the 296 immediately adopts its line, aided by the 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 phenomenal, offering an exhilarating experience lap after lap.
Interior Design: A Digital Frontier
The interior architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as it borrows heavily from that flagship model. The fully digital interface, coupled with an array of haptic switchgear integrated into the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it, presents a learning curve. While undoubtedly complex, it aims to convey a wealth of information. The primary frustration lies in the occasional need for a second press for simple operations that may not register on the first attempt, or the ambiguity of whether a touch input has been successfully registered. Nevertheless, the cabin exudes an undeniable sense of occasion and purpose.
Expert Verdict: A New Dawn for Ferrari Supercars
The 2022 evo Car of the Year awards saw the Ferrari 296 GTB locked in an incredibly tight battle with the McLaren Artura, with judges split down the middle. Those who favored the Ferrari, including myself and esteemed colleagues, lauded its spectacular design, outrageous speed, astonishing exploitability, and profound technical sophistication. Jethro Bovingdon eloquently stated, “Its V6 shows McLaren how to downsize but turn up the drama, and it matches the Artura in terms of sheer control but feels a bit more playful and indulgent.”
Dickie Meaden offered a compelling endorsement, declaring it “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355.” He further elaborated on the seamless integration of the hybrid system, noting, “It doesn’t change the driving experience as much as I’d feared, probably because we’ve already got used to the torquey characteristics of the turbocharged V8 in the 488 and F8. The 296 is stonkingly quick, but doesn’t rely solely on speed thanks to the character of the V6, which has a soundtrack that’s always sweet and changes with throttle opening.”
While the hybrid system’s seamless operation was widely praised, a single incident of the battery running flat, leaving the car immobile, cast a shadow. Ferrari had cautioned about this possibility, but the inability to engineer a simple fail-safe, as noted by Gallagher, was deemed a significant oversight. Fortunately, this occurred after the scoring was finalized.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake feel didn’t quite match the absolute best in class, alongside criticism for the overly complex tech interface. Yet, the 296 GTB remained irresistibly seductive. Vivian, initially skeptical, found himself “bewitched by the spooky way it changes direction; its amazing damping and looney-tunes levels of grip; the linearity of seemingly never-ending power.”
The sentiment resonated through the team: “The 296 is way more successful because its technical sophistication, and the integration of its hybrid technology in particular, feels much more natural, and far less intrusive,” observed Sutcliffe. Gallagher concurred, “Ferrari has taken so much from the SF90, learnt from that car and distilled it into a series production model that’s one of its very best.” This collective assessment cemented the 296 GTB’s status as a return to form for Ferrari.
Price and the Future of Supercar Rivalries
When a vehicle is so heavily laden with advanced technology, there’s an inherent risk of the sum becoming less than its parts—a pitfall encountered with the SF90, which, despite its dazzling power, felt somewhat unnerving in its driving characteristics. However, the Ferrari 296 GTB transcends this concern. Its organic feel, combined with an expertly balanced blend of power and dynamic engagement, strikes a perfect chord, redefining the expectations of a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket. Rumors of a Versione Speciale variant, promising even greater power and intensity, are circulating, with the hope that the standard 296’s exquisitely natural feel will be preserved.
It is this crucial aspect—the natural, engaging driving experience—that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900 horsepower is an almost obscene amount of power for a production supercar, capable of overwhelming a less resolved chassis. If Lamborghini has indeed mastered this, as their exceptional Revuelto suggests they might have, we are poised for an epic twin test, pitting two hybrid titans against each other. Alternatively, we could expand this to a monumental 2400 horsepower triple threat, including the McLaren 750S, which, by comparison, might seem like the ‘minnow’ of the group with its ‘mere’ 740 horsepower. However, the McLaren brings a relatively lithe 1389kg kerb weight to the table, ensuring a competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw character, ergonomic perfection, crisp steering, and sublime chassis balance offer a distinct, more connected experience compared to the comparatively remote Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications (2025 Model Year)
Engine: V6, 2992cc, twin-turbocharged, augmented by an electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, with active E-diff
Combined Power Output: 819 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Combined Torque Output: 546 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm
Weight: 1470 kg (dry) (equivalent to 566 bhp/ton)
0-62 mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205 mph
Estimated Price: Starting from £250,000+
The Ferrari 296 GTB represents a bold leap forward, a harmonious fusion of V6 efficiency, electrifying power, and unparalleled driving dynamics. It’s a car that not only challenges the status quo but sets a new benchmark for what a hybrid supercar can and should be.
If you’re captivated by this blend of cutting-edge technology and exhilarating performance, and are curious to explore how the Ferrari 296 GTB might fit into your own automotive aspirations, we invite you to connect with our specialist team for a personalized consultation and to learn about the next steps in experiencing this automotive masterpiece.

