The Ferrari 296 GTB 2025: Electrifying Performance in the Supercar Pantheon
For a decade now, the supercar landscape has been a battlefield of escalating horsepower and the raw, untamed symphony of na
turally aspirated engines. Yet, as we stand on the precipice of 2025, a new paradigm has firmly taken root, driven by innovation, sustainability, and a relentless pursuit of the ultimate driving experience. At the forefront of this revolution, the Ferrari 296 GTB has emerged not just as a participant, but as a trailblazer, redefining what a hybrid supercar can be. Having spent considerable time immersed in the intricate dance of automotive engineering and performance, it’s clear that this prancing horse from Maranello is a masterclass in blending electrification with visceral exhilaration. It’s a machine designed to push boundaries and, crucially, to be genuinely engaging, a stark contrast to some earlier electrified attempts that prioritized raw numbers over driver connection.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a significant inflection point for the marque. Eschewing the celebrated, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 that had powered many of its predecessors, Ferrari made a bold leap into the future with an all-new, twin-turbocharged V6 engine, augmented by a sophisticated electric powertrain. This strategic shift placed the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a segment that, while increasingly embracing hybrid technology, still grappled with the full spectrum of its potential.
In its initial guise, the 296 GTB faced a formidable, albeit more traditional, adversary in the Lamborghini Huracán, with its glorious naturally-aspirated V10. While the Huracán offered an intoxicating blend of V10 charisma and auditory drama, its comparative power output paled in comparison to the new Ferrari. Alongside the potent McLaren 720S, with its formidable twin-turbo V8, the automotive world watched with keen interest. While the subsequent McLaren 750S builds upon an established foundation, emphasizing power-to-weight supremacy, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm-capable, twin-turbo V8 hybrid Temerario from Lamborghini represents a direct, and dare I say, spirited, riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta. This emerging rivalry underscores the intense competition and innovation driving the supercar performance segment.
Indeed, the Ferrari 296 GTB packs a formidable punch. Its heart is an entirely new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, seamlessly integrated with an electric motor. Crucially, unlike the range-topping SF90 Stradale, the 296 channels its prodigious power solely to the rear wheels. This focus on rear-wheel drive dynamics, combined with its headline-grabbing 819bhp output, has undeniably shattered established supercar conventions. The sheer magnitude of this power figure is awe-inspiring, prompting contemplation on the ultimate limits of such performance and, more practically, where such capabilities can be fully unleashed.
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is its pioneering spirit. It stands as the first V6-powered Ferrari road car (the enchanting 246 GT Dino, while bearing the Dino name, never officially carried the Prancing Horse emblem in its era). It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger installation and proudly embraces plug-in hybrid technology, offering a genuine EV-only range of approximately 15 miles. The compact V6 unit is nestled low within a newly developed aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8-engined predecessors, subtly repositioning the occupants slightly further forward for enhanced driver engagement.
The electric motor itself contributes a substantial 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 alone is a masterpiece of internal combustion, delivering a breathtaking 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined output culminates in the headline 819bhp figure. Ferrari, in its characteristic discretion, refrains from quoting a definitive combined peak torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the V6 and electric motor. However, it’s safe to assume this figure is exceptionally considerable, offering instant thrust that reshapes expectations for hybrid supercar acceleration. The V6 unit, notably, is approximately 30kg lighter than Ferrari’s V8 engines and is mated to a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a sleek, elongated structure, is cleverly housed behind the seats, contributing to the car’s exceptional weight distribution.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of acronym-laden electronic chassis management systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has engineered a sophisticated six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS, capable of precisely measuring acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. This advanced sensor replaces conventional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor integrated into the steering rack, provides the car with an intimate understanding of both driver input and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patches. This data feeds into systems like the renowned Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, working in concert to maximize cornering speeds while steadfastly maintaining stability and confidence. Furthermore, this technological prowess enables the introduction of ABS-evo, a groundbreaking system that, in RACE mode and above, leverages the 296’s brake-by-wire architecture to not only reduce braking distances but also enhance braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners. This level of advanced automotive technology ensures that every input translates into exhilarating, controlled performance.
In a fascinating departure from convention, Ferrari is employing its active aerodynamics not to minimize drag, but to actively generate downforce. The marque quotes an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a significant portion, up to 100kg, derived from a deployable rear wing that emerges from the car’s tail. This active aero is a testament to the intricate engineering that defines a next-generation supercar.
The thermal management system is equally sophisticated. Two radiators in the front handle engine and gearbox cooling, while two additional condensers manage the battery’s thermal requirements. Hot air is strategically exited beneath the car, preventing interference with the airflow directed to the intercoolers flanking the bodywork. Small apertures below the headlamps are dedicated to cooling the brakes, and a wing integrated into the roofline generates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, effectively guiding air towards the rear of the car as if it were flowing over a sculpted surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce, however, is meticulously crafted beneath the car. Particular attention has been paid not only to the intricate channeling of airflow and the aggressive rear diffuser but also to the precise ground clearance of the underbody, maximizing the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The prototypes we experienced on track during the launch were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units, derived directly from GT racing applications, and adds further carbon-fiber aerodynamic elements to the front, boosting front downforce by an additional 20kg. The Assetto Fiorano also introduces more carbon fiber throughout the cabin, including the door panels, and on exterior elements, contributing to a notable weight saving of 12kg. This can be further enhanced by an optional Lexan rear engine cover, bringing the total saving to 15kg. For those seeking the ultimate track-focused setup, the Assetto Fiorano can be specified with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, a significant upgrade over the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Furthermore, Fiorano-equipped cars can be personalized with an exterior graphics package, drawing inspiration from the iconic 250LM of the 1960s, a nod to Ferrari’s rich racing heritage.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 “in the metal,” it’s undeniable that it’s a visually stunning machine. Its design is utterly unique, drawing evocative parallels to the 250LM of the 1960s, even without the more polarizing graphics package. This aesthetic success is a key factor in its appeal within the luxury sports car market.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: Where Electrification Meets Exhilaration
Initiating the drive 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, gliding away on electric power alone unless overridden. By modulating throttle application, pure electric propulsion can be maintained, provided there is sufficient battery charge. For those seeking an even more focused experience, the ‘e-Drive’ button allows for forced EV mode, irrespective of powertrain demands. Beyond this, the ‘Performance’ and ‘Qualifying’ modes unlock the full potential of the hybrid powertrain. In ‘Performance’ mode, both the V6 and electric motor work in unison, with a bias towards maintaining battery charge. ‘Qualifying’ mode, however, unleashes the absolute maximum performance, with no regard for the battery’s state of charge. This multi-faceted approach to performance driving caters to a wide range of desires.
The ability to glide silently through urban environments is an unexpected pleasure, and the damping sophistication renders it a surprisingly comfortable companion for long journeys. The ‘frunk’ offers a reasonable luggage capacity, a welcome practicality absent in the SF90. However, the true allure lies in unleashing the full might of both the V6 and electric motor.
Plant the throttle at low revs in a high gear, and the 296 surges forward with an astonishing lack of lag. It’s a moment that makes you question the very need for gears, such is its immediate potency. Yet, with eight gears to exploit and an engine that willingly spins to 8500rpm, the full unleashing of the 296’s capabilities is nothing short of startling. The acceleration figures – a sub-2.9-second 0-62mph sprint and a top speed exceeding 205mph – translate into a truly visceral experience. The rate of acceleration is a breathtaking, nerve-tingling sensation, bordering on the extreme yet strangely addictive. This is, without question, a seriously rapid automobile, and its soundtrack is equally captivating, a blend of thrilling turbo induction sounds overlaying the melodious rasp of the V6.
Ride and Handling: A Ballet of Precision and Engagement
What truly impresses is the uncanny responsiveness of the 296 GTB’s chassis and Ferrari’s unwavering commitment to making this car genuinely ‘fun to drive’. It exhibits remarkable agility without ever feeling nervous or unpredictable. The steering is, as expected from Ferrari, light and exceptionally quick, but it also conveys a remarkable level of communication. While grip levels are predictably sky-high, the car remains dynamically adjustable via the throttle in a manner that is guaranteed to elicit grins.
Despite its stated dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 feels significantly lighter. There’s a palpable lack of inertia that encourages the driver to work with the car, making precise, small inputs and reveling in its accuracy. The ‘CT Off’ mode provides a safety net of electronic oversight, offering confidence to explore the limits. Yet, even with all electronic aids deactivated, the inherent balance of the 296 allows for controlled oversteer that you might not expect from a car producing 819bhp. This nuanced supercar handling is a testament to Ferrari’s engineering prowess.
On circuit, the 296 GTB has the uncanny ability to make even lengthy straights feel compressed. It truly shines as a razor-sharp instrument. While the abundant power is readily available to break rear-wheel traction at numerous points around the lap, the 296 is also exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. Precision with the controls is rewarded with unparalleled exhilaration. The turn-in accuracy and response are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing the car into turns and allowing loads to build, the 296 settles immediately, aided by its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering that perfectly complements the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for those stepping out of more conventional sports cars, the speed, precision, and agility of the 296 are simply phenomenal, providing a joyous experience lap after lap. This dynamic prowess is a key differentiator in the high-performance vehicle arena.
Interior: A Digital Realm with Tactile Sensations
The cabin architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the 296 GTB draws heavily from its sibling. The entirely digital interface, complemented by haptic switchgear liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods on either side, presents a learning curve. It is undeniably complex, offering a wealth of information. However, the occasional frustration arises when simple operations require a second press, or when it’s unclear if an input has been successfully registered. Nevertheless, it undeniably feels like a special place to inhabit, a sanctuary of cutting-edge design and automotive interior design.
Expert Verdict: A Return to Form and a Benchmark for the Future
The 2022 evo Car of the Year competition highlighted the intensely competitive nature of this segment. The Ferrari 296 GTB and the McLaren Artura were separated by the slimmest of margins, with judges finding themselves perfectly split. Three road testers narrowly preferred the Ferrari, while three scored the McLaren slightly higher.
Those who championed the 296 GTB – including myself, Jethro Bovingdon, and Henry Catchpole – lauded its spectacular nature. “Beautiful to look at, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable, and so technically clever,” enthused Bovingdon. “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.”
The sentiment that the 296 GTB represents “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355” was echoed by many. The seamless integration of the hybrid system was particularly praised, largely due to drivers being accustomed to the torquey characteristics of turbocharged V8s in models like the 488 and F8. The 296 is astonishingly quick, but its appeal extends beyond raw speed, thanks to the characterful V6 engine and its consistently pleasing soundtrack, which evolves with throttle application. This holistic approach to driving experience is what truly sets it apart.
While the Ferrari’s hybridisation was widely lauded for its seamless integration, a memorable incident saw a test car left stranded after the battery depleted with no obvious means of recovery. Although Ferrari had issued prior warnings and detailed preventative measures, the scenario underscored a potential vulnerability. As one judge noted, it was a “huge oversight” that a company with such advanced engineering capabilities couldn’t engineer a simple fail-safe. Fortunately, this occurred after scoring, allowing the 296 to retain its high standing.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering proved divisive, and the brake feel, while competent, didn’t quite match the very best in class. The technological interface also drew criticism for its complexity. However, despite these drawbacks, the 296 GTB proved irresistibly seductive. One tester admitted to being “somewhat bewitched” by its uncanny ability to change direction, its remarkable damping, and its “looney-tunes levels of grip, coupled with the linearity of seemingly never-ending power.” This is the essence of what makes performance car ownership so rewarding.
The 296 GTB represents a significant return to form for Ferrari, a welcome departure from the SF90 Stradale, which had left some feeling underwhelmed. The technical sophistication and hybrid integration in the 296 feel far more natural and less intrusive. Ferrari has clearly learned from the SF90, distilling its innovations into a series-production model that stands as one of its very best. This commitment to refining technology for a more accessible premium car experience is commendable.
Price and Rivals: The Ever-Evolving Supercar Arena
When a car is as technologically dense as the 296 GTB, there’s always a risk that the sum of its parts might fall short. This was a concern echoed in our experience with the SF90, which impressed with its power but felt somewhat unapproachable in its driving characteristics.
The 296 GTB, however, is a different proposition entirely. Its exceptional performance and engaging dynamics strike a perfect balance, redefining expectations for a supercar in the £250,000-plus bracket. The upcoming Versione Speciale variant promises even greater power, performance, and intensity, and the hope is that it retains the standard 296’s wonderfully organic feel.
It is precisely this aspect of natural integration and driver engagement that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. With over 900bhp on tap, an obscene amount of power that could easily overwhelm a less resolved chassis, the stakes are incredibly high. If Lamborghini has indeed nailed it – and the Revuelto offers compelling reason for optimism – then we are poised for a monumental twin test. Imagine a potential 1700bhp showdown on our hands.
Alternatively, we could expand this to a staggering 2400bhp triple test, including the McLaren 750S. While now appearing as the ‘minnow’ of the class with “only” 740bhp, the McLaren counters with a remarkably light 1389kg kerb weight, delivering a potent power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw appeal, ergonomic perfection, crisp steering, and deft chassis control undeniably set it apart from the comparatively more remote Ferrari. The ongoing evolution of electric sports cars and their traditional counterparts promises an exciting future for enthusiasts seeking the ultimate driving machine.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications:
Engine: V6, 2992cc, twin-turbocharged, 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: From £250,000+
The Ferrari 296 GTB isn’t just a car; it’s a statement. It’s a declaration that electrification can enhance, rather than detract from, the visceral thrill of driving a supercar. It’s a vehicle that invites you to engage, to explore, and to rediscover the pure joy of performance. If you’re ready to experience the future of the supercar, a test drive in the Ferrari 296 GTB awaits. Contact your nearest Ferrari dealership today to schedule your appointment and witness this automotive marvel firsthand.

