Ferrari 296 GTB 2025: A New Breed of Supercar and the Benchmark Lamborghini Must Surpass
As an automotive industry veteran with a decade immersed in the relentless pursuit of performance, I’ve witness
ed firsthand the evolution of the supercar. The landscape is shifting, driven by a convergence of electrification and a renewed focus on driver engagement. In this dynamic arena, the Ferrari 296 GTB has emerged not just as a breathtaking machine, but as a paradigm shift. It’s a car that, even with the shadow of an impending 10,000rpm, 903bhp Lamborghini rival looming, continues to redefine what a hybrid supercar can be.
For years, the mid-engined Ferrari supercar was synonymous with the visceral roar of a twin-turbo V8. The arrival of the 296 GTB in 2022 marked an unprecedented departure. Maranello bravely opted to replace its multi-award-winning V8 with a brand-new, technologically advanced twin-turbocharged V6, significantly augmented by electric power. This bold move positioned the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a segment still in the throes of embracing hybrid powertrains.
At its debut, the 296 GTB’s primary adversaries were the Lamborghini Huracán, a bastion of naturally aspirated V10 charisma, and the McLaren 720S, a V8-powered icon of power-to-weight supremacy. While the 750S represents an evolution of McLaren’s established formula, the much-anticipated Lamborghini Temerario, boasting a 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid V8, is a direct and formidable challenge to Ferrari’s electrified vision. It’s a battleground where raw power meets sophisticated energy management, and the 296 GTB has thrown down a gauntlet of its own.
The sheer potency of the 296 GTB is undeniable. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6, seamlessly integrated with an electric motor driving the rear wheels exclusively (a distinction from the four-wheel-drive SF90), delivers a staggering 819bhp. This figure alone was enough to shatter established supercar conventions upon its introduction. The question inevitably arises: where does this relentless pursuit of horsepower lead, and more importantly, where can one truly exploit such an extreme level of performance? This is a discussion for another time, but it underscores the sheer audacity of Ferrari’s engineering.
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is its pioneering spirit. It’s the first Ferrari road car to feature a V6 engine (the legendary 246 GT Dino never bore the Prancing Horse emblem in its era). It also debuts Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration and, crucially, a plug-in hybrid system offering a compelling electric-only range of approximately 15 miles. This compact V6 is nestled low within a newly developed aluminum chassis, its wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, with occupants positioned slightly further forward for an even more engaging driving position.
The electric motor contributes a substantial 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 itself unleashes a phenomenal 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined output, as we know, is 819bhp. Ferrari, in its characteristic wisdom, refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the electric motor and the internal combustion engine. However, it’s safe to assume this figure is, to put it mildly, colossal. Impressively, the V6 unit itself is 30kg lighter than its V8 counterparts and is paired with an ultra-slick eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The compact battery pack, an oblong structure, is cleverly housed behind the seats, contributing to the car’s exceptional weight distribution.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of sophisticated electronic chassis management systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. The centerpiece is the six-axis sensor known as 6w-CDS, an evolution of Ferrari’s groundbreaking Dynamic Enhancer. This system meticulously measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. By replacing traditional yaw sensors and working in concert with a sensor on the steering rack, the 6w-CDS provides an unparalleled understanding of driver input and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patches. This data is then fed to systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, optimizing cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability. Furthermore, it enables the revolutionary ABS-evo system, active in RACE mode and above. This brake-by-wire innovation significantly shortens braking distances and enhances precision during trail-braking maneuvers, allowing drivers to push deeper into corners with confidence.
A particularly noteworthy advancement is Ferrari’s application of active aerodynamics. For the 296 GTB, the focus shifts from drag reduction to downforce generation. The manufacturer quotes an astonishing 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a remarkable 100kg of that figure generated by an active rear wing that deploys from the tail of the car. This is a testament to how far aerodynamic efficiency has progressed in road-legal supercars.
The thermal management of the 296 GTB is a masterpiece of engineering. Two radiators in the front handle engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two additional condensers responsible for battery temperature regulation. Hot air is strategically expelled beneath the car, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the airflow directed to the intercoolers flanking the vehicle. The subtle apertures below the headlights are dedicated to brake cooling, while the integrated roofline wing generates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, effectively channeling air towards the rear of the car as if guided by a sculpted surface. The lion’s share of the 296’s downforce, however, is meticulously crafted beneath the car. Ferrari has lavished attention on the underbody’s airflow, the rear diffuser, and even the critical ground clearance to maximize the efficacy of these downforce-generating elements.
Our initial experience with the 296 GTB was on track, fitted with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with race-derived Multimatic units, akin to those found in GT racing. It also adds carbon-fiber aerodynamic elements to the nose, increasing front downforce by an additional 20kg. Further weight savings are achieved through increased use of carbon fiber in the cabin, such as the door panels, and on the exterior. This comprehensive package can shave off 12kg, with an additional 3kg reduction achievable if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For the ultimate track-focused setup, the Assetto Fiorano specification also permits the fitment of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Owners can even opt for a distinctive exterior graphics package, paying homage to 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 unique and captivating presence, drawing inspiration from the legendary 250LM, even without the optional livery. It’s a design that is both timeless and resolutely modern.
Performance Dynamics: Beyond the Numbers
Initiating the drive is a simple double-press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The 296 GTB defaults to Hybrid mode, utilizing electric power for initial propulsion unless the driver intervenes via the intuitive haptic mode selectors on the steering wheel. With judicious throttle application, the car can glide silently on electric power alone, provided the battery has sufficient charge.
For those seeking an all-electric experience, a dedicated EV mode can be selected, overriding powertrain demands. Alternatively, Performance and Qualifying modes offer escalating levels of exhilaration. In Performance mode, both power sources collaborate, prioritizing acceleration while maintaining a degree of battery regeneration. Qualifying mode, however, unleashes the full fury of the hybrid powertrain, with no consideration for battery state of charge.
The experience of gliding through urban landscapes on electric power is surprisingly serene. The damping calibration is exceptionally sophisticated, making it a remarkably comfortable grand tourer. The ‘frunk’ up front offers a respectable amount of storage, a practical advantage over the SF90. But the question on everyone’s mind, the one that truly ignites the enthusiast’s spirit, is the sensation when both the V6 and electric motor are unleashed in their full glory.
The answer lies in the immediate, lag-free surge of acceleration, even from low revs in a high gear. It’s a potent response that momentarily makes you question the need for gear changes, such is the sheer grunt on offer. Yet, with eight gears at your disposal and an engine that willingly screams to 8,500rpm, the experience when the 296 GTB is truly uncorked is nothing short of astonishing. The acceleration figures (0-62mph in a blistering 2.9 seconds, with a top speed nudging 205mph) translate into a visceral, hold-on-tight sensation, bordering on overwhelming yet simultaneously addictive. This is a seriously rapid automobile, accompanied by a soundtrack that masterfully blends the tuneful rasp of the V6 with evocative turbocharger whistle.
Ride and Handling: The Art of Engagement
What truly elevates the 296 GTB is its exquisite chassis responsiveness and Ferrari’s unwavering commitment to making it a “fun to drive” machine. It exhibits a delightful agility without ever feeling precariously nervous. The steering, a hallmark of Ferrari engineering, is typically light and telepathic, yet it conveys a remarkable level of road feel and detail. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car’s true brilliance lies in its throttle adjustability. You can subtly modulate the power delivery to rotate the car mid-corner, a sensation that elicits an irrepressible grin.
Despite its 1,470kg dry weight, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a palpable lack of inertia, encouraging the driver to work with the car, making small, precise inputs and reveling in its accuracy. The CT Off mode provides a safety net of electronic assistance, a reassuring presence far more sophisticated than one’s own reflexes. However, even with all systems deactivated, the 296 GTB’s inherent balance allows for delicate moments of oversteer, a feat you wouldn’t anticipate in a car with 819bhp.
On track, the 296 GTB has an uncanny ability to make even the longest straights feel shorter. It’s a sharp instrument, dissecting corners with precision. The power is abundant, readily available to break rear-end traction at multiple points around the lap. Yet, the car is exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs, rewarding precise control with immense satisfaction. The turn-in accuracy and immediate response dramatically compress the entry phase of every corner. Instead of gently easing into turns and allowing loads to build, the 296 GTB settles instantly, its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering perfectly complementing the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even if you’ve just stepped out of a more conventional sports car, the speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are simply phenomenal, delivering an experience that is pure joy, lap after lap.
Interior Ambiance: A Digital Frontier
The cabin architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the 296 GTB inherits much of its interior design. The fully digital interface and the accompanying haptic switchgear, spread across the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods, present a steep learning curve. It’s undeniably complex, tasked with conveying a vast amount of information. The primary challenge lies in the occasional need for a second press for an input to register, or the uncertainty of whether an action has been successfully executed at all. Nevertheless, the cabin exudes a special, focused ambiance, befitting its supercar status.
Verdict: A New Pinnacle for Ferrari
In the competitive landscape of supercars, the risk of technological overload is ever-present, potentially resulting in a vehicle that is less than the sum of its parts. We observed this with the SF90, which, despite its dazzling power, could feel somewhat elusive in its driving characteristics.
The 296 GTB, however, is a different proposition entirely. Its commendable performance at the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards, where it secured a joint third place with the McLaren Artura, underscored its more organic and engaging nature. Its seamless blend of potent power and dynamic engagement strikes a perfect chord, effectively redefining the benchmark for a supercar in the £250,000 bracket. Rumors of a ‘Versione Speciale’ variant, promising even greater power and intensity, only heighten anticipation. The crucial factor will be whether this new iteration retains the standard 296’s inexplicably natural and intuitive feel.
It is this very aspect – the natural, intuitive driving experience – that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power, and without a chassis and dynamics that are impeccably resolved to meet it, such a figure can easily overwhelm the driver. If Lamborghini has indeed mastered this delicate balance, much like they demonstrated with the Revuelto, then we are on the cusp of an epic twin-test between two colossal hybrid supercars. And perhaps, for good measure, we could even include the McLaren 750S, now seemingly the ‘minnow’ of this elite gathering with its comparatively modest 740bhp. However, the McLaren brings its own unique strengths to the table: a featherlight 1,389kg kerb weight and a potent power-to-weight ratio. Its rawness, ergonomic brilliance, razor-sharp steering, and delicately balanced chassis offer a distinct counterpoint to the more insulated Ferrari.
The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a monumental achievement, a testament to Ferrari’s relentless innovation and their enduring commitment to delivering exhilarating driving experiences. It’s a supercar that commands attention, inspires passion, and sets a formidable standard for its rivals.
Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 Key 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: 1,470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Approximate Price: £250,000+
Are you ready to experience the future of supercar performance? Contact your local authorized Ferrari dealer today to schedule a private viewing and discover the exhilarating world of the 296 GTB.

