Ferrari 296 GTB 2025: A New Era of Hybrid Supercar Dynamics and the Lamborghini Temerario Challenge
For a decade now, the supercar landscape has been reshaped by innovation, pushing the boundaries of
performance, technology, and driver engagement. As an industry veteran with ten years immersed in the world of high-performance automobiles, I’ve witnessed firsthand the relentless pursuit of automotive perfection. This journey has seen the integration of electrification evolve from a concept to a cornerstone of modern supercars. At the forefront of this revolution stands the Ferrari 296 GTB, a remarkable machine that not only embraces hybrid technology but redefines its potential in the pursuit of exhilarating driving dynamics. This article delves into what makes the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 a benchmark, while also looking ahead to the formidable challenge posed by its imminent rival, the Lamborghini Temerario.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a profound departure from Maranello’s long-established playbook. Eschewing the acclaimed twin-turbo V8 that powered its predecessors, Ferrari opted for an all-new, compact, yet potent twin-turbocharged V6 engine, augmented by a sophisticated electric powertrain. This bold move positioned the 296 GTB as a pioneer in a segment of the supercar market that was, and still is, navigating the complex transition to electrified performance. While other manufacturers are still calibrating their approaches to hybrid integration, Ferrari has, with the 296 GTB, set a new standard for a hybrid supercar experience.
In its initial launch phase, the 296 GTB’s most direct competitor was the Lamborghini Huracán, a car celebrated for its naturally aspirated V10 symphony and raw, unfiltered auditory appeal. While the Huracán offered a compelling, albeit less powerful, naturally aspirated V10 experience, the 296 GTB was designed to disrupt. It also contended with the formidable McLaren 720S, a masterclass in twin-turbo V8 power-to-weight ratios. However, the landscape is rapidly evolving. With the advent of the 903bhp, 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid Lamborghini Temerario, the stakes have been dramatically raised. This new Sant’Agata Bolognese entrant is a direct riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta, promising an even more intense supercar performance duel.
Make no mistake, the Ferrari 296 GTB review underscores its formidable power output. Featuring an entirely new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine coupled with an electric motor driving only the rear wheels (a distinction from the all-wheel-drive SF90 Stradale), the 819bhp 296 GTB shattered conventional supercar paradigms. This fusion of internal combustion and electric propulsion creates a driving experience that is both exhilarating and profoundly refined, offering new Ferrari supercar technology that excites enthusiasts and engineers alike.
It’s difficult to overlook such an astonishing power figure, and it inevitably prompts contemplation about the ultimate ceiling of such power escalation – a question that the 296 GTB, and perhaps its rivals, are actively answering – and, more pragmatically, where one might realistically deploy such prodigious performance. Yet, this is a subject for another discussion.
The 296 GTB holds significant historical importance. It marks the first V6-powered road car to bear the Ferrari emblem (the iconic 246 GT Dino, while V6-powered, never carried the Prancing Horse insignia in its era). It’s also the first Ferrari to feature a “hot-vee” turbocharger configuration, where the exhaust manifolds and turbochargers are situated within the cylinder banks’ vee. Furthermore, its plug-in hybrid nature grants it an impressive all-electric range of approximately 15 miles, making it surprisingly versatile for urban commuting. This compact V6 engine is mounted low in a newly developed aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, which also repositions the occupants slightly further forward for a more commanding driving position.
The electric motor contributes a substantial 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 engine alone churns out a remarkable 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined output reaches the headline figure of 819bhp. Ferrari remains discreet about the combined peak torque, likely due to the complex interplay between the V6 and electric motor, but it is undoubtedly immense. Crucially, the V6 unit is approximately 30kg lighter than a comparable Ferrari V8. This powerplant is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the compact battery pack resides behind the seats. This intricate hybrid powertrain technology is a testament to Ferrari’s engineering prowess.
As expected from a marque synonymous with cutting-edge automotive technology, the 296 GTB is equipped with an array of sophisticated electronic chassis control systems. Central to this is the innovative 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 traditional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of driver inputs and available grip at the tire contact patch. This data is fed into systems like Side Slip Control and the active Electronic Differential (E-Diff) to optimize cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and driver confidence. It also enables the novel ABS-evo system, activated in RACE mode and above. This system, working in conjunction with the 296’s brake-by-wire setup, not only shortens braking distances but also enhances braking performance during trail braking into corners, a critical technique for maximizing track performance. For those seeking the ultimate Ferrari track performance, these systems are indispensable.
In a significant departure, Ferrari is leveraging its active aerodynamics not to reduce drag, but to generate downforce. The manufacturer quotes an impressive figure of 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with the deployable rear wing alone contributing up to 100kg of this significant aerodynamic load. The car’s thermal management is equally sophisticated. Twin radiators in the front cool the engine and gearbox, supplemented by two condensers dedicated to cooling the battery pack. Hot air is expelled beneath the car to avoid disrupting the flow of cool air directed to the intercoolers positioned along the flanks. The subtle apertures below the headlamps are for brake cooling, while the integrated roofline spoiler creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, channeling air towards the rear of the car as if guided by a seamless surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated from beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid to airflow management, the rear diffuser, and critically, the underbody’s ride height to maximize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating elements. This focus on aerodynamic efficiency in supercars is paramount for high-speed stability.
The examples of the 296 GTB that I had the privilege of driving on track during its launch were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This bespoke upgrade replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units derived from GT racing, and also adds further carbon fiber aerodynamic elements to the front, enhancing front-end downforce by an additional 20kg. The Assetto Fiorano package also incorporates more carbon fiber in the cabin, such as the door panels, and on the exterior, contributing to an overall weight saving of 12kg. This saving increases to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. Further enhancing the track-focused nature of the Fiorano package is the option of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Cars equipped with the Fiorano pack can also be optioned with a distinctive exterior graphics package, reminiscent of the iconic 250LM from the 1960s, adding a touch of automotive heritage to the modern marvel. For enthusiasts seeking track-focused supercars, the Assetto Fiorano package is a compelling proposition.
Having experienced the Ferrari 296 GTB performance firsthand, I can attest to its striking visual appeal. It’s a truly beautiful machine, distinct from anything else on the road, with styling cues that subtly echo the legendary 250LM, even without the optional graphics. The blend of classic Ferrari elegance and avant-garde aerodynamic design is captivating.
Getting underway in the 296 GTB is a process of refinement. 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, utilizing electric power for initial propulsion unless otherwise directed via the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors located on the left side of the steering wheel boss. Gentle throttle application allows for sustained purely electric locomotion, provided the battery has sufficient charge.
One can manually select “EV mode,” overriding powertrain demands for silent, emissions-free driving. Alternatively, “Performance” and “Qualifying” modes offer increasingly potent power delivery. In Performance mode, both power sources work in tandem, with the system also aiming to maintain battery charge. Qualifying mode unleashes the full, unadulterated fury of the powertrain, prioritizing maximum performance irrespective of the battery’s state of charge. Experiencing the serene glide through urban environments is a surprisingly pleasant revelation. The damping is so exquisitely tuned that it transforms long journeys into comfortable affairs. Even the luggage capacity in the front trunk (“frunk”) is more practical than anticipated, a welcome departure from some of its more compromised stablemates. However, what we all truly yearn to know is the sensation when both the engine and electric motor are unleashed to their full potential.
The immediate response when planting the throttle at low revs in a high gear is astonishing. The 296 GTB surges forward with an absence of lag, making one momentarily question the necessity of gear selection given its sheer potency. Yet, there are eight gears to exploit, and an engine that revs to an electrifying 8500rpm. When the 296 GTB truly sings, the effect is nothing short of startling. The acceleration figures speak for themselves – a blistering 0-62mph in just 2.9 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205mph. This rate of acceleration borders on the extreme, inducing a sensation of hold-on-tight exhilaration coupled with nervous laughter, yet it is undeniably addictive. This is a seriously rapid car, and its soundtrack is equally captivating, blending the purposeful rasp of the V6 with subtle, engaging turbocharger effects. The Ferrari 296 GTB acceleration redefines what is possible.
The true brilliance of the Ferrari 296 GTB handling lies in its chassis responsiveness. Ferrari’s promise of a car designed for pure driving enjoyment is not an overstatement. It feels incredibly agile without ever becoming nervous or unpredictable. The steering is characteristically light and quick, but crucially, it communicates a wealth of detail from the road surface. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable, eliciting an irrepressible grin. Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, it feels significantly lighter. There’s a remarkable lack of inertia throughout the vehicle, encouraging the driver to work with it, making subtle inputs and reveling in its accuracy and precision. Engaging “CT Off” mode offers a profound sense of freedom, yet always with the underlying reassurance of a highly intelligent electronic safety net. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296 GTB’s inherent balance allows for subtle, predictable oversteer, a feat one might not expect from a car producing 819bhp.
On the track, the 296 GTB has the uncanny ability to make even lengthy straights feel abbreviated. What becomes even more apparent is its surgical precision. While the power is readily available to break rear-wheel traction at numerous points around the circuit, the 296 GTB is exceptionally sensitive to braking and steering inputs. It quickly becomes apparent that precise control inputs yield the greatest rewards. 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 progressively, the 296 GTB settles instantly, aided by its Multimatic dampers. This agility is perfectly complemented by the hyper-quick steering and the enhanced body control offered by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are simply phenomenal, offering a joyous experience lap after lap. For those seeking ultimate Ferrari driving dynamics, the 296 GTB is a revelation.
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 and its accompanying haptic switchgear, liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari control stalks, present a significant learning curve. It is undoubtedly complex, and to be fair, there is a vast amount of information to convey. However, the most frustrating aspect is how simple operations can sometimes require multiple attempts to register, or the uncertainty of whether a press has been successful at all. Nevertheless, the cabin undoubtedly feels like a special place to be, a cocoon of advanced technology and luxurious craftsmanship, albeit with a steep learning curve for its intuitive operation. This focus on futuristic car interiors is a trend across the industry.
evo Car of the Year 2022 Verdict:
“Now it gets serious. When the scores were tallied, there wasn’t even a hair’s breadth between the Artura and the 296 GTB. The judges were perfectly split too: three of us narrowly preferred the Ferrari to the McLaren; three scored the Macca ahead by a whisker.
The three who favored the 296 were myself, Meaden, and Bovingdon. ‘What a spectacular car,’ enthused Jethro. ‘Beautiful to look at, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable, and so technically clever. 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 first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,’ was Dickie’s verdict, and one that many of us echoed. ‘The hybrid system works very well,’ he went on, ‘and 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.’
‘The Ferrari’s hybridisation was widely praised for its seamless integration, although on the final night we were left stranded after the battery ran flat with no apparent means of bringing the car back to life. To be fair, Ferrari had warned us of the possibility and detailed the various measures we should take to ensure it didn’t happen. But it’s not inconceivable that an owner could find themselves similarly stuck, and as Gallagher said, ‘that the company who introduced individual rear-wheel steering to its cars can’t engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this happening is a huge oversight’. Fortunately for the 296, that happened after we’d scored all the cars.
‘Ferrari’s signature super-quick steering divided opinion, the brake feel didn’t match the very best of the group, and the tech interface was widely criticised for being overly complex, but otherwise the 296 was irresistibly seductive. ‘I thought I wouldn’t like the Fezza all that much – too complex, rather gratuitous points of difference,’ said Vivian, ‘but I ended up somewhat bewitched: the spooky way it changes direction; its amazing damping and looney-tunes levels of grip; the linearity of seemingly never-ending power…’
Ferrari 296 GTS review – is anything lost with the roof folded away?
‘It’s a real return to form for Ferrari, after the SF90 left us cold last year. As Sutcliffe said: ‘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.’ And Gallagher agreed: ‘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.’’ – Peter Tomalin, ecoty 2022.
When a car is so heavily laden with advanced technology, there is always the risk that it may become less than the sum of its parts. This was something we observed with the SF90, which, while dazzling with its power output, could be unnerving with its challenging driving characteristics.
However, the Ferrari 296 GTB price and its overall package represent something rather different. As evidenced by its strong performance in the evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, where it secured joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, the 296 GTB feels far more organic. Its compelling blend of immense power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect sweet spot, effectively redefining what a £250,000 supercar can achieve. A Versione Speciale variant of the 296 is anticipated in the near future, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity. The key will be whether Ferrari can retain the standard 296’s remarkably natural and intuitive feel.
It is this fundamental aspect – the car’s inherent drivability and feel – that we fervently hope Lamborghini has prioritized when honing its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power to manage in a series-production supercar, and without a meticulously resolved chassis and suspension to match, it could easily become unruly. If Lamborghini has indeed nailed the execution – and the sheer brilliance of the Revuelto offers substantial reason for optimism – then we are poised for an epic hybrid supercar comparison on our hands.
Alternatively, we could expand this into a staggering 2400bhp triple threat by including the McLaren 750S. This car, at this point, must be described as the ‘minnow’ of this elite class, with ‘only’ 740bhp. However, as noted earlier, it brings a relatively petite kerb weight of 1389kg to the table, resulting in a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw engagement, ergonomic perfection, crisp steering, and deft chassis balance do set it apart against the comparatively more remote feeling Ferrari. For buyers seeking the pinnacle of performance car engineering, these three represent the bleeding edge.
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: 819bhp @ 8000rpm
Combined Torque Output: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm
Dry Weight: 1470kg (approx. 566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Estimated Price: £250,000+ (varies by market and options)
The future of supercar performance is undeniably hybrid, and the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 stands as a beacon of this new era. Its remarkable fusion of visceral power, advanced technology, and captivating driving dynamics sets a high bar. For those captivated by the promise of electrified performance and unparalleled driving exhilaration, understanding the capabilities and nuanced appeal of the Ferrari 296 GTB is the crucial first step.
Ready to explore the cutting edge of hybrid supercar performance? Contact your local Ferrari dealership to schedule a personal consultation and discover the extraordinary experience of the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB firsthand.

