Ferrari 296 GTB 2025: The Benchmark Hybrid Supercar Redefined, Setting the Stage for Lamborghini’s Bold New Challenger
As an automotive industry veteran with a decade of hands-on experience, I’ve witn
essed firsthand the seismic shifts transforming the supercar landscape. For years, the raw, unadulterated symphony of naturally aspirated engines defined the pinnacle of performance. However, the relentless march of technology, driven by efficiency and emissions regulations, has ushered in a new era – the age of hybridisation. Ferrari, ever the innovator, has not only embraced this transition but has masterfully redefined it with the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB. This isn’t just an evolution; it’s a revolution, a meticulously engineered masterpiece that challenges the very notion of what a hybrid supercar can achieve, and crucially, what rivals like the much-anticipated Lamborghini Temerario must now contend with.
The introduction of the 296 GTB in 2022 marked an unprecedented departure for Ferrari’s mid-engined supercar lineage. Gone is the beloved, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8, replaced by a groundbreaking twin-turbocharged V6 augmented by an electric motor. This radical powertrain configuration propelled the 296 GTB to the forefront of a supercar segment still in the nascent stages of embracing electrification. While established titans like the McLaren 750S continue to refine their V8-powered philosophies, focusing on power-to-weight supremacy, and the naturally aspirated V10-powered Lamborghini Huracán offered an intoxicating blend of auditory drama and visceral engagement, the 296 GTB presented a distinctly forward-thinking proposition. Now, with the horizon brightened by the impending arrival of a 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid V8 Lamborghini – tentatively dubbed the Temerario – the 296 GTB’s significance is amplified. It stands as Maranello’s potent riposte, a technological tour de force designed to set an exceptionally high bar for any competitor.
The sheer output of the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB is nothing short of astounding. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbocharged V6 engine, paired with an electric motor, propels the rear wheels to the tune of a combined 819 horsepower. This sophisticated powertrain, a departure from the all-wheel-drive setup of the SF90 Stradale, unequivocally shattered established supercar conventions. It’s easy to be captivated by such staggering power figures and ponder the ultimate limit of performance escalation – a question the 296 GTB seems intent on pushing – and indeed, where one might even find the justifiable occasion to deploy such prodigious velocity.
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is its pioneering spirit. It proudly holds the distinction of being the first V6-powered Ferrari road car, a lineage that traces its roots to the charming 246 GT Dino, though the latter never bore the iconic Prancing Horse emblem during its production era. Furthermore, it pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration and boasts plug-in hybrid capabilities, offering an estimated 15 miles of pure electric range. The compact V6 is nestled low within a new aluminum chassis, with a wheelbase precisely 50mm shorter than its V8 predecessors, subtly repositioning the occupants slightly further forward to enhance weight distribution and driving dynamics.
The electric motor contributes an impressive 165 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 engine alone unleashes a staggering 654 horsepower and 546 lb-ft of torque. Ferrari, in their characteristic precision, refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the V6 and electric motor. However, it is safe to assume this combined output is nothing short of colossal. Beyond its power, the V6 unit itself offers a tangible advantage, shedding approximately 30kg compared to Ferrari’s V8 engines. This lightweight, potent mill is seamlessly mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a long, slender unit, is strategically located behind the seats, contributing to the car’s balanced mass distribution.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of acronyms signifying its advanced electronic chassis control systems. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari has developed the revolutionary six-axis Sensor Fusion system, dubbed 6w-CDS. This sophisticated technology meticulously measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. By supplanting traditional yaw sensors and working in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, the 6w-CDS grants the car an unparalleled understanding of driver input and available grip at the tire contact patch. This data is then fed into other critical systems, such as Side Slip Control and the active electronic differential (e-Diff), to optimize cornering speeds while steadfastly preserving stability and driver confidence. A notable innovation enabled by this advanced sensing is the ABS-evo system, available 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 testament to its advanced dynamic capabilities.
In a significant departure from its previous applications, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics technology on the 296 GTB not primarily to reduce drag, but to aggressively generate downforce. The company quotes an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155 mph, with a substantial portion of this – up to 100kg – being generated by an active rear wing that deploys from the rear deck.
The thermal management of such a potent hybrid powertrain is a complex undertaking, yet Ferrari has executed it with characteristic ingenuity. The front of the car houses two radiators dedicated to engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two additional condensers specifically for the battery pack. Hot air is efficiently expelled from the underbody, strategically routed to avoid interfering with the airflow directed to the intercoolers positioned along the car’s flanks. The subtle apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to cooling the brakes, ensuring consistent stopping power even under extreme duress. Further aerodynamic sophistication is evident in the roofline-integrated spoiler, which subtly creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, effectively channeling air towards the rear of the car as if guided by a continuous surface. The majority of the 296 GTB’s downforce is, however, generated from beneath the car. Significant attention has been lavished upon the underbody’s design, not only in terms of air channeling and diffuser efficiency but also in optimizing the ground clearance to maximize the effectiveness of these crucial downforce-generating surfaces.
The brief track sessions with the 296 GTB models at its launch invariably featured the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This comprehensive upgrade replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units, derived from Ferrari’s GT racing program. It also enhances front-end downforce by an additional 20kg through carbon aerodynamic appendages on the nose. The pursuit of weight reduction extends to the cabin, with increased use of carbon fiber for components like the door panels, and further exterior applications. This strategic application of lightweight materials results in an overall weight saving of 12kg, which can be extended to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For the ultimate in track-focused performance, the Assetto Fiorano package also offers the option of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the already capable standard Pilot Sport 4S rubber. Further visual customization is available with an exterior graphics package inspired by the iconic 250LM of the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 GTB in person, I can attest to its striking aesthetic appeal. It possesses a design that is both unique and captivating, subtly referencing the legendary 250LM of the 1960s, even without the more polarizing graphic treatments. Its form is an exquisite blend of aerodynamic function and breathtaking sculpture, a testament to Ferrari’s enduring design prowess.
Initiating motion in the 296 GTB is an elegantly simple process: a double press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by engaging first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, utilizing electric power for initial acceleration unless overridden by the driver through the intuitive haptic controls on the steering wheel boss. Gentle throttle application will maintain pure electric propulsion, provided sufficient battery charge. For those seeking an emissions-free experience, the ‘e-Drive’ mode can be manually engaged, irrespective of powertrain demands. Beyond this, the Performance and Qualifying modes unlock the full potential of the hybrid powertrain. In Performance mode, both power sources work in concert, with a secondary objective of maintaining battery charge. Qualifying mode, as the name suggests, unleashes the absolute maximum performance, with no regard for the battery’s state of charge.
The serene glide through urban landscapes, powered solely by electricity, offers an unexpected and delightful contrast to the car’s formidable performance capabilities. The damping sophistication ensures a remarkably comfortable ride, making it a surprisingly adept long-distance cruiser. Furthermore, the ‘frunk’ offers a respectable amount of luggage space, a welcome practicality often absent in mid-engined supercars like the SF90 Stradale. However, the true thrill, the moment that ignites the senses, is experienced when both the V6 engine and electric motor are unleashed in their full glory.
Planting the throttle at low revs in a high gear elicits an immediate, explosive surge forward. The absence of any perceptible turbo lag is remarkable, making one momentarily question the necessity of gear selection, such is the immediate potency delivered. Yet, with eight gears at its disposal and an engine that eagerly spins to 8,500 rpm, the experience of truly uncorking the 296 GTB is nothing short of exhilarating. The acceleration figures – a brisk 0-62 mph in approximately 2.9 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205 mph – translate into a sensation of hold-on-tight, nervous exhilaration. It’s a performance that verges on the intense, yet is undeniably addictive. Complementing this astonishing pace is a captivating soundtrack, a harmonious blend of tunable V6 rasp and subtle turbocharger effects.
The responsiveness of the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB’s chassis is profoundly impressive. Ferrari’s assertion that the car was designed to be “fun to drive” is not mere marketing hyperbole; it’s a tangible reality. The car feels exceptionally agile without ever tipping into nervousness. The steering, traditionally light and direct, offers an astonishing level of feedback, allowing the driver to precisely modulate inputs. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car’s true magic lies in its adjustability on the throttle. This inherent trait inspires confidence and elicits an irrepressible grin, a hallmark of an exceptionally well-engineered driver’s car.
Despite its dry weight of approximately 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a remarkable lack of inertia that encourages an intuitive, collaborative driving style. Small, precise inputs are met with immediate, accurate responses, fostering a deep connection between driver and machine. The ‘CT Off’ (Control Traction Off) mode allows for audacious exploration of the car’s limits, underpinned by the reassurance of an intelligent electronic safety net. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296 GTB’s inherent balance permits an astonishing degree of adjustability, allowing for playful oversteer that one might not expect from a car producing 819 horsepower.
On the racetrack, the 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to seemingly shrink the longest straights. Its efficacy as a precision instrument becomes palpably evident. While ample power exists to break rear-wheel traction at numerous points around a lap, the 296 GTB is also acutely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. Mastering these inputs and employing precision control yields the most significant rewards, allowing drivers to exploit the car’s full dynamic potential. The turn-in accuracy and immediate response dramatically shorten the braking zone for every corner. Rather than gradually easing into turns, the 296 GTB settles instantly, its hyper-quick steering perfectly complementing the increased roll support provided by the Assetto Fiorano suspension setup. Even for drivers transitioning from more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal, offering an exhilarating experience lap after lap.
The interior architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to those who have experienced the SF90 Stradale, as it borrows heavily from its larger sibling. However, the purely digital interface, coupled with its array of haptic touch controls liberally applied across the steering wheel and surrounding pods, presents a learning curve. While the sheer volume of information to manage is substantial, some simple operations can require a second press, or leave the driver uncertain as to whether an input has been registered. Despite these ergonomic quirks, the cabin undeniably exudes an atmosphere of specialness and technological sophistication.
In the hotly contested evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, the Ferrari 296 GTB found itself in esteemed company. The battle between the 296 GTB and the McLaren Artura was remarkably close, with the judges narrowly divided. Three lauded the Ferrari’s exceptional qualities, while three favored the McLaren by a slim margin. Those who placed the 296 GTB ahead, including myself, praised its spectacular aesthetics, outrageous speed, astonishing tractability, and profound technical cleverness. The V6 engine was seen as a masterclass in downsizing, delivering immense drama while matching the Artura in terms of outright control, yet offering a more playful and indulgent driving experience.
Another judge, Dickie, declared it “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. He commended the seamless integration of the hybrid system, noting that it didn’t significantly alter the driving experience as much as anticipated, perhaps due to the familiarity with the torquey characteristics of turbocharged V8s in previous models. He highlighted the 296 GTB’s stonking pace, but emphasized that its appeal extends beyond mere speed, thanks to the characterful V6 soundtrack that remains sweet and evolves with throttle application.
The seamless hybridisation of the Ferrari was widely praised, although one incident saw a car left stranded after the battery depleted, with no apparent means of revival. Ferrari had indeed cautioned about such eventualities and provided guidance on prevention. However, the oversight of a company capable of introducing individual rear-wheel steering failing to engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent such a scenario was noted as a significant deficiency. Fortunately, this occurred after the scoring was completed. While the 296’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and brake feel didn’t consistently match the very best in the class, and the tech interface drew criticism for its complexity, the car remained irresistibly seductive. Vivian, initially skeptical of the 296’s complexity, found himself bewitched by its uncanny directional changes, phenomenal damping, and prodigious grip levels, all coupled with a seemingly unending linearity of power.
The 296 GTB represents a triumphant return to form for Ferrari, particularly following the SF90 Stradale’s less impactful debut. Its technical sophistication and the integration of its hybrid technology felt far more natural and less intrusive. Ferrari has demonstrably learned from the SF90, distilling its advancements into a series production model that stands as one of its finest achievements.
The inherent risk with any vehicle heavily laden with cutting-edge technology is the potential for it to become less than the sum of its parts. This was a concern noted with the SF90, which, despite its dazzling power, sometimes felt unnerving due to its less accessible driving characteristics. However, the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB achieves something altogether different. As evidenced by its strong showing at the evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, where it secured a joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, it feels remarkably organic. Its potent blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect chord, fundamentally redefining the expectations for a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket. Rumors of an upcoming Versione Speciale variant, promising even greater power and intensity, only heighten anticipation, with the hope that the standard 296’s remarkably natural feel will be retained.
It is this innate sense of cohesion and driver engagement that we fervently hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. A projected output exceeding 900 horsepower is an obscene amount of power for a series production supercar, and if not expertly managed, it could overwhelm the chassis and dynamics. Given the resounding success of the Revuelto, there is reason for optimism that Lamborghini will indeed get it right, potentially setting the stage for an epic 1700bhp twin test. Alternatively, we could witness a staggering 2400bhp triple threat, including the McLaren 750S, which, by comparison, appears almost diminutive with its ‘mere’ 740 horsepower. However, the McLaren counters with a remarkably light 1389kg kerb weight, offering a formidable power-to-weight ratio. Its raw character, ergonomic excellence, crisp steering, and deft chassis control offer a distinctly different, and perhaps more immediate, experience compared to the comparatively remote-feeling Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 Specifications:
Engine: 2992cc, twin-turbocharged V6, plus electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch, active e-Diff
Combined Power: 819 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Combined Torque: 546 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm
Weight: 1470 kg (dry) (566 bhp/ton)
0-62 mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205 mph
Price: £250,000+
The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a testament to automotive innovation and a definitive benchmark in the hybrid supercar era. If you are captivated by its blend of electrifying performance, sophisticated technology, and unparalleled driving engagement, we invite you to explore the possibilities of experiencing this extraordinary machine firsthand. Contact your local Ferrari dealership today to learn more about ownership opportunities and to schedule your personal consultation.
