Ferrari 296 GTB 2025: The Hybrid Supercar Redefining Performance and the Lamborghini Temerario’s Everest
For a decade, I’ve navigated the exhilarating, and often groundbreaking, landscape of performan
ce automotive engineering. I’ve witnessed revolutions in powertrain technology, the relentless pursuit of aerodynamic perfection, and the subtle art of crafting an engaging driving experience. In this journey, few vehicles have managed to truly redefine the game. The Ferrari 296 GTB, however, has consistently been one of them. Now, as we stand on the cusp of 2025, with whispers of a 903bhp, 10,000rpm Lamborghini rival, the Ferrari 296 GTB performance not only holds its ground but solidifies its position as a benchmark for what a hybrid supercar can and should be.
The arrival of the 296 GTB in 2022 marked a seismic shift in Ferrari’s mid-engined supercar lineage. It dared to deviate from the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8, embracing a revolutionary twin-turbocharged V6 augmented by electric power. This bold move placed the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a supercar segment that was, and still is, in a fascinating, albeit gradual, transition towards hybridisation. While its debut competitor was the Lamborghini Huracán, a symphony of naturally aspirated V10 charisma, and the formidable McLaren 720S with its potent V8, the 296 GTB was engineered with a future in mind. Now, with the imminent arrival of the Lamborghini Temerario hybrid supercar, boasting a staggering 903bhp and a dizzying 10,000rpm redline, Maranello’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta faces its most direct and audacious challenge yet. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the soul of the machine.
The 296 GTB commands attention with its awe-inspiring power output. It’s easy to get lost in the sheer magnitude of its performance figures and ponder the ultimate limits of this power escalation. But the true genius of the 296 GTB lies not just in its raw velocity, but in its pioneering spirit. This is the first V6-powered Ferrari road car to bear the Prancing Horse emblem, a spiritual successor to the beloved 246 GT Dino, albeit without the badging in its era. It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger installation, a design that optimises packaging and responsiveness. Furthermore, it’s a plug-in hybrid, offering an electric-only range of approximately 15 miles – a testament to its dual-purpose capability.
Beneath its sculpted form, a new aluminum chassis houses the compact V6. This chassis has been cleverly shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, resulting in a tighter wheelbase and occupants positioned slightly further forward, enhancing the sense of driver immersion. The electric motor itself contributes a remarkable 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 engine, a masterpiece of engineering, independently produces a staggering 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined output of 819bhp is the headline figure, but Ferrari wisely refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure. This is likely due to the complex interplay between the electric motor and the V6, where peak outputs rarely align perfectly. Nevertheless, one can only assume the combined torque is nothing short of prodigious. Crucially, the V6 saves approximately 30kg over its V8 counterparts. This potent powerplant is mated to an ultra-smooth eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the battery pack, a long, slender unit, is cleverly packaged behind the seats, ensuring optimal weight distribution.
No Ferrari would be complete without a suite of sophisticated electronic chassis systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has developed a groundbreaking six-axis sensor, the 6w-CDS (Chassis Dynamic Sensor), capable of measuring acceleration and rotational speed 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 real-time grip levels at the tire contact patches. This data is then fed to systems like the Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, enabling the car to maximise cornering speeds while upholding unwavering stability and driver confidence. A significant innovation is the introduction of ABS-evo in RACE mode and above. This system, leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, not only shortens braking distances but also enhances braking performance during trail-braking into corners, a technique that requires exceptional precision and feedback.
Ferrari’s prowess in active aerodynamics is also on full display with the 296 GTB. For the first time, this technology is deployed not to reduce drag, but to generate substantial downforce. The marque quotes an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a significant portion, up to 100kg, generated by an active rear wing that deploys from the rear of the car. The cooling strategy is equally ingenious. Twin radiators in the front handle engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two condensers for battery thermal management. Hot air is expelled beneath the car, preventing interference with the airflow directed to the intercoolers located along the flanks. Small apertures below the headlamps are dedicated to brake cooling, while a roofline-integrated wing sculpts airflow, creating a virtual rear screen that channels air to the rear of the car with remarkable efficiency. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated from its underbody, where meticulous attention has been paid to the design of the diffuser and the precise ground clearance to maximise the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
Our initial encounters with the 296 GTB on track were with examples equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units, directly derived from Ferrari’s GT racing programs. It also adds further carbon-fibre aerodynamic elements to the front, increasing front downforce by an additional 20kg. The cabin benefits from more carbon fibre, including the door panels, contributing to a total weight saving of 12kg. Opting for the Lexan rear engine cover shaves off an additional 3kg. For those seeking ultimate track performance, the Assetto Fiorano package offers Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres as an upgrade from the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Furthermore, Assetto Fiorano-equipped cars can be personalised with an exterior graphics package inspired by the iconic 250LM of the 1960s, a nod to Ferrari’s rich racing heritage.
Experiencing the 296 GTB in person, its aesthetic is undeniably captivating. It possesses a unique and striking design, a departure from anything else on the road, echoing the elegant lines of the 1960s 250LM, even without the more divisive graphic schemes. This is a car that commands admiration.
The Thrill of the Drive: Unlocking the Ferrari 296 GTB Performance
Initiating a drive in the 296 GTB is a seamless experience. A double-press of the lower steering wheel boss and engaging first gear are all that’s required. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing for serene departures on electric power alone, unless the driver actively chooses otherwise via the intuitive haptic controls on the steering wheel. As long as the battery retains charge and throttle inputs are judicious, silent, emissions-free progress is readily achievable.
The driver has the option to manually engage full EV mode, irrespective of the powertrain’s demands. Beyond this, Performance and Qualifying modes offer escalating levels of aggression. In Performance mode, both power sources work in tandem, with a focus on maintaining battery charge. Qualifying mode, however, unleashes the full, unadulterated ferocity of the hybrid powertrain, with the battery’s state of charge becoming a secondary concern.
The unexpected pleasure of gliding silently through urban landscapes is a remarkable facet of the 296 GTB. The damping calibration is so sophisticated that it provides a surprisingly comfortable ride, even over long distances. The ‘frunk’ up front offers a practical luggage area, a welcome feature absent in some of Ferrari’s more extreme offerings, like the SF90. But we both know what truly matters: the sensation when both the V6 and electric motor are unleashed.
The instant gratification when planting the throttle at low revs in a high gear is astonishing. The 296 surges forward with zero lag, prompting an immediate contemplation of the necessity of manual gear selection, such is its potency. Yet, with eight gears at its disposal and an engine that eagerly revs to 8500rpm, the full-throttle experience is nothing short of electrifying. The acceleration figures – a 0-62mph sprint in the mid-2-second range and a top speed exceeding 205mph – translate into a relentless, almost overwhelming, surge of speed that elicits a mix of nervous laughter and sheer exhilaration. This is a seriously rapid machine. The soundtrack is equally captivating, a harmonious blend of turbocharger whines and the sonorous rasp of the V6.
Chassis Prowess: Mastering the Ferrari 296 GTB Handling
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is the extraordinary responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s promise of a car that is “fun to drive” is not an empty marketing slogan; it’s a tangible reality. The handling is incredibly agile without tipping into nervousness. The steering, typically light and direct as expected from Ferrari, offers a surprising level of feedback, allowing the driver to feel the nuances of the road surface and the grip at the contact patch. While outright grip levels are predictably immense, the car’s true brilliance lies in its throttle adjustability. The ability to precisely control the car’s attitude with throttle inputs is a source of immense joy, fostering an almost childlike grin.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a remarkable lack of inertia, encouraging the driver to work intuitively with the car, making small, precise inputs and reveling in its accuracy. Engaging the CT Off mode provides a reassuring safety net, with the electronic nannies far more intelligent than any human driver, yet it allows for a degree of spirited driving previously unimaginable in a car with 819bhp. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the inherent balance of the 296 GTB allows for controlled slides and playful oversteer, a testament to its meticulously engineered chassis.
On the racetrack, the 296 GTB has the remarkable ability to make even lengthy straights feel compressed. It’s an incredibly sharp and precise instrument. While the power is readily available to break traction at the rear at numerous points around the lap, the 296 GTB is also exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. Precision in control is paramount, and the rewards for such finesse are immense. The turn-in accuracy and immediate response dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Rather than gradually easing the car into bends, the 296 GTB settles instantly, its newfound agility amplified by the roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup and the hyper-quick steering. Even for drivers accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal and an enduring source of delight, lap after lap.
Interior Sanctuary: The Ferrari 296 GTB Cabin Experience
The cabin architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90. Ferrari has carried over much of that car’s interior philosophy, including a purely digital interface and a comprehensive array of haptic switchgear. These controls are liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari stalks flanking it.
Undoubtedly, the system can appear complex, with a vast amount of information to convey. However, the most frustrating aspect is the occasional need for a second press to register a command, or the ambiguity of knowing if a press has been successful. Despite these minor usability quibbles, the cabin undeniably exudes a special, focused ambiance.
Verdict: A Masterclass in Hybrid Supercar Engineering
As the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 approaches its next evolutionary phase, it’s crucial to reflect on its impact. The new Ferrari hybrid supercar has unequivocally set a new standard. While its early rivals like the McLaren 750S, with its raw character and ergonomic brilliance, offer a different, perhaps more analogue, experience, the 296 GTB represents a sophisticated leap forward. The imminent Lamborghini Temerario price and performance metrics will undoubtedly be impressive, but the challenge for Sant’Agata Bolognese will be to match the sheer finesse and integrated brilliance that Maranello has achieved with the 296 GTB.
The risk with such advanced technology is creating a car that is less than the sum of its parts. Ferrari themselves experienced this with the SF90, a car that, while dazzling in its power, could sometimes feel overwhelming and difficult to read. The 296 GTB, however, is a different proposition entirely. It struck a remarkable sweet spot in the 2022 evo Car of the Year competition, earning joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura. Its organic feel, coupled with its potent blend of power and engaging dynamics, has redefined what a £250,000-ish supercar can be. We eagerly anticipate the forthcoming Versione Speciale variant, promising even greater intensity. However, the hope remains that this heightened performance will not compromise the standard 296’s uncanny natural feel.
It is this very aspect – the natural, intuitive connection between driver and machine – that we sincerely hope Lamborghini has prioritized when developing their Lamborghini Temerario hybrid supercar. While over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power, it can easily overwhelm a chassis that isn’t perfectly resolved. If Lamborghini has indeed achieved a level of integration comparable to their REVUELTO, then a twin test between these titans of the hybrid supercar world will be an event of unparalleled automotive significance. The prospect of a 1700bhp showdown between these Italian masters is an electrifying one. Even the McLaren 750S, with its comparatively modest 740bhp and its advantageous power-to-weight ratio, presents a compelling third contender, offering a rawer, more immediate experience that stands in contrast to the Ferrari’s refined composure.
The Ferrari 296 GTB is more than just a performance car; it’s a statement of intent, a testament to the relentless pursuit of automotive excellence, and a benchmark that the entire industry, especially its fiercest rivals, will be striving to meet and surpass.
The future of the supercar is undoubtedly hybrid, and the Ferrari 296 GTB is leading the charge with a level of sophistication and driver engagement that is nothing short of extraordinary. If you’re seeking to experience the pinnacle of contemporary hybrid supercar performance and handling, and understand why the Ferrari 296 GTB review continues to garner such widespread acclaim, now is the time to delve deeper.
Ready to experience the future of performance? Explore our exclusive Ferrari 296 GTB ownership opportunities or schedule a private consultation with one of our marque specialists today.
