The Maranello Marvel: A Deep Dive into the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB and its Electrifying Evolution
For a decade now, the automotive landscape has been a relentless crucible of innovation, a battlefield wh
ere established titans and ambitious newcomers alike strive to forge the ultimate expression of performance. As an industry observer with ten years immersed in this exhilarating world, I’ve witnessed shifts seismic enough to redefine automotive paradigms. Today, we stand at a fascinating precipice, a moment where electrification is no longer a whisper but a roaring demand, even within the hallowed halls of supercar manufacturers. And at the forefront of this electrifying revolution stands the Ferrari 296 GTB, a car that, even after a few years, continues to astound, especially as formidable rivals emerge, promising mind-bending power figures.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a significant departure from Ferrari’s established mid-engined supercar formula. It bravely shed the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 in favor of an entirely new twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by sophisticated electric propulsion. This bold move placed the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a higher-tier supercar segment that, even now, is only tentatively embracing hybrid power.
At its debut, the 296 GTB’s traditional adversaries included the Lamborghini Huracán, celebrated for its sonorous, naturally aspirated V10. While perhaps outgunned in outright power, the Huracán delivered an intoxicating blend of V10 character and raw auditory drama that defined its golden era. Then there was the ferocious McLaren 720S, a twin-turbo V8 powerhouse that epitomized the pursuit of power-to-weight supremacy. While its successor, the McLaren 750S, represents an evolution of that theme, the much-anticipated, 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid Lamborghini Temerario has unequivocally thrown down the gauntlet to Maranello’s 819bhp hybridized Berlinetta.
The sheer audacity of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s performance figures is, without question, its most immediate and arresting characteristic. With its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine seamlessly integrated with an electric motor, driving the rear wheels exclusively (a distinction from the all-wheel-drive SF90), the 819bhp 296 GTB fundamentally challenged conventional supercar wisdom. It’s easy to become fixated on these astronomical power outputs and ponder the ultimate limits of such performance escalation – and, perhaps more pragmatically, where one might even responsibly deploy such might. But that’s a contemplation for another time.
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is its pioneering spirit. It proudly bears the distinction of being the first V6-powered Ferrari road car to wear the Prancing Horse emblem (the exquisite 246 GT Dino, while a V6 masterpiece, never bore the official badge in its era). It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger arrangement and, crucially, functions as a plug-in hybrid, offering a purely electric range of approximately 15 miles. This compact V6 is ingeniously packaged low within a novel aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase reduced by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, subtly shifting the occupants slightly forward.
The electric motor contributes an impressive 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 alone unleashes a staggering 654bhp and 546lb ft. The headline combined figure stands at 819bhp. Ferrari judiciously refrains from quoting a peak combined torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the engine and electric motor. However, one can confidently surmise that the resultant torque output is, in a word, colossal. Furthermore, the V6 unit itself boasts a 30kg weight saving over a comparable Ferrari V8. This potent powerplant is mated to a slick eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the compact battery pack, a slender oblong structure, is cleverly housed behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of acronyms representing its sophisticated electronic chassis management systems. For the 296, Ferrari has developed an advanced six-axis sensor array, dubbed the 6w-CDS (six-axis chassis dynamic sensor). This revolutionary system precisely measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. It supplants traditional yaw sensors, and in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of driver intent and the precise grip levels at the tire contact patches. This data feeds into other vital systems, including the renowned Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, meticulously optimizing cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and driver confidence. A novel inclusion is the ABS-evo system, accessible in RACE mode and above. Leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, this system not only curtails braking distances but also significantly enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners.
In a fascinating departure from its usual application, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics technology not for drag reduction, but for generating substantial downforce. The company claims an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with approximately 100kg of that being attributable to the deployable rear wing.
The thermal management strategy is equally sophisticated. Two radiators in the front manage engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two additional condensers dedicated to battery cooling. Hot air is expelled beneath the car to avoid any interference with the airflow directed to the intercoolers situated along the flanks. The discreet apertures below the headlamps serve to draw air for brake cooling. The aerodynamically integrated wing at the rear of the roofline ingeniously creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, guiding airflow towards the car’s posterior as if channeled by a solid surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce is sculpted from beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid not only to air channelling and the rear diffuser but also to the underbody’s ground clearance, maximizing the effectiveness of these downforce-generating elements.
The examples of the Ferrari 296 GTB we experienced on track during its launch were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with high-performance Multimatic units, derived from GT racing technology. It also incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic enhancements to the front end, contributing an extra 20kg of front downforce. Further weight savings are achieved through the extensive use of carbon fiber within the cabin (including the door panels) and on exterior elements, resulting in an additional 12kg reduction. Opting for the Lexan rear engine cover can shave off another 3kg. For those who select the Assetto Fiorano package, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires are an available upgrade over the standard Pilot Sport 4S. The Fiorano specification also offers a distinctive exterior graphics package, a tasteful nod to the iconic 250LM of the 1960s.
Having had ample opportunity to immerse myself with the 296 GTB “in the metal,” I can attest to its striking aesthetic. It possesses a beauty that is utterly unique, distinct from anything else on the road, and it evokes the spirit of the 1960s 250LM, even without the more overt graphic embellishments.
Performance Dynamics and the Thrill of Acceleration
Initiating motion in the 296 GTB is a deliberate, multi-stage process. A double-press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss precedes engaging first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, propelling itself forward on electric power alone unless overridden by the driver via the haptic mode selectors integrated into the steering wheel boss. With judicious throttle application, it will continue its silent journey on electricity, provided the battery has sufficient charge.
Drivers have the option to forcibly engage EV mode, irrespective of powertrain demands. Alternatively, distinct Performance and Qualifying modes cater to different intentions. In Performance mode, both power sources collaborate, with an emphasis on maintaining battery charge. Qualifying mode, conversely, prioritizes absolute performance, with no regard for the battery’s state of discharge.
The serene gliding through urban landscapes is an unexpected revelation. The damping sophistication imbues the cabin with a remarkable level of comfort, making it a surprisingly capable grand tourer. Even luggage space in the front ‘frunk’ is more accommodating than in the SF90. However, the question on everyone’s mind, including mine, is the visceral experience when both the V6 engine and electric motor are unleashed in their full glory.
The answer lies in the car’s instantaneous response. Prod the throttle at low revs in a high gear, and the 296 GTB surges forward with an alacrity that momentarily makes you question the very necessity of gear selection, such is its latent potency. Yet, with eight gears at its disposal and an engine that eagerly spins to 8500rpm, the experience when truly unleashing the 296 is nothing short of astonishing. The acceleration figures – a brisk 0-62mph in around 2.9 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205mph – translate into a relentless, exhilarating force that borders on overwhelming, yet paradoxically, becomes utterly addictive. This is a seriously rapid automobile. And the sound? It’s a symphony of turbocharger whispers overlaying the rich, melodic rasp of the V6, a truly engaging auditory experience.
Ride and Handling: A Masterclass in Agile Precision
What truly elevates the 296 GTB is the uncanny responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s assertion that the car’s core design philosophy was to be “fun to drive” is unequivocally validated. It possesses a razor-sharp agility that never verges on nervousness. The steering, characteristically light and rapid, also transmits an impressive level of road feel. While the grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains delightfully throttle-adjustable, eliciting an irrepressible grin.
Despite a dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter, exhibiting a remarkable lack of inertia that encourages an intuitive, cooperative driving style. Its accuracy and precision are paramount, allowing for minute inputs to yield substantial directional changes. The CT Off mode offers a remarkable degree of freedom, providing a reassuring safety net in the form of intelligent electronic intervention. Even with all electronic aids disengaged, the 296’s inherent balance allows for controlled oversteer, a feat one might deem impossible in a car producing 819bhp.
On the circuit, the 296 GTB possesses the remarkable ability to seemingly compress even the longest straights. Its nature as a precision instrument becomes profoundly evident. While the power is sufficient to break rear-wheel traction at numerous points around the lap, the 296 is also extraordinarily sensitive to braking and steering inputs, quickly teaching the driver that precision yields the greatest rewards. The turn-in accuracy and responsiveness are astonishing, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Instead of gradually loading the suspension, the 296 settles instantly, its Multimatic dampers working in concert with the hyper-quick steering and the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for those accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are nothing short of phenomenal, providing an exhilarating joy lap after lap.
The Interior Realm: A Blend of Familiarity and Future Shock
The cabin architecture will feel immediately familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90, as the 296 borrows heavily from its larger sibling. The fully digital interface, coupled with its array of haptic switchgear, presents a learning curve. These controls are liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it.
Undeniably, the system is complex. To be fair, a significant amount of information needs to be conveyed. However, the frustration arises when simple operations occasionally require a second press, or when the success of an input remains ambiguous. Nevertheless, the cabin undeniably conveys a sense of occasion and exclusivity.
A Verdict from the Experts: evo Car of the Year 2022 Reflections
“Now it gets serious,” declared the evo testers upon compiling their scores for the 2022 Car of the Year awards. The margin between the McLaren Artura and the Ferrari 296 GTB was razor-thin, a testament to their respective brilliance. The judging panel was equally divided, with three narrowly favoring the Ferrari and three opting for the McLaren by the slimmest of margins.
Those who placed the 296 GTB at the top, including myself, Jethro Bovingdon, and Henry Catchpole, were effusive in their praise. “What a spectacular car,” enthused Jethro. “Beautiful to behold, outrageously fast, astonishingly exploitable, and technically brilliant. Its V6 engine demonstrates how to downsize effectively while injecting immense drama, and it matches the Artura in terms of sheer control, yet possesses a more playful and indulgent character.”
Richard Meaden offered a bold pronouncement: “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355.” A sentiment echoed by many. “The hybrid system is exceptionally well-executed,” he continued, “and its integration doesn’t intrude on the driving experience as much as I had feared, perhaps because we’ve become accustomed to the torquey nature of turbocharged V8s in cars like the 488 and F8. The 296 is stonkingly quick, but its appeal extends beyond sheer speed, thanks to the character of the V6, which offers a consistently sweet soundtrack that evolves with throttle input.”
The seamless integration of the Ferrari’s hybrid system garnered widespread acclaim. However, a solitary incident on the final night saw the car left stranded due to a depleted battery, with no apparent means of revival. Ferrari had, in fact, preemptively warned of this possibility and outlined necessary precautions. Nevertheless, it’s not inconceivable for an owner to encounter a similar predicament. As Stephen Gallagher aptly noted, “The fact that the company that pioneered individual rear-wheel steering can’t engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this is a significant oversight.” Fortunately for the 296, this occurred after all cars had been scored.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake pedal feel, while competent, didn’t quite match the very best in class. The technological interface also faced considerable criticism for its excessive complexity. Despite these reservations, the 296 GTB proved irresistibly seductive. “I initially thought I wouldn’t like the Fezza very much – too complex, rather gratuitous points of difference,” admitted Vivian, “but I ended up somewhat bewitched: its uncanny ability to change direction, its astonishing damping, its loony-tune levels of grip, and the linearity of its seemingly endless power…”
Ferrari 296 GTS Review – Is Anything Lost With the Roof Folded Away?
“This represents a genuine return to form for Ferrari, particularly after the SF90 left us somewhat underwhelmed last year,” observed Peter Tomalin, editor of evo. “The 296 is far more successful because its technical sophistication, especially the integration of its hybrid technology, feels far more natural and considerably less intrusive.” Gallagher concurred, adding, “Ferrari has clearly learned from the SF90, distilling its advancements into a series production model that ranks among its very finest.”
Price, Rivals, and the Future of Supercar Performance
When a vehicle is imbued with such an extensive suite of advanced technology, there’s always a risk that it might ultimately be less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment we experienced with the SF90, which, while dazzling with its power, proved somewhat unnerving due to its challenging driving characteristics.
However, the Ferrari 296 GTB is a fundamentally different proposition. As demonstrated at the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards (where it secured a joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura), it feels far more organic. Its potent blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a remarkable sweet spot, effectively redefining the expectations of a circa-£250,000 supercar. A more potent Versione Speciale variant of the 296 is anticipated imminently, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity. The fervent hope is that the standard 296’s almost inexplicable natural feel will be retained.
It is precisely this aspect – the organic feel and driver engagement – that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power to harness in a series production supercar; without a perfectly resolved chassis to match, such potency can easily become its undoing. If Lamborghini has indeed achieved that delicate balance – and the exceptional capability of the Revuelto provides ample reason for optimism – then we are poised for a sensational twin-test, a titanic clash of titans.
Alternatively, one could envision a staggering 2400bhp triple-threat showdown, incorporating the McLaren 750S. This model, by comparison, might now be considered the ‘minnow’ of the segment with a mere 740bhp. However, as previously noted, it brings a relatively petite 1389kg kerb weight to the table, offering a fiercely competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw sensory feedback, ergonomic perfection, razor-sharp steering, and exquisite chassis finesse continue to set it apart from the comparatively more detached Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications
Engine: 2992cc V6, 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.
Weight: 1470kg (dry), equating to 566bhp per ton.
0-62mph Acceleration: 2.9 seconds.
Top Speed: 205mph.
Estimated Price: £250,000+.
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