Ferrari 296 GTB 2025: Redefining Hybrid Supercar Excellence Amidst Fierce Competition
For a decade, I’ve navigated the thrilling, high-octane world of performance automotive engineering and sales. I’v
e witnessed firsthand the relentless evolution of the supercar, a segment defined by its pursuit of the absolute pinnacle of speed, technology, and driving elation. In this arena, the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a particularly fascinating specimen, a car that, even a few years after its debut, continues to captivate with its audacious blend of V6 potency and sophisticated hybrid integration. While the horizon already glimmers with the promise of a 10,000rpm, 903bhp Lamborghini rival, the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 remains a benchmark, a testament to how far automotive innovation can push the boundaries of what’s possible.
A Paradigm Shift in Maranello’s Supercar Lineup
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a significant departure for Ferrari’s mid-engined supercar philosophy. Eschewing the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 that had powered its lineage, Maranello boldly embraced a new twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by electric propulsion. This was not merely an incremental update; it was a calculated pivot into a higher e-tier of the supercar segment, a segment that was, and still is, in the nascent stages of its transition towards hybrid power.
At its genesis, the Ferrari 296 GTB found its contemporary rival in the Lamborghini Huracán, a purist’s delight with its naturally aspirated V10 engine, celebrated for its visceral soundtrack and charismatic delivery. Alongside it sat the formidable McLaren 720S, which continued to champion the twin-turbo V8 configuration. While the subsequent McLaren 750S represents an evolution of that theme, emphasizing its dominance in power-to-weight ratios, the much-anticipated 903bhp, 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid known as the Lamborghini Temerario, looms as a direct and powerful riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta.
The sheer potency of the Ferrari 296 GTB is undeniable. Featuring an entirely new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine harmoniously integrated with an electric motor, exclusively powering the rear wheels (a distinction from the all-wheel-drive SF90), the 819bhp Ferrari 296 GTB fundamentally challenged established supercar conventions. This remarkable output figure naturally prompts contemplation about the ultimate trajectory of power escalation in this segment – and, perhaps more pragmatically, where such performance can be fully unleashed.
Engineering Ingenuity: The V6 Heartbeat and Electric Pulse
The Ferrari 296 GTB holds the distinction of being the first V6-powered Ferrari road car to bear the iconic Prancing Horse emblem (the cherished 246 GT Dino never officially wore the badge in its era). It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger architecture, a layout where the turbochargers are positioned within the V of the engine, facilitating a more compact design and quicker throttle response. As a plug-in hybrid, it offers an estimated EV-only range of approximately 15 miles, providing a glimpse into silent, emissions-free motoring.
The compact V6 unit is strategically mounted low within a new aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase reduced by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, positioning the occupants slightly further forward for enhanced weight distribution. The electric motor contributes an impressive 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 alone produces a staggering 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined output of 819bhp is the headline figure, though Ferrari strategically refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the V6 and the electric motor. However, it’s safe to assume this figure is nothing short of prodigious. Crucially, the V6 engine itself is approximately 30kg lighter than a comparable Ferrari V8, and it’s mated to an agile eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The long, rectangular battery pack is discreetly housed behind the seats.
A Symphony of Electronic Dexterity and Aerodynamic Prowess
No Ferrari would be complete without an array of sophisticated electronic chassis management systems, and the Ferrari 296 GTB is no exception. A notable innovation is the six-axis sensor, dubbed 6w-CDS, which meticulously monitors acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes. This system replaces conventional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, provides the car with an unprecedented understanding of driver inputs and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch.
This advanced sensor suite works in concert with systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff to optimize cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and driver confidence. It also facilitates the introduction of ABS-evo, a system that, in RACE mode and above, leverages the 296’s brake-by-wire technology to not only shorten braking distances but also enhance braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners.
For the first time in its history, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics technology not to reduce drag, but to generate downforce. The company quotes an impressive figure of 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a significant portion, up to 100kg, being attributed to the deployable rear wing. The thermal management of the Ferrari 296 GTB is equally intricate. Two radiators in the front handle engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two additional condensers dedicated to battery cooling. Hot air is strategically exhausted underneath the vehicle to avoid disrupting the airflow directed towards the intercoolers flanking the car. Small apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to brake cooling, while the roofline-integrated rear wing creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, channeling air towards the rear of the car with remarkable efficiency. The majority of the car’s downforce is generated by meticulously sculpted underbody elements and a highly effective rear diffuser, with particular attention paid to maintaining optimal ground clearance to maximize the efficacy of these surfaces.
The Assetto Fiorano Package: Unleashing Track-Focused Dynamics
For those seeking the ultimate expression of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s dynamic capabilities, the Assetto Fiorano package is an essential consideration. This option replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units derived from GT racing technology, and incorporates additional carbon aerodynamic elements on the front splitter, increasing front downforce by a further 20kg.
The extensive use of carbon fiber extends to the cabin, including door panels, and to exterior components, contributing to a total weight saving of 12kg. This can be further enhanced by an optional Lexan rear engine cover, bringing the total saving to 15kg. As a further enhancement, the Assetto Fiorano package allows for the specification of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the already capable standard Pilot Sport 4S rubber. Visually, Fiorano-equipped cars can also be personalized with an exterior graphics package, a subtle nod to the iconic 250LM of the 1960s.
From a visual standpoint, the Ferrari 296 GTB is a masterpiece. Having experienced it firsthand, I can attest that it is a strikingly beautiful machine, possessing a distinct presence unlike anything else on the road. Its design language, even without the more overt graphics, evokes the spirit of the legendary 250LM.
Performance That Redefines Exhilaration
Engaging the Ferrari 296 GTB is an intuitive process. A double press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear, initiates the drive. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, silently departing on electric power unless prompted otherwise by the driver-activated modes on the steering wheel’s haptic controls. With judicious throttle application, it can continue its journey purely on electric power, provided the battery retains sufficient charge.
Drivers can also consciously select ‘eDrive’ mode, prioritizing electric propulsion regardless of powertrain demands. For unadulterated performance, ‘Performance’ and ‘Qualifying’ modes are available. In ‘Performance’ mode, both the internal combustion engine and electric motor work in tandem, with a focus on maintaining battery charge for sustained high performance. ‘Qualifying’ mode, as the name suggests, unlocks the powertrain’s absolute maximum output, with no regard for the battery’s state of charge.
The experience of gliding silently through urban environments is a surprisingly enjoyable revelation. The damping is so refined that it transforms long journeys into a comfortable affair, and the ‘frunk’ offers a surprisingly practical luggage compartment, a welcome inclusion absent in the SF90. But what truly ignites the senses is the full deployment of both the V6 and electric motor’s capabilities.
When planting the throttle at low revs in a higher gear, the Ferrari 296 GTB launches forward with an immediacy that momentarily blurs the need for gear selection, such is its instantaneous torque delivery. Yet, with eight gears at its disposal and an engine that revs to a thrilling 8500rpm, the full onslaught of power is nothing short of breathtaking. The acceleration figures – a blistering 0-62mph in approximately 2.9 seconds and a top speed of over 205mph – translate into a driving experience that is both exhilarating and almost unnervingly rapid, bordering on the sensational, yet imbued with an addictive quality. The sound, too, is a masterful composition, a harmonious blend of turbocharger whines and the tuneful rasp of the V6.
The Art of Handling: Precision, Agility, and Unparalleled Engagement
What truly sets the Ferrari 296 GTB apart is the astonishing responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s declaration that the car’s primary objective was to be ‘fun to drive’ rings resoundingly true. It exhibits a sublime agility without ever feeling nervous or overly twitchy. The steering, while characteristically light and rapid, offers a remarkable level of feedback, conveying crucial information about the road surface and tire adhesion.
Despite its formidable grip levels, a hallmark of any Ferrari, the Ferrari 296 GTB remains remarkably throttle-adjustable, eliciting grins of pure exhilaration. It feels significantly lighter than its 1470kg dry weight might suggest, a testament to its inherent lack of inertia. This characteristic encourages an intuitive, almost symbiotic relationship with the driver, rewarding precise inputs and allowing for an intimate connection with the car’s performance envelope.
Engaging ‘CT Off’ mode provides a degree of freedom that might seem audacious, yet it’s underpinned by the reassurance of an incredibly sophisticated electronic brain working tirelessly to safeguard the driver. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the Ferrari 296 GTB possesses a natural balance that allows for controlled oversteer, a feat one might not expect from a car boasting 819bhp.
On the racetrack, the Ferrari 296 GTB has the uncanny ability to make even the longest straights feel truncated. It truly functions as a sharp instrument, capable of breaking traction at numerous points around a lap, yet it is exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. The reward for precision is immense, translating directly into faster lap times and an elevated sense of driver accomplishment. The turn-in accuracy and immediate response dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Rather than gently easing the car into turns and building load progressively, the Ferrari 296 GTB, particularly with the Assetto Fiorano setup, settles instantly into its apex, its hyper-quick steering perfectly complementing the increased roll support offered by the Multimatic dampers. Even for drivers accustomed to more mature sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 are simply phenomenal, offering an intoxicating experience lap after lap.
The Interior Experience: A Digital Frontier
The interior architecture of the Ferrari 296 GTB will feel familiar to occupants of the SF90, as it inherits a significant design philosophy from that flagship model. The fully digital interface, complemented by haptic switchgear liberally applied to the steering wheel and the traditional Ferrari pods flanking it, presents a unique challenge.
While undoubtedly complex, the system is tasked with relaying a vast amount of information. However, the primary point of contention lies in the occasional need for a second press for simple operations to register, or the uncertainty of whether a press has been successfully acknowledged. Despite these usability nuances, the cabin undeniably exudes a sense of occasion and exclusivity, making it a truly special place to inhabit.
A Verdict from the Experts: evo Car of the Year 2022 Reflection
The Ferrari 296 GTB made a profound impact at the evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, achieving a joint third-place finish alongside the McLaren Artura. The judges were deeply divided, with a narrow margin separating the two exceptional machines. The sentiment among those who favored the Ferrari 296 GTB was unanimous: it is a spectacular car, visually stunning, outrageously fast, remarkably exploitable, and intellectually sophisticated. Jethro Bovingdon enthused, “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.”
Dickie Meaden echoed this sentiment, declaring it, “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355.” He further elaborated on the seamless integration of the hybrid system, noting, “The hybrid system works very well 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.”
While the hybridisation of the Ferrari 296 GTB was widely lauded for its seamless integration, a notable incident saw the car stranded after the battery depleted with no apparent means of revival. Although Ferrari had provided warnings and guidance to prevent such an occurrence, it highlighted a potential vulnerability for owners. As Gallagher aptly put it, “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 Ferrari 296 GTB, this incident occurred after the scoring was completed.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering continued to divide opinion, and the brake feel, while competent, did not quite match the very best in its class. The infotainment technology also faced criticism for its perceived complexity. Nevertheless, the Ferrari 296 GTB proved irresistibly seductive. Vivian admitted, “I thought I wouldn’t like the Fezza all that much – too complex, rather gratuitous points of difference – 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…”
Peter Tomalin, reflecting on the awards, summarized, “It’s a real return to form for Ferrari, after the SF90 left us cold last year. 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.” He concluded, “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.”
Price, Rivals, and the Future of Supercar Supremacy
When a vehicle is imbued with such a high degree of technological sophistication, there’s always an inherent risk that it might feel less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment we experienced with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power, left us somewhat unnerved by its challenging driving characteristics.
However, the Ferrari 296 GTB transcends this. As evidenced by its strong performance at the evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, it feels remarkably organic, striking a perfect balance between raw power and engaging dynamics. It has undeniably redefined what a supercar in the £250,000-ish bracket can achieve. Rumors of a Versione Speciale variant, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity, are circulating, and one can only hope that the standard Ferrari 296 GTB’s intrinsic natural feel is preserved.
It is this very aspect – the natural, engaging feel – that we hope Lamborghini has meticulously focused on while refining its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an almost obscene amount of power, and it has the potential to overwhelm the driving experience if the rest of the vehicle isn’t harmoniously resolved to manage it. Given the exceptional execution of the Revuelto, there is ample reason for optimism that Lamborghini will deliver a formidable contender. Should they succeed, we are poised for a truly epic 1700bhp twin test.
Alternatively, we could envision a colossal 2400bhp triple threat, incorporating the McLaren 750S. While now absurdly the least powerful in this context with ‘only’ 740bhp, it counters with a remarkably petite 1389kg kerb weight, yielding a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw character, ergonomic brilliance, razor-sharp steering, and exquisite chassis finesse set it apart from the comparatively more detached Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 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: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Price: £250,000+
The Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 represents more than just a technological marvel; it embodies a profound statement about the future of performance motoring. It’s a car that challenges conventions, rewards its driver with an unparalleled sensory experience, and sets a formidable benchmark for its rivals.
If you’re captivated by the sheer innovation and exhilarating performance of the Ferrari 296 GTB, or if you’re considering the next step in your supercar ownership journey, we invite you to explore our curated selection of exceptional vehicles and connect with our specialist team. Let us help you find the perfect machine to ignite your passion.
