The Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Revolution Redefining Supercar Prowess in 2025
For a decade now, the automotive landscape has been on a relentless march towards electrification. While the purist’s heart
might yearn for the raw, unadulterated roar of a naturally aspirated engine, the relentless march of technology, coupled with increasingly stringent emissions regulations, has ushered in a new era. At the forefront of this paradigm shift, pushing the boundaries of what we thought possible, stands the Ferrari 296 GTB. Having spent years observing, testing, and living amongst the pinnacle of automotive engineering, I can attest that the 296 GTB isn’t just a car; it’s a statement of intent from Maranello, a bold declaration that the future of supercars is not just hybrid, but exhilaratingly potent.
In the rarefied air of the supercar segment, change often comes in subtle increments. However, the arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked an unprecedented departure for the venerable Italian marque. Eschewing the multi-award-winning, thunderous twin-turbo V8 that had defined its recent supercars, Ferrari boldly embraced a brand-new twin-turbo V6, augmented by electric power. This audacious move positioned the 296 GTB as a pioneer in a segment that was still tentatively dipping its toes into the waters of hybrid propulsion.
At its initial launch, the 296 GTB’s most direct competitor was the Lamborghini Huracán, a car celebrated for its howling, naturally aspirated V10 symphony. While the Huracán offered an abundance of charismatic noise and a visceral connection to its engine, it paled in comparison to the sheer output of the Ferrari. The McLaren 720S, another formidable contender, also relied on the proven prowess of its twin-turbo V8. While the subsequent McLaren 750S represents an evolution of that theme, prioritizing power-to-weight supremacy, the new kid on the block, Lamborghini’s hybrid Temerario, boasting a colossal 903 horsepower and a screaming 10,000rpm redline, is clearly Maranello’s gauntlet thrown down. This is where the true battle for hybrid supercar supremacy in 2025 is being fought.
Make no mistake, the Ferrari 296 GTB packs a formidable punch. Its all-new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, paired with an electric motor, drives the rear wheels exclusively – a deliberate choice differentiating it from the all-wheel-drive SF90 Stradale. With a combined output of 819 horsepower, the 296 GTB unequivocally shattered established supercar conventions upon its debut. The sheer magnitude of this power figure is almost difficult to comprehend, leading one to ponder the ultimate limits of such power escalation. And, of course, the age-old question arises: where, in the real world, can one truly unleash such a beast? But that, as they say, is a story for another day.
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is its historical significance. It represents Ferrari’s first-ever V6-powered road car, a nod to the legendary 246 GT Dino, although the Dino never bore the Prancing Horse emblem in its era. Furthermore, it introduces Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration to a road-going V6 and, crucially, embraces plug-in hybrid technology, offering an electric-only range of approximately 15 miles. This compact V6, mounted low in a bespoke aluminum chassis, features a wheelbase reduced by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, with occupants positioned slightly further forward for enhanced weight distribution.
The electric motor itself contributes a substantial 165 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 alone churns out an astonishing 654 horsepower and 546 lb-ft. The headline combined figure of 819 horsepower is staggering, yet Ferrari strategically refrains from quoting a peak combined torque figure. This is likely due to the complex interplay between the engine and electric motor, but it’s safe to assume the total torque is immense. Critically, the V6 unit is approximately 30kg lighter than its V8 counterparts and is seamlessly integrated with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The compact battery pack, a long, slender unit, is housed discreetly behind the seats, contributing to the car’s balanced weight distribution.
No Ferrari would be complete without a sophisticated suite of electronic chassis management systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has engineered what it calls a six-axis sensor, the 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This advanced system precisely measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. Replacing traditional yaw sensors, and working in concert with a sensor on the steering rack, the 6w-CDS provides the car with an intimate understanding of the driver’s intentions and the available grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data is fed to systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, all working in unison to maximize cornering speeds while upholding unwavering stability and confidence. It also enables a new, aptly named ABS-evo system, which, in RACE mode and above, utilizes the 296’s brake-by-wire technology to not only shorten braking distances but also enhance braking performance during trail-braking into corners – a testament to the evolving precision of supercar dynamics.
For the first time in its history, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics not to minimize drag, but to generate downforce. The manufacturer claims an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155 mph, with approximately 100kg of that figure being contributed by the deployable rear wing. This active aero isn’t just for show; it’s an integral part of the car’s dynamic equation, working in tandem with the underbody design to maximize grip and stability at extreme velocities.
The cooling architecture is equally sophisticated. Two radiators in the front handle engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two condensers dedicated to chilling the battery. Hot air is cleverly expelled from underneath the car, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the flow of cool air directed to the intercoolers along the car’s flanks. Small apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to brake cooling, while a cleverly integrated wing at the rear of the roofline creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, channeling airflow to the rear of the car as if guided by an invisible surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce, however, is generated from beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid not only to airflow management and the rear diffuser but also to the critical ground clearance, optimizing the effectiveness of the downforce-generating surfaces.
The pre-production examples of the 296 GTB we sampled on the circuit were all equipped with the Assetto Fiorano package. This optional upgrade replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units, derived from GT racing technology. It also introduces additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements to the front, boosting front downforce by a further 20kg. The package further enhances the car’s lightweight focus with more carbon fiber in the cabin, including the door panels, and on the exterior. These enhancements contribute to an overall weight saving of 12kg, which can be extended to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For those seeking the ultimate track-focused experience, the Assetto Fiorano package also allows for the selection of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, a significant step up from the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Aesthetically, Fiorano cars can be further personalized with an exterior graphics package inspired by the iconic 250LM of the 1960s.
Having had the privilege of experiencing the 296 GTB firsthand, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a design that is both unique and captivating, drawing subtle inspiration from the legendary 250LM without resorting to overt pastiche, even without the divisive graphics package. It’s a design that stands apart in a crowded field of exotics.
Performance and the Thrill of Acceleration
Initiating movement in the 296 GTB is as simple as a double-press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, meaning it will depart silently on electric power alone, unless prompted otherwise by the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors on the left side of the steering wheel. As long as the battery has sufficient charge and the throttle inputs are gentle, the 296 will continue its journey purely on electric power.
Drivers can also elect to ‘force’ the car into pure EV mode, irrespective of powertrain demands. Alternatively, there are the Performance and Qualifying modes. In both of these, the V6 engine and electric motor work in concert. Performance mode prioritizes sustained power delivery while also ensuring the battery is replenished, whereas Qualifying mode unleashes the absolute maximum performance, with no regard for the battery’s state of charge.
The experience of gliding silently through urban environments is an unexpected delight. The damping is so exquisitely calibrated that the 296 GTB proves to be a surprisingly comfortable companion on longer journeys. Even the ‘frunk’ offers a reasonable amount of luggage space, a welcome practicality absent in the SF90. However, what truly captivates is the sensation when both the engine and electric motor are unleashed to their full potential.
The true revelation occurs when you floor the throttle in a high gear at low revs. The 296 simply surges forward with an immediacy that banishes any notion of turbo lag. It’s a sensation so potent that for a fleeting moment, you question the necessity of gears. Yet, with eight of them at your disposal and an engine that revs to a breathtaking 8500rpm, the experience of truly uncorking the 296 is nothing short of astonishing.
As the performance figures suggest – a blistering 0-62 mph sprint in under 3 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205 mph – the acceleration is of the ‘hold-on-tight/nervous laughter’ variety. It verges on the overwhelming, yet it is also inexplicably addictive. This is a car that redefines rapid. And the sound? It’s equally captivating, with a symphony of turbocharger effects overlaying the tuneful rasp of the V6. For those seeking the ultimate Ferrari 296 GTB performance and supercar acceleration, this car delivers in spades.
Ride and Handling: A Masterclass in Agility and Precision
What truly elevates the 296 GTB is the extraordinary responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s promise of a ‘fun to drive’ experience is not merely marketing speak; it’s a tangible reality. The car feels incredibly agile without ever bordering on nervousness. The steering, typically Ferrari-light and rapid, offers a remarkable level of feedback, allowing the driver to feel connected to the road. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable, inspiring a level of confidence that elicits an infectious grin.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a palpable lack of inertia throughout the entire vehicle, encouraging the driver to work with it, employing small, precise inputs and reveling in its accuracy. Engaging the CT Off mode provides an astonishing degree of freedom, with the underlying electronic safety net offering reassurance that an incredibly intelligent system is still at play. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the inherent balance of the 296 allows for playful manipulation into oversteer, a feat one might not have thought possible in a car with 819 horsepower.
On the track, the 296 GTB has the uncanny ability to shrink even the longest of straights. What becomes even more apparent is its surgical precision. The power is readily available to break traction at the rear at numerous points around the lap, yet the 296 is also incredibly sensitive to braking and steering inputs. It quickly becomes apparent that precise control yields 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 load to build progressively, the 296 settles immediately, its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering working in perfect harmony with 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 are phenomenal, offering a joyous experience lap after lap. For drivers seeking performance supercar handling and track-ready dynamics, the 296 GTB is a benchmark.
Interior: A Digital Frontier, Familiar Yet Evolving
The cabin architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as it borrows heavily from that car. The entirely digital interface, coupled with its complimentary haptic switchgear, presents a unique challenge. These controls are liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it.
Undoubtedly, the system is complex. To be fair, there is a vast amount of information to convey, but the most frustrating aspect is how simple operations sometimes require a second attempt to register, or leave you uncertain whether a press has been acknowledged at all. Nevertheless, the cabin unequivocally feels like a special place to be, exuding an aura of exclusivity and cutting-edge design.
evo Car of the Year 2022 Verdict: A Return to Form
“Now it gets serious. When the scores were tallied, there wasn’t even the road tester’s legendary fag paper 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 had the 296 in front 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…’”
“‘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.
Price, Rivals, and the Future of Hybrid Supercars
In an era where technological prowess is paramount, there’s always the risk that a car can become less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment we experienced with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power, could be unnerving in its less predictable driving characteristics.
However, the 296 GTB charts a different course. As demonstrated at the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards, where it achieved a joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, the 296 GTB feels far more organic. Its harmonious blend of immense power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect sweet spot, effectively redefining what a £250,000 supercar can and should be. Whispers of a Versione Speciale variant, promising even more power, performance, and intensity, are circulating, and one can only hope that the standard 296’s incredibly natural feel is preserved.
It is this crucial aspect of the 296 GTB’s DNA that we hope Lamborghini has meticulously addressed in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900 horsepower is simply an obscene amount of power to harness in a series-production supercar; without a perfectly resolved chassis, it can easily become overwhelming. If Lamborghini has indeed struck the right balance – and the company’s mastery of the Revuelto offers strong reason for optimism – then we are poised for a monumental twin-test, potentially featuring a combined output of 1700 horsepower.
And then there’s the McLaren 750S, which, in this burgeoning hypercar landscape, must now be described as the minnow of the class with ‘only’ 740 horsepower. However, it compensates with a refreshingly petite 1389kg kerb weight, resulting in a formidable power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw character, ergonomic excellence, crisp steering, and agile chassis offer a distinct contrast to the comparatively remote feel of the Ferrari. For those seeking a performance hybrid supercar that balances brute force with finesse, the Ferrari 296 GTB price positions it at the very pinnacle of desirability.
Ferrari 296 GTB 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 automotive world is in constant flux, and the 296 GTB stands as a testament to Ferrari’s ability to innovate and captivate. If you’re ready to experience the future of supercar performance, where electrifying power meets breathtaking dynamics, it’s time to engage with a Ferrari specialist and explore what the 296 GTB can offer you.