The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Masterpiece Defining the Future of Supercars
As a seasoned industry expert with a decade immersed in the automotive landscape, I’ve witnessed firsthand the relentles
s evolution of the supercar segment. We’ve moved beyond brute force and purely internal combustion charm, hurtling towards an electrifying, hybridized future. At the forefront of this paradigm shift stands the Ferrari 296 GTB, a machine that, even a few years into its tenure, continues to redefine expectations. While whispers of a 10,000rpm, 903bhp Lamborghini rival, the Temerario, have stirred the pot, the 296 GTB remains a benchmark, a testament to how Maranello masterfully integrates cutting-edge hybrid technology with unparalleled driving exhilaration.
The arrival of the 296 GTB in 2022 marked a significant departure from Ferrari’s established formula. Gone was the celebrated, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8. In its place, a revolutionary twin-turbo V6, augmented by an electric motor, took center stage. This bold move positioned the 296 GTB as a pioneer in a high-tier supercar arena that was still tentatively dipping its toes into the waters of electrification.
In its nascent years, the 296 GTB’s most direct rivals were the Lamborghini Huracán, with its sonorous naturally-aspirated V10, and the ferocious McLaren 720S, a king of the twin-turbo V8 realm. While the McLaren 750S represents an iterative refinement, excelling in power-to-weight supremacy, the impending 903bhp, 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid Temerario is overtly Lamborghini’s audacious riposte to Ferrari’s 819bhp hybridized Berlinetta. This evolving rivalry underscores the intense competition in the supercar market, particularly for hybrid hypercars.
Indeed, the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB packs a formidable punch. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, working in concert with an electric motor powering the rear wheels exclusively (a distinction from the all-wheel-drive SF90), churns out a staggering 819 horsepower. This potent combination shattered conventional supercar performance metrics, proving that hybridization doesn’t necessitate a compromise in outright spectacle. It’s this sheer output that leads many to ponder the limits of such power escalation – a question that the 296 GTB itself, and no doubt its rivals like the Lamborghini Temerario, is designed to answer.
The 296 GTB isn’t just about raw power; it’s a tapestry of firsts for Ferrari. It marks the first V6-powered Ferrari road car (recalling the fondly remembered, though not badged as Ferrari in period, 246 GT Dino). It also debuts a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration and embraces plug-in hybrid technology, offering a respectable 15-mile all-electric range. The compact V6 engine sits low within a bespoke aluminum chassis, with a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, subtly repositioning occupants slightly further forward for a more immersive experience.
The electric motor alone contributes an impressive 165 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 unleashes a remarkable 654 horsepower and 546 lb-ft. While Ferrari wisely refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure – a testament to the intricate dance between the V6 and electric motor – it’s safe to assume this total is nothing short of prodigious. Weighing in 30kg lighter than a comparable V8, the V6 is mated to a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The compact battery pack, a long, slender unit, is ingeniously housed behind the seats, contributing to the car’s balanced dynamics.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of sophisticated electronic chassis management systems. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari has developed the groundbreaking six-axis sensor known as 6w-CDS. This advanced system meticulously measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes, effectively replacing traditional yaw sensors. In tandem with a steering rack sensor, it provides the car with an intimate understanding of driver intent and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data empowers systems like the Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff to optimize cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and confidence, even for drivers exploring the performance tuning of these advanced machines. Furthermore, it enables the novel ABS-evo system, available in RACE mode and above. This integration with the 296’s brake-by-wire technology not only shortens braking distances but also refines performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners, a critical aspect of track day driving.
For the first time, Ferrari is leveraging its active aerodynamics not merely to reduce drag, but to actively generate downforce. The automaker quotes an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a significant portion, up to 100kg, being generated by a deployable rear wing. This focus on aerodynamic efficiency is paramount in a car designed for extreme speeds.
The cooling strategy is equally advanced. Two radiators in the front handle engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two additional condensers dedicated to the battery pack. Hot air is strategically expelled from the underbody, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the airflow directed to the intercoolers situated along the car’s flanks. Small apertures beneath the headlights are dedicated to brake cooling, while a roofline-integrated rear wing creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, meticulously channeling air to the rear of the car as if guided by a defined surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated 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, optimizing the effectiveness of these downforce-generating elements.
Our initial experiences with the 296 GTB on the circuit were exclusively with the Assetto Fiorano package. This optional upgrade replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units derived from GT racing technology and adds carbon aerodynamic elements to the front, boosting front downforce by an additional 20kg. The package further incorporates more carbon fiber in the cabin (such as the door panels) and exterior, contributing to a 12kg weight saving. Opting for the Lexan rear engine cover shaves off another 3kg. For those seeking ultimate grip, the Assetto Fiorano can be further enhanced with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the already capable Pilot Sport 4S. This package also allows for an exterior graphics option inspired by the iconic 250LM from the 1960s, a nod to Ferrari’s rich heritage, appealing to classic Ferrari enthusiasts.
Visually, the 296 GTB is a stunner. Its sculpted lines are undeniably Ferrari, yet possess a unique identity that evokes the spirit of the 250LM, even without the optional graphic treatment. It’s a design that commands attention, a true masterpiece of automotive design.
Getting underway in the 296 GTB is a seamless experience. A double-press on the lower portion of the steering wheel boss and selecting first gear is all it takes. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, initiating its journey on electric power alone, unless otherwise commanded via the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors on the wheel. With a gentle throttle input, it glides forward silently, a testament to its electric vehicle capabilities, provided the battery has sufficient charge.
The driver can explicitly select ‘eDrive’ mode, overriding powertrain demands for pure electric propulsion. Alternatively, ‘Performance’ and ‘Qualifying’ modes unlock the full potential of the hybrid powertrain. In Performance mode, both power sources work in synergy, with an added benefit of maintaining battery charge. Qualifying mode, as the name suggests, prioritizes absolute maximum performance, disregarding the battery’s state of charge.
The quiet composure of gliding through urban landscapes is an unexpected delight. The damping is so sophisticated that even long journeys are remarkably comfortable, and the ‘frunk’ offers a surprising amount of luggage space, a welcome practicality absent in the SF90. However, the true magic of the 296 GTB is revealed when both the V6 engine and electric motor are unleashed.
Plant the throttle at low revs in a high gear, and the 296 GTB surges forward with an immediate, lag-free response that momentarily makes you question the necessity of gear changes, such is its sheer potency. Yet, with eight gears and an engine that willingly spins to 8500rpm, the experience of unleashing the full fury of the 296 GTB is nothing short of startling.
The acceleration figures – a claimed 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205mph – translate to a breathtaking surge of momentum that verges on the unnerving, inducing a thrilling blend of nervous laughter and an almost addictive sensation. This is a seriously rapid machine. And the sound? A delightful symphony of turbocharger effects intertwined with the tuneful rasp of the V6, a signature Ferrari exhaust note.
The chassis response of the 296 GTB is truly remarkable. Ferrari’s promise of a car engineered for pure driving enjoyment is emphatically delivered. It feels exceptionally agile without ever becoming nervous. The steering is classically Ferrari – light and incredibly quick – but crucially, it’s imbued with a level of feedback that communicates what the tires are doing. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains delightfully throttle-adjustable, eliciting grins with every spirited corner exit.
It feels significantly lighter than its 1470kg (dry) weight suggests. There’s an almost imperceptible inertia throughout the car, encouraging precise, small inputs and rewarding the driver with incredible accuracy and finesse. Engaging ‘CT Off’ mode offers a tantalizing taste of unadulterated control, with the comforting knowledge that an advanced electronic guardian is still subtly at work. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296 GTB’s inherent balance allows it to be coaxed into delightful oversteer, a feat one might not expect from a car boasting 819 horsepower.
On the track, the 296 GTB has a remarkable ability to make even the longest straights feel compressed. Its surgical precision is its most striking attribute. While the prodigious power is more than capable of breaking rear-end traction at numerous points around a lap, the 296 GTB is acutely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. Mastering these controls unlocks the car’s true potential.
The turn-in accuracy and responsiveness are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase into every corner. Instead of gently easing the car into turns and allowing loads to build, the 296 GTB takes an immediate, decisive stance, aided by the Multimatic dampers and the hyper-quick steering that harmonizes beautifully with the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers transitioning from more conventional sports cars, the speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are nothing short of revelatory, offering a joyous experience lap after lap.
The cabin architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90. The 296 GTB borrows heavily from its hybrid flagship, featuring a fully digital interface and an array of haptic switchgear integrated into the steering wheel and adjacent pods. While undeniably complex, a consequence of the vast amount of information and control it manages, the user experience can occasionally be frustrating. Simple operations sometimes require a second press to register, and clarity on whether an input has been successful isn’t always immediate. Nevertheless, it remains a special and focused environment.
Reflecting on the evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, where the 296 GTB shared joint third place with the McLaren Artura, the sentiment was clear: this car represents a significant achievement. The judges were nearly unanimous, with the Ferrari narrowly edged out by the McLaren by a razor-thin margin.
The judges who favored the 296 GTB highlighted its spectacular nature, its breathtaking beauty, outrageous speed, exploitable performance, and immense technical sophistication. The V6 engine was seen as a masterclass in downsizing, delivering drama that rivals could learn from. While matching the Artura in control, the Ferrari was perceived as more playful and indulgent.
One verdict described the 296 GTB as “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. The hybrid system was lauded for its seamless integration, its impact on the driving experience being less intrusive than anticipated, likely due to the familiarity with the torque-rich characteristics of turbocharged V8 engines in models like the 488 and F8. The 296 GTB’s blistering pace is complemented by the engaging character of the V6, which provides a consistently sweet soundtrack that evolves with throttle opening.
While the seamless integration of Ferrari’s hybridisation was widely praised, a concerning incident during the awards left one car stranded after the battery depleted, with no apparent means of revival. Ferrari had, of course, pre-warned of such possibilities and provided guidance on prevention. However, the possibility of an owner facing a similar predicament remains a concern. The absence of a simple fail-safe mechanism was deemed a significant oversight by one judge, especially for a company that pioneered advanced technologies like individual rear-wheel steering. Fortunately, this incident occurred after all scoring was completed.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake pedal feel, while good, didn’t quite match the absolute best in class. The technological interface also drew criticism for its complexity. Yet, despite these points, the 296 GTB was irresistibly seductive. One judge, initially skeptical of its complexity and perceived gratuitous differences, found himself “bewitched” by its uncanny directional changes, phenomenal damping, outlandish grip levels, and the seemingly endless linearity of its power delivery.
The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB truly represents a return to form. Unlike the SF90, which left some feeling somewhat detached, the 296 GTB’s technical sophistication and hybrid integration feel far more natural and less intrusive. Ferrari has clearly learned from the SF90, distilling its advancements into a series production model that ranks among its very best.
When a vehicle is so densely packed with technology, there’s always the risk of it feeling less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment we experienced with the SF90, which, despite its dazzling power, could feel somewhat unnerving due to its challenging driving characteristics.
However, the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB is a different proposition entirely. It feels far more organic, striking a perfect balance between immense power and captivating dynamics. It has effectively redefined what a £250,000 supercar can be. A Versione Speciale variant is anticipated, promising even more power, performance, and intensity. The hope is that the standard 296 GTB’s remarkably natural feel will be preserved.
It is this aspect – the car’s inherent naturalness and driver engagement – that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in its development of the hybrid Temerario. Over 900 horsepower is an obscene amount of power, and without a perfectly resolved chassis to complement it, such performance can easily become detrimental. If Lamborghini has indeed achieved the same level of excellence as seen in the Revuelto, we are poised for an epic twin-test of two titans, potentially boasting a combined output of 1700 horsepower.
We could even expand this to a 2400 horsepower triple threat with the McLaren 750S, a car that, by comparison, might seem like the minnow with “only” 740 horsepower. However, the McLaren brings a relatively lithe 1389kg kerb weight to the table, resulting in a competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw immediacy, ergonomic rightness, crisp steering, and deft chassis command respect and set it apart from the comparatively more remote-feeling Ferrari.
For those seeking the pinnacle of hybrid supercar performance, the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a monumental achievement. It’s a car that doesn’t just push boundaries; it redraws them, offering an electrifying blend of performance, technology, and pure driving pleasure.
Are you ready to experience the future of the supercar firsthand? Explore financing options for your dream Ferrari today and begin your journey with the Prancing Horse.
