The Prancing Horse Reimagined: Ferrari 296 GTB – Electrifying the Supercar Landscape in 2025
For a decade now, the pursuit of ultimate automotive performance has been a relentless march. We’ve witness
ed the evolution of naturally aspirated behemoths give way to turbocharged marvels, and now, the electrifying hum of hybrid powertrains is no longer a distant whisper but a commanding roar. As an industry veteran with ten years immersed in the world of high-performance vehicles, I’ve seen the automotive landscape shift dramatically. Today, the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a testament to this radical transformation, a supercar that has not only redefined expectations but has also set a formidable benchmark for its rivals, including the much-anticipated Lamborghini Temerario.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a significant departure from the established formula for Maranello’s mid-engined stalwarts. Forsaking the multi-award-winning, twin-turbocharged V8 that had graced its predecessors, Ferrari boldly embraced a new twin-turbocharged V6, seamlessly integrated with an electric motor. This bold move placed the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a supercar segment that was only just beginning its significant transition towards hybrid power. At its debut, the 296 GTB found itself facing worthy adversaries. The Lamborghini Huracán, with its sonorous naturally aspirated V10, offered a more traditional, albeit less powerful, proposition, emphasizing auditory charisma and raw sensory engagement. Then there was the formidable McLaren 720S, a twin-turbo V8 powerhouse that championed a philosophy of weight-to-power supremacy. While the subsequent McLaren 750S represents an evolution of that theme, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid powertrain destined for the Lamborghini Temerario is undoubtedly Sant’Agata Bolognese’s direct riposte to Ferrari’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta.
Make no mistake, the Ferrari 296 GTB possesses firepower that is truly staggering. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbocharged V6 engine, working in concert with an electric motor, drives the rear wheels exclusively – a crucial distinction from the all-wheel-drive SF90 Stradale. This 819bhp hybrid marvel didn’t just enter the supercar fray; it detonated established conventions. The sheer magnitude of its power output is difficult to comprehend, prompting contemplation not only on the future trajectory of horsepower escalation in this segment – where will this surge end, Ferrari? – but also on the practical application of such immense performance.
What distinguishes the 296 GTB further is its historical significance. It is the very first V6-powered road-legal Ferrari to wear the Prancing Horse emblem (the sublime 246 GT Dino, while a V6, never carried the badge in its era). It also pioneers Ferrari’s “hot-vee” turbocharger installation and, critically, embraces plug-in hybrid technology, offering an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles. This compact V6 is nestled low within a newly engineered aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8-powered predecessors, with occupants positioned slightly further forward. The electric motor contributes a substantial 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 alone unleashes a remarkable 654bhp and 546lb ft. Combined, these figures result in the headline 819bhp. Ferrari, intriguingly, refrains from quoting a peak combined torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the engine and electric motor. However, it’s safe to assume this figure is nothing short of prodigious. Overall, the V6 saves approximately 30kg over a comparable Ferrari V8 and is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a sleek, elongated structure, is ingeniously housed behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without an array of acronyms denoting its sophisticated electronic chassis management systems. For the 296, Ferrari has developed the highly advanced six-axis sensor, dubbed 6w-CDS (Six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This system meticulously measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. It effectively replaces traditional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, provides the car with an intimate understanding of driver intent and instantaneous grip levels at the tire contact patches. This data is then fed to systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, working in tandem to maximize cornering speeds while preserving unwavering stability and driver confidence. Furthermore, this integration enables the introduction of ABS-evo (an apt name), a system available in RACE mode and above. Leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also enhances braking performance during trail braking into corners, a technique that demands exceptional chassis feedback.
In a fascinating development, Ferrari is employing its active aerodynamics technology not to reduce drag, as is common practice, but to generate downforce. The automaker claims a substantial 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with the deployable rear wing contributing up to 100kg of that figure. The car’s thermal management is equally impressive. Twin radiators in the front are dedicated to engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two further condensers for the hybrid system’s battery. Hot air is expertly ducted underneath the car to prevent interference with the flow of cool air directed towards the intercoolers along the car’s flanks. The subtle apertures beneath the headlamps are designed to draw air for brake cooling, while a wing integrated into the roofline creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, effectively channeling air towards the rear of the vehicle as if guided by a solid surface. The lion’s share of the 296’s downforce 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 underbody ground clearance, optimizing the effectiveness of these downforce-generating elements.
The 296 GTBs we had the privilege of sampling on a circuit during the launch event were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with race-derived Multimatic units, akin to those found in GT racing, and incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic devices on the front fascia, augmenting front downforce by 20kg. The package also introduces more carbon fiber within the cabin, such as the door panels, and on the exterior, contributing to a total weight saving of 12kg. This figure can be further enhanced to 15kg with the optional Lexan rear engine cover. For those opting for the Assetto Fiorano package, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires are available as an upgrade over the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Furthermore, Fiorano-equipped cars can be specified with an exterior graphics package, a stylish homage to the iconic 250LM from the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 “in the metal,” its visual appeal is undeniable. It presents a strikingly unique aesthetic, undeniably echoing the spirit of the 1960s 250LM, even without the more divisive graphic treatments.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: A Hybrid Symphony
Initiating motion in the 296 GTB is as simple as a double-press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by engaging first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, meaning it will depart from a standstill using electric power alone, unless explicitly overridden via the haptic driver mode selectors on the left side of the steering wheel. As long as the throttle application remains gentle and the battery retains sufficient charge, the 296 will continue its silent, electric progress.
Drivers can also elect to “force” the car into full EV mode, irrespective of powertrain demands. Alternatively, Performance and Qualifying modes are available. In both these modes, both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor operate in unison. Performance mode aims to maintain optimal battery charge alongside exhilarating performance, while Qualifying mode prioritizes absolute maximum performance, with the battery’s state of charge being a secondary concern.
The experience of gliding silently through urban landscapes is an unexpected pleasure. The damping system is so sophisticated that it transforms the 296 into a surprisingly comfortable machine for covering significant distances. Even luggage space is not entirely neglected, with a reasonably sized ‘frunk’ up front – a welcome improvement over the SF90. However, the question that truly captures our attention, yours and mine, is the sensation when both the V6 and electric motor are unleashed in their full glory.
The true character of the 296 is revealed when you plant the throttle at low revs in a higher gear. The car surges forward with an immediacy that obliterates any trace of turbo lag, leading one to momentarily question the very necessity of gear changes, such is its sheer potency. Yet, there are eight gears to exploit, and an engine that revs eagerly to 8,500rpm. When the 296 is truly uncorked, the effect is nothing short of astonishing. The acceleration figures – a 0-62mph sprint in the sub-3-second range and a top speed exceeding 200mph – translate into a sensation of “hold on tight” exhilaration, bordering on the intense, yet undeniably addictive. This is a seriously rapid automobile. And the sound? It’s equally captivating, with a rich tapestry of turbocharger effects interwoven with the tuneful rasp of the V6.
What truly impresses is the astonishing responsiveness of the 296 GTB’s chassis. Ferrari wasn’t exaggerating when they stated the car’s primary objective was to be “fun to drive.” It exhibits a remarkable agility without ever feeling nervous. The steering is characteristically light and swift, yet it also communicates crucial road information with impressive detail. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable, eliciting an irrepressible grin.
Despite its listed dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 feels significantly lighter. There’s an inherent lack of inertia that encourages the driver to engage with the car, making minute inputs and reveling in its precision and accuracy. Engaging CT Off mode allows for daring maneuvers with the comforting assurance that an incredibly sophisticated electronic brain is still monitoring your every move. However, even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows it to be coaxed into oversteer in a manner one might never expect from a car producing 819bhp.
On a racetrack, the 296 possesses the uncanny ability to foreshorten even the longest start-finish straights. What becomes even more apparent is its surgical precision. While the power is readily available to break rear-wheel traction at numerous points around the lap, the 296 is also exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. It quickly becomes evident that precision with the controls 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, the 296 immediately settles into its line, aided by the Multimatic dampers. The hyper-quick steering complements the enhanced roll support provided by the Assetto Fiorano setup beautifully. Even if you’ve just exited a more conventional sports car, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 are phenomenal and a source of pure joy, lap after lap.
The Interior: A Digital Frontier with Familiar Ferrari DNA
The cabin architecture will feel immediately familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the 296 borrows heavily from its sibling. The fully digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear present a significant learning curve. These controls are liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari stalks situated on either side. It is undeniably complex, and to be fair, there is a wealth of information to convey. However, the most frustrating aspect is how seemingly simple operations sometimes require a second attempt to register, or leave the driver uncertain whether a press has been successfully acknowledged. Nevertheless, it undeniably feels like a special place to be.
Evo Car of the Year 2022 Verdict: A Return to Form
“Now it gets serious,” declared the testers at evo. “When the scores were tallied, there wasn’t even a hair’s breadth between the McLaren 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 placed the 296 at the top were Jethro Bovingdon, Henry Catchpole, and myself. “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 Meaden’s verdict, a sentiment echoed by many. “The hybrid system works very well and doesn’t alter the driving experience as much as I’d feared. Probably because we’ve already become accustomed 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 delivers a soundtrack that is always sweet and evolves with throttle opening.”
The seamless integration of Ferrari’s hybridisation was widely praised. However, on the final night of testing, the team experienced a moment of anxiety when the battery depleted with no apparent means of recovery. To be fair, Ferrari had provided advance warnings and detailed specific procedures to mitigate this possibility. Nevertheless, it’s not inconceivable that an owner could find themselves in a similar predicament. As Stephen Gallagher aptly put it, “That the company which pioneered individual rear-wheel steering can’t engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this is a significant oversight.” Fortunately for the 296, this incident occurred after all cars had been scored.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake feel didn’t quite match the very best in the group. The technology interface was also widely criticized for its excessive complexity. However, despite these points, the 296 was irresistibly seductive. “I thought I wouldn’t like the Fezza all that much – too complex, rather gratuitous points of difference,” confessed 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,” observed Peter Tomalin, editor of evo. “As John Marston said: ‘The 296 is far more successful because its technical sophistication, and the integration of its hybrid technology in particular, feels much more natural and far less intrusive.’ And Stephen Gallagher agreed: ‘Ferrari has taken so much from the SF90, learned from that car, and distilled it into a series-production model that is one of its very best.'”
Price and Rivals: The Hybrid Supercar Arms Race
When a car is so heavily laden with advanced technology, there’s always the inherent risk that it might fall short of being the sum of its parts. We experienced this with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power output, left us somewhat unsettled by its challenging driving characteristics.
However, the 296 GTB is a distinctly different proposition. As we discovered during evo Car of the Year 2022 (where it achieved a joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura), it feels far more organic. Its masterful blend of raw power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect chord, effectively redefining what a supercar in the approximately $250,000 price bracket can achieve. A Versione Speciale variant of the 296 is anticipated, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity. One can only hope that the standard 296’s remarkably natural feel will be retained.
It is precisely this aspect of the 296 GTB’s constitution that we hope Lamborghini has paid the utmost attention to when honing its hybrid Lamborghini Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is simply an obscene amount of power to harness in a series-production supercar, and it has the potential to corrupt the entire driving experience if the rest of the vehicle isn’t meticulously engineered to match it. If Lamborghini has indeed nailed it – and the sheer brilliance of the Revuelto provides ample reason for optimism – then we are poised for an epic twin-test on our hands, featuring two titans of the hybrid supercar era.
Or, we could expand this into a colossal 2400bhp triple threat, including the McLaren 750S. This model, almost absurdly, must now be described as the ‘minnow’ of the class with ‘only’ 740bhp. However, it compensates with a relatively petite kerb weight of 1389kg, thus delivering a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw, unfiltered nature, ergonomic perfection, razor-sharp steering, and deft chassis control distinguish it significantly against the comparatively remote Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications (2025 Model Year)
Engine: 2992cc, V6, twin-turbocharged, 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
Approximate Price: $320,000+ (USD)
The automotive world is in constant flux, and the Ferrari 296 GTB is more than just a car; it’s a bold statement of intent for the future of performance motoring. It represents a harmonious marriage of raw power and cutting-edge technology, offering an experience that is both exhilarating and deeply engaging.
Are you ready to experience the future of supercar performance? Explore financing options or schedule your private viewing of the Ferrari 296 GTB at a leading dealership near you.
