The Prancing Horse’s New Breed: A Deep Dive into the Ferrari 296 GTB Hybrid Supercar in 2025
For a decade now, I’ve been immersed in the world of high-performance automotive engineering, witnessing fi
rsthand the relentless evolution of the supercar. In that time, I’ve seen boundaries pushed, conventions shattered, and the very definition of automotive excellence redefined. Yet, even with my seasoned perspective, the arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 felt like a seismic shift, a bold declaration of intent from Maranello. Now, as we navigate 2025, this V6 hybrid marvel continues to captivate, standing as a benchmark against which even the most formidable rivals, like the imminent Lamborghini Temerario, must be measured.
The mid-engined Ferrari formula, a cornerstone of their lineage, underwent a profound metamorphosis with the 296 GTB. In a move that surprised many, Ferrari opted to replace its multi-award-winning, thunderous twin-turbo V8 with a revolutionary new twin-turbocharged V6, crucially augmented by an electric powertrain. This wasn’t merely an update; it was a strategic leap into a segment of the supercar market that was only just beginning its transition towards electrification. While established competitors like the naturally aspirated V10 Lamborghini Huracán offered soul-stirring auditory drama and a raw, analogue connection, and the McLaren 720S, and its successor the 750S, championed the cause of V8 power and exceptional power-to-weight ratios, the 296 GTB planted its flag firmly in the hybrid future. The upcoming 903bhp, 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid Temerario from Lamborghini, widely anticipated to challenge Ferrari’s supremacy, serves as a direct testament to the impact the 296 GTB has had, representing Sant’Agata Bolognese’s determined response to Maranello’s electrifying gambit.
Let’s not mince words: the 296 GTB possesses an almost unbelievable firepower. Its entirely new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, working in concert with a potent electric motor, drives the rear wheels exclusively – a departure from the all-wheel-drive configuration of the SF90 Stradale. This intricate synergy orchestrates a staggering 819 horsepower, a figure that unequivocally rewrites the rulebook for what a modern supercar can achieve. It’s easy to become fixated on such stratospheric power figures, to ponder where this relentless escalation will ultimately lead, and, perhaps more pragmatically, to question where one might realistically deploy such immense performance. But for now, let’s focus on the machine itself.
The 296 GTB holds a unique place in Ferrari’s pantheon. It is the first road-going Ferrari to feature a V6 engine, though it’s worth noting the delectable 246 GT Dino, a car held in high regard, never bore the iconic Prancing Horse emblem during its production run. Furthermore, it pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger arrangement, where the turbos are nestled within the engine’s cylinder banks, a configuration that optimizes packaging and enhances responsiveness. As a plug-in hybrid, it also offers a genuinely usable all-electric range of approximately 15 miles, enabling discreet, emissions-free urban cruising. The compact V6 is strategically positioned low within a bespoke aluminum chassis. To achieve optimal weight distribution and agility, the wheelbase has been reduced by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, with the occupants situated slightly further forward.
The electric motor itself is a formidable unit, capable of delivering 165 horsepower and a substantial 232 lb-ft of torque. When combined with the V6’s own prodigious output of 654 horsepower and 546 lb-ft, the headline figure of 819 horsepower emerges. Ferrari, in their characteristic precision, refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the V6 and the electric motor. However, it is safe to assume that the total torque output is nothing short of colossal. Impressively, this advanced V6 powertrain contributes to a weight saving of 30kg over Ferrari’s V8 engines. It is mated to a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, while the compact, oblong battery pack is cleverly housed behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without a sophisticated suite of electronic chassis control systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has developed an advanced six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS (Six-Way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This system provides real-time measurements of acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z axes. It effectively replaces traditional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with sensors on the steering rack, grants the car an unparalleled understanding of driver input and dynamic grip levels at the tire contact patch. This intelligence is then used to optimize systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, maximizing cornering speeds while upholding unwavering stability and driver confidence. A groundbreaking addition enabled by this sophisticated integration is ABS-evo, active in RACE mode and above. Working in tandem with the 296’s brake-by-wire system, it demonstrably reduces braking distances and enhances braking performance during trail-braking into corners, a technique previously reserved for the most experienced track drivers.
For the first time in its history, Ferrari is employing its active aerodynamics not to minimize drag, but to actively generate downforce. The company quotes a remarkable figure of 360kg of downforce at 155 mph, with a significant portion, up to 100kg, attributed to a deployable rear wing that emerges from the car’s tail. The thermal management of this potent hybrid powertrain is equally impressive. Two radiators in the nose are dedicated to engine and gearbox cooling, while two additional condensers manage heat from the battery pack. Hot air is strategically expelled underneath the car, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the flow of cool air directed to the intercoolers along the flanks. The subtle apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to brake cooling, while a wing integrated into the roofline creates a “virtual” rear screen, effectively guiding airflow to the rear of the car. A significant portion of the 296’s downforce is generated from beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid to air channeling, the rear diffuser, and the critical underbody ground clearance, all contributing to the effectiveness of the downforce-generating surfaces.
The pre-production 296 GTBs we sampled on a circuit during the launch were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This comprehensive upgrade replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units, derived directly from GT racing technology. It also incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the front end, boosting front downforce by an additional 20kg. Further weight savings are achieved through increased use of carbon fiber in the cabin, including the door panels, and exterior components, contributing to a total weight reduction of 12kg. This can be extended to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For those seeking the ultimate track-focused performance, the Assetto Fiorano package also offers the option of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, superseding the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Visually, Assetto Fiorano cars can be further distinguished by an optional exterior graphics package, a tasteful nod to the iconic 250LM from the 1960s. Even without this distinctive livery, the 296 GTB, in the metal, is a profoundly beautiful and unique automotive sculpture, undeniably reminiscent of the legendary 250LM.
To embark on your first journey in the 296 GTB, a simple double-press of the lower button on the steering wheel boss and engaging first gear is all that’s required. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, meaning it will commence its movement on electric power alone, unless you decisively override this via the haptic driver mode selectors located on the left side of the steering wheel. As long as your throttle inputs remain measured, and the battery holds sufficient charge, you can glide through urban environments in silent, emission-free tranquility. You can also manually engage full EV mode, irrespective of your driving demands, or select the more performance-oriented Performance and Qualifying modes. In these settings, both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor operate in unison. Performance mode balances power delivery with battery regeneration, while Qualifying mode unleashes the full, unadulterated fury of the hybrid powertrain, with little regard for the battery’s state of charge.
The sensation of gliding silently through picturesque villages is an unexpected delight, and the sophistication of the damping system renders it a remarkably comfortable and composed touring machine. There’s even a surprisingly practical luggage compartment in the ‘frunk’ up front, a welcome departure from the limitations found in the SF90. However, what truly ignites the passion of any enthusiast, myself included, is the experience of unleashing both the V6 engine and the electric motor in their full, unbridled glory.
The true magic unfolds when you forcefully depress the throttle at low revs in a higher gear. The 296 GTB surges forward with an astonishing immediacy, utterly devoid of lag, prompting a fleeting moment of contemplation about the very necessity of gear selection, such is its latent potency. Yet, there are eight gears to exploit, and an engine that eagerly revs to an exhilarating 8,500 rpm. When you truly uncork the 296, the effect is nothing short of astounding. The acceleration figures – a blistering 0-62 mph in a mere 2.9 seconds, culminating in a top speed exceeding 205 mph – paint a picture of relentless propulsion that induces a thrilling blend of hold-on-tight exhilaration and nervous laughter. It’s an experience that verges on the overwhelming, yet paradoxically, becomes profoundly addictive. And the soundtrack? It’s a symphony of mechanical prowess, with a rich V6 rasp enhanced by the evocative whistle and sigh of the turbochargers.
The chassis responsiveness of the 296 GTB is nothing short of remarkable. Ferrari’s assertion that the car was engineered for pure driving enjoyment rings true in every sensation. It feels exceptionally agile without ever becoming skittish. The steering, typically Ferrari-light and direct, is also imbued with a level of tactility that allows you to feel precisely what the front tires are doing. While the grip levels are, as one would expect, exceptionally high, the car’s inherent adjustability via throttle input is what truly ignites the driver’s soul, eliciting an irrepressible grin.
Despite its stated dry weight of 1,470 kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter, possessing an uncanny lack of inertia that encourages an intuitive, almost symbiotic relationship with the driver. Small, precise inputs become the norm, and the accuracy and precision of the car’s responses are a constant source of joy. Engaging the CT Off mode provides a safety net of electronic assistance, allowing for exhilarating liberties while reassuring you that a highly intelligent electronic guardian is always present. However, even with all electronic aids deactivated, the fundamental, natural balance of the 296 GTB allows for playful moments of controlled oversteer, a feat that might seem inconceivable in a car with 819 horsepower.
On the track, the 296 GTB possesses the remarkable ability to seemingly compress even the longest straights, transforming expansive circuits into manageable playgrounds. What becomes even more apparent is its surgical precision. While the prodigious power is more than capable of breaking rear-wheel traction at numerous points around the lap, the 296 GTB is also exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. You quickly learn that the greatest rewards are reaped through precise control of the primary controls. The turn-in accuracy and immediacy are breathtaking, dramatically shortening the entry phase into every corner. Instead of gently easing the car into turns and allowing loads to build progressively, the 296 GTB adopts its line instantaneously, aided by the responsive Multimatic dampers and the hyper-quick steering that harmonizes beautifully with the enhanced roll support offered by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for a driver accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal, offering an exhilarating and rewarding experience lap after lap.
The interior architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the 296 borrows extensively from its more powerful stablemate. The predominantly digital interface, coupled with its array of haptic switchgear spread across the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari stalks, presents a learning curve. It is undeniably complex, tasked with conveying a wealth of information. The most frustrating aspect, however, is how seemingly simple operations occasionally require a second, deliberate press to register, or leave the driver uncertain whether an input has been successfully acknowledged. Nevertheless, the cabin undeniably exudes a special, focused ambiance befitting a Ferrari.
evo Car of the Year 2022 Verdict:
“Now it gets serious. When the scores were tallied, there wasn’t even the road tester’s legendary fag paper between the Artura and 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…’
Ferrari 296 GTS review – is anything lost with the roof folded away?
‘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.”
The inherent risk with any vehicle so deeply integrated with cutting-edge technology is that it might become less than the sum of its sophisticated parts. We observed this phenomenon in the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power output, left us somewhat unsettled by its challenging driving characteristics.
However, the 296 GTB is a fundamentally different proposition. As our extensive testing for the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards, where it secured a joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, clearly demonstrated, the 296 GTB possesses a far more organic and engaging character. Its masterful blend of raw power and dynamic finesse strikes a perfect equilibrium, effectively redefining the expectations for a supercar positioned in the £250,000 price bracket. Reports of a ‘Versione Speciale’ variant, hinted at with the temporary code name, are circulating, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity. The crucial hope is that this enhanced iteration will retain the fundamentally natural and intuitive driving feel that has made the standard 296 GTB so universally acclaimed.
It is precisely this aspect of the 296 GTB’s inherent character – its remarkable tactility and driver engagement – that we sincerely hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its own hybrid Temerario supercar. An output exceeding 900 horsepower is an obscene amount of thrust for a series production supercar, and if the surrounding engineering isn’t meticulously resolved to harness it, such power can easily become detrimental. If Lamborghini has indeed achieved the same level of dynamic sophistication that was evident in the Revuelto, we are poised for an absolutely epic twin-test, a titanic clash of hybrid hypercars.
Alternatively, we could elevate the stakes further and envision a colossal 2,400 horsepower triple-threat, including the McLaren 750S. In this context, the 750S, with its comparatively modest 740 horsepower, might appear the ‘minnow’ of the pack. However, it crucially brings a remarkably light kerb weight of 1,389 kg to the table, delivering a potent power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw, unadulterated character, its ergonomic perfection, the crispness of its steering, and the sheer deftness of its chassis dynamics offer a compelling counterpoint to the perceived remoteness of the 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: 819 bhp @ 8,000 rpm.
Combined Torque: 546 lb-ft @ 6,250 rpm.
Weight: 1,470 kg (dry) (equivalent to 566 bhp per tonne).
0-62 mph: 2.9 seconds.
Top Speed: 205 mph.
Estimated Price: £250,000+.
If you’re captivated by the pinnacle of hybrid supercar engineering and are ready to explore how the Ferrari 296 GTB, or indeed its formidable rivals, could redefine your driving experience, we invite you to connect with our team of automotive specialists. Discover the ultimate performance machine tailored to your desires and begin your journey into the extraordinary.
