The Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Masterpiece Redefining Supercar Dynamics in 2025
As a seasoned professional in the automotive industry with a decade of immersion in the supercar arena, I’ve witnessed fi
rsthand the relentless evolution of performance vehicles. The landscape of high-performance motoring is in a perpetual state of flux, driven by technological advancements and an insatiable demand for more. Among the most compelling narratives of recent years is the ascendance of hybrid technology, a paradigm shift that has reshaped even the most storied marques. In this context, the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a beacon, a testament to what can be achieved when cutting-edge engineering meets timeless automotive artistry. Having been part of the industry since its inception, I can attest that the Ferrari 296 GTB isn’t just a car; it’s a declaration of intent, a bold reinterpretation of the supercar ethos that is poised to set new benchmarks for years to come.
For Ferrari, a brand synonymous with V8 and V12 prowess, the introduction of the 296 GTB in 2022 marked a significant departure. It was a bold move, trading the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 for a potent new twin-turbo V6, dramatically augmented by an electric motor. This wasn’t merely an update; it was a fundamental re-imagining of their mid-engined supercar formula. In a segment that was only beginning its hesitant transition to hybrid powertrains, the 296 GTB seized the initiative, arriving with a level of technological sophistication and performance that immediately captivated enthusiasts and industry observers alike.
At its launch, the 296 GTB’s most direct competitor was the Lamborghini Huracán, a car celebrated for its naturally aspirated V10 symphony. While the Huracán offered an intoxicating blend of visceral sound and charismatic V10 character, it was outgunned in terms of outright power by the electrified Maranello machine. Another formidable contender was the McLaren 720S, which continued to leverage the formidable might of its twin-turbo V8. While the subsequent McLaren 750S represents an evolution of that theme, emphasizing power-to-weight supremacy, the impending arrival of the 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid hypercar from Lamborghini, potentially codenamed the Temerario, signifies a direct challenge to Ferrari’s electrified offering. This burgeoning rivalry underscores the intense innovation occurring at the pinnacle of the automotive world, particularly in the realm of hybrid supercars 2025.
The sheer audacity of the 296 GTB’s powertrain is its immediate calling card. Featuring an entirely new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine and an integrated electric motor driving solely the rear wheels (unlike the four-wheel-drive SF90), the 819bhp output of the 296 GTB shattered conventional supercar expectations. It’s easy to get lost in the sheer magnitude of these performance figures, to ponder the limits of power escalation – a question that seems particularly pertinent when considering future Lamborghini hybrid supercar aspirations – and to wonder where such immense performance can even be unleashed. But the 296 GTB’s brilliance lies not just in its numbers, but in the intelligent integration of its hybrid system and its dynamic prowess.
This V6-powered Ferrari road car (a nod to the delightful but never officially badged 246 GT Dino of yesteryear) is a pioneering machine. It’s the first Ferrari to feature a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration, where the turbos are mounted within the engine’s cylinder banks for reduced lag and packaging efficiency. Crucially, it’s also a plug-in hybrid, offering an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles – a feature that opens up new dimensions of usability for a supercar. The compact V6 is nestled low within a bespoke aluminum chassis, and its wheelbase has been reduced by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, with the occupants positioned slightly further forward to optimize weight distribution and packaging.
The electric motor itself contributes a substantial 165bhp and 232 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 engine, operating independently, churns out an astonishing 654bhp and 546 lb-ft. When combined, these figures culminate in the headline 819bhp. Ferrari, in its characteristic nuanced approach, refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the engine and electric motor. However, it’s safe to assume that the total torque is nothing short of prodigious. The V6 unit itself is remarkably light, weighing 30kg less than a comparable Ferrari V8, and is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a slender, oblong unit, is discreetly located behind the seats. This strategic placement of the battery is crucial for maintaining the car’s low center of gravity, a hallmark of Ferrari’s engineering philosophy.
No modern Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of acronym-laden electronic chassis control systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has developed an advanced six-axis sensor, dubbed 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor), capable of precisely measuring acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes. This sensor replaces traditional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, provides the car’s control units with an unprecedented understanding of driver inputs and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patches. This data allows for the sophisticated management of systems like Side Slip Control and the active Electronic Differential (E-diff), optimizing cornering speeds while upholding unwavering stability and driver confidence. This technological prowess also enables the novel ABS-evo system, active in RACE mode and above. Working in tandem with the 296’s brake-by-wire system, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also enhances braking performance during trail braking into corners, a critical technique for maximizing lap times.
In a significant development for the marque, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics technology not to reduce drag, but to generate downforce. The company quotes an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with the deployable rear wing alone contributing up to 100kg of this vital aerodynamic grip. The cooling system is equally advanced. Two radiators in the front fascia handle engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two condensers dedicated to managing the battery’s temperature. Hot air is expertly channeled underneath the car, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the airflow directed to the intercoolers strategically positioned along the flanks. Smaller apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to brake cooling, while a roofline-integrated rear wing creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, guiding air efficiently towards the rear of the car, much like a sculpted surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce is meticulously generated from beneath the car. Here, particular emphasis has been placed not only on the intricate channeling of air through the underbody and the rear diffuser but also on optimizing the underbody’s ground clearance to maximize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces. This attention to detail is what distinguishes a true performance hybrid supercar from its less sophisticated counterparts.
For those seeking the ultimate track-focused experience, the optional Assetto Fiorano package is a compelling proposition. This enhancement replaces the standard dampers with race-derived Multimatic units, similar to those found on Ferrari’s GT racing cars. It also incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the front end, boosting front downforce by a further 20kg. The package also ushers in more carbon fiber within the cabin (such as the door panels) and on the exterior, contributing to a total weight saving of 12kg. Opting for the Lexan rear engine cover can shave off an additional 3kg. Furthermore, buyers who select the Fiorano pack can specify Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, a significant upgrade from the standard Pilot Sport 4S. A visually distinctive exterior graphics package, inspired by the legendary 250LM of the 1960s, is also available for Fiorano-equipped cars, adding a layer of historical homage.
Having had the privilege of experiencing the 296 GTB firsthand, I can confirm it is an undeniably beautiful machine, a striking departure from anything else on the road. Its design language, even without the optional graphics, subtly echoes the iconic 250LM, creating a visual presence that is both modern and timeless.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: A Symphony of Power and Precision
Initiating a drive in the 296 GTB is an exercise in intuitive engagement. A double press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss and the selection of first gear are all that’s required. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, silently gliding away on electric power unless the driver selects otherwise via the haptic ‘buttons’ on the steering wheel’s boss. Gentle throttle application ensures sustained pure electric propulsion, provided the battery retains sufficient charge. The ability to ‘force’ EV mode, irrespective of driving demands, offers a unique dimension of usability. Complementing this are the dedicated Performance and Qualifying modes. In Performance mode, both power sources work in unison, with a focus on maintaining battery charge. Qualifying mode, however, prioritizes absolute maximum performance, disregarding the battery’s state of charge.
The unexpected pleasure of gliding silently through urban environments is a revelation for a supercar. The damping system is remarkably sophisticated, rendering the cabin a comfortable space for covering long distances. Even luggage capacity is surprisingly accommodating, with a usable ‘frunk’ at the front – a welcome improvement over the SF90. But for enthusiasts and myself, the true question lies in the visceral experience of unleashing both the V6 engine and the electric motor in tandem.
The potency is immediately apparent. Prod the throttle at low revs in a higher gear, and the 296 surges forward with an absence of lag that makes you momentarily question the necessity of gear changes, such is its immediate thrust. Yet, with eight gears to exploit and an engine that revs to an exhilarating 8,500rpm, the full unleashing of the 296’s capabilities is nothing short of astonishing. The acceleration figures – a blistering 0-62mph sprint in just 2.9 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205mph – translate into a sensation of relentless, exhilarating momentum that borders on the overwhelming, yet remains strangely addictive. This is a car of serious, unadulterated speed. And the soundtrack? It’s a captivating blend of turbocharger effects layered over a tuneful V6 rasp, a symphony of internal combustion and electrical assistance. This is what supercar performance 2025 should sound like.
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is the astonishing responsiveness of its chassis and Ferrari’s unwavering commitment to making this car an engaging and enjoyable driving experience. It feels incredibly agile without ever becoming nervous. The steering is typically light and rapid, yet it offers a surprising level of tactile feedback. While grip levels are, as expected, exceptionally high, the car remains delightfully throttle-adjustable, inducing grins with every playful application of power. Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 feels significantly lighter. There’s a remarkable lack of inertia throughout the chassis, encouraging the driver to work with the car, making precise inputs and reveling in its accuracy. The CT Off mode provides a reassuring safety net, allowing for daring maneuvers with the implicit understanding that a sophisticated electronic brain is still orchestrating the performance. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s innate balance allows it to be coaxed into controllable oversteer in a manner that would be unthinkable in many other 819bhp supercars.
On the track, the 296 possesses the ability to dramatically reduce the perceived length of even the longest straights. Its sharp, surgical precision becomes even more apparent. While the power is readily available to break traction at the rear at numerous points around the circuit, the 296 is also remarkably sensitive to braking and steering inputs, teaching the driver that precision with control inputs yields the greatest rewards. The turn-in accuracy and response are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase into corners. Instead of easing into turns and allowing load to build gradually, the 296 assumes its apex line instantaneously, aided by the Multimatic dampers and the hyper-quick steering, which perfectly complements the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more mature sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 are a phenomenal and endlessly rewarding experience, lap after lap. For those seeking the ultimate Ferrari driving experience, this is it.
Interior: A Digital Realm of Sophistication and Challenge
The cabin architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90. The purely digital interface, coupled with its accompanying haptic switchgear, presents a genuine challenge. These controls are liberally applied across the steering wheel and on traditional Ferrari pods flanking it. While undoubtedly complex, it’s important to acknowledge the sheer volume of information and functions that need to be conveyed. The most significant frustration arises when simple operations occasionally require a second press to register, or when there’s ambiguity as to whether a press has been successful at all. Despite these ergonomic quirks, the cabin undeniably exudes a sense of occasion and specialness.
Evo Car of the Year 2022 Verdict: A Contender for the Crown
At the time of its evaluation, the Ferrari 296 GTB faced stiff competition, notably from the McLaren Artura. The scores were incredibly close, with judges divided. Three of us narrowly favored the Ferrari, while three placed the McLaren slightly ahead.
Those who leaned towards the 296 GTB, including myself, were struck by its sheer brilliance. “What a spectacular car,” enthused Jethro. “Beautiful to look at, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable, and so technically clever. Its V6 demonstrates to McLaren how to downsize while amplifying the drama. It matches the Artura in terms of sheer control but feels a bit more playful and indulgent.”
Dickie’s assessment, echoed by many, declared it “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355.” He further noted, “The hybrid system works very well and doesn’t alter the driving experience as much as I feared, likely because we’ve already become accustomed to the torque-rich characteristics of turbocharged V8s in the 488 and F8. The 296 is stonkingly quick, but it doesn’t rely solely on speed thanks to the character of the V6, which offers a soundtrack that is always sweet and evolves with throttle opening.”
The seamless integration of the Ferrari’s hybridisation was widely praised. However, a minor incident on the final night, where the battery depleted with no apparent means of restarting the car, highlighted a potential vulnerability. While Ferrari had provided warnings and instructions to mitigate such an event, the oversight of not engineering a simpler fail-safe, especially for a company known for its innovation, was a point of contention. Fortunately for the 296, this occurred after all scoring was completed.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering did divide opinion, and the brake feel, while competent, didn’t quite match the very best in class. The technology interface also faced widespread criticism for its complexity. Nevertheless, the 296 GTB proved irresistibly seductive. Vivian admitted, “I thought I wouldn’t like the Fezza that much – too complex, rather gratuitous points of difference – but I ended up somewhat bewitched: its uncanny ability to change direction, its amazing damping, its looney-tune levels of grip, and the linearity of its seemingly endless power…”
As Peter Tomalin of evo concluded regarding the 2022 awards, “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. 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.” This sentiment underscores the Ferrari 296 GTB reliability and overall execution.
Price, Rivals, and the Future of Supercar Performance
With such an extensive array of technology, there’s always a risk that a car could become less than the sum of its parts. This was a critique leveled at the SF90, which, despite its dazzling power, proved unnerving with its hard-to-read driving characteristics.
However, the 296 GTB is a different proposition entirely. As demonstrated in its eCoty 2022 performance, where it secured a joint third place with the McLaren Artura, it feels far more organic. Its harmonious blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect sweet spot, redefining what a supercar in the £250,000-plus bracket can achieve. A Versione Speciale variant of the 296 is anticipated, promising even more power, performance, and intensity. The hope is that the standard 296’s inexplicably natural feel will be retained.
It is this aspect of the 296 GTB’s character that I sincerely hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power in a series-production supercar, and it has the potential to corrupt the entire driving experience if the rest of the car isn’t meticulously resolved to manage it. If Lamborghini has truly mastered this, as their success with the Revuelto suggests they might have, then we are in for a truly monumental twin test.
Alternatively, we could consider a 2400bhp triple threat including the McLaren 750S, which, by comparison, appears almost diminutive with its 740bhp. However, the McLaren brings to the table a relatively petite kerb weight of 1389kg, ensuring a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s rawness, ergonomic perfection, razor-sharp steering, and sublime chassis refinement offer a distinct contrast to the comparatively remote Ferrari. For those exploring new Ferrari models or seeking the pinnacle of luxury performance cars, the 296 GTB offers a compelling choice.
In the ever-evolving landscape of automotive excellence, the Ferrari 296 GTB represents a pivotal moment. It’s a machine that seamlessly merges the raw emotion of a traditional supercar with the efficiency and performance of cutting-edge hybrid technology. For anyone looking to experience the future of driving today, exploring the available configurations and potentially arranging a test drive of the Ferrari 296 GTB for sale is an essential next step.

