The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB: Electrifying Excellence and the Ultimate Benchmark
In the fiercely competitive arena of hypercars, few names command as much reverence as Ferrari. For decades, the prancing h
orse emblem has symbolized automotive perfection, pushing the boundaries of performance and design. Now, as the industry navigates a seismic shift towards electrification, Ferrari has boldly embraced this evolution with the 296 GTB, a groundbreaking V6 hybrid supercar that has not only redefined expectations but has also set an unenviable benchmark for its rivals, most notably the highly anticipated Lamborghini Temerario.
As an industry professional with a decade immersed in the world of high-performance automobiles, I’ve witnessed firsthand the relentless pursuit of power and innovation. The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB represents a pivotal moment in this ongoing narrative, a vehicle that masterfully blends the visceral thrill of internal combustion with the silent, potent surge of electric propulsion. It’s not merely a car; it’s a statement of intent, a testament to Ferrari’s unwavering commitment to pushing the envelope of what’s possible in automotive engineering.
A Paradigm Shift: From V8 Dominance to V6 Electrification
The arrival of the 296 GTB in 2022 marked a significant departure from Ferrari’s long-standing tradition of V8 powertrains in its mid-engined supercars. Eschewing the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 for a revolutionary twin-turbo V6, augmented by an electric motor, the 296 GTB positioned itself at the vanguard of a supercar segment still in the nascent stages of its hybrid transition. This bold move, while initially met with a mix of intrigue and skepticism, has ultimately proven to be a stroke of genius, delivering a driving experience that is both exhilarating and remarkably refined.
When the 296 GTB first emerged, its most direct competitor was the Lamborghini Huracán, a symphony of naturally aspirated V10 aggression and raw auditory drama. While the Huracán exuded an undeniable charisma, it was outgunned in the power department. Then came the McLaren 720S, a V8-powered titan that championed power-to-weight supremacy. Today, however, the landscape has dramatically shifted. The McLaren 750S represents an evolution, yet it’s the looming specter of the 903bhp, 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid Lamborghini Temerario – rumored to be a direct riposte to Maranello’s electrified marvel – that truly hones the focus on the 296 GTB’s exceptional capabilities.
The Heart of the Machine: A Symphony of Power
The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB doesn’t just pack a punch; it delivers a knockout blow. Its all-new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, coexisting harmoniously with an electric motor, channels its prodigious power exclusively to the rear wheels – a deliberate choice that distinguishes it from the all-wheel-drive SF90 Stradale. The headline figure of 819bhp for the combined powertrain is nothing short of astounding, a figure that redefines the supercar paradigm.
Delving deeper into the mechanical heart of the 296 GTB reveals a marvel of engineering. The V6 engine, in isolation, produces a staggering 654bhp and 546lb ft of torque. Complementing this internal combustion prowess is an electric motor capable of an additional 165bhp and 232lb ft. While Ferrari judiciously refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure – a nod to the intricate interplay between the electric motor and the V6 – it’s safe to assume the resultant force is nothing short of colossal. This hybrid configuration is not just about raw power; it’s about intelligent delivery. The V6 itself is a featherweight at 30kg lighter than its V8 predecessors, seamlessly integrated with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Nestled behind the seats lies a compact, oblong battery pack, providing an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles – a surprising capability for a machine of this caliber, enabling silent, emissions-free journeys through urban landscapes.
The V6 unit is strategically mounted low within a newly developed aluminum chassis. This compact design has allowed for a 50mm reduction in wheelbase compared to its V8-engined predecessors, positioning the occupants slightly further forward, contributing to an even more engaging driving dynamic. This intricate ballet of mechanical and electrical components is managed by a sophisticated suite of electronic chassis systems, a hallmark of Ferrari’s engineering prowess.
Intelligent Dynamics: The Art of Control
Ferrari’s commitment to driver engagement is evident in the 296 GTB’s cutting-edge electronic architecture. The centerpiece is the six-axis sensor known as 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This advanced system meticulously monitors acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes, replacing conventional yaw sensors. In tandem with sensors integrated into the steering rack, it provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of driver input and available grip levels at the tire contact patches.
This sophisticated data stream empowers other crucial systems, including the renowned Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff. The synergistic operation of these technologies ensures that cornering speeds are maximized without compromising stability or driver confidence. Furthermore, the 296 GTB introduces an innovative ABS-evo system, active in RACE mode and above. Leveraging the car’s brake-by-wire technology, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also enhances braking performance during trail-braking into corners, a technique favored by seasoned track drivers.
Aerodynamic Mastery: Downforce with Purpose
For the first time in its history, Ferrari has harnessed its active aerodynamics not to reduce drag, but to actively generate downforce. The result is a staggering 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a significant portion, up to 100kg, attributed to a deployable rear wing that elegantly extends from the car’s tail. This sophisticated aero package is meticulously integrated into the car’s overall design, working in concert with other elements to optimize airflow and stability.
The cooling system is equally impressive, featuring two radiators in the front for engine and gearbox cooling, and two additional condensers dedicated to managing the battery temperature. Hot air is strategically expelled from beneath the car, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the airflow directed to the intercoolers located along the flanks. The subtle apertures below the headlamps are dedicated to cooling the brakes, while a roofline-integrated wing channels air to the rear, creating a ‘virtual’ rear screen that enhances aerodynamic efficiency. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated from beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid to the underbody’s design, including the channeling of air and the specific height from the ground, all contributing to the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The Assetto Fiorano Treatment: Unleashing Ultimate Performance
For those seeking the pinnacle of performance, the optional Assetto Fiorano package elevates the 296 GTB to an even higher plane. This includes the fitment of advanced Multimatic dampers, derived from GT racing technology, and the addition of carbon aerodynamic elements to the nose, further enhancing front downforce by 20kg. The package also incorporates extensive use of carbon fiber in the cabin, such as the door panels, and on the exterior, contributing to an overall weight saving of 12kg. Opting for the Lexan rear engine cover further reduces weight by an additional 3kg. For the ultimate grip, the Assetto Fiorano can be specified with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the standard Pilot Sport 4S. This performance-oriented package is even visually distinguished by an optional exterior graphics package, paying homage to the iconic 250LM of the 1960s.
Aesthetic Allure: Timeless Beauty
Beyond its technological prowess, the 296 GTB possesses an undeniable visual magnetism. Its design language is strikingly unique, a departure from anything else on the road. Even without the divisive graphics pack, the car evokes the spirit of the legendary 250LM, a timeless design that resonates with automotive enthusiasts worldwide.
The Driving Experience: A Hybrid Symphony in Motion
Engaging the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB is an experience in itself. A double press of the button on the steering wheel boss and the engagement of first gear is all it takes. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, smoothly setting off on electric power alone, unless deliberately overridden via the intuitive haptic driver mode controls on the steering wheel. As long as the battery retains charge and throttle inputs are judicious, the 296 GTB can glide through urban environments on pure electric power, offering an unexpected and serene experience.
The driver has the option to “force” EV mode, ensuring silent, emissions-free travel regardless of powertrain demands. Alternatively, Performance and Qualifying modes unleash the full fury of the hybrid system. In Performance mode, both power sources work in tandem to deliver exhilarating acceleration while simultaneously maintaining battery charge. Qualifying mode, however, is a no-holds-barred declaration of intent, prioritizing ultimate performance above all else, irrespective of the battery’s state of charge.
The ability to glide silently through villages offers a surprisingly refined and comfortable experience, further enhanced by the sophisticated damping system. The front ‘frunk’ provides a reasonable luggage area, a practical consideration often overlooked in hypercar design, unlike in the SF90 Stradale.
But the true magic of the 296 GTB is revealed when both the V6 engine and electric motor are unleashed. Planting the throttle at low revs in a high gear elicits an immediate and potent surge forward, virtually eliminating turbo lag and making one question the very necessity of gear changes. Yet, with eight gears to play with and an engine that revs to an exhilarating 8500rpm, the experience of truly uncorking the 296 GTB is nothing short of breathtaking. The acceleration is of the hold-on-tight, nervous-laughter variety, a visceral sensation that is both bordering on uncomfortable and strangely addictive. This is a seriously rapid machine, its V6 rasp beautifully overlaid with captivating turbo sound effects.
Agility and Precision: A Dance with the Road
What truly sets the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB apart is its phenomenal chassis responsiveness and Ferrari’s unwavering dedication to making this car “fun to drive.” It possesses an agility that belies its power, feeling incredibly composed without ever becoming nervous. The steering is quintessentially Ferrari – light and incredibly fast – yet it also conveys a remarkable level of feedback, allowing the driver to precisely gauge grip levels. While grip is, as expected, immense, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable, inviting playful exuberance and eliciting an uncontainable grin.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a palpable lack of inertia that encourages the driver to work with the car, making small, precise inputs and reveling in its accuracy. The CT Off mode provides a safety net of electronic assistance, assuring the driver that an intelligent guardian is still watching over them. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296 GTB’s inherent balance allows for nuanced manipulation into oversteer, a feat one might not anticipate in a car producing 819bhp.
On the track, the 296 GTB has the remarkable ability to shrink even the longest straights. Its true nature as a sharp instrument becomes profoundly apparent. While the power is ample to break rear-end traction at numerous points around the lap, the 296 GTB is also exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. Precision with these controls is rewarded exponentially. The turn-in accuracy and responsiveness are astonishing, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing into turns and gradually building load, the 296 GTB immediately settles into its line, its hyper-quick steering harmonizing beautifully with the enhanced roll support offered by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more mature sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal and an enduring joy, lap after exhilarating lap.
Interior Elegance: A Digital Realm
The interior architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to those who have experienced the SF90 Stradale, as it borrows heavily from its larger sibling. The fully digital interface, coupled with its haptic switchgear integrated into the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods, presents a learning curve. While undoubtedly complex, it’s a necessary complexity given the wealth of information to be conveyed. The most notable critique revolves around occasional instances where simple operations require a second press to register, or an ambiguity in confirming successful activation. Nevertheless, the cabin exudes an undeniable sense of occasion and exclusivity, a special place to inhabit.
Verdict from the Experts: A Triumph of Engineering
The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB has garnered widespread acclaim, notably securing joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura in the prestigious evo Car of the Year 2022 awards. The judges were deeply impressed by its sophisticated integration of hybrid technology, noting its seamless operation and minimal intrusion into the traditional driving experience. One judge eloquently described it as “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. The V6’s performance was lauded for its dramatic character and engaging soundtrack, proving that downsizing doesn’t necessitate a compromise in exhilaration.
While some minor concerns were raised, such as an isolated instance of the battery depleting without an obvious means of recovery – a situation Ferrari had cautioned against – the overall impression was overwhelmingly positive. The 296 GTB’s “spooky way it changes direction,” its exceptional damping, prodigious grip levels, and the “looney-tunes” linearity of its seemingly endless power delivery, left many drivers utterly bewitched.
It represents a significant return to form for Ferrari, demonstrating a masterful refinement of the technical sophistication introduced in the SF90. The hybrid system in the 296 GTB feels far more natural and less intrusive, distilled into a series serial production model that stands as one of Ferrari’s very best.
Price and the Uncompromising Rivalry
The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB is priced upwards of £250,000, a significant investment for a vehicle laden with such advanced technology. However, its value proposition lies in its ability to deliver an experience that transcends mere performance figures. It has redefined what a supercar in this price bracket can achieve, striking a perfect balance between raw power and engaging dynamics. The anticipated Versione Speciale variant promises even greater intensity, further cementing the 296 GTB’s position as a benchmark.
The question then becomes, can Lamborghini’s Temerario, with its projected 1700bhp, live up to the challenge? If Lamborghini has indeed honed the hybrid supercar as effectively as they did with the Revuelto, the prospect of a 1700bhp twin test promises to be an automotive spectacle for the ages. Even considering the McLaren 750S, with its comparatively modest 740bhp, the British marque offers a compelling proposition with its featherlight 1389kg kerb weight and razor-sharp steering. However, the Ferrari 296 GTB, with its organic feel and expertly integrated hybrid system, has established a new standard, one that the automotive world will be striving to meet for years to come.
Experience the Future of Performance Today
The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB is more than just a car; it’s a revolution on wheels. It represents the pinnacle of hybrid supercar engineering, a machine that engages the senses, thrills the driver, and sets a new global benchmark for performance, innovation, and sheer automotive artistry. If you’re ready to witness firsthand the future of exhilarating driving, we invite you to explore the world of Ferrari and discover the extraordinary capabilities of the 296 GTB. Contact your local Ferrari dealership to learn more about this electrifying masterpiece and to schedule your opportunity to experience the prancing horse like never before.
