Ferrari 296 GTB 2025: The Electrifying Apex Predator Redefining Supercar Dynamics
As a seasoned observer and participant in the supercar arena for the better part of a decade, I’ve witnessed seismic s
hifts in automotive engineering. The relentless pursuit of performance, once the sole domain of brute force internal combustion, has irrevocably embraced the electric revolution. Amidst this transformative landscape, Ferrari’s 296 GTB stands as a beacon, a bold declaration of intent that continues to captivate even as formidable rivals emerge. This isn’t just a car; it’s a meticulously engineered symphony of power, technology, and visceral emotion, setting an exceptionally high bar for any competitor, particularly the highly anticipated Lamborghini Temerario.
The Dawn of a New Ferrari Era: V6 Hybridization and Unprecedented Performance
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a significant departure from Maranello’s established formula. Forsaking the revered, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 that powered its predecessors, Ferrari gambled on an entirely new twin-turbo V6 architecture, augmented by a potent electric powertrain. This daring move propelled the 296 GTB into a rarefied stratum of the supercar segment, one where hybridization is not merely an option but an imperative for staying at the vanguard of performance.
At its debut, the 296 GTB’s closest traditional adversary was the Lamborghini Huracán, a stalwart celebrated for its naturally aspirated V10’s sonic drama and unfiltered character. While the Huracán excelled in auditory charisma, the 296 GTB’s comparative power output, driven by its innovative hybrid setup, immediately signaled a paradigm shift. This new Ferrari wasn’t just about raw numbers; it was about reimagining how a supercar could deliver its prodigious power.
The landscape continues to evolve rapidly. The McLaren 720S, a formidable competitor renowned for its twin-turbo V8 and prowess in power-to-weight ratios, has seen further refinement in the 750S. However, the true benchmark of opposition now arrives in the form of the 903bhp, 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid, the Lamborghini Temerario. This machine represents Lamborghini’s direct riposte to Ferrari’s electrified Berlinetta, promising an all-out assault on the performance metrics that define modern supercars. The Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 review, therefore, becomes even more relevant as it represents the established pinnacle against which new contenders must measure themselves.
Engineering Prowess: The Heart of the 296 GTB
The sheer potency of the 296 GTB is undeniable, its 819bhp headline figure an awe-inspiring testament to modern engineering. It’s a figure that naturally prompts reflection on the trajectory of automotive performance and the practical application of such immense power. But beyond the raw numbers lies a story of groundbreaking innovation. The 296 GTB is not only Ferrari’s first V6-powered road car (the iconic 246 GT Dino, though brilliant, never bore the Prancing Horse emblem in its era) but also the first to employ a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration. Furthermore, its plug-in hybrid nature grants it an impressive all-electric range of approximately 15 miles, offering a glimpse into sustainable supercar ownership.
At the core of this marvel is a new aluminum chassis, housing the compact V6 engine mounted exceptionally low. This strategic packaging has allowed for a 50mm reduction in wheelbase compared to its V8 predecessors, with occupants positioned slightly further forward, enhancing the car’s agility. The electric motor contributes a significant 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 alone unleashes a breathtaking 654bhp and 546lb ft. Ferrari, in its characteristic fashion, 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 this collaborative effort results in monumental torque delivery. Crucially, the V6 unit itself is approximately 30kg lighter than Ferrari’s V8 counterparts, and it’s paired with an advanced eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a slim, elongated structure, resides discreetly behind the seats, contributing to the car’s balanced weight distribution.
A Symphony of Electronics: Dynamic Control and Aerodynamic Ingenuity
No Ferrari would be complete without a sophisticated suite of electronic chassis control systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. At its forefront is the innovative six-axis sensor, dubbed 6w-CDS, capable of measuring acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes. This advanced system replaces traditional yaw sensors and, working in concert with a sensor on the steering rack, provides the car with an unprecedented understanding of driver inputs and available grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data is fed to systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, enabling the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 to maximize cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability.
A significant advancement is the introduction of ABS-evo in RACE mode and above. Utilizing the car’s brake-by-wire system, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also enhances braking performance during trail-braking into corners, a crucial technique for maximizing corner entry speed.
Aerodynamics have also been radically rethought. For the first time, Ferrari is employing its active aerodynamics not to reduce drag, but to generate significant downforce. The firm quotes a remarkable 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with an impressive 100kg of that generated by a deployable rear wing. The car’s cooling system is equally ingenious, featuring two radiators in the nose for engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two condensers for the battery. Hot air is expertly managed, exiting underneath to avoid interference with the intercoolers along the flanks. Small apertures below the headlamps channel air to cool the brakes, while a roofline-integrated wing channels air towards the rear of the car, acting as a ‘virtual’ rear screen. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated beneath the car, with meticulous attention paid to underbody airflow, the diffuser, and the optimal ride height to maximize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The Assetto Fiorano Package: Elevating the Driving Experience
For those seeking the ultimate expression of the 296 GTB’s performance potential, the optional Assetto Fiorano package is a compelling proposition. This upgrade replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units derived from GT racing, while also adding further carbon aerodynamic elements to the nose, increasing front downforce by an additional 20kg. The weight-saving regimen continues with more carbon fiber in the cabin and exterior, contributing to a further 12kg reduction. This can be extended to 15kg with the optional Lexan rear engine cover. Those who opt for the Fiorano package also have the choice of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, a significant step up from the already capable standard Pilot Sport 4S. Visually, the Fiorano cars can be distinguished by an optional exterior graphics package inspired by the legendary 250LM of the 1960s.
Experiencing the 296 GTB: A Fusion of Serenity and Savage Acceleration
Engaging with the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 is a multi-sensory journey. Initiating a drive is as simple as a double-press on the steering wheel’s lower boss and engaging first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing for silent, electric-only propulsion unless aggressive throttle inputs dictate otherwise or the battery charge is depleted. The ability to force EV mode independently of performance demands, or select Performance and Qualifying modes where both power sources unite for ultimate output, offers a remarkable degree of versatility.
The experience of gliding through urban landscapes on electric power is a surprisingly serene pleasure. The damping sophistication ensures a comfortable ride, making it an adept cruiser. Even the ‘frunk’ offers a reasonable amount of luggage space, a welcome contrast to some of its more track-focused brethren. However, the true magic ignites when both the V6 and electric motor are unleashed.
Prod the throttle at low revs in a high gear, and the 296 GTB surges forward with an immediate, lag-free ferocity that challenges one’s perception of gear-driven acceleration. While the eight-speed transmission and the engine’s 8500rpm redline offer ample engagement, the sheer potency of the combined powertrain is nothing short of startling. The 0-62mph sprint, achieved in a mere 2.9 seconds, is a blur of intense acceleration, bordering on the overwhelming yet undeniably addictive. This is a seriously rapid machine, and its soundtrack is equally captivating, a tuneful V6 rasp interwoven with evocative turbocharger effects.
Handling Dynamics: Precision, Agility, and Unadulterated Fun
What truly elevates the 296 GTB is its astonishingly responsive chassis. Ferrari’s ambition to create a car that is simply ‘fun to drive’ has been realized with remarkable success. The car feels incredibly agile, yet it avoids the nervous edge that can plague some high-performance machines. The steering is typically light and exceptionally quick, but crucially, it’s also brimming with feedback, communicating vital information about the road surface and available grip. Despite the immense grip levels, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable, inspiring confidence and eliciting pure, unadulterated joy with every input.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s an inherent 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 reassuring safety net, acknowledging the presence of an intelligent electronic guardian, but even with all systems deactivated, the 296’s natural balance allows for playful teasing into oversteer, a feat one might not anticipate in a car producing 819bhp.
On the track, the 296 GTB has the uncanny ability to compress even lengthy straights. It performs as a razor-sharp instrument, capable of breaking rear traction at numerous points around the circuit. Yet, it’s also exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs, rewarding precision with remarkable efficacy. The turn-in accuracy and response dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Instead of gently guiding the car into turns, the 296 GTB adopts its line instantly, aided by the Multimatic dampers and the hyper-quick steering, which perfectly complements the increased roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal, offering an exhilarating experience lap after lap.
The Interior: A Digital Sanctuary with an Ergonomic Learning Curve
The cabin architecture will feel familiar to those acquainted with the SF90, as the 296 GTB draws heavily from its hybrid sibling. The fully digital interface, coupled with an array of haptic switchgear on the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods, presents a complex but ultimately functional environment. While the sheer volume of information to convey necessitates this complexity, the primary challenge lies in the occasional need for a second press to register an input, or an ambiguity about whether an action has been successfully acknowledged. Despite these minor ergonomic hurdles, the cabin exudes an undeniable sense of occasion and specialization, befitting a Ferrari.
The Verdict: A New Benchmark in Supercar Excellence
In the prestigious evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, the Ferrari 296 GTB, alongside the McLaren Artura, presented a formidable challenge. Judges were nearly evenly split, a testament to the exceptional caliber of both machines. Those who favored the Ferrari lauded its spectacular design, outrageous speed, astonishing exploitability, and profound technical sophistication. It demonstrated how a V6 could deliver dramatic flair, matching the Artura in control while exuding a more playful and indulgent character.
The 296 GTB was hailed as potentially the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355, a sentiment echoed by many. Its hybrid system was praised for its seamless integration, avoiding the feared detraction from the driving experience, perhaps due to the evolving familiarity with the torquey nature of turbocharged V8s. The car’s blistering pace is undeniable, but its appeal extends beyond mere speed, thanks to the characterful V6 and its evolving, always-sweet soundtrack.
While the hybrid system’s seamlessness was widely admired, a rare instance of the battery depleting, leaving the car stranded, highlighted a potential oversight in fail-safe engineering. Ferrari had cautioned owners about this possibility, but the incident underscored a desire for more robust contingency measures. Fortunately, this occurred after the scoring was finalized. Despite criticisms regarding Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering, brake feel not matching the very best, and the overly complex tech interface, the 296 GTB’s allure was irresistible. Many found themselves bewitched by its uncanny directional changes, phenomenal damping, prodigious grip, and the linearity of its seemingly inexhaustible power delivery.
The Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 represents a significant return to form, a stark contrast to the somewhat colder reception of the SF90 in the previous year. Its technical sophistication and hybrid integration feel far more natural and less intrusive. Ferrari has evidently learned valuable lessons from the SF90, distilling that experience into a series production model that ranks among its very finest achievements.
Confronting the Future: Price, Rivals, and the Road Ahead
The risk with such technologically advanced vehicles is that they can become less than the sum of their parts, a pitfall encountered with the SF90’s dazzling power but unnerving driving characteristics. However, the 296 GTB strikes a profoundly different chord. Its organic feel, combined with a perfect equilibrium of power and engaging dynamics, establishes a new benchmark for a sub-$300,000 supercar. The impending arrival of a Versione Speciale variant promises even greater intensity, yet the hope remains that the standard 296’s innate, almost inexplicable natural feel will be preserved.
It is this refined driving character, this harmonious blend of performance and engagement, that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario. Over 900bhp is an astronomical figure for a series production supercar, and if not managed with extraordinary finesse, it can easily corrupt the driving experience. If Lamborghini has indeed mastered this challenge – and their success with the Revuelto provides strong grounds for optimism – then a thrilling 1700bhp twin test awaits.
Alternatively, one could envision a 2400bhp triple threat, including the McLaren 750S. While now appearing as the diminutive contender with “only” 740bhp, the McLaren counters with a remarkably svelte 1389kg kerb weight, ensuring a competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw purity, ergonomic brilliance, sharp steering, and deft chassis control offer a distinct, and arguably more connected, experience compared to the comparatively remote Ferrari.
For those seeking the pinnacle of current hybrid supercar performance, the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 stands as an undeniable masterpiece. It’s a car that not only challenges conventions but rewrites them, offering a glimpse into the exhilarating future of automotive excellence.
Are you ready to experience the revolution in supercar performance? Explore the Ferrari 296 GTB and discover a new dimension of driving exhilaration. Contact your local Ferrari dealership today to schedule a personal consultation and test drive.