The Electrified Prancing Horse: A Deep Dive into the Ferrari 296 GTB for 2025
As an industry veteran with a decade immersed in the pulsating heart of the automotive world, I’ve witnessed countless evo
lutions. Yet, few have been as profound, as fundamentally paradigm-shifting, as the arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB. This isn’t just another supercar; it’s a statement, a meticulously engineered symphony of internal combustion and electric propulsion that has not only redefined what a Ferrari can be but has set a formidable benchmark for its rivals, most notably the forthcoming Lamborghini Temerario. For 2025, the Ferrari 296 GTB continues its reign, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the future of high-performance motoring.
For years, the supercar landscape was dominated by the roar of V8s and the visceral scream of naturally aspirated V10s. The McLaren 720S, with its potent twin-turbo V8, and the Lamborghini Huracán, with its evocative V10, were the kings of their domain. Then came the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022, a car that dared to break tradition. It shed the celebrated twin-turbo V8, a powerplant that had garnered numerous awards, in favor of a revolutionary twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by a sophisticated electric motor. This bold move positioned the Ferrari 296 GTB at the vanguard of a segment still tentatively embracing electrification.
The landscape continues to shift. While the McLaren 750S represents an evolution of its predecessor, focusing on power-to-weight superiority, the whispers from Sant’Agata Bolognese speak of the Temerario: a 903bhp hybrid marvel boasting a 10,000rpm redline. This is Lamborghini’s direct riposte, a clear intention to challenge Maranello’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta. But the Ferrari 296 GTB is more than just a number; it’s a testament to Ferrari’s unwavering commitment to innovation, delivering breathtaking performance with an electrifying new identity.
Let’s delve into what makes the Ferrari 296 GTB such a compelling proposition in the current era of hybrid supercars, plug-in hybrid performance cars, and next-generation sports cars. The sheer audacity of its engineering is, frankly, awe-inspiring. At its core lies an all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, a compact powerhouse that alone churns out a remarkable 654bhp and 546lb ft of torque. This is seamlessly integrated with an electric motor, contributing an additional 165bhp and 232lb ft. The combined output? A staggering 819bhp. While Ferrari remains characteristically tight-lipped about the peak combined torque – a testament to the complex interplay between the V6 and electric motor – it’s safe to assume it’s prodigious. This powertrain architecture allows the Ferrari 296 GTB to achieve performance figures that were once the sole domain of hypercars, offering a glimpse into the future of high-performance electric vehicles and performance car technology.
This V6, mounted low within a newly conceived aluminum chassis, represents a significant departure. The wheelbase has been reduced by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, and the occupants are positioned slightly further forward, enhancing the car’s compact and agile feel. The inclusion of an electric motor with an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles means the Ferrari 296 GTB can, in certain scenarios, operate as a purely electric vehicle, a concept previously unimaginable for a Maranello machine. This dual-personality capability, offering both silent urban cruising and blistering track performance, positions it as a leader in the eco-friendly supercar discussion, though the primary focus remains undeniably on exhilaration.
The V6 itself is a marvel of engineering efficiency. It’s approximately 30kg lighter than a comparable Ferrari V8, and its ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration, where the turbos are nestled within the cylinder banks, promotes faster response and better thermal management. This is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, renowned for its lightning-fast shifts, and a battery pack ingeniously housed behind the seats. The weight distribution and packaging are textbook Ferrari, demonstrating their mastery in squeezing immense performance from compact, highly efficient systems, making it a compelling alternative to other performance hybrids on the market.
No Ferrari would be complete without a suite of cutting-edge electronic chassis systems, and the Ferrari 296 GTB is no exception. The centerpiece is the six-axis sensor known as 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This advanced system measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes, effectively replacing traditional yaw sensors. Coupled with a sensor on the steering rack, it provides the car with an almost prescient understanding of the driver’s intentions and the available grip at the tire contact patch. This data feeds into Ferrari’s celebrated Side Slip Control and active E-Diff, working in concert to maximize cornering speeds while ensuring unwavering stability.
This sophisticated integration also enables the new ABS-evo system. Activated in RACE mode and above, ABS-evo leverages the 296’s brake-by-wire technology to significantly shorten braking distances and, crucially, improve performance during trail-braking into corners. This level of electronic assistance, when dialed in so seamlessly, contributes to the Ferrari 296 GTB’s remarkable ability to inspire confidence, even when pushing the limits. For those seeking the ultimate in automotive innovation and performance engineering, the 296 GTB is a masterclass.
Aerodynamics play a pivotal role in the Ferrari 296 GTB’s performance, and for the first time, Ferrari is employing its active aerodynamics not to reduce drag, but to generate substantial downforce. The car boasts an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a significant portion of that coming from the deployable rear wing. The underbody is sculpted to channel air effectively, with particular attention paid to the rear diffuser and the car’s ground clearance to maximize the efficiency of downforce-generating surfaces. Two radiators in the front manage engine and gearbox cooling, while two condensers handle battery cooling. Hot air is expelled underneath, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the airflow directed to the intercoolers along the flanks. Small apertures below the headlamps feed air to the brakes, and a roofline-integrated wing creates a “virtual” rear screen, channeling air towards the rear of the car. This holistic approach to aerodynamic design is crucial for achieving the Ferrari 296 GTB’s dynamic prowess.
For those craving an even more track-focused experience, the Assetto Fiorano package is a compelling option. It replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units derived from GT racing and adds further carbon-fiber aerodynamic elements to the nose, boosting front downforce by an additional 20kg. This package also incorporates more carbon fiber in the interior, such as door panels, contributing to a weight saving of 12kg. Opting for the Lexan rear engine cover shaves off an additional 3kg, and specifying the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires further enhances grip. The Assetto Fiorano cars can also be adorned with a distinctive exterior graphics package, reminiscent of the legendary 250LM of the 1960s, adding a touch of heritage to this modern marvel. This level of customization and performance enhancement underscores Ferrari’s dedication to delivering bespoke driving experiences.
Visually, the Ferrari 296 GTB is a stunner. Its design is a departure from traditional Ferrari lines, evoking a sense of timeless beauty with subtle nods to iconic predecessors, even without the more overt graphic treatments. It’s a car that commands attention, a true piece of automotive art. For anyone in the market for luxury performance cars or exotic sports cars, the design alone is a significant draw.
Sliding into the driver’s seat and preparing to unleash the power of the Ferrari 296 GTB is an event in itself. A double press on the bottom of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear, and the car defaults to Hybrid mode. In this setting, it moves away using electric power alone, unless prompted otherwise via the haptic controls on the steering wheel. Gentle throttle application allows for serene, silent progress, provided the battery has sufficient charge. You can also manually select EV mode, or opt for Performance or Qualify modes. In the former, both power sources work in tandem, prioritizing sustained performance while also maintaining battery charge. Qualify mode, however, unleashes the full, unadulterated fury of the hybrid powertrain, with battery state of charge becoming a secondary concern. This versatility allows the Ferrari 296 GTB to excel in a variety of environments, from city streets to the race track, making it a compelling choice for those seeking versatile performance vehicles.
The sensation of gliding silently through a picturesque village is an unexpected pleasure, a testament to the sophisticated damping that also renders the cabin a surprisingly comfortable place to cover long distances. The “frunk” up front offers a reasonable amount of luggage space, a welcome practicality absent in some of Ferrari’s more extreme offerings like the SF90. But the true magic, the reason we’re all here, is the feeling when both the V6 and electric motor are unleashed.
Plant the throttle at low revs in a high gear, and the Ferrari 296 GTB surges forward with an immediacy that’s breathtaking. There’s virtually no lag, and the sheer potency momentarily makes you question the need for gear changes. However, the eight-speed gearbox is a masterclass in itself, and when you truly let the V6 rev to its 8,500rpm redline, the experience is nothing short of electrifying. The acceleration is ferocious, bordering on overwhelming, eliciting a mixture of nervous laughter and an almost addictive sensation. This is a seriously rapid machine, and its soundtrack is equally captivating, with the V6’s tuneful rasp beautifully complemented by the subtle hints of turbocharger whine. For those exploring automotive technology advancements, the 296 GTB represents a significant leap forward.
The chassis’s responsiveness is where the Ferrari 296 GTB truly shines. Ferrari’s promise of a “fun to drive” car is not just marketing jargon; it’s a tangible reality. The car feels incredibly agile without being nervous, its steering typically light and rapid, yet brimming with feedback. Grip levels are, as expected, exceptionally high, but what’s truly remarkable is how throttle-adjustable the car is. It invites you to play, to explore the limits of its adhesion, and the result is an infectious grin.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the Ferrari 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a fluidity, a lack of inertia that encourages precise, small inputs and a deep appreciation for its accuracy. The “CT Off” mode provides a safety net of electronic assistance, but even with all systems deactivated, the car’s inherent balance allows for controllable oversteer, a feat you might deem impossible in a car producing 819bhp. This balance and control are key differentiators in the supercar comparison space.
On track, the Ferrari 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to shrink even the longest straights. It reveals itself to be an incredibly sharp instrument. The power is readily available to break traction at various points around the lap, but the car is equally sensitive to braking and steering inputs. Precision with the controls is rewarded exponentially, transforming every corner entry into a moment of intense engagement. The turn-in accuracy and responsiveness dramatically shorten the entry phase, with the car settling instantly into its line thanks to the Multimatic dampers and the hyper-quick steering, perfectly complemented by the increased roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even if you’ve just stepped out of a more conventional sports car, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the Ferrari 296 GTB are phenomenal, a pure joy to experience lap after lap. This makes it a strong contender in the best sports cars category.
The interior architecture of the Ferrari 296 GTB will feel familiar to those who have experienced the SF90. It largely adopts the purely digital interface and haptic switchgear that have become a signature of Ferrari’s latest models. While undeniably complex, and at times requiring a second press for inputs to register or a moment to confirm success, it contributes to the cabin’s minimalist, futuristic aesthetic. Despite the learning curve, the cabin still feels like a special place to be, a cockpit designed for serious driving. This focus on advanced automotive technology is a hallmark of the modern supercar.
Reflecting on its inclusion in the evo Car of the Year 2022, the Ferrari 296 GTB truly made its mark. The competition was fierce, with the McLaren Artura running it incredibly close. The judges were almost equally divided, a testament to the excellence of both machines. Those who favored the Ferrari lauded its spectacular nature: “Beautiful to look at, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable and so technically clever,” enthused one judge. The V6 engine was highlighted as a masterclass in downsizing, delivering drama comparable to larger displacement units. Another judge described it as “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” praising the seamless integration of the hybrid system and the V6’s character and soundtrack.
However, not all was perfect. A notable incident saw a Ferrari 296 GTB left stranded due to a flat battery, a concern raised by judges about Ferrari’s ability to engineer a fail-safe for such a scenario, especially for a company renowned for its engineering prowess. Despite criticisms of Ferrari’s signature super-quick steering and brake feel not matching the very best, and the complexity of the tech interface, the Ferrari 296 GTB’s seductive qualities were undeniable. The car’s ability to change direction with “spooky” speed, its amazing damping, and “looney-tunes” levels of grip, coupled with seemingly unending linear power, left a lasting impression.
As one judge aptly put it, the Ferrari 296 GTB represented a “return to form.” Its technical sophistication and the integration of its hybrid technology felt far more natural and less intrusive than in previous models like the SF90. It’s a distillation of Ferrari’s learnings, presented in a series production model that stands as one of their very best. This assessment is crucial for anyone considering Ferrari price and its position in the market.
The inherent risk with any car so laden with advanced technology is that it can become less than the sum of its parts. We observed this with the SF90, which, while dazzling, could be unnerving in its driving characteristics. The Ferrari 296 GTB, however, strikes a different, far more organic chord. Its blend of immense power and engaging dynamics hits a sweet spot, effectively redefining what a £250,000-ish supercar can be. The upcoming Versione Speciale variant promises even more power and intensity, and the hope is that the standard Ferrari 296 GTB’s natural feel will be preserved. This focus on driver engagement makes it a compelling alternative to other supercar brands and performance car deals.
It is this very aspect – the natural, engaging feel – that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power, and if not perfectly integrated, it can overwhelm the chassis. If Lamborghini has indeed nailed it, as their success with the Revuelto suggests they might have, then we’re poised for an epic supercar battle between these titans. Imagine a £250,000-plus Ferrari supercar review pitting the 296 GTB against the potential 1700bhp of the Temerario – a true spectacle of automotive engineering.
Or, perhaps, we could expand this to a blistering 2400bhp triple threat, including the McLaren 750S. Described almost as the “minnow” of the group with its 740bhp, the McLaren’s relatively petite 1389kg kerb weight still grants it a formidable power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s rawness, ergonomic perfection, crisp steering, and deft chassis offer a distinctly different, perhaps more elemental, experience compared to the comparatively remote Ferrari 296 GTB. This comparison highlights the diverse spectrum of performance automotive offerings.
In conclusion, the Ferrari 296 GTB is not just a supercar; it’s a watershed moment. It skillfully blends electrification with Ferrari’s traditional performance DNA, creating a machine that is both exhilaratingly fast and remarkably engaging. For those seeking the pinnacle of modern supercar design, hybrid performance cars, and cutting-edge automotive technology, the Ferrari 296 GTB offers an unparalleled experience.
The world of performance cars is constantly evolving, and the Ferrari 296 GTB is leading the charge into an exciting new era. If you’re ready to experience the future of the Prancing Horse, explore the configurations available for the Ferrari 296 GTB and discover how you can own a piece of automotive history. Contact your local Ferrari dealership today to arrange a personal viewing and test drive, and prepare to be captivated by this electrifying masterpiece.

