Ferrari 296 GTB: The Hybrid Supercar Redefined
For a decade, I’ve navigated the complex, exhilarating world of automotive engineering and performance. In that time, I’ve witnessed seismic shifts in ho
w we define a supercar, none more impactful than the recent electrification wave. While the roar of naturally aspirated engines still echoes in our memories, the future is undeniably hybrid, and Ferrari’s Ferrari 296 GTB review stands as a beacon of this transformation. Even with whispers of a 10,000rpm, 900-plus horsepower hybrid Lamborghini on the horizon, the 296 GTB remains a benchmark, a marvel of engineering that continues to captivate and astound.
The introduction of the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB marked an unprecedented departure for Ferrari’s mid-engined supercar lineage. Gone was the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8, replaced by a groundbreaking twin-turbocharged V6 augmented by electric power. This bold move positioned the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a segment still in the throes of adapting to hybrid powertrains.
At its debut, the Ferrari 296 GTB price found a traditional adversary in the Lamborghini Huracán, a car defined by its soul-stirring naturally aspirated V10. While perhaps outgunned on paper by the electrification newcomers, the Huracán offered an intoxicating blend of V10 charisma and raw auditory drama, a testament to its halcyon years. It also contended with the formidable McLaren 720S, a masterclass in twin-turbo V8 performance. While the subsequent McLaren 750S represents an evolution of its predecessor, trading on supreme power-to-weight ratios, the forthcoming 900-horsepower, 10,000rpm hybrid Temerario is unequivocally Lamborghini’s direct riposte to Maranello’s 819-horsepower electrified Berlinetta.
Make no mistake, the Ferrari 296 GTB horsepower is genuinely staggering. Featuring an all-new, 120-degree twin-turbo V6 engine and an integrated electric motor, propelling only the rear wheels – a distinction from the SF90 Stradale – the 819-horsepower 296 GTB shattered conventional supercar paradigms. Its very existence forces us to question the upper limits of performance escalation and, indeed, where such prodigious power can be responsibly unleashed.
This is not merely another Ferrari; it’s a landmark vehicle. The 296 GTB is the first V6-powered road-going Ferrari (the ethereal 246 GT Dino, of course, never bore the Prancing Horse emblem in its era), the first to incorporate a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger arrangement, and crucially, a plug-in hybrid with a purely electric range of approximately 15 miles. The compact V6 is strategically mounted low within a novel aluminum chassis, with a wheelbase reduced by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, subtly repositioning occupants slightly further forward.
The electric motor contributes a potent 165 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 alone churns out an astonishing 654 horsepower and 546 lb-ft. The headline combined figure is that imposing 819 horsepower. Ferrari, however, remains characteristically tight-lipped about the combined peak torque, presumably due to the complex interplay between the engine and electric motor. Nevertheless, it’s safe to surmise that the figure is nothing short of prodigious. In terms of weight, the V6 unit is 30kg lighter than Ferrari’s V8s and is seamlessly mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a sleek, elongated structure, resides discreetly behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without a symphony of acronyms detailing its sophisticated electronic chassis management systems. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari has engineered a six-axis sensor suite, dubbed the 6w-CDS (Chassis Dynamic Sensor), capable of meticulously measuring acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. This advanced system supersedes traditional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor integrated into the steering rack, grants the car an unparalleled understanding of driver input and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patches. This intelligence is then harnessed by systems such as Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff to maximize cornering speeds while preserving unwavering stability and driver confidence. Furthermore, it enables the debut of ABS-evo in RACE mode and above. Leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire system, ABS-evo not only slashes braking distances but also enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners.
For the first time in its history, Ferrari has deployed its active aerodynamics not to minimize drag, but to generate substantial downforce. The company quotes a figure of 360kg at 155 mph, with a significant 100kg of that total attributable to the active rear wing that deploys from the car’s tail.
The thermal management of the Ferrari 296 GTB performance is a testament to meticulous engineering. Two radiators in the front fascia manage engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two additional condensers dedicated to the battery’s thermal regulation. Hot air is expelled beneath the vehicle to prevent interference with the cooling air directed to the intercoolers positioned along the flanks. Small apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to brake cooling, while the roofline-integrated rear wing works in concert with the bodywork to generate a ‘virtual’ rear screen, effectively channeling air towards the car’s posterior. The majority of the 296’s downforce is sculpted from beneath the car, where extraordinary attention has been lavished not only on air channelling and the rear diffuser but also on the underbody’s ground clearance to maximize the efficacy of its downforce-generating surfaces.
The examples of the Ferrari 296 GTB specs we sampled on a circuit during their launch were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-enhancing upgrade replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units, derived from GT racing technology, and incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements at the front, boosting front downforce by an additional 20kg. The package also introduces more carbon fiber throughout the cabin, including door panels, and externally, contributing to an overall weight saving of 12kg, which can be extended to 15kg with the optional Lexan rear engine cover. Further enhancing the track-focused ethos, the Fiorano package offers Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires as an upgrade from the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Fiorano-equipped cars can also be specified with an exterior graphics package, drawing inspiration from the iconic 250LM of the 1960s.
Having experienced the Ferrari 296 GTB review firsthand, I can attest to its visual allure. It is an undeniably striking machine, possessing a distinct aesthetic that sets it apart from anything else on the road, subtly echoing the spirit of the 1960s 250LM even without the more polarizing graphic options.
Performance and Dynamics: A New Era of Supercar Engagement
Initiating movement in the 296 GTB is a refined process: a double press of the lower steering wheel boss followed by selecting first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, meaning it will glide away on electric power alone unless prompted otherwise via the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors on the left side of the steering wheel. Maintaining moderate throttle application allows for serene progress on electric power, provided the battery retains sufficient charge.
Drivers can also explicitly select ‘e-Drive’ mode, irrespective of powertrain demands, or opt for the more aggressive ‘Performance’ and ‘Qualifying’ modes. In both these settings, both the internal combustion engine and electric motor work in concert. Performance mode prioritizes exhilarating acceleration while simultaneously working to replenish the battery, whereas Qualifying mode unleashes the powertrain’s absolute maximum potential, disregarding the battery’s state of charge.
The experience of gliding silently through urban landscapes is a surprisingly delightful revelation. The damping is so exquisitely calibrated that it transforms the cabin into a remarkably comfortable space for covering long distances. Even luggage capacity is reasonable, with a usable ‘frunk’ up front – a notable advantage over the SF90. But the true question on everyone’s mind, and indeed mine, is what happens when both the engine and electric motor are unleashed to their full potential?
The answer becomes immediately apparent when you stomp on the throttle at low revs in a higher gear. The 296 surges forward with an absence of lag that compels you to question the very necessity of gears, such is its immediate potency. Yet, there are eight of them to exploit, and an engine that happily revs to 8,500 rpm. When you truly push the 296 to its limits, the effect is nothing short of breathtaking.
As the figures suggest – a sub-3-second 0-62 mph sprint and a top speed exceeding 205 mph – the rate of acceleration is of the “hold-on-tight, nervous laughter” variety, verging on the visceral, yet it possesses a strangely addictive quality. This is a car of profound velocity. And the sound? It’s equally captivating, with a delightful blend of turbocharger effects overlaying the sonorous V6 rasp.
Ride and Handling: Precision Meets Playfulness
What truly distinguishes the 296 GTB handling is its astonishing chassis responsiveness. Ferrari’s claim that the car’s primary objective was driver enjoyment is unequivocally validated. It feels remarkably agile without ever tipping into nervousness. The steering, typically light and rapid, is imbued with exceptional feel, transmitting nuanced feedback to the driver. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains delightfully throttle-adjustable, eliciting an irrepressible grin from even the most stoic driver.
Despite its dry weight of 1,470 kg, the 296 feels significantly lighter. There’s a palpable lack of inertia that encourages the driver to work with the car, employing small, precise inputs and reveling in its accuracy. Engaging the CT Off mode allows for audacious liberties with the accompanying reassurance that an exceptionally intelligent electronic guardian is always at hand. However, even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows it to be coaxed into oversteer with a delicacy one might never anticipate in a car producing 819 horsepower.
On the circuit, the 296 possesses the uncanny ability to make even the longest start-finish straight feel abbreviated. What becomes even more apparent is its surgical precision. The power is readily available to break rear traction at numerous points around the lap, yet the 296 is also exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. One quickly learns that meticulous control of the inputs yields the most profound rewards. The astonishing turn-in accuracy and response dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Rather than easing the car into turns and allowing load to build, the 296 hunkers down immediately, its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering harmonizing beautifully with the enhanced roll support provided by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for a driver accustomed to more potent sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 are phenomenal, providing a joyous experience lap after lap.
Interior: A Blend of Familiarity and Futurist Interface
The cabin architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the 296 borrows extensively from its sibling. The fully digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear, liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari stalks flanking it, present a learning curve.
While undoubtedly complex, it’s important to acknowledge the sheer volume of information the system needs to convey. The most significant frustration arises from simple operations occasionally requiring a second attempt to register, or an uncertainty as to whether a press has been successful at all. Nevertheless, the overall ambiance undeniably contributes to the feeling of being in a truly special place.
Industry Expert Verdict: A Triumph of Hybridization
The Ferrari 296 GTB evaluation from our team at evo, specifically during our Car of the Year 2022 awards, highlighted its exceptional merit. “Now it gets serious,” was the sentiment as scores were tallied, revealing an almost imperceptible difference between the McLaren Artura and the 296 GTB. The judging panel was equally divided, with three narrowly favoring the Ferrari and three leaning towards the McLaren.
Those who championed the 296, including myself, were struck by its sheer brilliance. “What a spectacular car,” enthused Jethro Bovingdon. “Beautiful to behold, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable, and technically ingenious. Its V6 demonstrates to McLaren how to downsize while amplifying the drama, and it matches the Artura in terms of sheer control, yet feels more playful and indulgent.”
Richard Meaden offered a bold declaration: “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. “The hybrid system performs exceptionally well,” he continued, “and doesn’t alter the driving experience as much as I had feared, likely because we’ve already become accustomed to the torquey characteristics of turbocharged V8s in the 488 and F8. The 296 is stonkingly quick, but doesn’t rely solely on brute force, thanks to the character of the V6, which delivers a consistently sweet soundtrack that evolves with throttle application.”
While the Ferrari’s hybrid integration received widespread praise for its seamlessness, a significant footnote emerged on the final night of testing: we were left stranded when the battery depleted with no apparent means of revival. To Ferrari’s credit, they had cautioned us about this possibility and detailed preventative measures. However, it’s not inconceivable that an owner could find themselves in a similar predicament. As Gallagher observed, “For a company that pioneered individual rear-wheel steering, the inability to engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this is a considerable oversight.” Fortunately for the 296, this occurred after all cars had been scored.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and brake feel didn’t quite match the very best in the group. The tech interface also drew criticism for its over-complexity. Yet, despite these points, the 296 remained 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 astounding damping and looney-tunes levels of grip; the linearity of its seemingly endless power…”
This vehicle represents a significant return to form for Ferrari, particularly after the SF90 left many feeling somewhat underwhelmed the previous year. As Alan Bovingdon noted, “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.” And Jake Smiles agreed: “Ferrari has taken so much from the SF90, learned from that car, and distilled it into a series-production model that ranks among its very best.” – Peter Tomalin, evo Car of the Year 2022 Editor.
The Future of Supercar Value and Competition
When a vehicle is as densely packed with cutting-edge technology as the 296 GTB, there’s always a risk that it might become less than the sum of its parts. This was a criticism leveled at the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power output, could be somewhat unnerving in its hard-to-read driving characteristics.
However, the Ferrari 296 GTB vs Lamborghini Temerario landscape is far different. The 296 GTB, as evidenced by its strong showing at eCoty 2022 (where it secured a joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura), feels far more organic. Its harmonious blend of potent power and engaging dynamics strikes a remarkable sweet spot, effectively redefining what a supercar costing in the region of £250,000 can and should be. A Versione Speciale variant of the 296 is anticipated this year, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity. The paramount hope is that the standard 296’s inexplicably natural feel is preserved.
It is to this crucial aspect of the 296 GTB’s character that we hope Lamborghini has paid the most diligent attention when refining its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900 horsepower is an obscene amount of power to manage in a series-production supercar, a figure that can undoubtedly corrupt the driving experience if the rest of the vehicle isn’t meticulously resolved to complement it. If Lamborghini has achieved this balance – and the sheer brilliance of the Revuelto offers compelling reason for optimism – then we are poised for an absolutely epic twin test, a battle between two titans of the hybrid hypercar era.
Alternatively, we could expand this to a 2,400 horsepower triple threat, incorporating the McLaren 750S. This model, at “only” 740 horsepower, must now be absurdly described as the minnow of this elite class. However, it brings a relatively petite 1,389 kg kerb weight to the table, thus maintaining a fiercely competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s inherent rawness, ergonomic rightness, the crispness of its steering, and the deftness of its chassis undoubtedly set it apart from the comparatively more remote-feeling Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications
Engine: 2992cc, twin-turbocharged V6, plus electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, active E-diff
Combined Power: 819 bhp @ 8,000 rpm
Combined Torque: 546 lb-ft @ 6,250 rpm
Weight: 1,470 kg (dry) (566 bhp/ton)
0-62 mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205 mph
Approximate Price: £250,000+
The automotive landscape is constantly evolving, and the Ferrari 296 GTB represents a pivotal moment in that evolution. If you’re captivated by the prospect of experiencing this revolutionary blend of blistering performance, cutting-edge technology, and exhilarating driving dynamics, we invite you to explore the possibilities further. Discover how the 296 GTB can elevate your driving passion and understand the future of supercar performance.

