The Prancing Horse Reimagined: A Deep Dive into the Ferrari 296 GTB – The Benchmark for Hybrid Supercars in 2025
For a decade now, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing the pinnacle of automotive eng
ineering, pushing the limits of what’s possible on four wheels. In that time, few machines have stirred the soul quite like a Ferrari. The Maranello marque has consistently set benchmarks, not just in performance, but in the very essence of driving pleasure. Yet, even within this hallowed lineage, the arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB represented a seismic shift, a bold stride into an electrifying future that has, for the past couple of years, left rivals scrambling to catch up. Now, as the landscape continues to evolve, with the much-anticipated Lamborghini Temerario poised to enter the fray, it’s time to re-evaluate what makes the 296 GTB so profoundly significant, and what a challenger truly needs to overcome.
The Ferrari 296 GTB isn’t just another supercar; it’s a revolutionary statement. When it debuted in 2022, it dared to deviate from Ferrari’s established V8 narrative, a powerplant that had garnered countless accolades. Instead, it embraced a groundbreaking twin-turbocharged V6, seamlessly integrated with an electric motor. This audacious move positioned the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a supercar segment still tentatively navigating the complexities of hybrid power.
In its initial years, the 296 GTB’s most direct competitor was the Lamborghini Huracán, a symphony of naturally aspirated V10 charisma and raw auditory drama. While the Huracán excelled in its traditional V10 glory, it was outgunned in raw horsepower by the Italian newcomer. Then there was the formidable McLaren 720S, a masterclass in twin-turbo V8 potency and power-to-weight supremacy. While the subsequent McLaren 750S builds upon that potent formula, the Ferrari 296 GTB’s 819 horsepower hybridised Berlinetta, and now the rumbling 903 horsepower, 10,000rpm hybrid Temerario from Lamborghini, represent the cutting edge of this evolving arms race.
Let’s be clear: the 296 GTB packs an almost incomprehensible amount of firepower. Its heart is an entirely new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, augmented by a potent electric motor, driving exclusively the rear wheels – a crucial distinction from its four-wheel-drive sibling, the SF90. This 819 horsepower hybrid powertrain didn’t just enhance performance; it fundamentally reshaped expectations within the supercar echelon. It begs the question: where will this relentless pursuit of power end, and indeed, where can one realistically deploy such colossal performance? But that, as they say, is a story for another time.
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is its pioneering spirit. It marks Ferrari’s first-ever V6-powered road car, a lineage that subtly echoes the beloved, though never officially badged, 246 GT Dino. It’s also the first to feature a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration, a design choice that enhances responsiveness and packaging. Furthermore, its plug-in hybrid capability grants it an electric-only range of approximately 15 miles, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the silent, emissions-free potential of future supercars.
Beneath its sculpted exterior lies a new aluminum chassis, cleverly designed to accommodate the compact V6 and its hybrid components. The wheelbase has been judiciously shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, with the occupants positioned slightly further forward, contributing to a more centralized and dynamic weight distribution. The electric motor itself contributes a substantial 165 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 alone unleashes a breathtaking 654 horsepower and 546 lb-ft. Ferrari remains coy about the combined peak torque, a testament to the intricate interplay between the internal combustion engine and electric motor. Suffice it to say, the combined grunt is nothing short of colossal. Crucially, this V6 unit shaves off a significant 30kg compared to a comparable V8, and it’s mated to a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a sleek, oblong structure, is cleverly housed behind the seats, minimizing its intrusion on the cabin or aerodynamics.
As expected from any modern Ferrari, the 296 GTB is replete with a sophisticated suite of electronic chassis management systems. Central to this is the innovative six-axis sensor, dubbed 6w-CDS. This advanced system meticulously monitors acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes. By replacing traditional yaw sensors and working in concert with a sensor on the steering rack, the 6w-CDS provides an unprecedented understanding of driver inputs and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data allows for the precise calibration of systems like Side Slip Control and the active Electronic Differential (E-Diff) to maximize cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability. It also enables the groundbreaking ABS-evo system, which, in RACE mode and above, leverages the car’s brake-by-wire technology to not only shorten braking distances but also to enhance braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers – a testament to the precision and control engineered into this Ferrari 296 GTB performance.
Ferrari’s active aerodynamics technology has also undergone a significant evolution with the 296 GTB. Instead of focusing solely on reducing drag, the system is now employed to generate substantial downforce. The car’s aerodynamic prowess is highlighted by a quoted 360kg of downforce at 155 mph, with an impressive 100kg of that figure attributed to the deployable rear wing. The thermal management is equally ingenious. Two radiators in the front handle engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two condensers dedicated to the battery. Hot air is efficiently expelled from the underbody, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the airflow directed towards the intercoolers situated along the flanks. Small apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to cooling the brakes, while a roofline-integrated wing channels air towards the rear, creating a ‘virtual’ rear screen that sculpts airflow with remarkable efficacy. The majority of the car’s downforce, however, is meticulously generated beneath the underbody, where extensive attention has been paid to airflow management, the rear diffuser, and optimizing the ground clearance for maximum aerodynamic effect.
Our initial drives of the 296 GTB, both on track and road, often involved the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with race-derived Multimatic units and adds further carbon fiber aerodynamic elements to the nose, increasing front downforce by an additional 20kg. The package also incorporates more carbon fiber in the cabin, such as the door panels, and on the exterior, contributing to a total weight saving of 12kg. This can be further enhanced by an optional Lexan rear engine cover, pushing the saving to 15kg. For those seeking the ultimate track-focused grip, the Assetto Fiorano option includes Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, a significant step up from the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Visually, the Fiorano pack can also be specified with an exterior graphics package, reminiscent of the iconic 250LM from the 1960s. Even without the more overt styling cues, the 296 GTB presents a strikingly beautiful and unique silhouette, a modern interpretation of classic Ferrari design.
Getting underway in the 296 GTB is an exercise in refined exhilaration. A double press on the lower portion of the steering wheel boss and engaging first gear initiates the drive. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing for silent, electric-only propulsion unless assertive throttle inputs demand otherwise, or if driver mode buttons on the steering wheel are used to select alternative settings. As long as the battery holds a charge and throttle application is judicious, you can glide through urban landscapes on pure electric power, a surprisingly serene experience. You can also manually engage EV mode, or select Performance or Qualifying modes, where both power sources work in tandem. Performance mode aims to maintain battery charge while delivering exhilarating acceleration, while Qualifying mode unleashes the full, unadulterated fury of the powertrain, regardless of the battery’s state of charge.
The juxtaposition of silent electric cruising through picturesque villages and the immediate, ferocious surge of power when unleashing the V6 and electric motor is nothing short of astonishing. The Ferrari 296 GTB handling characteristics are equally revelatory. It feels remarkably agile, belying its technological complexity and weight. The steering, a hallmark of Ferrari’s offerings, is typically light and rapid, but crucially, it delivers an abundance of tactile feedback, allowing you to precisely gauge the grip levels. Despite possessing immense grip, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable, encouraging playful interventions that elicit genuine grins.
The car feels significantly lighter than its 1470kg dry weight suggests, exhibiting a fluidity and lack of inertia that invites precise, small inputs. This encourages a symbiotic relationship between driver and machine, where accuracy and refinement are paramount. Even in CT Off mode, which disengages certain electronic aids, the 296 GTB’s inherent balance allows for controlled oversteer, a feat one might not expect from a car producing 819 horsepower. On track, the 296 GTB has the uncanny ability to make even lengthy straights feel shorter. It’s a sharp, precise instrument, capable of breaking traction at multiple points around a lap, yet it remains exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. Mastering this sensitivity unlocks immense rewards. The turn-in response is nothing short of phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Rather than easing into turns, the 296 GTB takes an immediate, decisive stance, its hyper-quick steering perfectly complementing the enhanced body control offered by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are exhilarating and consistently rewarding.
Inside, the cabin architecture will feel familiar to those who have experienced the SF90 Stradale. The 296 GTB adopts a similar philosophy, featuring a fully digital interface and a complex array of haptic switchgear integrated into the steering wheel and surrounding pods. While undoubtedly sophisticated and capable of displaying a wealth of information, the interface can be an acquired taste. Occasionally, simple operations require a second press, and discerning whether an input has been registered can sometimes be challenging. However, despite these minor ergonomic quirks, the cabin undeniably exudes a special, driver-focused atmosphere.
In the highly competitive arena of automotive journalism, the Ferrari 296 GTB vs McLaren Artura debate raged intensely during its debut year. For the Evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, the margin between the Artura and the 296 GTB was razor-thin, with judges narrowly split. Those who favored the Ferrari lauded its spectacular design, outrageous speed, and incredible exploitability. Jethro Bovingdon praised its V6 as a masterclass in downsizing, delivering drama and a more playful, indulgent feel than the Artura, while matching its control. Dickie Meaden famously declared it the “first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. He also highlighted the seamless integration of the hybrid system, which, unlike some earlier attempts, enhanced rather than detracted from the driving experience, building on the torquey character already familiar from the 488 and F8. The V6’s soundtrack was consistently praised for its sweetness and evolving character.
However, the 296 GTB wasn’t without its critiques. One significant concern raised was the potential for the battery to completely deplete, leaving the car stranded with no immediate means of revival. While Ferrari had provided warnings and instructions to mitigate this, the lack of a simple fail-safe mechanism was seen as a considerable oversight by some. Fortunately, this incident occurred after scoring, minimizing its impact on the final verdict. Other points of contention included Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering dividing opinion, brake feel not quite matching the very best in class, and the overly complex tech interface. Yet, despite these criticisms, the 296 GTB possessed an irresistible allure. Vivian Lee confessed to being “bewitched” by its uncanny directional changes, its exceptional damping, and its seemingly endless, linear power delivery.
As Peter Tomalin, editor of Evo, eloquently summarized for the 2022 awards, the 296 GTB represented a “return to form.” He emphasized that its technical sophistication and hybrid integration felt far more natural and less intrusive than those in the SF90, making it “one of its very best” production models. This sentiment highlights the Ferrari 296 GTB value proposition – it’s not just about raw power, but about the intelligent and harmonious integration of cutting-edge technology to elevate the driving experience.
The risk with heavily technologically laden vehicles is that they can become less than the sum of their parts. We observed this with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power, could feel somewhat unnerving and difficult to fully exploit. The 296 GTB, however, transcends this pitfall. As demonstrated in its joint third-place finish at the Evo Car of the Year 2022 alongside the McLaren Artura, it strikes a sublime balance between immense power and engaging dynamics, redefining what a supercar in the £250,000-plus bracket can be. Whispers of a Versione Speciale variant, promising even greater power and intensity, only heighten anticipation for what Ferrari might achieve next, while retaining the current model’s remarkably intuitive feel.
It is precisely this intuitive, engaging character that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario. A figure exceeding 900 horsepower is an obscene amount of power, one that can easily overwhelm a chassis if not meticulously engineered. If Lamborghini has managed to replicate the Revuelto’s success in integrating such power with a compelling driving experience, we are poised for an epic twin test. Imagine a potential 1700 horsepower showdown! Or, perhaps even a colossal 2400 horsepower triple threat, including the McLaren 750S. While the McLaren, with its 740 horsepower, might seem the “minnow” in this comparison, its relatively lithe 1389kg kerb weight ensures a fiercely competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw, ergonomic brilliance, razor-sharp steering, and deft chassis control offer a compelling counterpoint to the comparatively more remote feel of the Ferrari, demonstrating that outright numbers aren’t the only metric of performance.
For those seeking the ultimate expression of hybrid supercar performance, the Ferrari 296 GTB price reflects its groundbreaking engineering and exclusive appeal. It represents not just a car, but a commitment to the future of driving, a testament to Italian passion and innovation.
If you’re captivated by the revolutionary spirit of the Ferrari 296 GTB and are eager to explore how this hybrid marvel redefines automotive excellence, or if you’re curious about how it measures up against its formidable rivals, we invite you to delve deeper. Contact our dedicated Ferrari specialists to arrange a personalized consultation and discover the unparalleled thrill of experiencing this automotive masterpiece firsthand.

