The Ferrari 296 GTB: A New Era of Hybrid Supercar Performance and Driving Purity
For a decade, the automotive landscape has been reshaped by technological advancements, and the supercar segment, once
defined by raw, naturally aspirated power, is now at the vanguard of this electrifying revolution. Among the pioneers, Ferrari has consistently pushed boundaries, and the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a testament to this relentless pursuit of innovation. This isn’t just an evolution; it’s a paradigm shift, a meticulously engineered masterpiece that challenges conventional notions of performance and driver engagement. As an industry expert with ten years immersed in the world of high-performance vehicles, I’ve witnessed firsthand the evolution of hybrid powertrains, and the 296 GTB represents a particularly compelling chapter. It’s a car that not only delivers mind-bending acceleration but does so with a sophistication and purity that begs for deeper exploration.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked an unprecedented departure from Maranello’s established formula. The brand, renowned for its award-winning twin-turbo V8 engines, took a bold leap by embracing a completely new twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by an electric motor. This strategic pivot positioned the 296 GTB at the forefront of a high-tier supercar segment that is still navigating the complexities of widespread hybrid adoption. While its predecessor faced rivals like the Lamborghini Huracán with its charismatic, naturally aspirated V10 and the potent McLaren 720S with its twin-turbo V8, the 296 GTB arrived in a rapidly evolving arena. The recent unveiling of the 903 bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid Lamborghini Temerario, a direct competitor, underscores the intense technological race unfolding between these automotive titans. The Temerario, with its hybridised V8, represents Lamborghini’s aggressive response to Ferrari’s electrified offering, setting the stage for a thrilling new rivalry.
The raw numbers associated with the 296 GTB are, frankly, staggering. Its 819 bhp combined output, derived from an all-new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine and an integrated electric motor propelling the rear wheels only – a distinction from the SF90 Stradale’s all-wheel-drive hybrid system – obliterates previous supercar conventions. This surge in power prompts questions about the ultimate limit of performance escalation and, more practically, where such prodigious power can be safely and enjoyably unleashed.
The 296 GTB is more than just a powerful machine; it’s a tapestry of ‘firsts’ for Ferrari’s road car lineage. It proudly bears the V6 engine, a configuration not seen in a prancing horse badged production car since the beloved but not-quite-a-Ferrari 246 GT Dino. It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger layout, a design where the turbos are nestled within the cylinder banks, promoting quicker throttle response and a more compact engine package. Crucially, it’s a plug-in hybrid, offering an electric-only range of approximately 15 miles – a feature that enables silent, emission-free urban commuting, adding a layer of versatility to its supercar persona. The V6, a marvel of engineering, is mounted low within a newly developed aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors. This compact packaging also allows for a slightly more forward seating position for the occupants, enhancing the sense of intimacy with the driving experience.
The electric motor contributes a potent 165 bhp and 232 lb ft of torque, while the V6 engine alone produces a remarkable 654 bhp and 546 lb ft. Ferrari, with characteristic precision, refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure. This is likely due to the intricate interplay between the V6 and the electric motor, where their power delivery is not a simple summation but a complex symphony. However, it is safe to assume that the combined torque is, to put it mildly, considerable. The V6 unit itself is a significant weight saver, shedding 30kg compared to a comparable V8. It’s mated to a lightning-quick eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the battery pack, a long, rectangular structure, is discreetly housed behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without an array of acronyms signifying its advanced electronic chassis control systems. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari has developed the six-axis sensor known as 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This sophisticated unit measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. Replacing conventional yaw sensors, and working in tandem with a sensor on the steering rack, it provides the car with an unprecedented understanding of driver input and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data feeds into systems like Side Slip Control and the active Electronic Differential, all working in concert to maximize cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and driver confidence. A notable innovation enabled by this system is ABS-evo, available in RACE mode and above. Utilizing the 296’s brake-by-wire system, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also significantly enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners, allowing for later, more aggressive braking points.
Ferrari has also ingeniously deployed its active aerodynamics technology not solely for drag reduction, but critically, to generate downforce. The company quotes a substantial 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with an impressive 100kg of that being generated by the deployable rear wing. The thermal management system is equally impressive. Two radiators in the front handle engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two condensers dedicated to battery cooling. Hot air is expertly evacuated from underneath the car, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the flow of cooling air directed to the intercoolers along the car’s flanks. The small apertures below the headlights are dedicated to brake cooling, while a roofline-integrated rear spoiler creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, channeling air to the rear of the car as if guided by a perfectly sculpted surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated from beneath the car. Here, meticulous attention has been paid not only to air channeling and the rear diffuser but also to the underbody’s ground clearance, optimizing the effectiveness of these crucial downforce-generating surfaces.
For those seeking the ultimate track-honed experience, the Assetto Fiorano package is an enticing proposition. This option replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units, derived from Ferrari’s GT racing program, and adds further carbon-fiber aerodynamic elements to the nose, increasing front downforce by an additional 20kg. The package also incorporates more carbon fiber within 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 slashes an additional 3kg. The Assetto Fiorano specification can also be enhanced with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, a significant upgrade from the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Furthermore, Fiorano-equipped cars can be personalized with an exterior graphics package inspired by the iconic 250LM of the 1960s, a subtle nod to Ferrari’s rich racing heritage.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 GTB, both visually and dynamically, I can attest to its striking beauty. It possesses a unique aesthetic, unlike anything else on the road, with design cues that subtly evoke the spirit of the 250LM, even without the optional graphics.
Getting the 296 GTB moving is a process of sophisticated engagement. A double press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear, initiates the drive. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, utilizing electric power for initial acceleration unless dictated otherwise by the driver’s selection via the haptic mode buttons on the steering wheel. Gentle throttle application allows for serene, purely electric progress, provided there’s sufficient charge in the battery. The driver can also explicitly select ‘EV’ mode, overriding any powertrain demands, or choose between Performance and Qualifying modes. In these modes, both the V6 engine and the electric motor work in tandem. Performance mode aims to maintain battery charge while delivering exhilarating power, whereas Qualifying mode unleashes the full, unadulterated fury of the powertrain, with no regard for the battery’s state of charge.
The unexpected pleasure of gliding silently through villages, coupled with the car’s remarkably sophisticated damping, makes for a surprisingly comfortable and refined touring experience. Even the ‘frunk’ offers reasonable luggage space, a welcome departure from the more compromised storage solutions found in some other hypercars. But the true question on every enthusiast’s mind, myself included, is what happens when both the V6 and the electric motor are fully unleashed? The answer is nothing short of astonishing. A decisive stab of the throttle at low revs in a high gear elicits an immediate, lag-free surge of acceleration that momentarily makes you question the necessity of gearshifts, such is its potency. Yet, with eight gears to cycle through and an engine that enthusiastically revs to 8,500 rpm, the experience of fully exploiting the 296 GTB is utterly electrifying. The acceleration figures – a sub-3-second 0-62mph time and a top speed exceeding 205mph – translate into a sensation of relentless forward momentum that borders on the extreme, eliciting a mixture of nervous laughter and an almost addictive sense of exhilaration. This is a seriously rapid machine. And the soundtrack? It’s a captivating blend of turbocharger whines and the sonorous, tuneful rasp of the V6, a symphony of combustion and forced induction.
The true brilliance of the 296 GTB lies in its chassis responsiveness. Ferrari’s promise of a truly ‘fun to drive’ experience is not an empty slogan; it’s a tangible reality. The car feels exceptionally agile without ever becoming nervous or unpredictable. The steering, as expected from Ferrari, is typically light and incredibly quick, yet it’s also imbued with a remarkable level of detail, allowing the driver to feel connected to the road surface. While the grip levels are predictably immense, the car’s true magic unfolds as it becomes remarkably throttle-adjustable. This ability to precisely modulate power and torque through the accelerator pedal induces a constant grin, a testament to the engineering prowess at play.
Despite its claimed dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter, exhibiting a remarkable lack of inertia. This encourages a fluid, intuitive driving style, where small, precise inputs translate into immediate and accurate responses. Engaging CT Off mode provides an exhilarating sense of freedom, with the reassuring knowledge that an incredibly sophisticated electronic safety net is still in place, far more capable than human reflexes. However, even with all electronic aids deactivated, the inherent balance of the 296 GTB allows for controlled oversteer, a feat one might not expect from a car producing 819 bhp.
On the racetrack, the 296 GTB possesses the remarkable ability to compress even the longest straights. Its sharpness as a circuit instrument is profoundly evident. While the immense power is readily available to break rear-end traction at numerous points on the lap, the 296 GTB is exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. It quickly becomes apparent that precision with the controls yields the greatest rewards. The turn-in accuracy and response are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing the car into turns and allowing load to build progressively, the 296 GTB assumes its apex line instantaneously, aided by the Multimatic dampers. This is beautifully complemented by the hyper-quick steering, which works in perfect harmony with the enhanced body control provided 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 simply astounding and a consistent source of joy.
The interior architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as it borrows heavily from its larger sibling. The fully digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear, liberally spread across the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods, can present a steep learning curve. While the complexity is understandable given the wealth of information and functions to manage, the most frustrating aspect is the occasional need for a second press for simple operations, or the uncertainty of whether an input has been registered at all. Nevertheless, the cabin undeniably exudes an aura of exclusivity and specialness.
In the competitive landscape of supercar reviews, the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards provided a compelling benchmark. The contest between the McLaren Artura and the 296 GTB was exceptionally close, with the judges’ scores separated by the narrowest of margins. The judging panel was evenly divided, with three narrowly favoring the Ferrari and three giving a slight edge to the McLaren.
For those who leaned towards the Ferrari, the sentiment was overwhelmingly positive. Jethro Bovingdon, a respected voice in automotive journalism, enthused, “What a spectacular car. Beautiful to look at, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable, and so technically clever. Its V6 shows McLaren how to downsize but turn up the drama, and it matches the Artura in terms of sheer control but feels a bit more playful and indulgent.” Dickie Meaden echoed this sentiment, declaring it “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a view shared by many. He further elaborated on the hybrid system’s integration: “The hybrid system works very well and doesn’t change the driving experience as much as I’d feared. Probably because we’ve already got used to the torquey characteristics of the turbocharged V8 in the 488 and F8. The 296 is stonkingly quick, but doesn’t rely solely on speed thanks to the character of the V6, which has a soundtrack that’s always sweet and changes with throttle opening.”
The seamless integration of the Ferrari’s hybridisation was widely lauded. However, a notable incident occurred on the final night of testing where a completely depleted battery left the car immobile, with no apparent means of reactivation. While Ferrari had provided prior warnings and instructions on preventing such scenarios, the experience highlighted a potential vulnerability for owners. As one judge remarked, “That the company who introduced individual rear-wheel steering to its cars can’t engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this happening is a huge oversight.” Fortunately for the 296 GTB, this incident occurred after all scoring had been completed.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering remained a point of contention for some, and the brake feel, while good, didn’t quite match the very best in the group. The technological interface also faced widespread criticism for its complexity. Despite these criticisms, the 296 GTB’s allure was undeniable. Vivian, another judge, admitted, “I thought I wouldn’t like the Fezza all that much – too complex, rather gratuitous points of difference. But I ended up somewhat bewitched: the spooky way it changes direction; its amazing damping and looney-tunes levels of grip; the linearity of seemingly never-ending power…”
The 296 GTB represented a significant return to form for Ferrari, particularly following the less impactful SF90 Stradale. As Peter Tomalin, editor of evo, concluded, “The 296 is way more successful because its technical sophistication, and the integration of its hybrid technology in particular, feels much more natural, and far less intrusive.” He added, “Ferrari has taken so much from the SF90, learnt from that car and distilled it into a series production model that’s one of its very best.”
The risk inherent in any highly technological vehicle is that it can become less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment echoed in our assessment of the SF90 Stradale, which, despite its dazzling power, could sometimes feel unnerving and difficult to read. The 296 GTB, however, is a different proposition entirely. As evidenced by its strong performance at the evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, where it shared third place with the McLaren Artura, it possesses a much more organic feel. Its fusion of raw power and engaging dynamics strikes a delightful sweet spot, effectively redefining what a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket can and should be. Rumors of a Versione Speciale variant, promising even greater power and intensity, are circulating, and the hope is that this heightened performance will not compromise the standard 296’s uniquely natural and accessible driving character.
It is this very aspect of the 296 GTB’s constitution – its driver-centricity and inherent balance – that I hope Lamborghini has most keenly focused on in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. With over 900 bhp on tap, an almost obscene amount of power for a series production supercar, it has the potential to overwhelm if the rest of the car isn’t meticulously resolved to handle such forces. If Lamborghini has achieved the same level of dynamic prowess as demonstrated in the Revuelto, then we are poised for an absolutely epic twin test. Alternatively, we could elevate the stakes to a breathtaking 2400 bhp triple threat by including the McLaren 750S. Though now absurdly described as the “minnow” of this class with “only” 740 bhp, the McLaren’s relatively lithe 1389kg kerb weight still offers a formidable power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw, ergonomic rightness, crisp steering, and deft chassis dynamics offer a compelling counterpoint to the comparatively remote feel of the Ferrari.
For those seeking to experience the pinnacle of hybrid supercar engineering and driving dynamics, the Ferrari 296 GTB offers an unparalleled invitation. Whether you’re a seasoned track enthusiast or a discerning collector, this is a vehicle that demands attention and rewards exploration. We invite you to explore the latest specifications and inquire about availability at your local Ferrari dealership to discover the future of performance firsthand.
