The Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Masterpiece Redefining Supercar Performance
San Francisco, CA – For a decade, I’ve immersed myself in the visceral world of high-performance automobiles, witnessing first
hand the relentless evolution of automotive engineering. In that time, few machines have left as profound an impression as the Ferrari 296 GTB. While its V6 hybrid powertrain might have seemed a radical departure from Ferrari’s legendary V8 lineage upon its 2022 introduction, the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 review reveals a supercar that not only embraces electrification but masters it, setting a new benchmark that rivals, particularly the much-anticipated Lamborghini Temerario, must now contend with.
The automotive landscape is in constant flux, and the supercar segment, once the bastion of naturally aspirated engines and raw mechanical symphony, is undergoing a seismic shift. The Ferrari 296 GTB represents the vanguard of this transformation. It boldly trades the lauded twin-turbo V8 of its predecessors for an all-new, compact yet potent twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by a sophisticated electric motor. This isn’t merely a concession to emissions regulations; it’s a calculated strategic move that injects a new dimension of performance and efficiency into a category that was, until recently, still contemplating the full implications of hybrid integration.
In its initial release, the 296 GTB entered a fray dominated by established titans. The Lamborghini Huracán, with its intoxicating naturally aspirated V10, offered a charismatic counterpoint, prioritizing auditory drama and visceral connection over outright grunt. Then there was the ferocious McLaren 720S, a twin-turbo V8 marvel that championed a relentless pursuit of power-to-weight supremacy. Now, as the McLaren 750S evolves from that established formula, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid marvel that is the Lamborghini Temerario looms large on the horizon. It’s a direct gauntlet thrown at Maranello’s feet, a clear response to the 819bhp hybridized Berlinetta. This impending clash between the Ferrari 296 GTB and its fiercest rivals, the Lamborghini Temerario hybrid supercar, promises to be one of the most compelling automotive duels of the coming years.
The Ferrari 296 GTB doesn’t just participate in this new era; it commands it. Its headline figure of 819bhp, generated by the ingenious combination of its 120-degree twin-turbo V6 and an electric motor driving the rear wheels exclusively (a departure from the SF90’s all-wheel-drive hybrid setup), shatters conventional supercar paradigms. This is a machine designed not just for blistering straight-line speed but for an integrated, dynamic driving experience that electrifies the senses. The sheer magnitude of its power output is enough to make one pause and contemplate the ever-increasing performance envelope of these machines. More importantly, it prompts the question: where and how can such prodigious power truly be unleashed responsibly?
This particular Ferrari 296 GTB review delves into the nuances that make it exceptional. It’s significant as the first V6-powered road-going Ferrari to bear the Prancing Horse emblem (the revered 246 GT Dino, while a V6, never carried the badge in period). It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration and boasts a plug-in hybrid system capable of approximately 15 miles of pure electric propulsion. This V6, mounted low within an all-new aluminum chassis, contributes to a wheelbase 50mm shorter than its V8 predecessors, subtly repositioning the occupants forward for a more engaged feel.
The electric motor alone contributes a formidable 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 independently produces a staggering 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined output, as mentioned, is 819bhp. Ferrari, in its characteristic fashion, remains coy about the combined peak torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. However, “considerable” is an understatement; the torque delivery is, to put it mildly, immense. Crucially, this V6 unit offers a 30kg weight saving over Ferrari’s V8s, paired with a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The compact battery pack, a long, oblong structure, is strategically placed behind the seats.
As expected from a Ferrari, the 296 GTB is replete with acronyms signifying cutting-edge electronic chassis management. Central to this is the six-axis sensor, dubbed 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This sophisticated system meticulously measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. Replacing traditional yaw sensors, it works in concert with a steering rack sensor to provide the car’s computers with an unparalleled understanding of driver input and available grip at the tire contact patch. This data is then fed to systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, orchestrating maximum cornering speeds with unwavering stability and security. A particularly noteworthy innovation is the ABS-evo system, active in RACE mode and above, which, in conjunction with the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, dramatically reduces stopping distances and enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners.
For the first time in a road car, Ferrari has deployed its active aerodynamics not to minimize drag but to maximize downforce. The quoted figure is an impressive 360kg at 155mph, with the deployable rear wing contributing up to 100kg of that aerodynamic load. The car’s thermal management is equally impressive. Twin radiators in the front handle engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two additional condensers for the battery. Hot air is expelled beneath the car to avoid disrupting the airflow directed to the intercoolers along the flanks. Small apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to brake cooling, while a roofline-integrated rear wing generates a “virtual” rear screen, channeling air efficiently to the rear of the car. The majority of the 296’s downforce, however, is generated from beneath, where meticulous attention has been paid to air channeling, the rear diffuser, and crucially, the underbody’s ground clearance to optimize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The examples we experienced on track during the launch were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This upgrade swaps standard dampers for race-derived Multimatic units and adds carbon fiber aerodynamic enhancements to the front, boosting front-end downforce by an additional 20kg. Further weight reduction comes courtesy of extensive carbon fiber use in the cabin (like the door panels) and exterior, shaving another 12kg. Opting for the Lexan rear engine cover adds a further 3kg. Those who select the Assetto Fiorano package can also specify Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, a significant step up from the already capable standard Pilot Sport 4S. The Fiorano specification can also be adorned with a striking exterior graphics package, paying homage to the iconic 250LM of the 1960s. This attention to detail and performance-oriented enhancements solidifies the Ferrari 296 GTB price as a true investment in automotive art.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 GTB, both in static observation and dynamic performance, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a unique visual identity, unmistakably Ferrari yet distinct from anything that has preceded it. The subtle echoes of the 250LM, even without the optional livery, contribute to its timeless beauty.
Performance and Dynamics: A Hybrid Symphony
Initiating the 296 GTB’s journey is as simple as a double press on the steering wheel’s lower boss and engaging first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, drawing power solely from its electric motor for silent, smooth initial acceleration, unless prompted otherwise by the driver’s selection via the haptic controls on the steering wheel. Gentle throttle inputs allow for sustained electric-only propulsion, provided the battery has sufficient charge.
The driver can further elect to “force” EV mode, overriding powertrain demands, or select the more aggressive Performance or Qualifying modes. In these settings, both the V6 and electric motor unite their forces. Performance mode aims for maximum output while concurrently managing battery regeneration, whereas Qualifying mode prioritizes absolute, unadulterated acceleration, irrespective of the battery’s state of charge.
The sensation of gliding silently through urban environments is a surprisingly civilized pleasure. The damping calibration is exceptionally sophisticated, rendering the cabin a remarkably comfortable sanctuary for long journeys. Even the luggage capacity in the front ‘frunk’ is respectable, a welcome practicality absent in the SF90. However, the true allure for enthusiasts, myself included, lies in experiencing the full ferocity of the combined powertrain.
The real magic unfolds when you deploy the throttle from low revs in a higher gear. The 296 GTB surges forward with an instantaneous response, entirely devoid of turbo lag. This immediate potency makes one momentarily question the necessity of gears, such is the sheer immediacy of its acceleration. Yet, with eight gears and an engine that enthusiastically revs to 8,500rpm, the full deployment of the 296’s capabilities is an utterly startling experience.
The acceleration figures (0-62mph in 2.9 seconds, with a top speed of 205mph) translate into a sensation of relentless thrust that borders on the physically overwhelming, inducing a nervous exhilaration that is both addictive and profoundly engaging. This is, without question, a seriously rapid machine. Its auditory signature is equally compelling, a harmonious blend of turbocharger whistles and the tuneful rasp of the V6 engine, a soundscape that is as engaging as the performance itself.
Handling: The Art of Controlled Aggression
What truly elevates the Ferrari 296 GTB is the astonishing responsiveness of its chassis and Ferrari’s unwavering commitment to delivering a “fun to drive” experience. The car feels incredibly agile without ever tipping into a nervous disposition. The steering, a hallmark of Ferrari engineering, is typically light and rapid, yet it communicates an impressive level of road feel. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car’s true brilliance lies in its throttle adjustability, a trait that invariably elicits a wide grin.
Despite a claimed dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a remarkable lack of inertia, encouraging the driver to work with the car, making subtle inputs and reveling in its uncanny accuracy and precision. The CT Off mode provides a comforting safety net, allowing for daring maneuvers with the assurance of advanced electronic oversight. However, even with all aids disengaged, the 296’s inherent balance allows it to be playfully coaxed into controlled oversteer, a feat one might deem impossible in a car producing 819bhp.
On the racetrack, the 296 GTB possesses an almost supernatural ability to compress even the longest straights. Its sharpness as a surgical instrument becomes palpably evident. While the power is more than sufficient to break traction at the rear at numerous points around the lap, the 296 is exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. Mastering precision with these controls yields the most rewarding results. The turn-in accuracy and immediate response dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Rather than easing into turns and allowing load to build gradually, the 296 settles instantaneously, its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering working in perfect synergy with the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are simply phenomenal, providing a joyous and consistent driving experience lap after lap. For those seeking the ultimate new Ferrari for sale, the 296 GTB stands as a compelling option.
Interior: A Digital Frontier
The cabin architecture of the 296 GTB will feel immediately familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90. Ferrari has adopted a heavily digital interface, complemented by a proliferation of haptic switchgear integrated into the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it.
While undeniably complex, this approach is necessitated by the vast amount of information and control functions to be managed. The primary frustration stems from the occasional need for a second press to register an input, or the ambiguity of whether a command has been successfully acknowledged. Nevertheless, the overall ambiance conveys a sense of occasion and exclusivity, making it a truly special place to inhabit.
Verdict: A Supercar Reimagined
The Ferrari 296 GTB faced stiff competition in its debut year, notably from the McLaren Artura. In the prestigious evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, the margin between these two exceptional machines was razor-thin, with judges split down the middle. Three favored the Ferrari, while three narrowly preferred the McLaren.
Among those who championed the 296 GTB, the consensus was clear. Jethro Bovingdon described it as “spectacular,” praising its “beautiful looks, outrageously fast performance, amazingly exploitable nature, and technical cleverness.” He highlighted how its V6 demonstrated McLaren’s approach to downsizing while injecting superior drama, matching the Artura’s control yet offering a more playful and indulgent character.
Richard Meaden hailed it as “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. He lauded the seamless integration of the hybrid system, noting it didn’t fundamentally alter the driving experience as much as feared, perhaps due to the familiarity with the torquey characteristics of modern turbocharged V8s. He found the 296 “stonkingly quick” but appreciated that it didn’t solely rely on outright speed, thanks to the V6’s characterful soundtrack that evolves with throttle input.
However, the hybrid system wasn’t without its critiques. One notable incident saw a car stranded after its battery depleted with no obvious means of recovery. While Ferrari had provided prior warnings and guidelines to prevent such an occurrence, it highlighted a potential vulnerability for owners. As Gallagher pointedly remarked, it was a “huge oversight” that a company pioneering advanced technologies couldn’t engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this. Fortunately, this issue arose after scoring had concluded.
Despite these concerns, the Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake pedal feel didn’t quite match the segment’s very best. The tech interface also drew widespread criticism for its complexity. Yet, the overall package remained “irresistibly seductive.” Vivian found himself “bewitched” by the car’s “spooky way of changing direction,” its “amazing damping, looney-tunes levels of grip, and the linearity of seemingly never-ending power.”
This represents a significant return to form for Ferrari, particularly after the SF90, which left some feeling underwhelmed. As Sutcliffe observed, 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.” Gallagher agreed, stating that Ferrari had “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.”
Price and The Future
The inherent risk with heavily technology-laden vehicles is that they can become less than the sum of their parts. This was a concern raised with the SF90, which, despite its dazzling power, felt somewhat unnerving due to its challenging driving characteristics.
However, the 296 GTB transcends this. Its organic feel and masterful blend of power and engaging dynamics strike a perfect chord, fundamentally redefining what a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket can achieve. A more extreme Versione Speciale variant, promising even greater power and intensity, is anticipated, and the hope is that the standard 296’s remarkable natural feel will be preserved.
It is precisely this aspect – the intrinsic feel and connection – that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in its development of the Lamborghini Temerario hybrid supercar. The prospect of over 900bhp in a series-production supercar is an audacious undertaking, one that could easily overwhelm if the supporting dynamics aren’t perfectly resolved. Given the remarkable competence displayed in the Revuelto, there’s ample reason to be optimistic about the Temerario. If Lamborghini has indeed nailed it, we could be on the cusp of a truly monumental Ferrari vs Lamborghini twin test, potentially featuring 1700bhp of hybrid fury.
And then there’s the McLaren 750S, now appearing almost diminutive with its “mere” 740bhp. Yet, its remarkably light 1389kg kerb weight ensures a potent power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw appeal, ergonomic perfection, sharp steering, and deft chassis offer a distinct contrast to the comparatively more distant feel of the Ferrari.
The Ferrari 296 GTB is more than just a car; it’s a statement of intent, a masterful fusion of tradition and future-forward thinking. It represents the apex of current hybrid supercar technology, offering an experience that is as exhilarating as it is refined. It sets a standard that will undoubtedly be the benchmark for its rivals for years to come.
If you’re captivated by the revolutionary spirit and unparalleled performance of the Ferrari 296 GTB, the next step is to explore how you can experience this automotive masterpiece firsthand. Contact your nearest authorized Ferrari dealer today to schedule a private consultation and discover the future of supercars.
