The Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Masterpiece Redefining Supercar Performance
As an industry veteran with a decade immersed in the exhilarating world of automotive engineering and performance vehicles, th
e arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB has been nothing short of a revelation. Even with the whispers of a 10,000rpm, 903bhp Lamborghini rival on the horizon, the 296 GTB continues to captivate with its audacious blend of electrification and raw internal combustion. This isn’t just an evolution; it’s a paradigm shift for Ferrari’s mid-engined supercar lineage, a bold leap into an era where hybrid powertrains are not just an option, but the future.
The departure from the V8, a cornerstone of Ferrari’s recent success, in favor of a groundbreaking twin-turbocharged V6 augmented by electric power marked a pivotal moment when the 296 GTB first graced the automotive landscape in 2022. It stepped into a segment that, while embracing hybrid technology, was still grappling with its full integration. Initially, its most direct competitor was the naturally aspirated V10 symphony of the Lamborghini Huracán. While the Huracán offered an unparalleled auditory experience and a visceral connection to its V10 heart, the 296 GTB countered with sheer, unadulterated power, a characteristic that has become a hallmark of the modern supercar. Alongside this, the ferocious McLaren 720S, with its potent twin-turbo V8, represented a different breed of performance – one focused on power-to-weight supremacy. Now, with the upcoming Lamborghini Temerario poised to enter the fray with its claimed 903bhp, 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain, the landscape is set for an electrifying showdown. The Ferrari 296 GTB review takes on a new dimension, facing a direct challenge from Maranello’s Italian rival.
The raw numbers alone are staggering. The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB performance is a testament to this, boasting a combined output of 819 horsepower. This formidable figure is achieved through an all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbocharged V6 engine seamlessly integrated with a potent electric motor, driving only the rear wheels – a departure from the all-wheel-drive setup of the SF90. This innovative configuration shattered conventional supercar norms, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible. The sheer audacity of this power output leads one to ponder the ultimate limits of this escalating horsepower race and, more practically, where such prodigious performance can be fully unleashed.
This V6-powered marvel holds a special place in Ferrari’s history. It is the first V6-powered road-going Ferrari (the beloved 246 GT Dino, while a V6, never bore the Prancing Horse emblem in its era), the first to feature a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger installation, and a plug-in hybrid with a respectable electric-only range of approximately 15 miles. The compact V6 engine is mounted low within a newly engineered aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors. This, coupled with a slight forward shift of the occupants’ seating position, contributes to the car’s exceptional agility and dynamic prowess.
The electric motor alone contributes an impressive 165 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 engine independently delivers a staggering 654 horsepower and 546 lb-ft of torque. The combined 819 horsepower is the headline figure, though Ferrari judiciously refrains from quoting a peak combined torque figure. This is likely due to the intricate interplay between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, where peak outputs may not always align perfectly. Nevertheless, it’s safe to assume the resultant combined torque is nothing short of immense. Furthermore, the V6 unit itself is approximately 30kg lighter than comparable Ferrari V8 engines, contributing to the car’s overall efficiency and handling balance. This powertrain is mated to an eight-speed, dual-clutch transmission, and the battery pack, a long, slender unit, is strategically positioned behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without an array of sophisticated electronic chassis management systems. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari has developed its cutting-edge six-axis sensor, the 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This advanced system meticulously measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes. By replacing traditional yaw sensors and working in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, the 6w-CDS provides the car with an unprecedented understanding of driver inputs and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patches. This data allows for the fine-tuning of systems like Side Slip Control and the active Electronic Differential, maximizing cornering speeds while ensuring unwavering stability and driver confidence. It also enables the revolutionary ABS-evo system, active in RACE mode and above. Leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also significantly enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners, a crucial technique for maximizing lap times on track.
In a significant departure from its typical application, Ferrari is employing its active aerodynamics technology not for drag reduction, but for the explicit purpose of increasing downforce. The company quotes an impressive figure of 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with up to 100kg of this generated by a deployable rear wing integrated into the car’s sculpted tail. This sophisticated aero package is crucial for maintaining stability and grip at the extreme speeds the Ferrari 296 GTB for sale is capable of achieving.
The thermal management system is equally impressive. Two radiators in the front fascia handle engine and gearbox cooling, while two additional condensers are dedicated to cooling the battery pack. Hot air is ingeniously expelled underneath the car, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with the airflow directed to the intercoolers positioned along the car’s flanks. The subtle apertures below the headlamps are designed to draw air for brake cooling, and the wing integrated into the roofline aids in creating a ‘virtual’ rear screen, channeling air to the rear of the car as if guided by a physical surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated from beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid not only to airflow management and the rear diffuser but also to the precise ground clearance to optimize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
Many of the 296 GTBs experienced during their initial circuit-based introduction were equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with specialized Multimatic units, derived from GT racing technology. It also incorporates further carbon fiber aerodynamic enhancements to the front, increasing front downforce by an additional 20kg. Further weight savings are achieved through the extensive use of carbon fiber in the cabin (such as the door panels) and exterior components, contributing to an overall weight reduction of 12kg. This figure can be further increased to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For those seeking ultimate track-day capability, the Assetto Fiorano package offers the option of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the already capable standard Pilot Sport 4S rubber. Assetto Fiorano-equipped cars can also be personalized with an exterior graphics package, a nostalgic nod to the iconic 250LM from the 1960s.
Having had the opportunity to scrutinize the 296 GTB extensively, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a distinct and captivating design, unlike anything else on the road, with subtle echoes of the 1960s 250LM, even without the more polarizing graphic options.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: A New Benchmark
Initiating movement in the 296 GTB is as simple as a double-press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing for silent, electric-only acceleration unless overridden by the driver. As long as throttle inputs remain moderate, the car will continue to utilize electric propulsion, provided the battery has sufficient charge. The driver can also manually select ‘eDrive’ mode, forcing purely electric operation regardless of powertrain demands. Beyond this, the Ferrari 296 GTB handling and drive modes include ‘Performance’ and ‘Qualifying’. In Performance mode, both power sources work in tandem with a focus on maintaining battery charge. Qualifying mode, as the name suggests, prioritizes absolute maximum performance, with battery state of charge becoming secondary.
The experience of gliding silently through urban environments is a surprisingly pleasant revelation. The damping sophistication ensures a remarkably comfortable ride, making it an adept cruiser for covering long distances. The ‘frunk’ offers a practical luggage space, a welcome feature absent in the SF90. However, the true allure for enthusiasts lies in unleashing the combined might of the V6 and electric motor.
Planting the throttle from low revs in a higher gear elicits an immediate and relentless surge forward. The absence of perceptible turbo lag is astonishing, making one question the very need for gear changes due to the sheer immediacy of its power delivery. Yet, with eight gears to exploit and an engine that willingly revs to 8500rpm, the full unleashing of the 296’s potential is nothing short of breathtaking. The acceleration figures – a blistering 0-62mph time of just 2.9 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205mph – translate into a sensation of relentless forward momentum that borders on the exhilaratingly uncomfortable, yet is profoundly addictive. The auditory experience is equally compelling, with a symphony of turbocharger whistles blending harmoniously with the tuneful rasp of the V6.
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is the uncanny responsiveness of its chassis and Ferrari’s commitment to creating a genuinely ‘fun to drive’ machine. It feels exceptionally agile without exhibiting any hint of nervousness. The steering is typically light and rapid, yet it conveys a remarkable level of road feel. Grip levels are predictably immense, but what is truly captivating is the car’s adjustability on the throttle, a characteristic that inevitably brings a wide grin to the driver’s face.
Despite its 1470kg (dry) weight, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a remarkable lack of inertia, encouraging the driver to work with the car, making precise, small inputs and reveling in its accuracy. The ‘CT Off’ (Cornering Track Off) mode provides a safety net, assuring the driver that an advanced electronic brain is still overseeing proceedings. However, even with all electronic aids disengaged, the 296’s inherent balance allows it to be coaxed into a delightful oversteer, a feat one might not expect from a car producing 819 horsepower.
On the circuit, the 296 GTB possesses the remarkable ability to compress even the longest start-finish straight, highlighting its surgical precision. While the power is readily available to break rear-wheel traction at various points around the lap, the 296 GTB is exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. Mastering precise control yields the greatest rewards. The immediate turn-in accuracy and response dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Instead of gradually easing the car into turns, the 296 settles instantly, its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering complementing 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 phenomenal, offering an intoxicating experience lap after lap.
The Interior: A Digital Frontier
The cabin architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90, as the 296 GTB inherits many of its interior design cues. The all-digital interface, coupled with a bewildering array of haptic switchgear liberally applied to the steering wheel and adjacent traditional Ferrari pods, presents a significant learning curve. While the sheer volume of information to convey is substantial, the frustration often arises from the need for a second press for simple operations that may not register the first time, or the ambiguity of whether a press has been successful. Despite these ergonomic challenges, the cabin undoubtedly exudes a special, focused atmosphere.
Industry Verdict: A Return to Form
The Ferrari 296 GTB vs McLaren Artura debate was a central theme at the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards. The competition was incredibly close, with the judges’ scores separated by the narrowest of margins. The verdict was split, with three judges narrowly favoring the Ferrari and three leaning towards the McLaren.
Those who favored the 296 GTB, including myself, lauded its spectacular nature. “Beautiful to look at, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable, and so technically clever,” enthused Jethro Bovingdon. “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.”
Richard Meaden declared it “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. He further noted, “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 hybrid system was widely praised. However, a notable incident occurred where the battery depleted, leaving the car immobile, though Ferrari had provided guidance on preventing such occurrences. This highlighted a potential oversight, as noted by Jack Gallagher: “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, this occurred after the scoring was complete.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake feel, while competent, didn’t quite reach the lofty standards set by the very best in the group. The tech interface also faced criticism for its complexity. Nevertheless, the 296 GTB proved irresistibly seductive. Vivian Sim commented, “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 general consensus was that the 296 GTB represented a significant return to form for Ferrari, particularly in contrast to the less engaging SF90. “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,” stated Henry Catchpole. Gallagher agreed, stating, “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.”
Price and the Future of Supercar Rivalries
When a vehicle is so densely packed with cutting-edge technology, there’s always a risk it might not live up to its individual components. We observed this with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power, left us somewhat unnerved by its challenging driving characteristics.
The 296 GTB, however, is a different proposition entirely. Its arrival at the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards, where it secured joint third place with the McLaren Artura, underscored its ability to strike a perfect balance. Its blend of power and engaging dynamics hits a sweet spot, effectively redefining the expectations of a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket. A forthcoming Versione Speciale variant is anticipated, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity. The hope is that this enhanced version will retain the standard 296’s remarkably intuitive and natural driving feel.
It is this nuanced approach to performance and driver engagement that we hope Lamborghini has meticulously focused on when developing its hybrid Lamborghini Temerario price and performance figures. Over 900 horsepower in a series-production supercar is an almost obscene amount of power, which can easily overwhelm the chassis if not impeccably engineered. If Lamborghini has succeeded in resolving this equation – and the excellence of the Revuelto provides ample reason for optimism – then we are poised for an epic twin-test showdown, potentially featuring a combined 1700 horsepower.
Alternatively, we could witness a 2400 horsepower triple threat, incorporating the McLaren 750S. Absurdly, the McLaren, with its 740 horsepower, might be considered the ‘minnow’ of this extraordinary class. However, it counters with a remarkably lithe kerb weight of 1389kg, delivering a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw, ergonomic brilliance, the crispness of its steering, and the deftness of its chassis collectively distinguish it against the comparatively more remote feel of the Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications (2025 Model Year)
Engine: 2992cc, V6, twin-turbocharged, plus electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, active E-diff
Combined Power: 819 horsepower @ 8000rpm
Combined Torque: 546 lb-ft @ 6250rpm
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566 bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Estimated Price: £250,000+
The Ferrari 296 GTB price positions it as a pinnacle of automotive engineering. If you’re captivated by the prospect of experiencing this hybrid revolution firsthand or are considering acquiring a piece of this extraordinary automotive future, we invite you to explore bespoke ownership opportunities and connect with our specialists to discuss the 296 GTB and its place in the pantheon of supercars.
