The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB: A Symphony of Electrifying Power and Unrivaled Driving Dynamics
For over a decade, the supercar landscape has been defined by raw V8s and the guttural roar of naturally aspir
ated engines. As an industry veteran with ten years immersed in the world of high-performance automotive engineering, I’ve witnessed firsthand the relentless pursuit of power, the evolution of chassis dynamics, and the increasing complexity of vehicle integration. Now, as we stand at the precipice of 2025, a new era is undeniably dawning, spearheaded by innovations that were once the stuff of science fiction. At the heart of this revolution sits the Ferrari 296 GTB, a machine that doesn’t just participate in this paradigm shift; it actively defines it.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a seismic shift for the storied Italian marque. Eschewing its multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 in favor of a groundbreaking twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by an electric heart, the 296 GTB boldly pioneered electrification in a segment still grappling with the transition. This wasn’t just an engine swap; it was a complete re-imagining of what a mid-engined Ferrari supercar could be. While its predecessor, the Huracán, championed the soulful melody of a naturally aspirated V10, and rivals like the McLaren 720S (and its successor, the 750S) relied on the proven might of turbocharged V8s, the Ferrari 296 GTB embraced a future that seamlessly blends combustion with electrification, delivering an astonishing 819 horsepower.
The automotive world is abuzz with anticipation for the Lamborghini Temerario, a rumored hypercar poised to challenge Maranello’s electrified masterpiece with an astounding 903 horsepower from a 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain. This impending clash of titans underscores the intensity of the current supercar arms race. Yet, even with such formidable competition on the horizon, the Ferrari 296 GTB remains a benchmark, a testament to Ferrari’s enduring engineering prowess and its forward-thinking vision. The sheer audacity of its power output alone is enough to spark widespread conversation, prompting contemplation on the ceaseless escalation of performance figures and, more importantly, the real-world application of such colossal forces.
What truly sets the Ferrari 296 GTB apart is its pioneering spirit. It proudly wears the mantle of the first V6-powered Ferrari road car, a nod to the iconic, though never officially badged, 246 GT Dino. It also introduces the “hot-vee” turbocharger configuration, where the exhaust manifolds and turbochargers are nestled within the cylinder banks, a design that optimizes packaging and thermal efficiency. Crucially, it’s a plug-in hybrid, offering a respectable electric-only range of approximately 15 miles, allowing for discreet urban excursions or emission-free commutes. This compact V6, nestled low within a newly developed aluminum chassis, contributes to a wheelbase 50mm shorter than its V8 predecessors, with occupants positioned slightly further forward, enhancing the car’s agility and driver connection.
The electric motor alone contributes a potent 165 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 unleashes a staggering 654 horsepower and 546 lb-ft. The combined output of 819 horsepower is the headline figure, but Ferrari astutely refrains from quoting a peak combined torque figure, a decision likely rooted in the complex interplay between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. Nevertheless, it’s safe to assume the resultant torque is nothing short of monumental. This innovative powertrain configuration also yields a weight saving of approximately 30 kg compared to Ferrari’s V8 engines, all managed through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a sleek, oblong structure, is strategically positioned behind the seats, contributing to the car’s optimized weight distribution.
No Ferrari would be complete without a suite of acronyms representing its sophisticated electronic chassis management systems. For the Ferrari 296 GTB, the company has introduced the six-axis sensor known as 6w-CDS (Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This advanced unit meticulously measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes, effectively replacing traditional yaw sensors. In conjunction with sensors on the steering rack, the 6w-CDS provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of driver input and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data is then fed to systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, working in concert to maximize cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and driver confidence. Furthermore, it enables a novel system dubbed ABS-evo, which, in RACE mode and above, utilizes the 296’s brake-by-wire system to not only shorten braking distances but also enhance braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers, a critical technique for maximizing cornering velocity.
In a fascinating departure from convention, Ferrari is employing its active aerodynamics technology not to reduce drag, but to generate downforce. The firm quotes an impressive figure of 360kg at 155 mph, with the deployable rear wing contributing up to 100kg of this downforce. The cooling system is equally sophisticated, featuring two radiators in the nose for engine and gearbox cooling, alongside two condensers dedicated to battery thermal management. Hot air is efficiently expelled from beneath the car, preventing interference with the airflow directed to the intercoolers along the car’s flanks. Small apertures below the headlamps are dedicated to brake cooling, while a rear roofline-integrated wing channels air towards the rear of the car, creating a “virtual” rear screen that guides airflow as if over a precisely sculpted surface. The majority of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s downforce is sculpted beneath the car, with particular attention paid to underbody channeling, the rear diffuser, and, crucially, the underbody’s ground clearance to maximize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The models I experienced on the circuit during the launch were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This upgrade swaps standard dampers for race-derived Multimatic units and incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the front fascia, boosting front downforce by 20kg. Further weight savings are achieved through increased carbon fiber usage in the cabin (including door panels) and exterior components, contributing to a total reduction of 12kg. Opting for the Lexan rear engine cover shaves off an additional 3kg. For those seeking the ultimate track-day performance, the Assetto Fiorano package also offers Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, a significant upgrade over the standard Pilot Sport 4S. This package even extends to an exterior graphics option, inspired by the legendary 250LM of the 1960s, paying homage to Ferrari’s rich racing heritage.
Having spent considerable time with the Ferrari 296 GTB “in the metal,” I can attest to its striking aesthetic. It’s a design that is undeniably beautiful, distinct from anything else on the road, and subtly evocative of the 250LM, even without the more divisive graphics. It’s a design that speaks of purpose, a flowing sculpture sculpted by the wind.
Performance: A Hybrid Heartbeat Transformed
Initiating motion in the Ferrari 296 GTB is a refined process: a double press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, silently gliding away on electric power unless explicitly overridden by the driver via the haptic “buttons” on the left side of the steering wheel boss. Provided throttle inputs remain measured and the battery retains charge, it will continue to operate solely on electric power. Drivers can also opt to “force” EV mode, irrespective of powertrain demands, or select the more potent Performance and Qualifying modes. In these settings, both the combustion engine and electric motor work in tandem; Performance mode aims to maintain battery charge while delivering exhilarating acceleration, whereas Qualifying mode prioritizes absolute maximum performance, disregarding battery state of charge.
The sensation of gliding silently through picturesque villages is an unexpected delight, and the damping sophistication ensures it’s a remarkably comfortable machine for covering long distances. Even the “frunk” offers a usable luggage area, a welcome improvement over the SF90. But the true revelation, the experience that ignites the soul of any driving enthusiast, lies in unleashing both power sources in full.
The true magic of the Ferrari 296 GTB reveals itself when you floor the throttle from low revs in a high gear. The car surges forward with an immediate, lag-free ferocity that momentarily blurs the line between engine speed and instantaneous acceleration. While the eight gears and an 8,500rpm redline offer ample opportunity for driver engagement, the combined force when the V6 and electric motor are truly unleashed is nothing short of astonishing. The acceleration figures – a 0-62 mph sprint in a mere 2.9 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205 mph – translate into a sensation of relentless forward thrust, bordering on the visceral, eliciting a mixture of nervous laughter and pure exhilaration. It’s a seriously rapid machine, accompanied by a captivating soundtrack that expertly blends turbocharger whines with the sonorous rasp of the V6.
Ride and Handling: A Masterclass in Electrified Agility
What truly impresses is the extraordinary responsiveness of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s chassis, and Ferrari’s unwavering commitment to making this car “fun to drive.” It exhibits a remarkable agility without ever feeling nervous or unpredictable. The steering, a hallmark of Ferrari’s engineering, is typically light and rapid, yet it teems with tactile feedback, providing a clear connection to the road surface. Grip levels are, as expected, exceptionally high, but what truly elevates the experience is the car’s throttle adjustability. You can subtly influence its attitude through precise throttle inputs, a dance that invariably brings a wide grin to your face.
Despite its quoted dry weight of 1470kg, the Ferrari 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a palpable lack of inertia that encourages an intuitive, collaborative driving style. Small, precise inputs are met with immediate and accurate responses, rewarding the driver with an unparalleled sense of connection and control. The CT Off (Traction Control Off) mode allows for audacious maneuvers with the comforting assurance of sophisticated electronic safety nets, but even with all electronic aids disengaged, the Ferrari 296 GTB’s inherent balance allows for controlled oversteer in a manner one might never expect from a car producing 819 horsepower.
On track, the Ferrari 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to dramatically shorten even the longest straights. Its sharp, incisive nature becomes profoundly evident. While ample power is available to break traction at numerous points around a lap, the car remains acutely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. The reward for precision is immense; the turn-in accuracy and responsiveness are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing into turns and allowing loads to build progressively, the Ferrari 296 GTB immediately adopts its line, its Multimatic dampers working in harmony with the hyper-quick steering and the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for those accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the Ferrari 296 GTB are simply breathtaking, providing an intoxicating experience lap after lap.
Interior: A Digital Frontier with Tactile Challenges
The cabin architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90, as the Ferrari 296 GTB draws heavily from its larger sibling. The fully digital interface, coupled with its array of haptic switchgear – liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it – presents a significant learning curve. It’s undeniably complex, tasked with conveying a vast amount of information. The primary frustration lies in the occasional need for a second press to register commands, or the uncertainty about whether an input has been successfully received. Despite these usability challenges, the cabin undeniably exudes a sense of occasion and technological sophistication, a fitting environment for such a groundbreaking machine.
A Verdict from the Experts: Evo Car of the Year 2022 Reflections
The intense competition at the Evo Car of the Year 2022 awards highlighted the Ferrari 296 GTB’s exceptional qualities. The final scores revealed a razor-thin margin between the Ferrari and its direct competitor, the McLaren Artura, with the judges themselves divided. Three of us narrowly favored the Ferrari, while three leaned towards the McLaren.
Those who championed the Ferrari 296 GTB, including myself, praised its spectacular nature. It’s a car that is “beautiful to look at, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable, and so technically clever.” The V6 powertrain was seen as a masterclass in downsizing, demonstrating how to inject genuine drama into a smaller displacement engine, while maintaining a level of control that matched the Artura, yet with a more playful and indulgent character.
Another juror, Dickie, described it as “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. He commended the seamless integration of the hybrid system, noting it didn’t detract from the driving experience as much as anticipated, likely due to the growing familiarity with the torquey characteristics of turbocharged V8s. The Ferrari 296 GTB is described as “stonkingly quick,” but its appeal extends beyond sheer speed, thanks to the characterful V6 with its always-sweet soundtrack that dynamically evolves with throttle opening.
While the Ferrari 296 GTB’s hybridisation was widely lauded for its seamless integration, a significant concern emerged on the final night when a depleted battery left one of the cars stranded, with no apparent means of recovery. While Ferrari had provided warnings and guidance to mitigate such an occurrence, the incident highlighted a potential vulnerability. As one critic aptly put it, it was a “huge oversight” for a company that pioneered individual rear-wheel steering to not engineer a simple fail-safe for this situation. Fortunately, this incident occurred after the scoring was complete.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering proved divisive, and the brake pedal feel didn’t consistently match the benchmark set by other vehicles in the class. The technology interface also faced widespread criticism for its excessive complexity. However, these shortcomings were ultimately overshadowed by the Ferrari 296 GTB’s irresistible allure. One judge, Vivian, initially skeptical of the Ferrari’s perceived complexity and “gratuitous points of difference,” found himself “bewitched by the spooky way it changes direction; its amazing damping and looney-tunes levels of grip; the linearity of seemingly never-ending power…”
The Ferrari 296 GTB represented a significant return to form for Ferrari, particularly following the less impactful SF90. As Peter Tomalin of evo noted, “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 further elaborated 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 Competitive Arena
The inherent risk with any vehicle heavily laden with advanced technology is that it might become less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment we encountered with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power, left us feeling somewhat disconnected from its driving characteristics.
The Ferrari 296 GTB, however, is a different proposition entirely. As evidenced by its joint third-place finish at the 2022 Evo Car of the Year awards alongside the McLaren Artura, it strikes a harmonious balance, feeling far more organic. Its potent blend of power and engaging dynamics hits a sweet spot, redefining the capabilities of a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket. Rumors of a Versione Speciale variant, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity, are circulating, and the hope remains that this enhanced version will retain the standard Ferrari 296 GTB’s remarkably natural feel.
It is this crucial aspect of natural integration and driver engagement that we fervently hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. The prospect of over 900 horsepower in a series production supercar is frankly obscene, and without a perfectly resolved chassis and dynamic character, such power can easily become detrimental. Given Lamborghini’s impressive execution with the Revuelto, there is genuine cause for optimism that the Temerario will present a formidable challenge, potentially leading to an epic twin-test encounter with a combined output exceeding 1700 horsepower.
Or, we could expand the arena to a thrilling 2400 horsepower triple threat, including the McLaren 750S. In this context, the 740 horsepower McLaren, while seemingly the “minnow,” brings a relatively lithe kerb weight of 1389kg to the table, ensuring a competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw character, ergonomic prowess, crisp steering, and exquisitely deft chassis offer a distinct advantage against the comparatively more remote feeling of the Ferrari, providing a compelling contrast in driving philosophies.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications:
Engine: 2992cc, twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by an electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, with active E-diff
Combined Power Output: 819 horsepower @ 8000rpm
Combined Torque Output: 546 lb-ft @ 6250rpm
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566 bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Estimated Price: Starting from £250,000+
The automotive world is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a beacon of this transformation. Its blend of electrifying power, sophisticated engineering, and engaging dynamics sets a new standard for the supercar experience. As the competition intensifies and new contenders emerge, the Ferrari 296 GTB continues to captivate and inspire.
If you’re ready to experience the future of automotive performance and discover firsthand what makes this hybrid marvel so exceptional, we invite you to explore financing options or schedule a private consultation to discuss how you can bring the thrill of the Ferrari 296 GTB into your own garage.
