2025 Ferrari 296 GTB Review: Why It Remains the Hybrid Supercar Benchmark vs. Lamborghini Temerario
The landscape of high-performance automotive engineering has shifted beneath our feet. Three years a
go, the idea of a V6-powered Ferrari wearing the prancing horse badge—and serving as the marque’s core mid-engine supercar—was met with skepticism by purists. Yet, here we are in 2025. The Ferrari 296 GTB has not only silenced the critics; it has fundamentally rewritten the rulebook for what a plug-in hybrid supercar can be.
As an automotive journalist who has spent the last decade tracking the evolution from naturally aspirated screamers to electrified powerhouses, I can tell you that the transition hasn’t always been smooth. However, Maranello struck gold with this machine. Even now, with the 903-horsepower Lamborghini Temerario looming on the horizon as a ferocious challenger, the 296 GTB stands its ground. It is not merely a bridging technology; it is a masterpiece of dynamic capability.
In this comprehensive review, we strip back the bodywork and dive deep into the driving dynamics, the “Piccolo V12” engine, and whether the Ferrari 296 GTB remains the king of the hill in a segment that is rapidly crowding with high-voltage rivals.
The Engineering Marvel: A V6 with the Soul of a V12
To understand why the Ferrari 296 GTB commands such respect, you have to look past the cylinder count. Yes, it lost two cylinders compared to the F8 Tributo, but it gained a soul. The heart of this beast is a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 with a wide 120-degree “hot vee” configuration. This layout places the turbochargers inside the V of the engine, reducing the center of gravity and drastically shortening the distance air travels to the combustion chamber. The result? Zero turbo lag.
But the internal combustion engine (ICE) is only half the story. Sandwiched between the V6 and the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission is an electric motor (MGU-K) derived from Formula 1 technology.
The Power Figures:
ICE Output: 654 horsepower (a specific output record for a production car).
Electric Assist: 165 horsepower.
Total System Output: A staggering 819 horsepower.
When you mash the throttle, the electric motor fills the torque gaps instantly while the turbos spool, creating a surge of acceleration that feels less like a mechanical ramp-up and more like being fired from a railgun. The 0-60 mph sprint vanishes in 2.9 seconds, but it’s the 0-124 mph time of 7.3 seconds that truly threatens your license.
Design and Aerodynamics: Purity Meets Performance
Visually, the Ferrari 296 GTB is a departure from the aggressive, vent-heavy styling of the FD8 or the SF90 Stradale. It is cleaner, smoother, and undeniably prettier. Ferrari’s Centro Stile drew heavy inspiration from the legendary 250 LM of the 1960s. The B-pillar design, the rear haunches, and the Kamm tail all pay homage to that golden era of endurance racing.
However, don’t let the smooth lines fool you; this car is an aerodynamic weapon. In the modern era of exotic car leasing and ownership, buyers demand functional performance, not just garage jewelry.
Ferrari has employed an active rear spoiler—a “tea tray” design integrated into the rear bumper. Unlike competitors that use wings to reduce drag, this one deploys to generate high-load downforce. At 155 mph, the 296 generates 794 pounds of downforce with the Assetto Fiorano package, glueing the car to the tarmac.
The underbody is equally sophisticated. The “tea tray” wing works in concert with a front splitter and brake cooling ducts that channel air efficiently, ensuring that even during high-heat track days, performance remains consistent.
The Interior: The Digital Cockpit Era
Stepping inside the Ferrari 296 GTB, you are immediately reminded that this is a driver-focused environment. If you are familiar with the SF90, the architecture will feel recognizable. The traditional analog tachometer—once a staple of the brand—is gone, replaced by a fully digital, curved 16-inch display.
The steering wheel is the command center, featuring capacitive touch controls for everything from the headlights to the infotainment. I will be honest: as an industry veteran, I miss physical buttons. The haptic feedback can be inconsistent, and trying to adjust the volume while navigating a bumpy canyon road requires more dexterity than it should.
However, the seating position is perfection. You sit low, ensconced in carbon fiber buckets (if optioned), with excellent visibility over the front fenders. This spatial awareness is crucial when piloting a $350,000 asset through tight city streets or searching for Ferrari dealers near me for your next service interval.
Driving Dynamics: The “Go-Kart” Feel
This is where the Ferrari 296 GTB separates itself from the McLaren Artura and the outgoing Lamborghini Huracán. Ferrari shortened the wheelbase by nearly two inches compared to the F8 Tributo. Combined with the low center of gravity provided by the wide-V engine and the floor-mounted high-voltage battery, the car rotates with a ferocity that borders on telepathic.
The 6-Way Chassis Sensor (6w-CDS)
Ferrari’s secret sauce is the new 6-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor. It feeds data to the ABS Evo controller and the side-slip control system. In layman’s terms, the car knows exactly how much grip is available at each tire in three-dimensional space.
I took the 296 GTB through a series of switchbacks that would usually unsettle a mid-engine car. The front end bite is immediate. You turn, the car pivots around your hips, and the electronic differential manages the 819 horsepower so effectively that you feel like a driving god. It inspires a level of confidence that protects your supercar investment by keeping the car on the blacktop and out of the barriers.
ABS Evo and Braking
The brake-by-wire system allows for “ABS Evo,” a feature active in Race mode and above. It allows you to trail brake deep into corners with zero lock-up anxiety. The pedal feel is firm and consistent, masking the transition between regenerative braking (charging the battery) and mechanical braking (clamping the carbon-ceramic discs).
The Hybrid Experience: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
One of the most surprising aspects of the Ferrari 296 GTB is its duality. In ‘eDrive’ mode, the car is a silent, rear-wheel-drive electric vehicle. You have about 15 miles of range—perfect for sneaking out of your neighborhood early in the morning without waking the neighbors.
Cruising through the city in silence feels almost illicit in a Ferrari. But flip the Manettino switch to ‘Qualify’ mode, and the V6 barks to life. The sound is distinct—higher pitched than a V8, screaming toward an 8,500 rpm redline. Ferrari engineers dubbed it the “Piccolo V12” during development, and the harmonic frequencies genuinely mimic the brand’s larger engines. It lacks the bass-heavy thrum of the McLaren 750S, but it replaces it with a mechanical scream that is purely intoxicating.
The Competition: Ferrari 296 GTB vs. Lamborghini Temerario
We cannot discuss the 296 without addressing the elephant in the room: the upcoming Lamborghini Temerario. The replacement for the Huracán is bringing a twin-turbo V8 hybrid setup with a reported 903 horsepower and a 10,000 rpm redline.
On paper, the Lamborghini has the numbers. It has more cylinders, more power, and higher revs. However, sheer power is rarely the deciding factor in the best hybrid sports cars 2025 discussion. The Ferrari 296 GTB has a massive advantage in terms of weight and agility. The Lamborghini, likely to be heavier due to a more complex all-wheel-drive system, will have to fight physics.
The 296 is rear-wheel drive. It is lighter, more playful, and arguably more organic. While the Lamborghini aims for shock and awe, the Ferrari aims for precision and connection. It is the difference between a sledgehammer and a scalpel.
Assetto Fiorano: Is It Worth It?
For those looking to maximize performance, Ferrari offers the Assetto Fiorano package. This includes:
Multimatic adjustable dampers (derived from GT racing).
Carbon fiber appendages on the front bumper for extra downforce.
A Lexan rear screen to save weight.
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires.
Is it worth the extra cost? If you plan to track the car, absolutely. The dampers transform the ride, eliminating roll but making the car significantly stiffer on the street. For a road-focused build, the standard MagneRide suspension is more compliant and better suited for long-distance touring or navigating urban infrastructure.
Buying Advice: Insurance and Finance
Acquiring a vehicle of this caliber requires financial savvy. When looking into luxury vehicle financing, be aware that the 296 GTB is holding its value exceptionally well. Demand outstrips supply, meaning depreciation is currently minimal—a rarity in the luxury segment.
Furthermore, exotic car insurance for hybrids can sometimes be complex. Insurers view the high-voltage battery as a significant liability in the event of a collision. However, the advanced safety systems and tracking capabilities of the 296 often help mitigate these premiums. It is advisable to shop around with specialized brokers who understand the specific needs of plug-in hybrid supercars.
Verdict: The Benchmark Remains
The Ferrari 296 GTB is not just a great Ferrari; it is one of the greatest mid-engine supercars ever made. It successfully bridges the gap between the analog past and the digital future without losing the emotional connection that defines the brand.
While the Lamborghini Temerario will undoubtedly be faster in a straight line, and the McLaren 750S offers a non-hybrid lightweight alternative, the 296 offers the most complete package. It is usable daily, thrilling on a circuit, and beautiful to behold.
As we move deeper into 2025, the automotive world is becoming increasingly electrified. Many feared this would dilute the experience. The 296 GTB proves the opposite: electrification, when done right, enhances the drama.
If you are in the market for a supercar that offers 819 horsepower of pure adrenaline mixed with the sophistication of modern tech, this is the one to beat.
Ready to experience the future of Maranello?
Don’t just read about the performance—feel it. Contact your local authorized dealer today to schedule a consultation and secure your allocation for the Ferrari 296 GTB. The road is waiting.
