Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 Review: Defending the Throne Against the Lamborghini Temerario
The automotive landscape shifts quickly. Just a few years ago, the idea of a V6-powered flagship from Maranello seem
ed like heresy to the purists. Yet, here we are in 2025, and the Ferrari 296 GTB has not only normalized the concept of a six-cylinder hybrid supercar but has established itself as the dynamic benchmark of the decade. However, the winds of change are blowing from Sant’Agata Bolognese. With the arrival of the 903-horsepower, 10,000-rpm Lamborghini Temerario, the 296 GTB faces its stiffest competition yet.
After a decade of testing everything from grand tourers to track specials, I can tell you that the “entry-level” mid-engine supercar segment is no longer about entry-level performance. It is an arms race of electrification, aerodynamics, and pure emotion. The Ferrari 296 GTB remains a masterpiece of engineering, but does it still hold the crown against the newest challengers?
The Powertrain: A “Piccolo V12” with Electric Punch
At the heart of the Ferrari 296 GTB lies a piece of engineering that silenced critics the moment it fired up. We are looking at a 2.9-liter, 120-degree twin-turbocharged V6 engine. By widening the cylinder bank angle, Ferrari’s engineers could place the turbochargers inside the “hot vee” configuration. This reduces the center of gravity and significantly shortens the distance air travels from the exhaust to the turbine, virtually eliminating turbo lag.
But the combustion engine is only half the story of this luxury hybrid car. Sandwiched between the V6 and the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission is an electric motor (MGU-K) capable of delivering an additional 165 horsepower.
When you combine the two power units, the stats are staggering. The Ferrari 296 GTB produces a combined 819 horsepower (830 cv) and 546 lb-ft of torque. That is enough to launch this rear-wheel-drive sculpture from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds.
What truly separates this car from the McLaren Artura or the outgoing Huracán, however, is the noise. Ferrari engineers obsessed over the harmonics, dubbing this engine the “piccolo V12” (little V12). And they weren’t lying. As you approach the 8,500-rpm redline, the exhaust note achieves a high-frequency scream that mimics the brand’s legendary naturally aspirated engines, lacking the coarse, vacuum-cleaner drone often associated with turbocharged V6s.
Design and Aerodynamics: The Modern 250 LM
Visually, the Ferrari 296 GTB is a departure from the aggressive, slash-cut styling of the F8 Tributo. It is cleaner, smoother, and undeniably more elegant. The design team drew heavy inspiration from the 1960s Ferrari 250 LM, particularly in the shape of the B-pillar, the rear haunches, and the vertical rear window.
In 2025, where supercar aesthetics often lean towards over-styling, the 296 remains a lesson in purity. But do not mistake elegance for simplicity. The car is teeming with active aerodynamics.
The most notable feature is the active rear spoiler. Unlike traditional wings that pop up to create drag (air braking), this spoiler extends to generate downforce. At 155 mph, the car generates 794 lbs of downforce with the Assetto Fiorano package equipped. This “virtual fairing” ensures the rear axle stays glued to the tarmac during high-speed cornering without ruining the car’s beautiful silhouette when parked at the valet.
For those looking to buy exotic cars that double as art pieces, the 296 GTB checks every box. It lacks the massive side intakes of its predecessors, relying instead on sophisticated underbody airflow management and smaller, hidden ducts to cool the radiators and the high-voltage battery.
The Hybrid System: Performance Meets Practicality
Let’s address the elephant in the room: this is a plug-in hybrid. The Ferrari 296 GTB features a 7.45 kWh battery pack located behind the seats. This allows for an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles.
Why does this matter in a supercar? Because it changes the usability of the vehicle entirely. You can exit your neighborhood in complete silence, known as eDrive mode, without waking the neighbors. It transforms the vehicle into a docile, stealthy cruiser perfect for city centers with noise restrictions.
However, once you switch the Manettino dial to “Qualifying” mode, the battery dumps its energy rapidly to support the combustion engine, filling in the torque gaps while the turbos spool. The integration is seamless. Unlike early hybrid attempts where you could feel the handoff between electric and gas power, the Ferrari 296 GTB feels like one continuous wave of thrust. It is this refinement that makes it a top tier investment grade vehicle; it’s not just fast, it’s finished.
Chassis and Handling dynamics
While the Lamborghini Temerario chases peak horsepower figures, the Ferrari 296 GTB chases agility. The wheelbase is roughly 2 inches shorter than the previous F8 Tributo, making the car feel incredibly rotational and eager to change direction.
Ferrari introduced a world-first technology here: the 6-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor (6w-CDS). This sensor measures acceleration and rotation on three axes (X, Y, Z). It feeds data into the ABS Evo controller and the side-slip control system.
In plain English? The car knows exactly how much grip is available at each tire instantly. This allows you to brake deeper into corners than you ever thought possible. The “brake-by-wire” system has been tuned to provide a natural pedal feel—often a weak point in hybrid cars due to regenerative braking—giving you the confidence to attack the track.
The steering is typical modern Ferrari: light, hyper-fast, and precise. It requires very little input to dart toward an apex. When you combine the short wheelbase with the low center of gravity (thanks to the engine sitting lower in the chassis), the Ferrari 296 GTB dances through canyons with a fluidity that makes heavier rivals feel clumsy.
Interior and Technology: The Digital Cockpit
If there is a point of contention with the Ferrari 296 GTB, it is the interior interface. Ferrari has moved almost entirely to capacitive touch controls. The engine start button is now a touch-sensitive zone on the steering wheel, as are the mirror controls and climate settings.
From a sleekness perspective, it looks futuristic and clean, mimicking the flagship SF90 Stradale. From a functional standpoint, it can be frustrating. Drivers often miss the tactile feedback of a physical button when driving at speed. However, after living with the car, muscle memory takes over, and the digital instrument cluster is admittedly gorgeous, offering razor-sharp graphics and essential telemetry.
The cabin itself feels intimate yet spacious enough for tall drivers. The seats offer excellent support, and the material quality—leather, Alcantara, and carbon fiber—is exquisite, as one would expect when financing a supercar in the $350,000+ range.
The Assetto Fiorano Package: For the Track Obsessed
For buyers who intend to take their Ferrari 296 GTB to the track, the Assetto Fiorano package is a mandatory option. This package is not just a cosmetic upgrade; it fundamentally alters the car’s character.
It includes:
Multimatic Dampers: Fixed-rate shock absorbers derived from GT racing. They are less compliant on the street but offer superior body control on the track.
Weight Reduction: Extensive use of carbon fiber and a Lexan rear window shaves off roughly 33 lbs.
Aerodynamics: Carbon-fiber appendages on the front bumper increase downforce.
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires are available, offering sticky, near-slick grip levels.
The ride is noticeably stiffer with this package. If your primary use is grand touring or Sunday coffee runs, the standard magnetic dampers are the wiser choice for luxury performance engineering that doesn’t punish your spine.
The 2025 Rivalry: Ferrari 296 GTB vs. Lamborghini Temerario
The arrival of the Lamborghini Temerario changes the math. Lamborghini has ditched the V10 for a twin-turbo V8 hybrid that spins to a stratospheric 10,000 rpm. On paper, the Temerario has the Ferrari 296 GTB beat on raw power (903 hp vs. 819 hp).
However, numbers on a spec sheet rarely tell the full story. The Ferrari trades on its power-to-weight ratio and its shorter wheelbase. The 296 GTB is lighter (approx. 3,240 lbs dry), which pays dividends in braking and corner entry.
While the Lamborghini leans into the “shock and awe” factor with its high-revving engine and aggressive styling, the Ferrari 296 GTB offers a more nuanced, sophisticated driving experience. It is the scalpel to Lamborghini’s sledgehammer. Furthermore, the McLaren Artura Spider and the upgraded 750S remain valid competitors, but they lack the badge prestige and resale solidity that helps with performance car insurance rates and long-term value retention associated with the Prancing Horse.
Buying Advice and Market Outlook
If you are in the market to buy exotic cars, the Ferrari 296 GTB represents a sweet spot in the current market. It has moved past the “new model” teething issues, and the hybrid technology has proven robust.
When configuring or searching for a 296 GTB, consider the resale implications of your spec. Examples in “Rosso Corsa” or “Tour de France Blue” with carbon fiber racing seats tend to hold value best. High CPC keywords like supercar financing and luxury auto loans are relevant here, as interest rates and insurance premiums for hybrids can differ from traditional V8s. Ensure you work with a lender who understands the value of the Assetto Fiorano package, as it significantly affects the book value.
Conclusion: Still the King?
The Ferrari 296 GTB is a landmark achievement. It successfully bridged the gap between the internal combustion past and the electrified future without sacrificing the soul of the driving experience. It is faster than an F8, more agile than a specialized track car, and capable of silent electric commuting.
While the Lamborghini Temerario brings more horsepower and higher revs to the fight, the Ferrari 296 GTB remains the more holistic driver’s car. It is playful, approachable at the limit, and possesses an engine note that defies its cylinder count. It is not just a great hybrid; it is one of the greatest mid-engine sports cars ever made.
As the supercar war heats up in 2025, the 296 GTB stands its ground not with brute force, but with engineering elegance. It is a car that demands to be driven, not just parked.
Ready to experience the pinnacle of hybrid performance?
Don’t just read about the revolution—drive it. Contact your local Ferrari dealer today to schedule a consultation and secure your allocation for the Ferrari 296 GTB before the waitlists grow even longer. The road is calling.
