2025 Ferrari 296 GTB Review: Is Maranello’s V6 Hybrid Still the King of the Asphalt Jungle?
The automotive landscape has shifted beneath our feet. For decades, the formula for a mid-engined Ferrari wa
s sacrosanct: a naturally aspirated, screaming V8. But as we move deeper into 2025, the playbook has been rewritten. Maranello’s “baby” supercar, the Ferrari 296 GTB, has been on US roads for a few years now, and it has done more than just replace the F8 Tributo; it has redefined what a plug-in hybrid supercar can be.
However, the throne is never secure for long. With the Lamborghini Temerario looming on the horizon—boasting a 10,000rpm V8 and over 900 horsepower—the 296 GTB faces its stiffest competition yet. After spending extensive time behind the wheel on California’s coastal highways and technical race circuits, the verdict is becoming clear. This isn’t just a bridge to an electric future; it is arguably the most complete, engaging driver’s car Ferrari has built in twenty years.
The Engineering Revolution: A “Piccolo V12” Heart
To understand the Ferrari 296 GTB, you have to look past the cylinder count. For years, purists worried that downsizing to a V6 would dilute the brand’s soul. Those worries evaporate the moment you hit the start button. This isn’t just any V6; it is a bespoke, 120-degree, 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged masterpiece.
By splaying the cylinder banks to 120 degrees, Ferrari’s engineers achieved two critical goals. First, they lowered the center of gravity significantly, burying the engine deep within the chassis. Second, it allowed for a “hot-vee” configuration, where the IHI turbochargers sit inside the V, reducing plumbing length and virtually eliminating turbo lag.
But the real magic lies in the firing order. It mimics the harmonics of a V12, earning it the internal nickname “Piccolo V12” (Little V12). When you pin the throttle, the sound isn’t the flat drone of a typical turbocharged unit; it is a high-frequency, metallic howl that crescendos all the way to an 8,500 rpm redline.
Hybrid Power: Performance Meets Efficiency
The internal combustion engine produces a staggering 654 horsepower on its own—a record specific output for a production car. But the Ferrari 296 GTB is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Sandwiched between the engine and the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission is an MGU-K electric motor derived from Formula 1 technology.
This electric motor adds 165 horsepower and, crucially, 232 lb-ft of torque available instantly. The combined output? A headline-grabbing 819 horsepower. This allows the 296 GTB to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 205 mph.
Unlike the flagship SF90 Stradale, which uses front electric motors to create all-wheel drive, the Ferrari 296 GTB remains strictly rear-wheel drive. This decision was pivotal. It preserves the purity of the steering and the playful chassis balance that enthusiasts crave. The hybrid system isn’t there to save the polar bears—though it offers about 15 miles of silent EV range, perfect for slipping out of your neighborhood unnoticed—it is there to fill the torque curve and create relentless acceleration.
Design and Aerodynamics: Function Sculpted by Wind
Visually, the Ferrari 296 GTB is a triumph of reduction. It lacks the aggressive, busy wings and vents of its predecessors like the 488 Pista. Instead, it draws inspiration from the legendary 250 LM of the 1960s, featuring smooth, muscular haunches and a visceral B-pillar design.
However, do not mistake clean lines for a lack of downforce. Ferrari has integrated an active rear spoiler—inspired by the LaFerrari—that deploys under heavy braking or cornering to generate 794 pounds of downforce at 155 mph (with the Assetto Fiorano package).
The front end utilizes a “tea-tray” aerodynamic device to channel air underneath the car, creating a suction effect that glues the tires to the road. This is active aerodynamics used not to reduce drag, but to enhance stability, giving drivers the confidence to push harder on track days or spirited canyon runs.
The Driving Experience: Precision in Motion
Sliding into the cockpit, you are greeted by a cabin that has fully embraced digitization. The haptic touch controls on the steering wheel can be finicky—a common complaint among owners—but once you are moving, the technology fades into the background.
In the standard “Hybrid” mode, the car manages the dance between gas and electricity seamlessly. cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway, the Ferrari 296 GTB is surprisingly docile. The magnetorheological dampers soak up imperfections in the pavement better than many luxury sedans. It is a viable daily driver, provided you don’t need significant luggage space; the “frunk” (front trunk) is modest, holding barely two weekend bags.
Switch the Manettino dial to “Qualifying” mode, and the beast wakes up. The acceleration is violent yet linear. Thanks to the electric fill, there is zero hesitation. You think it, and the car executes it.
What truly separates the 296 from its rivals, including the McLaren Artura and the outgoing Lamborghini Huracán, is the Short Wheelbase (SWB) architecture. Ferrari shortened the wheelbase by nearly two inches compared to the F8. This makes the car incredibly rotatable. The turn-in is razor-sharp, telepathic even.
The new ABS EVO controller with the six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor (6w-CDS) allows you to brake deep into corners with physics-defying stability. It estimates the grip limits of the tires in real-time, allowing the electronics to intervene only when absolutely necessary, making you feel like a hero rather than a passenger.
The Assetto Fiorano Package: Is It Worth the Investment?
For buyers looking to maximize the vehicle’s potential—or perhaps eyeing future automotive investment value—the Assetto Fiorano package is a key consideration. This option sheds roughly 33 pounds through the extensive use of carbon fiber on the door panels and bumpers, and switches the rear window to lightweight Lexan.
More importantly, it swaps the adaptive dampers for fixed-rate Multimatic spool-valve dampers derived from GT racing. It also includes stickier Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires.
On a smooth track, the Assetto Fiorano pack transforms the Ferrari 296 GTB into a precision instrument. The grip is immense, and the body roll is non-existent. However, for 90% of US buyers who will use this car primarily on public roads, the standard setup is superior. The Multimatic dampers can be punishing on broken city streets, and the standard Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires offer better versatility in varying weather conditions.
Market Rivals: The Lamborghini Temerario and Beyond
The supercar market in 2025 is more competitive than ever. The Ferrari 296 GTB currently holds the crown, but the challengers are fierce.
The primary threat is the Lamborghini Temerario. While the Ferrari uses a V6, Lamborghini has stubbornly stuck to a V8 for its Huracán successor, revving to a stratospheric 10,000 rpm. The Temerario promises more raw emotion and a higher horsepower figure (900+ hp). However, Lamborghini’s chassis dynamics have historically been more about brute force and grip, whereas the Ferrari 296 offers a delicate, adjustable balance that rewards finesse.
Then there is the McLaren 750S (and the hybrid Artura). The McLaren offers a carbon-fiber tub and a hydraulic steering rack that provides feedback Ferrari’s electric steering can’t quite match. However, McLaren has struggled with reliability issues that have plagued resale values.
When considering supercar financing or long-term ownership, the Ferrari holds a distinct advantage: the 7-Year Genuine Maintenance program. This covers all scheduled maintenance for the first seven years of the car’s life, a massive value proposition that lowers the total cost of ownership and bolsters residual values in the secondary market.
Buying Advice: Financing and Insurance in the US Market
Acquiring a Ferrari 296 GTB is a significant financial event. With a base price starting around $340,000, most well-equipped examples leave the showroom floor pushing $400,000 to $450,000.
For those looking into luxury vehicle lease deals, Ferrari Financial Services offers structured programs, though many high-net-worth individuals opt for balloon financing to keep monthly cash flow flexible while retaining the option to trade up. Interest rates for exotic car financing have stabilized in 2025, but credit tier requirements remain stringent.
Supercar insurance quotes for the 296 GTB will vary wildly based on location and driving history. In states like Florida or California, expect premiums to reflect the high replacement cost and performance capabilities. It is advisable to work with specialized brokers who understand agreed-value policies, ensuring your investment is protected against depreciation in the event of a total loss.
Furthermore, prospective buyers should pay attention to the high-voltage battery warranty. As a hybrid, the battery is a complex and expensive component. Ferrari offers extended warranty packages (Power15) that can cover major components for up to 15 years, a crucial factor for long-term peace of mind and resale value.
Living with a PHEV Supercar
One might ask: Is the plug-in aspect a hassle? In the US, the charging infrastructure is improving, but frankly, most 296 GTB owners will rarely use public chargers. The car charges quickly via a standard wall outlet in your garage.
The “eDrive” mode is genuinely useful. Navigating out of a quiet gated community or leaving a valet stand late at night without waking the neighborhood is a luxury in itself. Once you hit the open road, the transition to the V6 is seamless.
However, the infotainment system remains a weak point. The lack of physical buttons means navigating Apple CarPlay or adjusting the climate control requires taking your eyes off the road. It is a learning curve, but one most owners accept as the price of admission for this level of performance.
Conclusion: The New Benchmark
The Ferrari 296 GTB is not just a great Ferrari; it is a pivotal moment in the history of the supercar. It proves that hybridization, when done correctly, enhances the driving experience rather than diluting it. It combines the agility of a Lotus with the powertrain of a hypercar.
While the Lamborghini Temerario will undoubtedly bring the noise and the drama, it will have to work incredibly hard to match the sophistication and dynamic polish of the Ferrari. The 296 GTB manages to be approachable enough for a novice yet deep enough to challenge a professional driver.
As we look toward the future of performance motoring, Maranello has set the bar incredibly high. The V6 era isn’t a compromise; it’s a revelation. Whether you are looking for a weekend track toy or a rolling piece of art to diversify your portfolio, the 296 GTB is the car to beat.
Ready to experience the future of Maranello? Contact your local authorized Ferrari dealer today to schedule a consultation or configure your own 296 GTB.
