Ferrari 296 GTB Review: Is Maranello’s V6 Hybrid Still the King in 2025?
It has been a few years since the automotive world held its collective breath as Maranello ditched its award-winning V8 archite
cture for a plug-in hybrid V6. At the time, skeptics worried that downsizing would dilute the soul of the Prancing Horse. Fast forward to 2025, and the Ferrari 296 GTB has not only silenced those critics but has fundamentally rewritten the rulebook for modern performance engineering. However, the landscape is shifting. With the arrival of the screaming, high-revving Lamborghini Temerario, the 296 GTB faces its stiffest competition yet.
As someone who has spent the last decade tracking the evolution of the supercar sector—from the raw naturally aspirated era to today’s electrified frontier—I can tell you that the 296 GTB remains a technological marvel. But with Lamborghini bringing a 10,000-rpm V8 hybrid to the fight, the question for US buyers is simple: Does the V6 Ferrari still hold the crown?
The Powertrain: Engineering the “Little V12”
To understand the brilliance of the Ferrari 296 GTB, you have to look past the cylinder count. The decision to move to a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 was controversial, but the execution is flawless. Ferrari engineers opened the cylinder bank angle to a wide 120 degrees. This “hot-vee” configuration allows the turbochargers to sit inside the V, reducing the engine’s center of gravity and aggressively shortening the path from the exhaust to the turbine wheel.
The result is virtually zero turbo lag. But the real magic happens when you combine this internal combustion engine (ICE) with the rear-mounted electric motor. The ICE alone produces 654 horsepower—a specific output record for a production car at launch. When the electric motor adds its 165 horsepower, the total system output skyrockets to 818 horsepower (830 cv).
In the US market, where torque is king, the Ferrari 296 GTB delivers a combined punch that feels instantaneous. The electric motor fills in the torque curve while the turbos spool, creating a relentless wall of acceleration. Ferrari calls the sound of this engine the “piccolo V12” (little V12), and frankly, they aren’t exaggerating. By harmonizing the exhaust frequencies, they have created a soundtrack that screams toward an 8,500-rpm redline with a mechanical purity that rivals the old naturally aspirated legends.
Driving Dynamics: The Short Wheelbase Advantage
While the horsepower figures are headline-grabbing, the chassis dynamics are what truly set this car apart. The Ferrari 296 GTB is built on a wheelbase that is roughly two inches (50mm) shorter than the outgoing F8 Tributo. In the world of vehicle dynamics, that is a massive change. It makes the car incredibly eager to rotate.
Ferrari utilizes a sophisticated suite of electronics to manage this agility. The transition from the analog era to the digital era of handling is defined by the 6-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor (6w-CDS). Unlike traditional yaw sensors, this system measures acceleration and rotation speed on three axes (X, Y, Z). It feeds data into the ABS Evo controller and the side-slip control system, allowing you to brake deeper into corners without losing stability.
During testing on both Californian coastal highways and technical track circuits, the Ferrari 296 GTB feels approachable yet terrifyingly fast. The “ABS Evo” feature is a game-changer for high-performance driving. It allows you to stomp on the carbon-ceramic brakes even while turning in, and the computer distributes brake pressure so precisely that the rear end stays planted. It creates a safety net that makes average drivers look like heroes and expert drivers feel superhuman.
The Hybrid Element: Performance Meets Efficiency
It is important to clarify that the Ferrari 296 GTB is a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). A 7.45 kWh battery pack is tucked behind the seats, offering an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles (25 km). While this might seem negligible, it serves a specific purpose. You can glide silently through your neighborhood or navigate tight city traffic in electric mode (eDrive) at speeds up to 84 mph.
However, the primary purpose of the electrification here is performance. The Transition Manager Actuator (TMA) is a dedicated clutch that manages the connection between the V6 and the electric motor. The integration is seamless. Unlike early hybrids where you could feel the “handoff” between gas and electric, the Ferrari 296 GTB operates as a singular, cohesive unit.
For those concerned about the complexities of hybrid ownership, such as high-performance vehicle maintenance, Ferrari’s 7-year maintenance program (standard on new models) alleviates much of that anxiety. It is a crucial selling point in the secondary market as well, keeping residual values strong.
The 2025 Rivalry: Ferrari 296 GTB vs. Lamborghini Temerario
This brings us to the elephant in the room: the Lamborghini Temerario. The Huracán is dead, and its replacement is bringing heavy artillery. The Temerario utilizes a twin-turbo V8 hybrid that revs to a stratospheric 10,000 rpm and produces over 900 horsepower.
On paper, the Lamborghini has the Ferrari 296 GTB beat on raw power. However, Ferrari has never played the sheer horsepower game alone. The 296 focuses on power-to-weight and exploitability. The Ferrari is lighter, rear-wheel drive (unlike the likely AWD Lambo), and possesses a delicacy in its steering that Lamborghini has historically struggled to match.
The McLaren Artura and the more track-focused 750S are also in the mix. The 750S remains a bastion of non-hybrid purity, which appeals to a specific demographic. But in terms of future-proofing and technology, the Ferrari 296 GTB sits in a sweet spot. It offers the engagement of a RWD chassis with the torque-fill benefits of electrification, without becoming as heavy as a fully electric hypercar.
Interior and Technology: The Digital Cockpit
If there is a point of contention with the Ferrari 296 GTB, it lies inside the cabin. Ferrari has fully embraced the digital interface, removing almost all physical buttons. The steering wheel now features haptic touch controls for everything from the engine start to the turn signals.
From an ergonomic standpoint, this is a mixed bag. The “Manettino” dial remains physical (thankfully), but adjusting side mirrors or navigating the infotainment via a touchpad on the steering wheel can be frustrating while driving. The instrument cluster is a massive curved digital screen that is sharp and customizable, displaying everything from navigation to tire temperature.
Despite the digital frustrations, the fit and finish are exceptional. Italian leather wraps every surface, and the seating position is perfect—low, centered, and offering surprisingly good visibility for a mid-engine supercar. For those looking to customize, Ferrari’s “Tailor Made” program allows for infinite personalization, though this will significantly impact your final supercar lease deals or financing totals.
Ownership Realities: Insurance and Protection
Entering the world of electrified supercars changes the financial landscape. When shopping for exotic car insurance quotes, be prepared for premiums that reflect the complexity of repairing a carbon-aluminum hybrid chassis. Insurers view the high-voltage battery and the sophisticated electronics as high-risk items in the event of a collision.
Furthermore, protecting the exterior is paramount. The 296 GTB features complex aerodynamic channels and air intakes that are prone to rock chips. Investing in high-quality Paint Protection Film (PPF) and ceramic coating for luxury cars is virtually mandatory the moment the car leaves the dealership. Not only does this preserve the lustrous Rosso Corsa paint, but it also safeguards the resale value in a market that scrutinizes every imperfection.
The Assetto Fiorano Package: Is It Worth It?
For buyers intending to track their car, the Ferrari 296 GTB can be optioned with the Assetto Fiorano package. This is not just a cosmetic upgrade; it is a comprehensive mechanical overhaul. It includes Multimatic DSSV dampers—derived from GT racing—which are non-adjustable but tuned for ultimate track precision.
The package also includes carbon fiber appendages on the front bumper for increased downforce, a Lexan rear screen to save weight, and extensive use of carbon fiber inside the cabin. It shaves off roughly 26-33 lbs (12-15 kg). If you opt for the ultra-sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, the grip levels become mind-bending.
However, for a predominantly street-driven car in the US—where potholes and expansion joints are common—the standard magnetorheological dampers are superior. They offer a “Bumpy Road” mode that makes the Ferrari 296 GTB surprisingly compliant for a grand tour across state lines.
Performance Specs at a Glance
Engine: 3.0L Twin-Turbo 120-degree V6 + Electric Motor
Transmission: 8-Speed Dual-Clutch F1 Gearbox
Total Power: 818 hp @ 8,000 rpm
Total Torque: 546 lb-ft @ 6,250 rpm
0-60 mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: >205 mph
Dry Weight: 3,241 lbs (1,470 kg)
Conclusion: The Benchmark Remains
The 2025 supercar market is more crowded and competitive than ever. Yet, the Ferrari 296 GTB manages to stand apart. It does not rely solely on its spec sheet to impress; it relies on the emotional connection it builds with the driver.
The V6 engine is a masterpiece of compact packaging and acoustic engineering. The hybrid system enhances the drive rather than diluting it. And the chassis balance is perhaps the finest ever to come out of Maranello. While the Lamborghini Temerario promises higher revs and more cylinders, it has a steep hill to climb to match the cohesive, organic driving feel of the Ferrari.
Whether you are looking into luxury car financing for a weekend canyon carver or seeking a track weapon that can legally drive to the circuit, the 296 GTB is the complete package. It bridges the gap between the analog past and the electric future with a confidence that only Ferrari can muster.
If you are ready to experience the pinnacle of hybrid performance, the time to act is now. Allocations for 2025 are tightening as demand remains fervent.
Contact your local Ferrari dealer today to schedule your consultation and configure the supercar that redefined the genre.
