Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 Review: Can Maranello’s V6 Hybrid Hold Off the Lamborghini Temerario?
In the rarefied air of the supercar world, three years is usually a lifetime. Yet, the Ferrari 296 GTB has ma
naged to defy the typical aging curve of the exotic market. Since its arrival in 2022, this plug-in hybrid Berlinetta has fundamentally altered our understanding of what a “downsized” engine can do. But the landscape is shifting. With the aggressive arrival of the 10,000-rpm, 903-horsepower Lamborghini Temerario, the 296 GTB faces its first true existential threat.
As someone who has spent the better part of a decade analyzing the trajectory of high-performance engineering, I’ve seen cylinders dropped and turbochargers added, often to the detriment of “soul.” The 296 GTB was Maranello’s gamble—a bet that a V6 could carry the Prancing Horse legacy just as proudly as the outgoing V8s. As we move into 2025, with rivals closing the horsepower gap, it is time to reassess if this hybrid marvel remains the benchmark for driver engagement.
The Engineering Philosophy: More Than Just Downsizing
To dismiss the Ferrari 296 GTB as merely a V6 compromise is to fundamentally misunderstand the engineering wizardry happening beneath the engine cover. This isn’t just an engine; it is a piece of industrial art dubbed the piccolo V12 by the engineers in Maranello.
The heart of the beast is a 2.9-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 with a massive 120-degree angle between the cylinder banks. This “hot-vee” configuration places the turbos inside the V, which does two things: it drastically lowers the center of gravity and reduces the distance air must travel to the combustion chamber, virtually eliminating turbo lag.
On its own, this combustion engine produces a staggering 654 horsepower. That is the highest specific output of any production car engine currently on sale. But Ferrari didn’t stop there. Sandwiched between the engine and the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission is an MGU-K electric motor derived from Formula 1 tech. This adds another 165 horsepower, bringing the total system output to 819 bhp.
While the new Lamborghini Temerario boasts higher headline numbers, the Ferrari 296 GTB counters with something numbers can’t quantify: usable, exploitable energy. The electric motor fills the torque gaps at low RPMs (a phenomenon known as torque fill), making the car feel naturally aspirated in its response, but turbocharged in its mid-range punch.
Design and Aerodynamics: Function Meets Heritage
Visually, the 296 GTB is a masterclass in clean, reductive design. In an era where many manufacturers add vents and wings for the sake of visual aggression, Ferrari has returned to the purity of the 1960s. The reference point here is the 250 LM, specifically in the way the rear haunches swell over the wheels and the B-pillar cuts into the air intake.
However, the beauty hides sophisticated active aerodynamics. The active rear spoiler, inspired by the LaFerrari, doesn’t just reduce drag; it generates massive downforce—up to 794 lbs at 155 mph when equipped with the Assetto Fiorano package.
The underbody is equally clever. The “tea tray” front splitter channels air underneath the car to a sophisticated rear diffuser, sucking the chassis to the tarmac. For those looking to buy a Ferrari 296 GTB, the distinction between the standard body and the Assetto Fiorano pack is crucial. The latter adds carbon-fiber appendages on the front bumper for extra downforce and utilizes Multimatic dampers derived from GT racing. It looks sharper, but be warned: on typical broken city streets, the ride can be unforgiving.
The Driving Experience: Electrified Soul
Sliding into the cockpit, you are greeted by a very modern, screen-heavy interface. But press the haptic start button (a point of contention we will discuss later), and the car starts… silently.
This is the dual personality of the plug-in hybrid supercar. In eDrive mode, you have about 15 miles of electric range. It allows you to glide out of your neighborhood or navigate a silent zone without waking the neighbors. It is a surreal experience to pilot a Ferrari in total silence.
Switch the Manettino to Qualifying mode, however, and the beast wakes up. The transition from electric to gas is imperceptible, a testament to the software calibration. When you pin the throttle, the acceleration is violent. The 0-60 mph sprint is dispatched in just 2.9 seconds, but it’s the 0-124 mph time of 7.3 seconds that truly rearranges your internal organs.
Unlike the SF90 Stradale, which uses front electric motors to pull the car out of corners, the Ferrari 296 GTB is strictly rear-wheel drive. This makes it significantly more playful. The shorter wheelbase (nearly two inches shorter than the F8 Tributo) makes the car rotate with a telepathic quickness.
Ferrari has introduced a new “6-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor” (6w-CDS). In simple terms, this sensor talks to the ABS Evo controller and the traction control to estimate grip levels at all four tires in real-time. This allows you to trail-brake deep into corners with the confidence of a pro racing driver. The rear end will step out if you provoke it, but the electronics catch you with such subtlety that you feel like a hero, rather than a passenger.
Interior and Technology: A Mixed Bag
If there is an Achilles’ heel to the Ferrari 296 GTB, it lies inside the cabin. Ferrari has gone all-in on capacitive touch controls, removing almost all physical buttons from the dashboard and steering wheel.
While the digital instrument cluster is crisp and offers a beautiful, customizable display of the tachometer and navigation, the touch controls on the steering wheel can be frustrating. Adjusting the volume or skipping tracks often requires a glance down, breaking your concentration. For a car that costs over $340,000, the tactile experience of the switchgear should match the mechanical perfection of the engine.
The seats, however, are excellent. Whether you opt for the standard comfort seats or the carbon-fiber racing buckets, the driving position is low and perfectly aligned. The “frunk” (front trunk) offers enough space for two weekend bags, making this a surprisingly viable grand tourer, provided you aren’t packing for a month-long expedition.
The Ownership Reality: Costs and Logistics
Let’s talk money. The Ferrari 296 GTB carries a base MSRP of roughly $342,000, but almost no one leaves the dealership at that price. Options like the carbon fiber wheels, premium paint, and the Assetto Fiorano package can easily push the sticker price past $450,000.
For prospective owners, understanding the financial landscape is key. Exotic car financing rates have fluctuated recently, and securing a favorable loan for a vehicle in this bracket often requires a specialized lender who understands the asset’s depreciation curve—or in Ferrari’s case, appreciation potential.
Furthermore, luxury exotic car insurance for a hybrid supercar is a niche market. Because of the complex high-voltage battery systems and carbon-ceramic brakes, premiums can be substantial. It is advisable to get quotes from insurers specializing in high-value collections before signing the papers.
Maintenance is another factor. Ferrari includes a 7-year genuine maintenance program, which is a massive value add compared to McLaren or Lamborghini. However, consumables like the massive carbon-ceramic rotors and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires (if you track the car) are not covered and carry a heavy replacement cost.
Rivals: The V6 vs. The World
The elephant in the room is the new Lamborghini Temerario. Replacing the beloved Huracán, the Temerario has gone hybrid V8. It boasts more power (903 bhp) and a screaming 10,000 rpm redline. It also features all-wheel drive, which technically makes it a rival to the SF90, but price-wise, it sits squarely against the 296.
The McLaren Artura was the 296’s initial rival, also sporting a V6 hybrid setup. While the Artura is a fantastic chassis, it lacks the sheer dramatic flair and engine character of the Ferrari. The McLaren 750S, heavily updated from the 720S, remains a pure internal combustion V8 threat. It is lighter and offers better steering feel, but it lacks the instant torque-fill that makes the Ferrari 296 GTB feel so urgent at low speeds.
If you are looking for local inventory, a quick search for a Ferrari dealer near me will likely reveal that waitlists for a new 296 GTB are still long. This scarcity has kept used values high, making exotic car leasing deals an attractive option for those who want to experience the car for 24 months without assuming the long-term market risk.
Performance Specs at a Glance
Engine: 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 + Electric Motor
Total Power: 819 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Torque: 546 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm
Transmission: 8-Speed Dual-Clutch F1
0-60 mph: 2.9 Seconds
Top Speed: >205 mph
Dry Weight: 3,241 lbs (1,470 kg)
Electric Range: 15 Miles
Verdict: Is the 296 GTB Still King?
As we move through 2025, the Ferrari 296 GTB remains a landmark achievement. It proved that a hybrid system could enhance, rather than dilute, the emotional connection between car and driver. It isn’t just fast; it is fun. The agility provided by the short wheelbase and the clever electronics creates a driving experience that is less intimidating than an SF90 but far more capable than an F8 Tributo.
The Lamborghini Temerario will undoubtedly be louder and perhaps faster in a straight line, but Ferrari has captured a sweetness in the 296’s chassis that is hard to replicate. It manages to be a docile EV in the city and a screaming race car in the canyons.
For those in the market for the ultimate plug-in hybrid supercar, the 296 GTB is not just a purchase; it’s an entry into the future of performance motoring.
Ready to experience the pinnacle of Italian engineering? Contact your local Ferrari authorized dealer today to schedule a consultation or explore current inventory.
