Ferrari 296 GTB Review: The 2025 Benchmark the Lamborghini Temerario Must Dethrone
It has been nearly three years since the automotive world shifted on its axis. When the Ferrari 296 GTB first arrived
, it signaled the end of one era and the thunderous, electrified beginning of another. Maranello made a bold wager: they bet that a downsized V6 engine, paired with sophisticated hybrid architecture, could not only replace the beloved twin-turbo V8 of the F8 Tributo but actually eclipse it in soul and speed.
Now, as we navigate 2025, that wager has paid out in spades. However, the landscape of the hybrid supercar market is evolving rapidly. The prancing horse is no longer the only electrified exotic in the stable. With the arrival of the screaming, 10,000-rpm Lamborghini Temerario, the Ferrari 296 GTB faces its stiffest competition yet. As an industry analyst and test driver who has logged thousands of miles in everything from the McLaren P1 to the SF90, I can tell you that while the competition is heating up, Ferrari’s “entry-level” mid-engine marvel remains the car to beat.
The Engineering Marvel: A V6 with the Soul of a V12
To understand why the Ferrari 296 GTB remains the segment leader, you have to look past the cylinder count. Purists initially scoffed at a V6 wearing the Ferrari badge—something not seen on a road car since the Dino 246 GT, which famously didn’t even carry the Cavalino Rampante logo. But this is no ordinary V6.
Engineers in Maranello designed an all-new 120-degree “hot-vee” 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine. By widening the angle of the cylinder banks, they could nest the turbochargers inside the V, lowering the center of gravity and drastically reducing the plumbing distance for air to travel. The result? Zero turbo lag and an engine note so piercing and melodious that Ferrari engineers internally nicknamed it the “piccolo V12” (little V12).
Alone, the combustion engine churns out 654 horsepower—a specific output record for a production car. But when you sandwich the MGU-K electric motor between the engine and the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, the Ferrari 296 GTB delivers a combined 819 horsepower (830 cv). That is enough to launch this rear-wheel-drive sculpture from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, though in real-world testing on sticky asphalt, I’ve seen it clock closer to 2.7.
Design and Aerodynamics: Form Follows Function
Visually, the Ferrari 296 GTB is a masterclass in clean, reductive design. Unlike the aggressive, wing-laden aesthetic of the Lamborghini Huracán STO or the upcoming Temerario, the 296 is smooth, sensual, and undeniably inspired by the legendary 250 LM of the 1960s. The flying buttresses and the vertical rear screen create an airflow channel that is as functional as it is beautiful.
Under the skin, the aerodynamics are active and intelligent. The rear boasts an active spoiler inspired by the LaFerrari. It doesn’t just reduce drag; it generates massive downforce—up to 794 lbs at 155 mph when equipped with the Assetto Fiorano package. This isn’t just for bragging rights; it plants the car firmly to the tarmac during high-speed cornering at tracks like Road Atlanta or Laguna Seca.
The wheelbase is shorter than the F8 Tributo by nearly two inches (50mm). This reduction makes the car feel incredibly compact around the driver, rotating with a telepathic quickness that makes longer rivals feel cumbersome by comparison. Whether you are navigating tight city streets or blasting through the canyons outside Los Angeles, the agility is palpable.
The Assetto Fiorano Package: For the Track Obsessed
For buyers who spend their weekends hunting lap times, the Assetto Fiorano package is a mandatory box to tick on the order form. This specification transforms the Ferrari 296 GTB from a grand tourer into a track weapon. It swaps the standard adaptive magnetorheological dampers for fixed-rate Multimatic dampers derived from GT racing. It also incorporates extensive carbon fiber on the door panels and front bumper to shave off roughly 26 lbs (12kg), or nearly 33 lbs (15kg) if you opt for the Lexan rear screen.
More importantly, this package unlocks the option for Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires. These semi-slicks offer immense grip, allowing the sophisticated electronics to put all 819 horsepower to the ground with startling efficiency. However, be warned: if you plan to use this car as a daily driver in a city with less-than-perfect roads, the standard suspension offers a far more compliant ride.
Interior and Technology: A Digital Cockpit
Stepping inside, the cabin is a heavy evolution of the SF90 Stradale’s architecture. The analog rev counter is gone, replaced by a fully digital, curved instrument cluster. While I miss the physical needle, the display is razor-sharp and customizable.
However, the user interface remains the car’s most contentious point. Ferrari has moved almost entirely to haptic touch controls on the steering wheel. In theory, it’s sleek. In practice, specifically when driving hard, it can be frustrating. Trying to adjust the side mirrors or skip a track on your playlist requires a level of dexterity that distracts from the road. The “Manettino” dial remains physical (thankfully), allowing you to switch drive modes, but the rest of the ergonomics require a steep learning curve.
On the luxury front, the materials are exquisite. Italian leather wraps every surface not covered in carbon fiber or Alcantara. For those searching for a Ferrari dealership near me to spec one of these, I highly recommend sitting in both the standard and racing carbon seats, as the latter can be tight for larger drivers.
The Driving Experience: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
What truly defines the Ferrari 296 GTB is its duality. In eDrive mode, the car is a silent, electric ghost. It offers roughly 15 miles of all-electric range, perfect for slipping out of your neighborhood early in the morning without waking the neighbors. It is a genuine plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), allowing for guilt-free city commuting.
But switch the Manettino to ‘Qualifying’ mode, and all hell breaks loose. The integration of the electric motor and the V6 is seamless. The electric motor fills the torque curve at low RPMs, providing instant shove while the turbos spool up. Once the boost hits, the rush to the 8,500 RPM redline is violent and addictive.
The crowning jewel of the driving dynamics is the new 6-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor (6w-CDS). This system feeds data to the ABS Evo controller and the side-slip control. In plain English? It allows you to brake deeper into corners and get on the gas earlier than you ever thought possible. The computer manages the grip limits so effectively that it makes you feel like a Formula 1 driver. It invites you to push harder, rotating the car with the throttle, safe in the knowledge that the electronics will catch you if your ambition outweighs your talent.
The Looming Rivalry: 296 GTB vs. Lamborghini Temerario
We cannot discuss the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2025 without addressing the elephant in the room: the Lamborghini Temerario. The Huracán is dead, and its replacement is a monster. Lamborghini has opted for a twin-turbo V8 hybrid that revs to a stratospheric 10,000 RPM, producing over 900 horsepower.
On paper, the Temerario has the Ferrari beat on power. However, Ferrari has never been solely about the numbers. The 296 GTB relies on lightness, agility, and the “fun-to-drive” factor. While the Lamborghini aims for shock and awe with its high-revving engine and all-wheel drive, the Ferrari is a rear-wheel-drive scalpel.
There is also the McLaren Artura Spider and the upgraded 750S to consider. The McLaren 750S stays true to the lightweight, non-hybrid formula (for now), offering a purer, more mechanical connection. Yet, it lacks the dual-personality and powertrain sophistication of the Ferrari. The Ferrari 296 GTB sits in the sweet spot: faster and more advanced than the McLaren, but more graceful and usable than the Lamborghini.
Ownership Reality: Costs and Considerations
Buying a supercar in this segment is a significant financial undertaking. The base price hovers around the $340,000 mark, but most specs leaving the showroom floor push well past $450,000. When considering exotic car financing, interest rates and residual values are key factors. Historically, mid-engine Ferraris hold their value exceptionally well, often better than their British or German counterparts.
Prospective owners must also consider protection. The paint on a Ferrari 296 GTB is a masterpiece, often costing tens of thousands in options alone. I strongly advise investing in high-quality ceramic coating for luxury cars or a full Paint Protection Film (PPF) immediately upon delivery. This not only preserves the aesthetic but protects the car’s resale value against rock chips and road debris.
Furthermore, luxury car insurance for a high-performance hybrid can be complex. You need a policy that understands the replacement value of carbon fiber components and the specialized labor required for hybrid system repairs. It is worth shopping around with carriers who specialize in high-value collections.
Maintenance is one area where Ferrari shines. The 7-year Genuine Maintenance program covers all standard maintenance for the first seven years of the car’s life. This transferrable warranty is a massive selling point and significantly lowers the cost of ownership compared to Lamborghini or McLaren.
The Verdict: Still the King of the Hill?
As we move deeper into the hybrid era, the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a testament to Maranello’s engineering prowess. It proved that downsizing didn’t mean downgrading. It bridged the gap between the analog joy of driving and the digital efficiency of modern performance.
The Lamborghini Temerario will undoubtedly be louder and faster in a straight line. It will attract the buyers who want to be seen and heard from three blocks away. But for the driver who appreciates the nuance of chassis balance, the rush of rear-wheel-drive rotation, and a car that can double as a civilized grand tourer, the 296 GTB remains the benchmark.
It is a car that manages to be intimidatingly fast yet approachable. It is technically complex but organically spirited. In 2025, the Ferrari 296 GTB isn’t just a great hybrid supercar; it is simply one of the greatest sports cars ever made.
Ready to Experience the Future of Performance?
Reading about the 296 GTB is one thing; feeling the kick of the electric motor and the scream of the V6 is entirely another. If you are ready to take the next step in automotive excellence, do not rely solely on reviews.
Visit your local Ferrari dealer today to schedule a personal consultation and test drive. Experience firsthand why the 296 GTB remains the gold standard in the supercar world.
