2025 Ferrari 296 GTB Review: The V6 Hybrid Supercar That Defined a Generation
The automotive landscape is shifting beneath our feet, and nowhere is that seismic activity felt more acutely than in Mara
nello. For decades, the formula was simple: a screaming naturally aspirated engine, preferably with eight or twelve cylinders, placed behind the driver. But the arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB marked a pivot point in history. We have lived with this V6 plug-in hybrid for a few years now, and as we move deeper into 2025, the context has changed. The 296 GTB is no longer just a disruptor; it is the benchmark that the incoming 900-horsepower Lamborghini Temerario must somehow dethrone.
As an automotive journalist who has spent the last decade chasing apexes from Laguna Seca to the winding roads of the Italian countryside, I’ve seen the skepticism surrounding downsizing. Yet, the Ferrari 296 GTB proves that cylinder count is merely a number, while soul is a tangible engineering metric. This is not just a review of a car; it is an analysis of the current king of the exotic car market.
The Engineering Marvel: Why the “Piccolo V12” Matters
To understand the Ferrari 296 GTB, you have to look past the spec sheet and into the architecture. Ferrari ditched the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 found in the F8 Tributo for an all-new 120-degree twin-turbo V6. In the US market, where “there is no replacement for displacement” was once the gospel, this seemed like heresy. It wasn’t.
By opening the cylinder bank angle to 120 degrees, Ferrari’s engineers could place the turbochargers inside the “hot-vee” of the engine. This achieves two things: it lowers the center of gravity significantly and drastically reduces the distance air must travel from the exhaust to the turbine wheel. The result? Zero lag.
When you combine this combustion engine with a rear-mounted electric motor, the total output hits a staggering 818 horsepower (829 cv). The torque fill provided by the electric motor at low RPMs masks any hint of turbo spool, making the Ferrari 296 GTB feel naturally aspirated in its response, yet violent in its delivery. It screams to an 8,500 RPM redline with a harmonic frequency that earned it the internal nickname “piccolo V12” (little V12).
Design and Aerodynamics: Function Over Form
Visually, the Ferrari 296 GTB is a masterclass in clean, reductive design. It steps away from the aggressive, slashed-vent aesthetic of the aggressive McLaren 750S or the angular brutality of a Lamborghini. Instead, it draws inspiration from the legendary 250 LM of the 1960s. The smooth curves of the rear fenders and the visor-style windshield create a silhouette that is undeniably elegant.
However, do not mistake elegance for passivity. This car is an aerodynamic weapon. For the first time on a mid-rear-engined Ferrari spider or coupe, an active aero device is used not to reduce drag, but to generate downforce. The active rear spoiler, inspired by the LaFerrari, deploys to generate up to 794 lbs of downforce at 155 mph when equipped with the Assetto Fiorano package.
The underbody is where the real magic happens. The air is channeled violently underneath the chassis, creating a suction effect that glues the car to the tarmac. Whether you are blasting down a Florida highway or navigating the technical corners of a track day, the stability is absolute.
The Driving Experience: Electrified Soul
Sliding into the cockpit, you are met with a start procedure that is now fully digital. A capacitive touch button on the steering wheel wakes the beast. By default, the Ferrari 296 GTB starts in ‘eDrive’ mode.
This is where the duality of the car shines. You can drive up to 15 miles on electric power alone. It’s a surreal experience to glide silently through a quiet suburb or navigate a city center without waking the neighbors. For those looking into exotic car rentals in cities like Los Angeles or Miami, this dual nature makes the 296 surprisingly livable.
But switch the Manettino to ‘Qualifying’ mode, and the world blurs. The 0-60 mph sprint is demolished in just 2.9 seconds. The acceleration is relentless, a physical force that pins you into the carbon fiber bucket seats. The transition between the electric motor and the V6 is seamless—a feat that many hybrid competitors still struggle to master.
The handling is defined by the shortened wheelbase—roughly 2 inches shorter than the F8 Tributo. This makes the car incredibly agile. It rotates around your hips with a telepathic quickness. Ferrari introduced a six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor (6w-CDS) that feeds data into the ABS evo system. This allows you to brake impossibly deep into corners, with the computer calculating the exact grip limit of each tire. It encourages you to push harder, instilling a level of confidence that feels almost unearned.
The Assetto Fiorano Question
For buyers obsessed with track performance, Ferrari offers the Assetto Fiorano package. This is a high-cost option that swaps the standard adaptive magnetorheological dampers for fixed-rate Multimatic dampers derived from GT racing. It also adds carbon fiber appendages to the front bumper for extra downforce and shaves off roughly 26 lbs of weight.
If you are browsing supercar lease deals or configuring your own, be warned: the Assetto Fiorano pack transforms the ride. On smooth racetracks, it is sublime. On broken city pavement, it can be punishing. Unless you plan to spend your weekends hunting lap times, the standard setup is far more compliant for road use.
Interior and Technology: A Digital Leap
The interior of the Ferrari 296 GTB is a strict departure from the analog past. The gauge cluster is a curved 16-inch digital screen, displaying everything from navigation to tire temperature. The passenger also gets their own slim display, allowing them to act as a co-pilot, monitoring speed and RPM.
If there is a criticism to be leveled, it is at the haptic touch controls on the steering wheel. They lack the tactile satisfaction of physical buttons and can be finicky to operate while driving at speed. It is a trend we are seeing across the industry, but on a car focused on pure driving pleasure, physical switchgear is missed.
However, the cabin quality is exquisite. Italian leather meets exposed carbon fiber in a layout that focuses entirely on the driver. The seating position is low and aggressive, yet the visibility is surprisingly good for a mid-engine supercar.
The Competition: Lamborghini Temerario and McLaren Artura
We cannot discuss the Ferrari 296 GTB without addressing the elephant in the room: the upcoming Lamborghini Temerario. As the successor to the Huracán, the Temerario is bringing a twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain that revs to 10,000 RPM and produces over 900 horsepower. It is a direct shot across the bow of Maranello.
While the Lamborghini chases peak power figures, the Ferrari relies on balance. The 296 GTB is lighter and more compact. It feels like a scalpel compared to Lamborghini’s sledgehammer.
Then there is the McLaren Artura. Also a V6 hybrid, the Artura is a formidable rival and often comes in at a lower price point. However, the McLaren lacks the dramatic engine note of the Ferrari and, frankly, the badge prestige that helps with residual values. When considering luxury car insurance and long-term ownership costs, the Ferrari often holds its value better than its British counterpart.
Practicality and Ownership
Owning a Ferrari 296 GTB in 2025 is a different proposition than owning the Ferraris of old. The 7-year maintenance program included with the car is a massive value add, covering standard service intervals. This significantly lowers the barrier to entry for those worried about the infamous “Ferrari tax” on maintenance.
Fuel economy is arguably irrelevant in this segment, but the plug-in hybrid system does offer efficiency benefits if you are disciplined with charging. More importantly, the ability to run in EV mode allows owners to bypass potential future combustion engine restrictions in city centers.
For those looking to finance, exotic car financing rates have fluctuated, but the 296 GTB remains a “safe” bet for lenders due to strong demand. Dealers are still seeing waitlists, meaning flipping is less common, but value retention is high.
Verdict: The New Standard
The Ferrari 296 GTB is not just a great Ferrari; it is one of the greatest sports cars ever made. It successfully bridges the gap between the analog emotion of the past and the electrified performance of the future. It proves that a hybrid system can enhance the driving experience rather than dilute it.
The V6 engine is a masterpiece of character, singing a song that rivals the old V12s. The chassis is playful, approachable, yet terrifyingly capable in the right hands. While the Lamborghini Temerario may bring more power and the McLaren 750S may offer a lighter, non-hybrid alternative, the 296 GTB strikes a balance that is almost impossible to fault.
Whether you are looking for a weekend canyon carver or a track-day weapon, the 296 delivers. It has set a high bar—one that the rest of the supercar world is currently scrambling to reach.
2025 Ferrari 296 GTB Specs
Engine: 3.0L Twin-Turbo 120-degree V6 + Electric Motor
Transmission: 8-speed F1 Dual-Clutch
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
Base Price: $342,000
If you are ready to experience the pinnacle of hybrid performance, don’t just read about it. Contact your local Ferrari dealer today to schedule a consultation or explore supercar lease deals that can put you in the driver’s seat of the future. The 296 GTB isn’t just a car; it’s an event. Don’t miss it.
