2025 Ferrari 296 GTB Review: Can Maranello’s V6 Hybrid Hold Off the Lamborghini Temerario?
By the time you have spent a decade reviewing the world’s most potent machinery, you develop a certain skepti
cism toward “paradigm shifts.” When the Ferrari 296 GTB launched in 2022, replacing the beloved twin-turbo V8 lineage with a V6 hybrid setup, the purists sharpened their pitchforks. It felt like a downsizing exercise—a concession to emissions rather than a pursuit of performance.
Fast forward to 2025. The automotive landscape has shifted violently. We are now staring down the barrel of the Lamborghini Temerario, a 10,000-rpm, 900+ horsepower hybrid monster designed specifically to dethrone Ferrari. Yet, after spending another week with the Ferrari 296 GTB, tackling everything from the Pacific Coast Highway’s curves to the stop-and-go humidity of Miami traffic, one thing is abundantly clear: Maranello didn’t just build a stop-gap hybrid. They built the benchmark.
This isn’t just a review of a car that’s been out for a few years. This is a re-evaluation of the current supercar king to see if its crown is slipping as new challengers arrive.
The Engineering: Why the “Piccolo V12” Still Rules
To understand the Ferrari 296 GTB, you have to look past the cylinder count. Yes, it is a V6. But this 2.9-liter unit is a masterclass in packaging and thermal dynamics. It features a wide 120-degree angle between the cylinder banks, allowing the turbochargers to sit inside the “V” (a configuration known as a “hot vee”).
Why does this matter to the driver? It lowers the center of gravity significantly compared to the outgoing F8 Tributo. When you combine this internal combustion engine (ICE) with the rear-mounted electric motor, the total output hits a staggering 819 horsepower.
The magic, however, isn’t just in the peak number. It is how that power is delivered. In the Ferrari 296 GTB, the electric motor fills the torque gaps at the bottom of the rev range—essentially eliminating turbo lag—while the V6 screams to an 8,500-rpm redline. The result is an engine note that Ferrari engineers cheekily dubbed the “piccolo V12” (little V12). In 2025, amidst a sea of muted turbo engines, this soundtrack remains one of the most emotional experiences you can buy.
Design and Aerodynamics: The 250 LM Reborn
Visually, the Ferrari 296 GTB has aged gracefully. It avoids the aggressive, slash-cut styling of its Lamborghini rivals, opting instead for a cleaner, more sensual approach inspired by the 1960s 250 LM. The flying buttresses at the rear and the visor-style windshield create a silhouette that looks fast even when parked at a valet stand in Los Angeles.
But make no mistake, the beauty is functional. This car generates 360kg of downforce at 155 mph. Unlike the SF90 Stradale, which uses complex shut-off Gurney flaps, the Ferrari 296 GTB utilizes an active rear spoiler that deploys from the bodywork to stick the rear axle to the pavement during high-speed braking and cornering.
For those looking to push the car on track, the Assetto Fiorano package remains a crucial option. This spec sheds nearly 33 pounds via extensive use of carbon fiber and titanium, and it swaps the standard magnetorheological dampers for fixed-rate Multimatic shocks derived from GT racing. If you are browsing exotic car dealership inventories, you will notice the Assetto Fiorano models command a premium, and for good reason—they transform the car from a grand tourer into a track weapon.
The Driving Experience: A Digital Brain with an Analog Soul
The most controversial aspect of modern supercars is the intrusion of technology. We often worry that electronic nannies sever the connection between driver and road. The Ferrari 296 GTB proves that software can actually enhance the human element.
Central to this is the 6-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor (6w-CDS). In simple terms, this is the car’s inner ear. It detects acceleration, rotation, and yaw speed on three axes. It feeds this data to the ABS Evo controller and the side-slip control system.
What does this feel like in the real world? It feels like hero mode. You can trail-brake deep into a hairpin, and the brake-by-wire system communicates exactly how much grip is available at the front tires. You can stomp on the throttle early on exit, and the Ferrari 296 GTB manages the 546 lb-ft of torque so smoothly that you feel like a Formula 1 driver, rather than a reckless amateur.
The reduced wheelbase (50mm shorter than the F8) makes the car hyper-agile. It rotates around your hips with a telepathic quickness that the Lamborghini Huracán never quite mastered. While the upcoming Temerario promises more power, it will have a hard time matching the sheer “tossability” of the 296.
The Hybrid Element: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Starting a Ferrari usually involves a bark of exhaust that wakes the neighbors. The Ferrari 296 GTB is different. It defaults to ‘Hybrid’ mode, meaning you pull away in silence.
With a 7.45 kWh battery, you get roughly 15 miles of electric-only range. Is this a gimmick? Perhaps. But there is a distinct pleasure in gliding silently through a quiet suburb or navigating a crowded city center without the engine hunting for gears. It adds a layer of usability that makes this a genuine daily driver.
However, switch the Manettino dial to ‘Qualifying’ mode, and the battery is drained rapidly to provide maximum boost. The integration is seamless. You don’t feel the handoff between electric and gas; you just feel a relentless, linear surge of acceleration that pins you to the carbon-fiber seats. The 0-60 mph sprint is dismissed in 2.9 seconds, but it feels faster because of the instant electric torque.
Interior and Technology: The One Weakness?
If the Ferrari 296 GTB has an Achilles’ heel, it is the cabin interface. Ferrari has gone all-in on haptic touch controls, removing almost all physical buttons.
The steering wheel is a glossy black panel of capacitive switches. Adjusting the mirrors, changing the track on your playlist, or even using the turn signals requires a specific touch that can be hit-or-miss while driving. It looks futuristic and clean, but from a usability standpoint, it is a regression.
That said, the driver-focused layout is excellent. The digital instrument cluster is sharp and customizable, displaying everything from tire temperatures to battery charge levels. The seating position is low and perfect, offering surprisingly good visibility for a mid-engine supercar.
For potential owners, space is a consideration. The “frunk” (front trunk) is capable of holding two weekend bags, but don’t expect to haul golf clubs. This is strictly a weekend getaway machine.
Market Analysis: Ferrari 296 GTB vs. The World
The supercar market in 2025 is more competitive than ever. The Ferrari 296 GTB sits in a bracket where buyers are cross-shopping against the McLaren Artura Spider and the newly announced Lamborghini Temerario.
The McLaren offers a carbon-tub chassis and a similar V6 hybrid layout but lacks the emotional engine note and the manic top-end rush of the Ferrari. It is a clinical precision instrument, whereas the 296 is a passionate Italian opera.
The Lamborghini Temerario is the real threat. With a flat-plane crank V8 and three electric motors, it out-powers the Ferrari on paper. However, early reports suggest the Lamborghini carries significantly more weight. In the world of performance, weight is the enemy of fun. The Ferrari 296 GTB, tipping the scales at roughly 3,240 lbs (dry), manages its mass exceptionally well.
Buying Advice: Financing, Insurance, and Value
If you are in the market to buy a Ferrari 296 GTB, be prepared for a waiting list or a significant markup on the secondary market. Despite being a “regular” production car, demand has outstripped supply since launch.
Luxury car financing rates in 2025 have stabilized, but given the price point—starting around $340,000 but easily speccing over $450,000—most buyers are looking at substantial down payments.
From an ownership perspective, supercar insurance quotes for the 296 GTB are surprisingly competitive compared to the V12 models, partially due to the advanced safety systems (ADAS) and the smaller engine displacement. However, do not expect a bargain; you are still insuring a half-million-dollar asset.
For those considering the investment potential, the 296 GTB is holding value better than the SF90 Stradale did in its early years. The shift to hybridization has been accepted by the market, and the Ferrari 296 GTB is viewed as the “sweet spot” of the lineup—more engaging than the SF90, more modern than the F8.
The Assetto Fiorano Question
Is the Assetto Fiorano package worth the extra $50,000+?
If you live near canyons or track days are part of your lifestyle, absolutely. The Multimatic dampers transform the car’s body control. However, if you primarily drive on broken city streets, the standard suspension with the “Bumpy Road” mode is the better choice. The Assetto Fiorano car can be harsh on rough pavement, and the optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires are notably terrible in the rain.
Also, be wary of the livery. The two-tone paint scheme available only on Assetto Fiorano cars is polarizing. Some love the nod to the 250 LM; others think it ruins the clean lines of the Ferrari 296 GTB. Choose wisely, as this will impact resale value.
Verdict: The King Stay the King
It is rare that a car lives up to the hype, especially when that hype involves replacing a legendary V8 with a V6. But the Ferrari 296 GTB is a triumph of engineering over nostalgia.
It manages to be two cars in one: a docile, electric cruiser for the commute and a screaming, slip-sliding supercar for the weekend. The integration of the hybrid system is so natural that it makes non-hybrid rivals feel sluggish and antiquated.
As Lamborghini prepares to launch the Temerario, they have a massive hill to climb. They might beat the Ferrari 296 GTB on sheer horsepower, but matching the Ferrari’s balance, steering feel, and playfulness is a different challenge entirely.
In 2025, the Ferrari 296 GTB isn’t just the best car in its class. It might just be the best sports car on sale, period. It combines the tactility of the past with the propulsion of the future. It is a car that makes you want to drive, just for the sake of driving.
Ready to Experience the Pinnacle of Italian Engineering?
Reading about 819 horsepower is one thing; feeling it kick you in the back is another. Whether you are looking to configure a new build or find a pristine example on the secondary market, the time to act is now before the next price hike.
Contact your local exotic car specialist today to schedule a test drive of the Ferrari 296 GTB and experience the future of performance firsthand.
