2025 Ferrari 296 GTB Review: Why Maranello’s V6 Hybrid Is Still the Supercar Benchmark
The automotive landscape is shifting beneath our feet. If you had told me ten years ago that the most exciting, e
motionally resonant car to roll out of the Maranello factory gates would be powered by a V6 engine and a battery pack, I would have laughed you out of the paddock. Yet, here we are in 2025. The V8 tribute bands are packing up their gear, and the era of high-voltage performance is fully electrified.
The Ferrari 296 GTB has been on American roads for a few years now, but time has done nothing to dull its impact. In fact, with the arrival of new challengers like the screaming Lamborghini Temerario and the evolved McLaren lineup, the 296 GTB’s significance has only crystallized. This isn’t just a “downsized” Ferrari; it is, quite possibly, the most cohesive engineering achievement the brand has produced in the modern era.
As a dedicated automotive journalist who has spent a decade dissecting everything from naturally aspirated V12s to silent EV hypercars, I’ve learned that spec sheets lie. The magic isn’t in the horsepower figure—though the Ferrari 296 GTB has plenty of that—it’s in the integration. Today, we are revisiting this hybrid marvel to see if it retains its crown as the defining supercar of the decade.
The Engineering Ethos: More Than Just a Hybrid
To understand why the Ferrari 296 GTB behaves the way it does, you have to look past the badge and into the engine bay. Ferrari calls this engine the F163, but the world has come to know it as the “Piccolo V12” (Little V12). It is a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 with a wide 120-degree bank angle.
Why does that angle matter? In the world of exotic car engineering, center of gravity is everything. By flattening the V-angle, Ferrari engineers could mount the turbochargers inside the “V” (a “hot-vee” configuration). This shortens the plumbing for immediate throttle response and lowers the entire engine block within the chassis.
Sandwiched between that combustion engine and the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is an electric motor (MGU-K) derived from Formula 1 technology. This electric unit fills in the torque gaps while the turbos spool, creating a power curve that feels frighteningly linear.
The combined output is a staggering 819 horsepower and roughly 546 lb-ft of torque. Unlike the flagship SF90 Stradale, which uses front motors for all-wheel drive, the Ferrari 296 GTB sends every single pony exclusively to the rear wheels. This decision was crucial. It keeps the car feeling like a traditional rear-wheel-drive sports car, maintaining that delicate balance and steering purity that enthusiasts crave.
Design and Aerodynamics: A nod to the 250 LM
Visually, the Ferrari 296 GTB is a masterclass in clean, reductive design. In an era where competitors are adding vents, slats, and wings upon wings, the 296 is smooth. It draws heavy inspiration from the legendary 250 LM of the 1960s, particularly in the B-pillar buttresses and the muscular rear haunches.
However, don’t let the smooth lines fool you; the air is working hard here. Ferrari has integrated active aerodynamics that generate 794 lbs of downforce at 155 mph (with the Assetto Fiorano package). The pièce de résistance is the active rear spoiler—a “tea tray” element that rises from the tail to increase vertical load during high-speed cornering and braking.
For buyers in sunny climates like Miami or Los Angeles, the design offers a level of curb appeal that is sophisticated rather than shouting. It fits as comfortably in a valet line at a Beverly Hills hotel as it does in a pit lane.
The Driving Experience: Digital Brain, Analog Soul
Sliding into the cockpit, you press the capacitive start button (a controversial feature we will discuss later), and the car defaults to ‘Hybrid’ mode. Pulling away in silence is an eerie experience in a Ferrari. The 7.45 kWh battery provides about 15 miles of all-electric range. It’s enough to slip out of your neighborhood or navigate a noise-restricted city center without waking the neighbors.
But the moment you switch the Manettino dial to ‘Performance’ or ‘Qualify’, the V6 barks to life.
The acceleration is violent. The Ferrari 296 GTB demolishes the 0-60 mph sprint in just 2.9 seconds, continuing on to a top speed exceeding 205 mph. But raw speed is a commodity these days; you can get that in an electric sedan. What sets the 296 apart is the texture of the speed.
As the revs climb toward the 8,500 rpm redline, the exhaust note harmonizes into a high-pitched scream that genuinely mimics a V12. The electric motor’s shove is instant, but it fades into the background as the combustion engine takes over, creating a seamless surge of propulsion.
Handling and the “6w-CDS” Sensor
This is where Ferrari leaves the competition behind. The Ferrari 296 GTB utilizes a six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor (6w-CDS). This sensor reads acceleration and rotation speed on three axes (X, Y, and Z). It feeds this data into the ABS Evo controller and the Side Slip Control system.
In English? The car knows exactly how much grip is available at each tire in real-time. You can trail-brake deep into a corner, and the system manages the brake pressure at each wheel to keep the car rotating without spinning out. It makes you feel like a hero. The steering is light—typical of modern Ferraris—but hyper-accurate. It allows you to place the car on a dime, whether you are carving through the canyons of the Angeles Crest Highway or pushing limits on a track day at COTA.
The Looming Threat: Lamborghini Temerario
We cannot review the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2025 without addressing the elephant in the room: the new Lamborghini Temerario. As the successor to the Huracán, the Temerario has abandoned the V10 for a twin-turbo V8 hybrid that spins to a stratospheric 10,000 rpm.
On paper, the Lamborghini boasts over 900 horsepower, eclipsing the 296. However, Lamborghini’s approach is often about brute force and theater. Ferrari’s approach with the 296 GTB has been about agility and approachable limits. The 296 is significantly shorter in wheelbase than the old F8 Tributo, making it feel smaller and more nimble.
While the Temerario will undoubtedly be a monster, the Ferrari 296 GTB has set a bar for chassis sophistication that will be incredibly difficult to clear. The “fun-to-drive” factor of the 296 is its USP (Unique Selling Proposition). It isn’t just about lap times; it’s about the grin on your face at 40 mph or 140 mph.
The Assetto Fiorano Package: Worth the Investment?
For those looking to maximize the investment potential of their supercar, or those who plan to track the car regularly, the Assetto Fiorano package is a critical option to consider.
This package sheds roughly 33 lbs off the car’s weight through the extensive use of carbon fiber and titanium springs. Crucially, it replaces the standard adaptive magnetorheological dampers with fixed-rate Multimatic dampers derived from GT racing. It also includes high-downforce carbon fiber appendages on the front bumper.
If you are driving purely on the street—battling potholes in the Northeast or concrete seams in the Midwest—the standard suspension is superior. It is compliant and surprisingly comfortable for long-distance touring. However, if you want the sharpest tool in the shed, the Assetto Fiorano transforms the Ferrari 296 GTB into a track weapon.
Interior Technology and Usability
If there is an Achilles’ heel to the Ferrari 296 GTB, it is the Human Machine Interface (HMI). Ferrari has moved almost entirely to capacitive touch controls on the steering wheel and dash.
Starting the car, adjusting mirrors, or even changing the volume requires swipes and taps that lack the tactile satisfaction of physical buttons. In a luxury vehicle costing over $340,000, this can be frustrating. The digital instrument cluster is brilliant, displaying navigation and telemetry clearly, but the learning curve for the steering wheel controls is steep.
However, once you are moving, the cabin is a lovely place to be. The seats offer excellent support, and the leatherwork is exquisite, as you would expect from Italian craftsmanship. There is even a small “frunk” (front trunk) capable of holding a couple of soft weekend bags—perfect for a getaway to Napa Valley or the Hamptons.
Real-World Ownership: Costs and Considerations
Buying a Ferrari 296 GTB is a financial commitment that goes beyond the sticker price. While the base MSRP hovers around $342,000, most specs leaving the dealership floor are transacting closer to $400,000 or more with options.
Exotic Car Insurance and Financing
Securing exotic car insurance for a high-performance hybrid requires a specialized broker. Premiums can fluctuate wildly based on location and driving history, but expect to budget significantly for comprehensive coverage. Because the 296 GTB utilizes expensive carbon fiber and complex high-voltage electronics, collision repair costs are astronomical, driving up insurance premiums.
When it comes to luxury sports car financing, the 296 GTB holds its value remarkably well. Ferrari’s controlled production numbers assist in residual value retention. Many owners utilize balloon financing structures or lease-to-own programs to manage cash flow, leveraging the car’s strong resale value.
Maintenance and Reliability
One major advantage Ferrari holds over competitors like McLaren is the 7-Year Genuine Maintenance program. This covers all scheduled maintenance for the first seven years of the car’s life, regardless of mileage. For a complex plug-in hybrid, this offers significant peace of mind.
Owners should also consider ceramic coating for exotic cars immediately upon delivery. The water-based paints used by modern manufacturers are environmentally friendly but softer than older formulations. A high-quality paint protection film (PPF) and ceramic coating are essential to protect the investment from rock chips and road debris.
The Verdict: A Future Classic
The Ferrari 296 GTB is not just a stepping stone to full electrification; it is a destination in itself. It proves that a hybrid system can enhance, rather than dilute, the emotional connection between driver and machine.
While the McLaren 750S offers a more analog, lightweight experience, and the Lamborghini Temerario promises 10,000 rpm hysteria, the 296 GTB strikes a perfect balance. It possesses the elegance of a GT car with the soul of a racer. The integration of the V6 and the electric motor is so seamless that you stop thinking about the technology and simply drive.
In the US market, where we value both innovation and heritage, the 296 resonates. It respects the history of the brand (the Dino connection) while embracing the future technology that keeps the internal combustion engine alive.
Pros:
Powertrain integration is flawless.
Steering and chassis balance are best-in-class.
7-Year maintenance program reduces ownership anxiety.
Stunning, timeless design.
Cons:
Capacitive touch interior controls are finicky.
Brake pedal feel requires acclimation (due to regen blending).
Options list can quickly add $100k to the price.
Final Thoughts
Is the Ferrari 296 GTB the best supercar on sale today? In terms of bandwidth—the ability to be a silent commuter one minute and a track-destroying monster the next—the answer is a resounding yes. It has redefined what we expect from a plug-in hybrid supercar.
As we move further into 2025, the waitlists for these vehicles remain long, and secondary market prices are holding steady. If you have the means, do not hesitate. The era of combustion is setting, but the 296 GTB ensures it’s going out with a spectacular bang.
Ready to experience the pinnacle of Italian engineering?
Contact your local authorized Ferrari dealer today to inquire about allocation availability or schedule a consultation. The road is calling—answer it in the 296 GTB.
