Ferrari 296 GTB 2025: Maranello’s Electrified Masterpiece Faces the New Bull
For a decade now, I’ve navigated the exhilarating, often bewildering, landscape of the automotive industry. I’ve witnessed firsthand the seismic shifts that redefine what a supercar can be, and few have been as profound as the electrification revolution. In this arena, Ferrari has always been a titan, pushing boundaries with an almost arrogant flair. Their Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 review stands as a testament to this enduring legacy, a vehicle that dared to rewrite the supercar playbook and, remarkably, succeeded.
When the 296 GTB first broke cover in 2022, it represented an unprecedented departure for the marque. The hallowed, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8, a powerplant synonymous with Ferrari’s modern era, was retired in favor of a groundbreaking twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by a potent electric motor. This wasn’t merely an update; it was a bold declaration of intent, placing Ferrari at the vanguard of a segment that was still tentatively dipping its toes into the hybrid waters.
In its nascent stages, the 296 GTB’s most direct adversary was the Lamborghini Huracán, a purist’s dream powered by a glorious naturally-aspirated V10. While lacking the sheer grunt of the Italian rival, the Huracán compensated with an intoxicating symphony of sound and raw, unadulterated charisma that defined its golden years. The McLaren 720S, with its formidable twin-turbo V8, was another formidable contender, renowned for its relentless pursuit of power-to-weight supremacy. However, the landscape has since evolved dramatically. With Lamborghini’s upcoming Temerario – a 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid behemoth – poised to enter the fray, the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 is no longer just a statement; it’s a benchmark. The Temerario, a direct challenge to Maranello’s 819bhp hybridised Berlinetta, represents a significant escalation in performance and technological ambition.
The sheer firepower packed into the 296 GTB is, frankly, mind-bending. This is Ferrari’s first road car to sport a V6 engine – a nod to the iconic 246 GT Dino, though the Dino never bore the Prancing Horse insignia in its era. The engine itself is a marvel of engineering: a 120-degree, twin-turbocharged unit, employing a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger arrangement for optimal responsiveness. Coupled with an electric motor, it churns out a combined 819bhp. What’s truly remarkable is that this V6, on its own, produces a staggering 654bhp and 546lb ft of torque. The electric motor contributes an additional 165bhp and 232lb ft. Ferrari, in their characteristic fashion, remains coy about the combined peak torque figure, no doubt due to the intricate interplay between the combustion engine and the electric drive. It’s safe to assume, however, that the figure is nothing short of colossal. This V6, a testament to modern downsizing, is also 30kg lighter than its V8 predecessor, making the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 a more agile and responsive machine.
This electrification extends to a plug-in hybrid system, offering an EV-only range of approximately 15 miles. While not groundbreaking in isolation, it signifies Ferrari’s commitment to exploring sustainable performance. The V6 is mounted low within a bespoke aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase 50mm shorter than its V8 predecessors, with occupants positioned slightly further forward. This packaging optimizes weight distribution and enhances agility, crucial for a car designed to carve apexes with surgical precision. The battery pack, a long, rectangular unit, resides discreetly behind the seats, further contributing to the car’s balanced dynamics.
It wouldn’t be a Ferrari without a labyrinth of sophisticated electronic chassis systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. The centerpiece is the six-axis sensor, dubbed 6w-CDS, a sophisticated unit capable of measuring acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes. This advanced sensor replaces traditional yaw sensors, and in conjunction with a steering rack-mounted sensor, provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of the driver’s intentions and the tire’s grip levels. This data allows systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff to work in concert, maximizing cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability. A standout innovation is the ABS-evo system, available in RACE mode and above. Integrated with the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, it significantly reduces braking distances and enhances performance during trail-braking maneuvers, a testament to Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of track-honed dynamics.
For the first time, Ferrari is leveraging its active aerodynamics not to minimize drag, but to generate downforce. The marque claims an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a substantial 100kg of that figure attributable to the deployable rear wing. The thermal management of this hybrid powertrain is equally impressive. Two radiators in the nose manage engine and gearbox cooling, while two additional condensers handle battery temperature. Hot air is expelled from the underbody to prevent interference with the intercooler airflow along the flanks. Small apertures below the headlights are dedicated to cooling the brakes, and a roofline-integrated wing creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, channeling air efficiently to the rear of the car. The majority of the downforce, however, is generated by the underbody, where meticulous attention has been paid to diffuser design and ground clearance to optimize the effectiveness of these aerodynamic surfaces.
The Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 models I sampled on the launch circuit were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This track-focused upgrade replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units, derived from GT racing technology, and adds carbon aerodynamic elements to the nose, boosting front downforce by an additional 20kg. The package also introduces further carbon fiber elements in the cabin and exterior, contributing to a 12kg weight saving. Opting for the Lexan rear engine cover shaves off an additional 3kg. For those seeking ultimate track adhesion, the Assetto Fiorano specification can be enhanced with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the standard Pilot Sport 4S. The Fiorano package also offers an exterior graphics option, inspired by the iconic 250LM of the 1960s, further enhancing the car’s visual appeal.
Even without the optional graphics, the 296 GTB is a strikingly beautiful automobile, a departure from anything else on the road, drawing subtle cues from the legendary 250LM. It possesses a timeless elegance, a hallmark of Ferrari design.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: A Symphony of Power and Precision
Engaging the 296 GTB is as simple as a double press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, initiating its journey on electric power alone, unless prompted otherwise via the intuitive, albeit touch-sensitive, driver mode buttons on the steering wheel’s boss. As long as throttle inputs remain gentle and the battery is sufficiently charged, the 296 will glide silently, an unexpected pleasure in urban environments.
The driving modes offer a spectrum of engagement. You can consciously select EV mode, forcing electric-only propulsion regardless of throttle demand. Alternatively, Performance and Qualifying modes unleash the full fury of the hybrid powertrain. In Performance mode, both power sources work in tandem, with the system actively working to maintain battery charge. Qualifying mode prioritizes absolute maximum performance, with little regard for battery conservation – the true unleashing of the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025.
The sheer potency is immediately apparent. Prod the throttle at low revs in a high gear, and the 296 surges forward with an astonishing lack of lag. It’s a sensation that momentarily makes you question the need for gear changes, such is its immediate and overwhelming thrust. Yet, there are eight gears to exploit, and an engine that revs to an exhilarating 8500rpm. When you truly uncork this machine, the effect is nothing short of breathtaking. The acceleration figures speak for themselves – a blistering 0-62mph in a mere 2.9 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205mph. The rate of acceleration is of the “hold-on-tight” variety, bordering on uncomfortable yet undeniably addictive. It’s a seriously rapid automobile, and the soundtrack, a delightful V6 rasp overlaid with evocative turbocharger notes, only enhances the experience.
What truly elevates the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 beyond its prodigious power is its chassis responsiveness. Ferrari’s claim of making this car “fun to drive” is not an overstatement. It feels incredibly agile without ever tipping into a state of nervousness. The steering, a signature Ferrari trait, is light and lightning-fast, but crucially, it’s also brimming with feedback. Grip levels are, as expected, immense, but what’s truly captivating is the car’s adjustability on the throttle. The ability to subtly alter the car’s trajectory with minute throttle inputs is a constant source of amusement and deep satisfaction.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a delightful lack of inertia, encouraging the driver to work with the car, making small, precise inputs and reveling in its accuracy. The CT Off mode offers an incredible degree of freedom, providing the reassurance of an intelligent electronic safety net without unduly compromising the driving experience. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s innate balance allows for playful manipulation into oversteer, a feat one wouldn’t expect from a car producing such immense power.
On the racetrack, the 296 GTB has the remarkable ability to seemingly shrink the circuit. Its precision is astounding. The power is more than sufficient to break rear-end traction at numerous points around the lap, yet the car is incredibly sensitive to braking and steering inputs. Precision in control yields the greatest rewards. The turn-in accuracy is phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing into turns and building load gradually, the 296 settles immediately, its suspension – particularly with the Assetto Fiorano setup’s enhanced roll support – working in perfect harmony with the hyper-quick steering. Even for drivers accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the speed, precision, and sheer agility of the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 are nothing short of phenomenal, delivering an exhilarating experience lap after lap.
Interior: A Digital Frontier
The cabin architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to those acquainted with the SF90. Ferrari has adopted a predominantly digital interface, complemented by haptic switchgear liberally scattered across the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari stalks. While undeniably complex, the system attempts to convey a wealth of information. The primary frustration lies in the occasional need for a second press for simple operations to register, or the ambiguity of whether a press has been successful at all. Despite these interface quirks, the cabin undeniably feels like a special place to be, exuding an aura of focused performance.
The Verdict: A Return to Form and a New Benchmark
At the prestigious evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, the 296 GTB found itself in a remarkably close contest with the McLaren Artura, ultimately securing a joint third place. The judges were evenly split, a testament to the exceptional quality of both machines. Those who favoured the Ferrari lauded its spectacular nature: “Beautiful to look at, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable and so technically clever,” enthused one tester. The V6 engine was seen as a masterclass in downsizing, delivering drama and character that rivals struggled to match. Its control matched the Artura’s, yet it possessed a more playful and indulgent character.
Another praised it as “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. The hybrid system, far from being intrusive, was praised for its seamless integration, blending with the driving experience rather than disrupting it. This was attributed, in part, to the familiarity with the torque-rich characteristics of turbocharged V8s from the 488 and F8. The 296 GTB’s stonking pace is tempered by the inherent character of its V6, which offers a consistently sweet soundtrack that evolves with throttle input.
However, a notable incident during the evo testing highlighted a potential concern: the battery depleted, leaving the car immobile with no apparent means of revival. While Ferrari had provided guidance on preventing such an occurrence, it raised questions about the robustness of the fail-safe systems for an everyday owner. Despite this, the overwhelming consensus was that the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 represents a significant return to form for Ferrari, especially when compared to the less inspiring SF90. Its technical sophistication, particularly the integration of its hybrid technology, felt far more natural and less intrusive. It’s clear that Ferrari has learned valuable lessons from the SF90 and distilled them into a series production model that stands as one of its finest achievements.
The risk with such technologically advanced vehicles is that they can become less than the sum of their parts. This was a concern with the SF90, which, despite its dazzling power, could be somewhat unnerving due to its less predictable driving characteristics. The Ferrari 296 GTB 2025, however, is a different proposition. It feels organic, striking a perfect balance between immense power and engaging dynamics. It redefines what a sub-$300,000 supercar can be. Rumours of a “Versione Speciale” variant with even greater performance and intensity only add to the anticipation. The hope remains that this enhanced intensity will not detract from the standard car’s inexplicably natural feel.
It is this very aspect – the natural, intuitive feel – that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power for a series production supercar, and if the rest of the car isn’t meticulously resolved to manage it, the entire package can be corrupted. Given the sheer brilliance of the Revuelto, there is every reason to be optimistic about the Temerario’s potential. If Lamborghini has indeed nailed it, we are poised for an epic twin-test showdown between two hybrid titans, potentially exceeding 1700bhp combined.
One could even imagine a triple threat, including the McLaren 750S, which, at 740bhp, now appears almost quaint in this company. However, the McLaren’s comparatively petite 1389kg kerb weight ensures a potent power-to-weight ratio. The raw, ergonomic rightness of the McLaren, the crispness of its steering, and the deftness of its chassis still hold a distinct advantage over the comparatively remote feel of the Ferrari for some drivers.
The Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 is more than just a supercar; it’s a statement of intent, a bold leap into the future of performance motoring. It balances blistering speed with an engaging and accessible driving experience, setting a new standard for what’s possible when cutting-edge technology meets timeless Italian artistry.
Engine: V6, 2992cc, twin-turbo, plus e-motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, active E-diff
Power: 819bhp (combined) @ 8000rpm
Torque: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9sec
Top speed: 205mph
Price: Approximately $320,000+ (depending on market and options)
The road ahead for supercar performance is electrifying, both literally and figuratively. If you’re ready to experience the future of automotive excellence and explore the capabilities of the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025, or discuss how this transformative technology can integrate with your own automotive aspirations, reach out to our expert team for a personalized consultation.
