The Ferrari 296 GTB: Redefining Hybrid Supercar Dynamics in 2025
For nearly a decade, I’ve navigated the exhilarating, and at times, bewildering landscape of high-performance automotive engineering. My career has spanned the evolution from roaring naturally aspirated engines to the sophisticated symphony of turbocharging, and now, the undeniable ascent of electrification. It’s within this context that the Ferrari 296 GTB emerges not just as a remarkable machine, but as a pivotal statement in the ongoing supercar revolution, a stark contrast to the raw, albeit dwindling, charm of its predecessors and a formidable benchmark for emerging rivals like the much-anticipated Lamborghini Temerario.
The arrival of the 296 GTB in 2022 marked a seismic shift in Ferrari’s mid-engined supercar philosophy. It dared to retire the revered, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8, a powerplant that had defined an era of performance and charisma, in favor of a new, electrifying paradigm: a twin-turbocharged V6 augmented by a potent electric motor. This bold move positioned the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a segment still grappling with the full implications of hybrid power.
In its nascent years, the 296 GTB’s most direct rival was the Lamborghini Huracán, a titan of the naturally aspirated V10. While it lacked the outright horsepower of the hybridized Ferrari, the Huracán offered an intoxicating blend of V10 aural drama and visceral engagement, a characteristic that cemented its appeal during its celebrated run. It also contended with the ferocious McLaren 720S, a car that championed the supremacy of its twin-turbo V8 and its class-leading power-to-weight ratio. While the subsequent McLaren 750S represents a thoughtful evolution of that theme, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid powertrain of Lamborghini’s rumored Lamborghini Temerario review – itself a powerhouse boasting a staggering 10,000rpm redline – is undeniably a direct gauntlet thrown at Maranello’s 819bhp hybrid Berlinetta.
Make no mistake, the Ferrari 296 GTB performance is nothing short of astonishing. Its all-new, 120-degree twin-turbo V6, paired with an electric motor, drives solely the rear wheels (a distinction from the all-wheel-drive SF90 Stradale). This potent combination results in a headline figure of 819bhp, a testament to Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of pushing boundaries. The sheer scale of this power output naturally prompts introspection: where does this relentless escalation of horsepower ultimately lead, and more critically, where can such extraordinary performance be legitimately unleashed in the real world? These are questions that transcend mere specification sheets.
The 296 GTB is a landmark vehicle. It represents the first V6-powered Ferrari road car to bear the Prancing Horse emblem – a nod to the iconic, though not officially badged, 246 GT Dino of yesteryear. It pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger layout, where the turbos are nestled within the engine’s V-angle for optimal packaging and reduced turbo lag. Furthermore, it’s a plug-in hybrid, offering an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles, a capability that hints at the future of daily drivability for supercars. The compact V6 engine is mounted low within a newly developed aluminum chassis. Notably, the wheelbase has been shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, with occupants positioned slightly further forward, contributing to a more centralized mass and enhanced agility.
The electric motor contributes a substantial 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 alone unleashes a colossal 654bhp and 546lb ft. While Ferrari strategically refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the electric motor and internal combustion engine, it’s safe to assume the aggregate torque is nothing short of prodigious. The V6 unit itself is remarkably 30kg lighter than its V8 counterparts, and it’s mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a sleek, elongated structure, is discreetly housed behind the seats, further contributing to the car’s balanced weight distribution.
No Ferrari is complete without a suite of sophisticated electronic chassis control systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has engineered a groundbreaking six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This advanced system meticulously measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. It effectively replaces traditional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, provides the car with an unprecedented understanding of both driver inputs and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patches. This intelligence feeds into the Side Slip Control and the active E-diff, optimizing cornering speeds while steadfastly maintaining stability and driver confidence. This innovation also enables the novel ABS-evo system, available in RACE mode and above. Via the car’s brake-by-wire architecture, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners.
For the first time in its history, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics not to minimize drag, but to dramatically increase downforce. The company claims a remarkable 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a significant portion of this generated by a deployable rear wing that seamlessly integrates into the car’s tail. The thermal management system is equally impressive, featuring two radiators in the front for engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two additional condensers dedicated to battery cooling. Hot air is expertly channeled underneath the car, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with the airflow directed to the intercoolers situated along the flanks. Smaller apertures beneath the headlamps are specifically designed to channel air for brake cooling, while a roofline-integrated spoiler creates a “virtual” rear screen, guiding air towards the rear of the car as if it were flowing over a solid surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce is meticulously sculpted from beneath the car, where dedicated attention has been paid to airflow channeling, the rear diffuser, and crucially, the underbody’s ground clearance to maximize the efficacy of these downforce-generating elements.
Our initial encounters with the 296 GTB on track were exclusively with models equipped with the Assetto Fiorano package. This optional upgrade replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units, derived from GT racing technology, and introduces additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements to the front fascia, augmenting front downforce by an additional 20kg. The package also incorporates more carbon fiber within the cabin (such as the door panels) and on the exterior, contributing to an overall weight saving of 12kg. This can be further enhanced by 15kg with the optional Lexan rear engine cover. For those seeking ultimate track capability, the Fiorano package also offers the option of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, supplanting the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Fiorano-equipped cars can also be personalized with an exterior graphics package, a stylish homage to the iconic 250LM of the 1960s.
Having had extensive time to appreciate the 296 GTB in person, I can attest to its stunning visual appeal. It possesses a distinct character, unlike anything else on the road, and even without the controversial graphics pack, it evokes a clear lineage to the legendary 250LM.
Performance and Dynamic Prowess
Initiating forward motion is as simple as a double press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss followed by selecting first gear. The 296 GTB defaults to Hybrid mode, meaning it will quietly glide away on electric power alone, unless directed otherwise via the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors located on the left side of the steering wheel’s hub. As long as throttle inputs remain measured, the car will continue on electric power, provided the battery retains sufficient charge.
Drivers also have the option to actively engage EV mode, irrespective of current powertrain demands. Beyond this, Performance and Qualifying modes offer progressively more aggressive settings. In Performance mode, both power sources operate in tandem, with a focus on maintaining battery charge. Qualifying mode, however, prioritizes absolute maximum performance, disregarding the battery’s state of charge.
The experience of gliding silently through urban landscapes is an unexpected revelation, and the sophisticated damping renders it a surprisingly comfortable cruiser for covering long distances. There’s even a practical luggage compartment in the ‘frunk’ at the front – a welcome contrast to the SF90’s more restrictive storage. But what truly ignites the curiosity, for both myself and the discerning reader, is the sensation when both the V6 engine and the electric motor are unleashed in their full fury.
The true character of the Ferrari 296 GTB acceleration is revealed when you plant the throttle at low revs in a higher gear. The 296 surges forward with an immediate, unyielding ferocity that temporarily makes you question the very necessity of gear changes, such is its astonishing potency. Yet, with eight gears at your disposal and an engine that willingly spins to an exhilarating 8500rpm, the full unveiling of the 296’s capabilities is nothing short of sensational.
As the performance figures suggest – a blistering 0-62mph time that verges on the uncomfortable, accompanied by a top speed exceeding 200mph – the rate of acceleration is of the ‘hold-on-tight’ variety, eliciting a nervous laughter that is both intensely addictive and undeniably profound. This is a car operating at a seriously rapid pace. And the soundtrack? It’s a captivating blend of turbocharger whirring and whistling, artfully layered over a sonorous V6 rasp, creating an auditory experience that complements the mechanical ballet.
Ride and Handling: A Masterclass in Agility
What truly distinguishes the 296 GTB is the exceptional responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s assertion that the car was designed to be ‘fun to drive’ is not mere marketing hyperbole; it’s a fundamental truth. The handling feels exquisitely agile without ever tipping into the realm of nervousness. The steering, a hallmark of Ferrari’s supercars, is typically light and incredibly quick, yet it also conveys a surprising level of road detail. While the grip levels are predictably immense, the car’s ability to be precisely controlled and adjusted with the throttle is a source of immense joy and an irresistible invitation to explore its limits.
Despite its claimed dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a remarkable lack of inertia, encouraging the driver to work with the car, making minute inputs and reveling in its uncanny accuracy and precision. Engaging ‘CT Off’ mode unlocks a level of dynamic freedom that is astonishing, bolstered by the reassurance of an electronic guardian far more astute than any human. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows it to be playfully coaxed into oversteer in a manner that one might deem impossible for a car producing 819bhp.
On the track, the 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to dramatically shorten even the longest straights. What becomes even more apparent is its surgical precision. While the immense power is readily available to break traction at the rear at numerous points around the lap, the 296 is acutely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. One quickly learns that an exacting approach to control inputs yields the most rewarding results. The turn-in accuracy and responsiveness are phenomenal, dramatically abbreviating the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing into turns and allowing loads to build progressively, the 296 snaps into its desired line immediately, its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering perfectly complementing the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for a driver transitioning from a more conventional sports car, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are simply breathtaking and a pure delight to experience lap after exhilarating lap.
The Cabin Experience: Familiar Territory, Evolving Interaction
The interior architecture will feel familiar to those who have experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the 296 borrows heavily from its hybrid elder sibling. However, the entirely digital interface, coupled with the extensive use of haptic switchgear – liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it – presents a steep learning curve. It is undoubtedly complex, and to be fair, there is a substantial amount of information to convey. The most significant challenge arises when simple operations occasionally require a second attempt to register, or when it’s unclear whether a press has been successfully acknowledged. Despite these ergonomic quirks, the cabin undeniably exudes a sense of occasion and specialness.
Reflections from the Apex: evo Car of the Year 2022 Verdict
“Now it gets serious,” noted Peter Tomalin in his evo Car of the Year 2022 review. “When the scores were tallied, there wasn’t even a road tester’s legendary fag paper between the Artura and the 296 GTB. The judges were perfectly split too: three of us narrowly preferred the Ferrari to the McLaren; three scored the Macca ahead by a whisker.”
The three testers who placed the 296 GTB ahead – myself included – lauded its exceptional qualities. “What a spectacular car,” enthused Jethro Bovingdon. “Beautiful to look at, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable, and so technically clever. Its V6 shows McLaren how to downsize but turn up the drama, and it matches the Artura in terms of sheer control but feels a bit more playful and indulgent.”
Richard Meaden’s verdict resonated with many: “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355.” He continued, “The hybrid system works very well and doesn’t change the driving experience as much as I’d feared. Probably because we’ve already gotten used to the torquey characteristics of the turbocharged V8 in the 488 and F8. The 296 is stonkingly quick, but doesn’t rely solely on speed thanks to the character of the V6, which has a soundtrack that’s always sweet and changes with throttle opening.”
The Ferrari’s hybridisation was widely praised for its seamless integration. However, a memorable incident occurred on the final night of testing: “We were left stranded after the battery ran flat with no apparent means of bringing the car back to life,” Tomalin recounted. “To be fair, Ferrari had warned us of the possibility and detailed the various measures we should take to ensure it didn’t happen. But it’s not inconceivable that an owner could find themselves similarly stuck, and as Gallagher observed, ‘that the company who introduced individual rear-wheel steering to its cars can’t engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this happening is a huge oversight.’ Fortunately for the 296, that happened after we’d scored all the cars.”
Ferrari’s signature super-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake feel didn’t quite match the very best in the group. The tech interface was also widely criticized for being overly complex. Yet, these criticisms were overshadowed by the 296’s irresistible allure. “I thought I wouldn’t like the Fezza all that much – too complex, rather gratuitous points of difference,” admitted Vivian, “but I ended up somewhat bewitched: the spooky way it changes direction; its amazing damping and looney-tunes levels of grip; the linearity of seemingly never-ending power…”
As Tomalin concluded, “It’s a real return to form for Ferrari, after the SF90 left us cold last year. As Sutcliffe said: ‘The 296 is way more successful because its technical sophistication, and the integration of its hybrid technology in particular, feels much more natural, and far less intrusive.’ And Gallagher agreed: ‘Ferrari has taken so much from the SF90, learned from that car, and distilled it into a series production model that’s one of its very best.’”
Pricing and the Evolving Supercar Landscape
When a vehicle is as densely packed with cutting-edge technology as the 296 GTB, there’s always an inherent risk that it might become less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment we experienced with the SF90 Stradale, which, while dazzling in its power output, left us feeling somewhat unnerved by its less-than-intuitive driving characteristics.
However, the 296 GTB is a different proposition entirely. As evidenced by its joint third-place finish alongside the McLaren Artura at the evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, it feels far more organic. Its potent blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a remarkable sweet spot, effectively redefining the expectations for a supercar in the circa-$275,000 price bracket. Whispers of a ‘Versione Speciale’ variant, a code name suggesting even greater power, performance, and intensity, are circulating for future release. The hope is that the standard 296’s inexplicably natural feel will be preserved.
It is precisely this aspect of the 296 GTB’s character that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Lamborghini Temerario price supercar. Over 900bhp is simply an obscene amount of power to be wielding in a series-production supercar, and it has the potential to overwhelm the chassis if not meticulously resolved. If Lamborghini has indeed perfected its formula – and the sheer brilliance of the Revuelto provides ample reason for optimism – then we are poised for an epic twin test on our hands, potentially pitting a combined output nearing 1700bhp.
Alternatively, we could escalate this to a 2400bhp triple threat with the McLaren 750S. It’s almost absurd to describe it as the ‘minnow’ of the class with its ‘mere’ 740bhp. However, it brings a relatively lithe 1389kg kerb weight to the table, resulting in a formidable power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw engagement, ergonomic perfection, razor-sharp steering, and exquisitely deft chassis undeniably set it apart against the comparatively more detached Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications
Engine: 2992cc, twin-turbocharged V6, plus electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, active E-diff
Power: 819bhp (combined) @ 8000rpm
Torque: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Price: $320,000+ (estimated)
The 296 GTB represents a profound evolution in the supercar narrative. It masterfully blends the visceral thrill of a Ferrari with the inexorable march of electrification, delivering an experience that is both exhilarating and intellectually stimulating. For those seeking the pinnacle of hybrid supercar engineering, and a tantalizing glimpse into the future of automotive performance, the Ferrari 296 GTB stands ready.
Are you ready to experience the future of hybrid supercar performance? Contact your local Ferrari dealership to learn more about the 296 GTB and to schedule your ultimate test drive.
