Ferrari 296 GTB 2025: The Hybrid Masterpiece Facing a New Era of Supercar Competition
As an industry veteran with a decade immersed in the high-octane world of performance automotive, I’ve witnessed firsthand the relentless evolution of the supercar. The landscape, once dominated by roaring V8s and evocative V10s, is now undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the imperative of electrification and the pursuit of unprecedented power. In this dynamic arena, the Ferrari 296 GTB, a car that has already etched its name in the annals of automotive excellence, stands as a pivotal player. Even as rivals like the forthcoming Lamborghini Temerario promise staggering horsepower figures, the 296 GTB’s sophisticated hybrid V6 powertrain and razor-sharp dynamics continue to set a formidable benchmark for what a modern hybrid supercar should be.
Introduced in 2022, the Ferrari 296 GTB represented a significant departure from Maranello’s established formula. It bid farewell to the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8, a powerplant that had defined generations of Ferrari’s mid-engined icons, and embraced a new twin-turbocharged V6 engine augmented by an electric motor. This bold move positioned the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a segment still tentatively navigating the transition to hybrid power. At its debut, its primary rival was the Lamborghini Huracán, a car celebrated for its naturally aspirated V10 charisma and raw auditory assault, rather than outright power figures. The 296 GTB also contended with the potent McLaren 720S, which continued to leverage the formidable capabilities of its twin-turbo V8. While the McLaren 750S represents an evolution of that theme, emphasizing power-to-weight supremacy, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid Temerario is Lamborghini’s direct riposte to Ferrari’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta.
The 296 GTB, however, possesses truly awe-inspiring firepower. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, working in concert with an electric motor, drives the rear wheels exclusively – a distinct departure from the four-wheel-drive setup of the SF90 Stradale. The combined output of 819bhp is a figure that fundamentally redefines supercar conventions. It’s easy to be captivated by such power, and one might ponder where this escalation will ultimately lead – and, more practically, where such performance can be legally and safely unleashed. But these are questions for another time.
Significantly, the 296 GTB marks the first V6-powered road-going Ferrari, a lineage that, in spirit, echoes the delectable 246 GT Dino, although the Dino never bore the iconic Prancing Horse emblem during its production run. It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration and incorporates plug-in hybrid technology, offering an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles. The compact V6 is mounted low within a novel aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, with the occupants positioned slightly further forward. The electric motor contributes an additional 165bhp and 232 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 alone delivers a colossal 654bhp and 546 lb-ft. Ferrari prudently avoids quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the combustion engine and electric motor. Nevertheless, it is safe to assume the total torque output is exceptionally substantial. Crucially, the V6 powertrain saves approximately 30kg over Ferrari’s V8 units and is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a long, rectangular unit, is neatly integrated behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of sophisticated electronic chassis management systems. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari has developed a six-axis sensor array, dubbed the 6w-CDS (Chassis Dynamic Sensor), capable of measuring acceleration and rotational speeds across the X, Y, and Z planes. This advanced system replaces conventional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of both driver inputs and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patches. This information is fed to other vital systems like Side Slip Control and the active Electronic Differential (E-Diff) to optimize cornering speeds while maintaining exceptional stability and driver confidence. Furthermore, it enables the novel ABS-evo system, available in RACE mode and above. Integrated with the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, 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 for drag reduction, but for generating substantial downforce. The company claims a figure of 360kg at 155mph, with the deployable rear wing contributing up to 100kg of this total. The front of the car houses two radiators for engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two condensers dedicated to battery thermal management. Hot air is expelled from the underbody to avoid interfering with the airflow directed to the intercoolers positioned along the flanks. Small apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to cooling the brakes, while a wing integrated into the roofline creates a “virtual” rear screen, channeling air towards the rear of the vehicle as if guided by a physical surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid to the airflow management, the rear diffuser, and crucially, the underbody’s ground clearance to maximize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The 296 GTB models I experienced on the circuit during the launch were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This includes the standard dampers being replaced with Multimatic units derived from GT racing technology, along with additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the front splitter, which increase front downforce by a further 20kg. The cabin also features more carbon fiber trim, such as the door panels, and exterior components, contributing to an overall weight reduction of 12kg. This figure increases to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. Further enhancing the performance envelope, the Assetto Fiorano package offers Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires as an upgrade from the standard Pilot Sport 4S rubber. Fiorano-equipped cars can also be personalized with an exterior graphics package inspired by the iconic 250LM of the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 GTB in person, I can attest to its striking aesthetic. It is a genuinely beautiful machine, distinct from anything else on the road, and its evocative homage to the 1960s 250LM is apparent even without the optional graphics.
Performance and Acceleration Dynamics
Initiating motion in the 296 GTB is as simple as a double-press on the lower portion of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, enabling it to pull away using electric power alone, unless otherwise instructed via the haptic driver mode selectors located on the left side of the steering wheel boss. As long as throttle inputs remain measured, the car will continue in pure electric propulsion, provided the battery has sufficient charge.
A dedicated “EV” mode can be manually engaged, overriding any powertrain demands, or one can select Performance or Qualifying modes. In these settings, both the combustion engine and electric motor operate in unison. Performance mode prioritizes immediate power delivery while also maintaining battery charge, whereas Qualifying mode unleashes the absolute maximum performance, with no regard for the battery’s state of charge.
Cruising silently through urban landscapes offers an unexpectedly serene experience, and the sophisticated damping imbues the cabin with a surprising level of comfort for covering long distances. There’s even a reasonably practical luggage compartment in the front trunk (a welcome improvement over the SF90). However, what truly ignites curiosity is the sensation when both the engine and electric motor are unleashed to their full potential.
The immediate response when applying significant throttle at low revs in a high gear is astonishing. The 296 GTB simply surges forward with zero perceptible lag, prompting one to momentarily question the need for gear changes given its sheer potency. Yet, with eight gears at its disposal and an engine that enthusiastically revs to 8,500rpm, the full unleashing of the 296’s capabilities elicits a truly startling experience. The acceleration figures (0-62mph in just 2.9 seconds, with a top speed of 205mph) translate into a sensation of relentless forward thrust, bordering on the overwhelming, yet undeniably addictive. This is a seriously rapid machine. Its auditory character is equally compelling, with a symphony of turbocharger effects harmonizing with the tuneful rasp of the V6.
Ride and Handling Prowess
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is the remarkable responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s assertion that the car was engineered to be ‘fun to drive’ is not an exaggeration. It exhibits exceptional agility without succumbing to nervousness. The steering, a hallmark of Ferrari’s engineering, is typically light and direct, yet it conveys a commendable level of road feel and feedback. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains delightfully throttle-adjustable in a manner that invariably brings a smile to the driver’s face.
Despite its claimed dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter, demonstrating a remarkable lack of inertia that encourages an intuitive, collaborative driving style. Small, precise inputs are rewarded with immediate and accurate responses. Engaging “CT Off” (Control Traction Off) mode allows for remarkable freedom, with the comforting assurance of an advanced electronic safety net. However, even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows for deliberate oversteer initiation in a way one might never anticipate in a 819bhp machine.
On the racetrack, the 296 GTB possesses the ability to dramatically compress even the longest straights. What becomes even more apparent is its precision as a driving instrument. While the power is readily available to break rear-wheel traction at numerous points around the lap, the 296 is acutely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. It quickly becomes evident that precision in control yields the most exhilarating rewards. The turn-in accuracy and response are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Rather than gradually easing the car into turns and allowing loads to build, the 296 settles instantaneously, aided by its Multimatic dampers. The hyper-quick steering complements the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup beautifully. Even for drivers accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal and an absolute joy to experience lap after lap.
Interior Ambiance and User Interface
The cabin architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the 296 GTB inherits much of its interior design. The entirely digital interface, coupled with haptic switchgear liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari stalk controls flanking it, presents a significant learning curve. While undeniably complex, it’s understandable given the wealth of information being conveyed. However, the primary frustration arises when simple operations sometimes require a second, or even third, attempt to register, or when it’s unclear whether a touch command has been successfully executed. Despite these ergonomic challenges, the cabin undeniably exudes a special, focused atmosphere.
Expert Verdict: A Return to Form
Reflecting on our “evo Car of the Year 2022” assessment, the competition was fierce. The McLaren Artura and the 296 GTB were separated by the slimmest of margins in the final scoring. The judging panel was evenly divided, with three preferring the Ferrari and three narrowly favoring the McLaren.
Those who championed the 296 GTB, including myself, found it to be a spectacular machine. Its aesthetic appeal is undeniable, its pace is outrageous, its exploitability is astonishing, and its technical sophistication is deeply impressive. Jethro Bovingdon enthused, “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.”
Dickie Meaden described it as “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. He further noted, “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 seamless integration of the Ferrari’s hybridisation was widely lauded. However, a notable incident during our testing involved the battery depleting, leaving the car immobile with no apparent means of recovery. While Ferrari had provided guidance on preventing such an occurrence, the fact that a manufacturer renowned for its advanced engineering couldn’t engineer a simple failsafe was a significant oversight, as noted by Gallagher. Fortunately, this incident occurred after the scoring was finalized.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake feel didn’t quite match the very best in the class. The tech interface also drew widespread criticism for its complexity. Nevertheless, the 296 GTB was irresistibly seductive. Vivian’s initial skepticism (“I thought I wouldn’t like the Fezza all that much – too complex, rather gratuitous points of difference”) gave way to enchantment: “the spooky way it changes direction; its amazing damping and looney-tunes levels of grip; the linearity of seemingly never-ending power…”
In essence, the 296 GTB represents a significant return to form for Ferrari, particularly when compared to the SF90 Stradale, which left some of us somewhat underwhelmed. As Andrew Frankel observed, “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.” Andy Gallagher concurred: “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.” – Peter Tomalin, evo Car of the Year 2022.
Pricing, Rivals, and the Future of High-Performance Hybrids
When a vehicle is laden with such advanced technology, there’s always a risk that it may feel less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment we experienced with the SF90 Stradale, which, despite its dazzling power, could be unnerving with its challenging driving characteristics.
However, the 296 GTB is a fundamentally different proposition. As demonstrated at the 2022 evo Car of the Year competition, where it shared third place with the McLaren Artura, the 296 GTB feels far more organic. Its potent blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect balance, redefining what a supercar in the £250,000-plus bracket can achieve. Rumors of a Versione Speciale variant of the 296 are circulating, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity. The hope is that the standard 296’s inexplicably natural driving feel will be retained.
It is precisely this aspect of the 296 GTB’s character that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power for a series production supercar, and without a thoroughly resolved chassis to match, it could easily become unruly. If Lamborghini has indeed gotten it right – and their success with the Revuelto provides ample reason for optimism – we are poised for an exhilarating twin test, potentially featuring a combined output exceeding 1700bhp.
Alternatively, we could expand this to a 2400bhp triple threat with the McLaren 750S, which, somewhat remarkably, now appears as the “minnow” of the class with “only” 740bhp. However, it compensates with a relatively petite 1389kg kerb weight, offering a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw engagement, ergonomic perfection, crisp steering, and deft chassis control demonstrably set it apart from the comparatively more remote Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications (2025 Model Year)
Engine: 2992cc, twin-turbocharged V6, plus electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, active E-diff
Combined Power Output: 819bhp @ 8000rpm
Combined Torque Output: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm (engine peak)
Weight: 1470kg (dry)
Power-to-Weight Ratio: 566bhp/ton
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Estimated Price: £250,000+
In a segment where raw power is becoming increasingly accessible, the Ferrari 296 GTB distinguishes itself not just by its stratospheric performance figures, but by its harmonious integration of hybrid technology, its dynamic sophistication, and its undeniable ability to inspire and delight the driver. As the supercar landscape continues its electrifying evolution, the 296 GTB stands as a testament to Ferrari’s enduring legacy of performance and innovation.
If you are captivated by the prospect of experiencing this pinnacle of modern supercar engineering, we invite you to connect with our expert team to explore how you can get behind the wheel of the Ferrari 296 GTB or discuss the future of hybrid performance vehicles.
