The Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Masterpiece Redefining Supercar Performance in 2025
For a decade, I’ve witnessed the relentless evolution of the supercar, a world where raw power and bleeding-edge technology constantly push the boundaries of what’s possible on four wheels. This journey has brought us to an era of electrification, where once-sacrosanct V8s are making way for more efficient, yet equally potent, hybrid powertrains. At the vanguard of this revolution stands the Ferrari 296 GTB, a car that, even a few years into its production, continues to captivate and challenge. In 2025, with formidable rivals like the Lamborghini Temerario poised to enter the fray, the 296 GTB’s blend of ferocious performance, sophisticated engineering, and sheer driving delight remains a benchmark few can aspire to, let alone surpass.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a seismic shift in the Prancing Horse’s mid-engined supercar lineage. It dared to depart from the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8, embracing a completely new twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by an electric motor. This bold move positioned the 296 GTB at the forefront of a supercar segment still grappling with the widespread adoption of hybrid power. Back then, its primary adversaries were the naturally aspirated V10-powered Lamborghini Huracán, celebrated for its charismatic soundtrack, and the potent twin-turbo V8 McLaren 720S. While the subsequent McLaren 750S represents an evolutionary step, the much-anticipated 903bhp, 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid Lamborghini Temerario is unequivocally Sant’Agata Bolognese’s direct riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta.
Indeed, the Ferrari 296 GTB possesses an arsenal of firepower that is nothing short of astounding. Featuring an all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbocharged V6 engine seamlessly integrated with an electric motor driving exclusively the rear wheels (a distinction from the four-wheel-drive SF90), the 819bhp 296 GTB fundamentally challenged established supercar conventions. This headline power figure is, understandably, hard to ignore, prompting contemplation on the escalating trajectory of performance and the practical applications of such immense capability. Yet, that is a discussion for another time.
What sets the 296 GTB apart is its pioneering status. It is the first V6-powered road-going Ferrari (the exquisite 246 GT Dino, though V6-powered, never bore the iconic Cavallino Rampante emblem during its production run), the first to adopt a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration, and critically, it is a plug-in hybrid with an electric-only range extending to approximately 15 miles. The compact V6 engine is strategically mounted low within a novel aluminum chassis, with its wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, positioning the occupants slightly further forward.
The electric motor alone contributes a remarkable 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque. The V6 engine, in isolation, delivers an astonishing 654bhp and 546lb ft. When combined, these powerplants achieve the headline figure of 819bhp. Ferrari, perhaps prudently, refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the internal combustion engine and electric motor. However, it is safe to assume this combined torque output is, to put it mildly, considerable. In total, the V6 unit shaves 30kg off the weight of Ferrari’s V8 engines and is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a long, rectangular unit, is cleverly housed behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without a suite of sophisticated electronic chassis management systems, denoted by a cascade of acronyms. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari has developed an innovative six-axis sensor array, dubbed the 6w-CDS (Six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This system is capable of precisely measuring acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. Replacing traditional yaw sensors, and working in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, it provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of both driver intent and the instantaneous grip levels at the tire contact patches. This data is then utilized by systems like the Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff to optimize cornering speeds while steadfastly maintaining stability and driver confidence. Furthermore, it enables the integration of a new system called ABS-evo. Engaged in RACE mode and above, ABS-evo, leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, not only reduces braking distances but also enhances braking performance during trail braking into corners, a testament to its track-honed capabilities.
For the first time, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics technology not for drag reduction, but for augmenting downforce. The manufacturer quotes a remarkable figure of 360kg at 155mph, with the retractable rear wing, which deploys from the rear deck, contributing up to 100kg of this downforce. The vehicle’s thermal management is equally advanced, featuring two radiators in the front for engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two additional condensers dedicated to cooling the battery. Hot air is strategically expelled from the underbody to avoid any interference with the airflow directed towards the intercoolers positioned along the flanks. The discreet apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to brake cooling, while the aerodynamically integrated wing at the rear of the roofline serves to create a ‘virtual’ rear screen, effectively guiding air towards the tail of the car as if it were adhering to a sculpted surface. The vast majority of the 296’s downforce is generated from beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid to the intricate design of the underbody, the rear diffuser, and crucially, the ground clearance, all of which work in concert to maximize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The Ferrari 296 GTB models we sampled on the launch circuit were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units, derived from those used in GT racing. It also incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements at the front, contributing an extra 20kg of front downforce. The cabin and exterior also benefit from further carbon fiber applications, including the door panels, resulting in an overall weight saving of 12kg. This can be extended to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. Further enhancing the Assetto Fiorano’s appeal, customers can opt for Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, a step up from the standard Pilot Sport 4S. The Assetto Fiorano specification also offers the option of an exterior graphics package, thoughtfully inspired by the iconic 250LM from the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time with the Ferrari 296 GTB, both visually and dynamically, it’s undeniable that this is a strikingly beautiful automobile. It possesses a distinct character, diverging from anything else on the road, and even without the optional graphics package, it evokes the spirit of the legendary 250LM.
Performance and Acceleration Dynamics: The Heart of the Beast
Initiating motion in the 296 GTB is a straightforward process: a double press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, meaning it will commence its journey on electric power alone, unless otherwise dictated by the driver. As long as throttle inputs remain measured, and the battery possesses sufficient charge, the 296 GTB will continue its silent, electric glide.
For those who wish to fully immerse themselves in the electric experience, a dedicated EV mode can be engaged, irrespective of the powertrain’s overall demands. Beyond this, there are the Performance and Qualifying modes. In both these settings, the V6 engine and electric motor operate in tandem. Performance mode prioritizes sustained power delivery while also maintaining battery charge, whereas Qualifying mode unleashes the absolute pinnacle of performance, with the battery’s state of charge becoming a secondary concern.
The serene experience of gliding through urban landscapes is an unexpected joy. The damping is so exquisitely calibrated that it transforms the car into a surprisingly comfortable cruiser, ideal for covering significant distances. Even the luggage space in the front ‘frunk’ is more accommodating than that found in the SF90, a welcome practicality. However, the question that truly ignites curiosity is: what does it feel like when both the V6 engine and the electric motor are unleashed to their full potential?
The answer lies in the car’s response when you decisively plant the throttle in a high gear at low revs: the 296 GTB surges forward with an immediacy that obliterates any notion of turbo lag. For a fleeting moment, you question the necessity of gears, so potent is its initial thrust. Yet, with eight gears to exploit and an engine that eagerly spins to an 8,500rpm redline, the experience when the 296 is truly uncorked is nothing short of sensational. As the performance figures suggest (0-62mph in a staggering 2.9 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 205mph), the rate of acceleration is of the “hold on tight and brace for nervous laughter” variety. It verges on the extreme, yet possesses a curiously addictive quality. This is, without question, a seriously rapid automobile. And the accompanying soundtrack is equally compelling, a symphony of turbocharger whirs overlaying the melodic rasp of the V6.
Ride, Handling, and Precision Engineering
What truly distinguishes the Ferrari 296 GTB is its astonishing chassis responsiveness. Ferrari’s claim of engineering a car primarily for driver enjoyment is not an exaggeration; it feels exquisitely agile without ever tipping into nervousness. The steering, as is typical of Ferrari, is light and exceptionally quick, yet it doesn’t sacrifice vital steering feel. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car’s true brilliance lies in its throttle adjustability, a characteristic that invariably elicits a wide grin.
Despite its claimed dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a distinct lack of inertia that encourages an intuitive, almost symbiotic relationship with the driver, allowing for minute inputs and a profound appreciation for its accuracy and precision. Engaging CT Off mode allows for daring exploits, secure in the knowledge that an electronic guardian far more astute than human intuition is still monitoring proceedings. However, even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296 GTB’s inherent balance allows it to be coaxed into oversteer in a manner one would never anticipate from a car producing 819bhp.
On the racetrack, the 296 GTB possesses the remarkable ability to compress even the longest start-finish straight. What becomes even more apparent is its surgical precision. The sheer volume of power is sufficient to break rear traction at numerous points around the lap, but the 296 GTB is acutely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. It quickly becomes evident that executing precise control inputs yields the most rewarding outcomes. The turn-in accuracy and response are extraordinary, dramatically shortening the entry phase into every corner. Rather than easing into turns and gradually building load, the 296 GTB adopts its line instantaneously, its Multimatic dampers working in perfect harmony with the hyper-quick steering and the enhanced roll support provided by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal, providing an exhilarating experience lap after lap.
The Interior: A Fusion of Technology and Ergonomics
The cabin architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as it draws heavily from that flagship model. The fully digital interface, coupled with its accompanying haptic switchgear – liberally applied across the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking the wheel – presents a significant learning curve. It is undeniably complex, a consequence of the vast amount of information and control functions being conveyed. The most frustrating aspect, however, is the occasional need for a second press for simple operations that fail to register on the first attempt, or the uncertainty as to whether a press has been successfully registered at all. Nevertheless, the cabin undeniably exudes an aura of specialness.
Verdict: A Benchmark for the Hybrid Supercar Era
The 2022 evo Car of the Year competition proved to be a thrilling showdown. When the scores were tallied, the margin between the McLaren Artura and the Ferrari 296 GTB was exceptionally fine, a mere “fag paper” as we sometimes say. The judging panel was equally divided, with three favoring the Ferrari and three awarding a slight edge to the McLaren.
Those who championed the 296 GTB, including myself, Chris Harris, and Henry Catchpole, were captivated. Jethro Bovingdon enthused, “What a spectacular car. 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 offered a sentiment echoed by 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 grown accustomed 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 delivers a soundtrack that’s always sweet and evolves with throttle opening.”
While the Ferrari’s hybridisation was widely lauded for its seamless integration, a memorable incident on the final night saw the car rendered immobile after the battery depleted with no apparent means of revival. To Ferrari’s credit, they had forewarned us of this possibility and detailed necessary precautions. However, it is not beyond the realm of possibility for an owner to find themselves in a similar predicament. As Jack Gallagher astutely pointed out, “It’s a huge oversight that the company which pioneered individual rear-wheel steering for its cars cannot engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this.” Fortunately for the 296 GTB, this occurred after all cars had been scored.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake pedal feel, while competent, didn’t quite match the very best in the group. The technology interface also faced widespread criticism for its excessive complexity. Despite these reservations, the 296 GTB proved to be irresistibly seductive. Vivian, initially skeptical, admitted, “I thought I wouldn’t like the Fezza all that much – too complex, rather gratuitous points of difference – but I ended up somewhat bewitched: its uncanny ability to change direction, its astonishing damping, its looney-tunes levels of grip, the linearity of seemingly endless power…”
Is Anything Lost with the Roof Down? A separate review of the Ferrari 296 GTS explores this very question, highlighting that the open-top variant largely retains the dynamic prowess of its coupe sibling.
Peter Tomalin concluded, “It’s a real return to form for Ferrari, after the SF90 left us cold last year. As Matt Prior wisely stated, ‘The 296 is far 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 concurred, ‘Ferrari has taken so much from the SF90, learned from that car, and distilled it into a series production model that is one of its very best.'”
Price and the Future of Supercar Rivalries
When a vehicle is so heavily imbued with advanced technology, there’s an inherent risk that it might become less than the sum of its parts. This was an observation we made with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power output, sometimes felt unnerving due to its challenging driving characteristics.
However, the Ferrari 296 GTB is a different proposition entirely. As evidenced by its strong performance in the 2022 evo Car of the Year competition, where it secured a joint third-place finish alongside the McLaren Artura, it feels far more organic. Its fusion of potent power and engaging dynamics strikes a delightful sweet spot, effectively redefining the expectations for a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket. A more potent Versione Speciale variant of the 296 is anticipated this year, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity. Our earnest hope is that the standard 296’s inexplicably natural feel is retained.
It is this fundamental aspect of the 296 GTB’s character that we sincerely hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power to manage in a series-production supercar, power that could easily overwhelm the rest of the vehicle if not meticulously resolved. If Lamborghini has succeeded – and the remarkable prowess of the Lamborghini Revuelto offers ample reason for optimism – then we are on the cusp of an epic twin-test featuring two hyper-powerful machines.
Alternatively, we could elevate this to a staggering 2400bhp triple threat with the McLaren 750S, which, somewhat absurdly, is now the ‘minnow’ of this elite class with “only” 740bhp. However, as noted, it brings a relatively lithe 1389kg kerb weight to the table, thus ensuring a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw feedback, ergonomic correctness, the crispness of its steering, and the deftness of its chassis undeniably distinguish it against the comparatively more detached feel of the Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications:
Engine: 2992cc, twin-turbocharged V6, plus electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, active E-diff
Combined Power: 819bhp @ 8000rpm
Combined Torque: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Price: £250,000+
The Ferrari 296 GTB represents more than just a car; it’s a testament to the relentless pursuit of automotive perfection. If you’re captivated by this blend of groundbreaking technology and exhilarating performance, we invite you to explore our latest financing options or schedule a private viewing to experience the future of the supercar firsthand.
