Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Masterpiece Redefining Supercar Performance in 2025
For a decade, the automotive landscape has been a whirlwind of innovation, particularly in the hypercar segment. As an industry veteran with ten years immersed in the exhilarating world of performance vehicles, I’ve witnessed firsthand the seismic shifts in engineering and design. Now, in 2025, the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a testament to this evolution, a hybrid supercar that has not only cemented its place in automotive history but continues to set the benchmark for what’s possible. This isn’t just a car; it’s a meticulously crafted fusion of raw power, cutting-edge technology, and an almost spiritual connection between driver and machine.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a profound departure from tradition for the legendary Italian marque. Eschewing the celebrated, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8s that had powered its predecessors, Ferrari boldly embraced a new twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by a sophisticated electric powertrain. This audacious move placed the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a supercar segment still in the throes of electrification. While its initial contemporaries, like the Lamborghini Huracán with its sonorous naturally aspirated V10 and the ferocious McLaren 720S with its potent V8, represented the pinnacle of their respective eras, the 296 GTB was engineered with a future-forward vision. Now, with the imminent arrival of the 10,000rpm, 903bhp Lamborghini Temerario, the Ferrari 296 GTB faces a formidable challenger, a V12-hybrid behemoth poised to challenge Maranello’s V6-hybrid Berlinetta.
Let’s be clear: the Ferrari 296 GTB possesses truly staggering firepower. Its all-new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, working in concert with an electric motor, drives the rear wheels exclusively. This configuration, distinct from the SF90 Stradale’s all-wheel-drive setup, unleashes a combined output of 819bhp, a figure that continues to astound and redefine supercar conventions. While the sheer velocity and the relentless pursuit of horsepower are undeniably thrilling – raising the perennial question of where this power escalation will eventually lead and, more importantly, where one can safely experience it – the 296 GTB’s significance extends far beyond its headline figures.
This is, remarkably, the first V6-powered Ferrari road car to bear the iconic Prancing Horse emblem. (The exquisite 246 GT Dino, while V6-powered, never officially wore the badge during its production). It’s also the first Ferrari to adopt a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger arrangement, where the turbos are nestled within the engine’s cylinder banks, and a plug-in hybrid system offering a usable electric-only range of approximately 15 miles. The compact V6 is strategically positioned low within a novel aluminum chassis. To further enhance agility and weight distribution, the wheelbase has been meticulously shortened by 50mm compared to its V8-engined ancestors, with the occupants seated slightly closer to the front.
The electric motor itself contributes a formidable 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 engine, unassisted, churns out an astonishing 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined output, as mentioned, reaches 819bhp. Ferrari, with characteristic engineering finesse, abstains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the engine and electric motor. However, it’s safe to assume this figure is nothing short of colossal. Crucially, the V6 engine alone offers a weight saving of 30kg over Ferrari’s V8 powerplants. This potent combination is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, with the battery pack, a long, rectangular unit, housed ingeniously behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of sophisticated electronic chassis control systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. At its heart lies the revolutionary six-axis sensor, dubbed 6w-CDS. This advanced system meticulously measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes, effectively replacing traditional yaw sensors. In conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, it grants the car an unparalleled understanding of the driver’s intentions and the available grip at the tire contact patches. This data empowers systems like the Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff to optimize cornering speeds while upholding unwavering stability and driver confidence. Furthermore, it enables the groundbreaking ABS-evo system. Activated in RACE mode and above, ABS-evo, leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, demonstrably shortens braking distances and enhances braking performance during trail-braking into corners. This intelligent integration of hardware and software elevates the Ferrari 296 GTB’s driving dynamics to an entirely new stratum.
For the first time in its history, Ferrari is employing its active aerodynamics not to minimize drag, but to maximize downforce. The company claims an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a significant portion – up to 100kg – generated by the deployable rear wing. The thermal management is equally ingenious. Two radiators in the front are dedicated to engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two additional condensers responsible for battery thermal regulation. Hot air is strategically expelled from the underbody, ensuring it doesn’t compromise the airflow directed to the intercoolers positioned along the flanks. The discreet apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to cooling the brakes, while a wing integrated into the roofline effectively creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, channeling air towards the rear of the car as if guided by a physical surface. The majority of the 296’s formidable downforce is sculpted beneath the car, with particular emphasis placed on the meticulous design of the underbody, the rear diffuser, and the critical ground clearance to optimize the performance of these downforce-generating surfaces. This comprehensive approach to aerodynamics underscores Ferrari’s commitment to aerodynamic excellence.
The brief circuit excursions at the 296 GTB’s launch were all conducted with the optional Assetto Fiorano package equipped. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units derived from GT racing technology. It also incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the front fascia, boosting front-end downforce by an additional 20kg. The cabin benefits from further carbon fiber applications, including the door panels, and the exterior also sees a reduction in weight. The Assetto Fiorano package contributes to an overall weight saving of 12kg, which can be extended to 15kg with the optional Lexan rear engine cover. For the ultimate track-focused experience, the Assetto Fiorano package allows for the specification of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the already excellent standard Pilot Sport 4S tires. Furthermore, Assetto Fiorano-equipped cars can be adorned with an exterior graphics package, an evocative nod to the legendary 250LM of the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time with the Ferrari 296 GTB in person, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a unique and captivating design, a departure from anything else on the road, and even without the optional graphics, it subtly echoes the timeless elegance of the 250LM. This visual prowess perfectly complements its performance capabilities.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: A Symphony of Power and Precision
Initiating movement in the 296 GTB is as simple as a double-press of the lower button on the steering wheel boss, followed by engaging first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, gracefully accelerating using electric power alone unless the driver explicitly selects otherwise via the intuitive haptic driver mode controls located on the left side of the steering wheel boss. As long as throttle inputs remain measured, and the battery retains sufficient charge, the 296 GTB will continue its silent, purely electric propulsion.
For those seeking a more profound electric experience, the option to “force” the car into EV mode is readily available, irrespective of the powertrain’s overall demands. Complementing these modes are Performance and Qualifying. In Performance mode, both the V6 engine and the electric motor work in tandem, with a focus on maintaining battery charge. Qualifying mode, however, unleashes the car’s ultimate performance potential, with no regard for the battery’s state of charge.
The experience of gliding silently through picturesque villages is an unexpected, yet thoroughly enjoyable, facet of the 296 GTB. The damping sophistication ensures a remarkably comfortable ride, transforming long journeys into serene experiences. Even the practicality aspect is surprisingly well-addressed, with a reasonably sized luggage compartment in the front ‘frunk’ – a welcome improvement over the SF90. But, as we all truly wish to know, what does it feel like when both the engine and electric motor are unleashed to their full potential?
The answer lies in the exhilarating surge of power when the throttle is planted at low revs in a high gear. The 296 GTB simply bolts forward with absolutely no discernible lag, momentarily making one question the very necessity of gears due to its sheer potency. Yet, there are eight gears to explore, and an engine that willingly revs to 8500rpm. When you truly unleash the 296 GTB, the effect is nothing short of astonishing. The acceleration figures – a blistering 0-62mph in approximately 2.9 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205mph – translate to a sensation of being pinned back in your seat, accompanied by a mixture of nervous laughter and an almost addictive thrill. This is a seriously rapid automobile, and its soundtrack is equally captivating, with a rich V6 rasp artfully blended with evocative turbocharger effects.
The responsiveness of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s chassis is truly impressive. Ferrari’s promise of making this car “fun to drive” is not an exaggeration. It feels remarkably agile without ever bordering on being nervous. The steering, as is typical of Ferrari, is light and exceptionally quick, yet it also delivers a remarkable level of road feel and feedback. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains delightfully throttle-adjustable, eliciting an irrepressible grin.
Despite its 1470kg (dry) weight, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a palpable lack of inertia throughout the entire vehicle, encouraging the driver to work with it, making minute adjustments and reveling in its pinpoint accuracy and precision. Engaging CT Off mode allows for astonishing levels of daring, bolstered by the reassurance of an intelligent electronic guardian. 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 scarcely believe possible in a car producing 819bhp.
On the circuit, the 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to make even the longest start-finish straight feel compressed. Its nature as a supremely sharp instrument becomes immediately apparent. While the power is readily available to break rear-wheel traction at numerous points around the track, the 296 GTB is also acutely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. The reward for precise control is immense. The turn-in accuracy and response are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing into turns and gradually building load, the 296 GTB settles into its line instantaneously, aided by the Multimatic dampers and the hyper-quick steering that perfectly complements the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for those accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are nothing short of phenomenal, providing an addictive and joyous experience lap after lap.
Interior Design: A Fusion of Familiarity and Futuristic Functionality
The cabin architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the 296 borrows heavily from its larger sibling. The fully digital interface, coupled with its accompanying haptic switchgear, presents a learning curve. These controls are liberally distributed across the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it.
Undeniably, the system is complex. However, to be fair, there is a considerable amount of information and functionality to manage. The most significant drawback lies in the occasional need for a second press to register simple operations, or the uncertainty of whether a press has been successful at all. Nevertheless, the cabin unequivocally feels like a special place to be, exuding an aura of exclusivity and advanced technology.
Expert Verdict: A Return to Form and a Glimpse of the Future
The 2022 evo Car of the Year competition proved to be a watershed moment for the 296 GTB. “Now it gets serious,” proclaimed the judges. When the scores were tallied, the margin between the McLaren Artura and the Ferrari 296 GTB was virtually non-existent, with the judging panel perfectly split. Three judges narrowly favored the Ferrari, while three edged the McLaren ahead.
Those who championed the 296 GTB, including myself, lauded its spectacular nature: “Beautiful to look at, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable, and so technically clever,” enthused one judge. “Its V6 demonstrates how to downsize while amplifying drama, and it matches the Artura in sheer control, yet feels more playful and indulgent.” Another echoed sentiments regarding its aesthetics, calling it “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355.” The integration of the hybrid system was widely praised for its seamlessness, proving less intrusive than initially feared, perhaps due to our growing familiarity with the torquey characteristics of turbocharged V8s. The 296 GTB is breathtakingly quick, but its appeal extends beyond mere velocity, thanks to the engaging character of its V6, which delivers a consistently sweet soundtrack that evolves with throttle input.
While the seamless hybrid integration was a significant positive, one incident of the battery running flat, leaving the car stranded, raised concerns. Though Ferrari had provided clear instructions to mitigate such occurrences, it’s not inconceivable for an owner to find themselves in a similar predicament. The oversight of not engineering a simple failsafe, especially from a company that pioneered individual rear-wheel steering, was noted as a significant flaw. Fortunately for the 296 GTB, this event transpired after the scoring was finalized.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering proved divisive, and the brake feel didn’t quite match the very best in class. The technology interface also drew widespread criticism for its over-complexity. Despite these points, the 296 GTB remained irresistibly seductive. One judge admitted to being “somewhat bewitched” by its spooky directional changes, astonishing damping, looney-tunes levels of grip, and the seemingly endless linearity of its power delivery.
The 296 GTB represents a significant return to form for Ferrari, especially following the less impactful SF90 Stradale. Its technical sophistication and the integration of its hybrid technology feel far more natural and less intrusive. Ferrari has clearly learned from the SF90, distilling its advancements into a series production model that stands as one of its finest creations.
Price and Competitors: A New Benchmark in the Supercar Arena
The inherent risk with such technologically advanced vehicles is that they can sometimes feel less than the sum of their parts. This was a sentiment echoed by some regarding the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power, could feel somewhat unnerving due to its challenging driving characteristics.
However, the Ferrari 296 GTB is a different proposition entirely. At the 2022 evo Car of the Year competition, where it secured joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, it demonstrated a far more organic feel. Its masterful blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect balance, redefining the very essence of a supercar costing upwards of $300,000. A more potent Versione Speciale variant is anticipated, promising even greater performance and intensity. The hope, crucially, 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 meticulously addressed in its development of the hybrid Temerario. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power for a series production supercar, capable of overwhelming the chassis if not perfectly resolved. If Lamborghini has indeed mastered this challenge – and its success with the Revuelto provides ample reason for optimism – then we are on the cusp of a monumental twin-test, pitting two hypercars with a combined output approaching 1700bhp.
Alternatively, we could envision a 2400bhp triple threat, including the McLaren 750S. Absurdly, the McLaren must now be described as the ‘minnow’ of this group, with ‘only’ 740bhp. However, it compensates with a remarkably svelte 1389kg kerb weight, ensuring a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw character, ergonomic perfection, razor-sharp steering, and balletic chassis control offer a distinctly different, and perhaps more connected, experience compared to the comparatively 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: 819bhp @ 8000rpm
Combined Torque: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Estimated Price: $320,000+
The Ferrari 296 GTB represents more than just a technological leap; it’s a philosophical statement from one of the world’s most revered automotive brands. It’s a car that demands your attention, rewards your engagement, and delivers an unforgettable driving experience. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or an aspiring enthusiast, exploring the capabilities of this hybrid marvel is an essential step in understanding the future of the supercar.
Are you ready to experience the future of hypercar performance? Discover the Ferrari 296 GTB for yourself and redefine your expectations of automotive excellence.
