The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB: A New Era of Electrifying Supercar Prowess
For a decade now, I’ve navigated the exhilarating, and often demanding, landscape of the automotive industry, witnessing firsthand the relentless pursuit of performance. From the raw, unadulterated roar of naturally aspirated engines to the intricate ballet of forced induction and electric augmentation, the evolution of the supercar has been nothing short of breathtaking. In this dynamic arena, Ferrari has consistently set benchmarks, and the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a monumental testament to that legacy. This isn’t just another fast car; it’s a paradigm shift, a sophisticated fusion of visceral emotion and cutting-edge technology, designed to redefine the very essence of a hybrid supercar.
The arrival of the 296 GTB in 2022 marked an unprecedented departure for Ferrari’s mid-engined supercar lineage. Moving away from the celebrated, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8, Maranello boldly embraced a new twin-turbocharged V6, synergistically enhanced by an electric motor. This audacious move positioned the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a segment still grappling with the full integration of hybrid powertrains. While its contemporaries were refining existing concepts, Ferrari threw down a gauntlet, presenting a vision of the future that is both electrifying and deeply traditional in its pursuit of driving pleasure.
At its debut, the 296 GTB’s closest rivals presented a stark contrast. The Lamborghini Huracán, with its evocative naturally aspirated V10, offered a purist’s symphony of sound and a raw, analogue driving experience, albeit with a comparative deficit in outright power. Then there was the formidable McLaren 720S, a V8-powered titan built on a philosophy of power-to-weight supremacy. Now, the horizon flickers with anticipation of the Lamborghini Temerario, a purported 903bhp, 10,000rpm V8 hybrid monster. This new Lamborghini, if rumors hold true, represents a direct challenge, a bold rejoinder from Sant’Agata Bolognese to the electrified brilliance of Ferrari’s hybrid berlinetta.
Make no mistake, the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB is not playing games. It wields an all-new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, augmented by an electric motor, channeling its formidable power exclusively to the rear wheels – a distinction from the all-wheel-drive SF90 Stradale. The result? A staggering 819 horsepower, a figure that shattered conventional supercar expectations upon its unveiling and continues to command awe. It’s a number that sparks conversations about the escalating arms race in supercar performance, and indeed, where such power can be meaningfully unleashed. But that, as they say, is a story for another time.
The significance of the 296 GTB extends beyond its headline figures. It proudly claims the title of the first V6-powered Ferrari road car (a spiritual successor to the revered 246 GT Dino, though the Dino never bore the Prancing Horse emblem in its era). It pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration, where the turbos are nestled within the cylinder banks for optimal efficiency and responsiveness. Furthermore, it’s a plug-in hybrid, capable of traversing approximately 15 miles on electric power alone – a nod to practicality and the evolving demands of urban driving.
Beneath its sculpted skin lies a marvel of engineering. The compact V6 engine is mounted low in a bespoke aluminum chassis. Critically, the wheelbase has been shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, with the occupants positioned slightly further forward. This revised architecture contributes to a more agile and engaging driving dynamic. The electric motor itself contributes a substantial 165 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 alone unleashes a breathtaking 654 horsepower and 546 lb-ft. Ferrari, ever the masters of understatement, opts not to quote a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the electric motor and internal combustion engine. However, rest assured, the combined torque is nothing short of immense. In total, the V6 unit is approximately 30kg lighter than Ferrari’s V8s, mated to an advanced eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a slender oblong structure, is cleverly concealed behind the seats, contributing to the car’s balanced weight distribution.
No modern Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of sophisticated electronic chassis control systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. At its heart is the six-axis sensor known as 6w-CDS (Six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This intricate device measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes, effectively replacing traditional yaw sensors. In concert with a sensor on the steering rack, it grants the car an unparalleled understanding of driver intent and available grip at the tire contact patches. This data feeds into systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, optimizing cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability. A groundbreaking innovation is the ABS-evo system, available in RACE mode and above. Leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, this system not only shortens braking distances but also significantly enhances braking performance during trail braking into corners, a testament to its track-honed pedigree.
Ferrari’s mastery of active aerodynamics is further showcased in the 296 GTB. For the first time, this technology is employed not to minimize drag, but to maximize downforce. The car generates a formidable 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a significant portion – up to 100kg – derived from the actively deploying rear wing.
The thermal management of this hybrid beast is a symphony of efficient design. Twin radiators at the front manage engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two additional condensers dedicated to the battery. Hot air is expelled from beneath the car, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the flow of cool air to the intercoolers flanking the bodywork. Small apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to brake cooling, while a subtle wing integrated into the roofline sculpts airflow to create a “virtual rear screen,” channeling air towards the rear of the car with remarkable efficacy. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated from its underbody, where meticulous attention has been paid to airflow management, the rear diffuser, and crucially, the car’s ride height, to maximize the effectiveness of these aerodynamically active surfaces.
Our initial encounters with the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB were on a closed circuit, all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units, drawing technology directly from Ferrari’s GT racing endeavors. It also incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the front splitter, increasing front downforce by a notable 20kg. The Assetto Fiorano package also sees a more generous application of carbon fiber within the cabin, such as the door panels, and on exterior components, contributing to a further 12kg weight saving. This can be extended to 15kg with the optional Lexan rear engine cover. For the ultimate track-focused setup, the Assetto Fiorano specification also offers Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, a significant upgrade over the already capable standard Pilot Sport 4S. Furthermore, cars optioned with the Fiorano package can be personalized with an exterior graphics package, a tasteful homage to the iconic 250LM of the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time experiencing the 296 GTB “in the metal,” its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a striking individuality, a design language that clearly echoes the spirit of the 1960s 250LM, even without the more overt graphic treatments. This is a car that captivates visually as much as it promises to excite dynamically.
To initiate motion, a simple double-press of the lower steering wheel boss precedes selecting first gear. The 296 GTB defaults to Hybrid mode, enabling it to pull away silently on electric power alone, unless deliberately overridden via the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors on the steering wheel. Gentle throttle inputs will maintain electric propulsion, provided the battery has sufficient charge. For those seeking complete silence, a dedicated EV mode can be manually selected, irrespective of powertrain demands. Beyond this, the Performance and Qualifying modes orchestrate a seamless marriage of the V6 engine and electric motor. Performance mode prioritizes dynamic engagement while actively managing battery charge, whereas Qualifying mode unleashes the full, unadulterated fury of both power sources, with no regard for battery depletion.
The serene glide through urban landscapes is an unexpectedly delightful facet of the 296 GTB’s character. The damping is so expertly calibrated that it transforms long journeys into remarkably comfortable affairs. Even the practicality of luggage space in the front ‘frunk’ is a welcome improvement over the SF90. But the question that truly ignites the passion of any enthusiast is: what does it feel like when both the V6 engine and electric motor are unleashed to their full potential?
The answer lies in a moment of pure, unadulterated acceleration. Plant the throttle from low revs in a high gear, and the 296 GTB simply catapults forward with zero discernible lag. It’s a surge of power so potent it momentarily makes you question the very concept of gear selection. Yet, with eight gears at its disposal and an engine that enthusiastically revs to 8500rpm, the experience when truly uncorking the 296 is nothing short of startling. The sheer rate of acceleration – documented as 0-62mph in a breathtaking 2.9 seconds, with a top speed approaching 205mph – is of the “hold on tight and embrace the involuntary laughter” variety. It verges on the visceral, bordering on overwhelming, yet is perversely addictive. This is a car that redefines rapid, accompanied by a sonorous V6 rasp overlaid with evocative turbocharger sounds.
The true revelation of the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB lies in its chassis dynamics and the sheer responsiveness that Ferrari has engineered into this hybrid marvel. They weren’t exaggerating when they proclaimed the car’s sole objective was to be “fun to drive.” It exhibits a level of agility that is exhilarating without ever feeling precarious. The steering, as is Ferrari’s hallmark, is light and exceptionally quick, yet it also conveys a remarkable level of feedback. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains wonderfully throttle-adjustable, a characteristic that elicits an irrepressible grin.
Despite its 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, employing subtle inputs and reveling in its pinpoint accuracy and precision. Engaging ‘CT Off’ mode allows for remarkable liberties, underscored by the reassuring presence of an electronic guardian far more sophisticated than humanly possible. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the inherent balance of the 296 allows for a surprising degree of adjustability, enabling teasing drifts that you wouldn’t typically associate with a car producing 819 horsepower.
On track, the 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to make even the longest straights feel abbreviated. What becomes abundantly clear is its precision as a surgical instrument. While the power is more than sufficient to break rear-wheel traction at numerous points around a lap, the 296 is exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. The profound reward comes from precise control, an almost symbiotic relationship between driver and machine. The turn-in accuracy and response dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Instead of coaxing the car into a turn and allowing loads to build, the 296 settles immediately, its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering perfectly complementing the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for those accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal, offering an addictive and exhilarating experience lap after lap.
The interior architecture of the 296 GTB will feel immediately familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as it draws heavily from that flagship model. The entirely digital interface, coupled with the haptic feedback switchgear liberally applied across the steering wheel and the traditional Ferrari pods flanking it, presents a learning curve. It is undeniably complex, a consequence of the vast amount of information and control being presented. However, the most significant challenge lies in the occasional need for a second press for simple operations to register, or uncertainty about whether an input has been successfully acknowledged. Despite these ergonomic nuances, the cabin undeniably exudes a sense of occasion and bespoke luxury, befitting a Ferrari of this caliber.
Reflecting on the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards, the 296 GTB stood out. The competition was fierce, with the McLaren Artura running neck and neck. Judges were split, a testament to the exceptional qualities of both machines. Those who favored the Ferrari, including myself, lauded its spectacular nature: its breathtaking beauty, outrageous speed, exploitable performance, and sheer technical brilliance. The V6 engine was seen as a masterclass in downsizing, delivering immense drama while matching the Artura in control but offering a more playful and indulgent experience.
The sentiment of a “return to form” for Ferrari was widely echoed, with some proclaiming it the first truly beautiful Ferrari since the F355. The hybrid system was praised for its seamless integration, remarkably not detracting from the driving experience as initially feared. This was likely due to drivers already becoming accustomed to the torquey nature of turbocharged V8s. The 296’s stonking pace is not its sole virtue; the character of the V6, with its sweet soundtrack that evolves with throttle application, adds layers of engagement.
While the seamless hybrid integration garnered widespread praise, a memorable incident saw a 296 GTB left stranded due to a depleted battery, a scenario Ferrari had forewarned owners about. This highlighted a potential oversight in engineering a simple failsafe, a point of contention given Ferrari’s expertise in advanced vehicle dynamics. Fortunately for the 296, this occurred after scoring had concluded. Despite reservations about Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering, brake feel not matching the absolute best in class, and the complexity of the tech interface, the 296 GTB proved irresistibly seductive. Its uncanny ability to change direction, sublime damping, and seemingly endless linearity of power left even the most skeptical judges enchanted. It was a significant leap forward from the SF90, which, for some, had left them feeling cold the previous year. The 296’s technical sophistication and the natural integration of its hybrid technology felt far more organic and less intrusive. Ferrari had distilled lessons learned from the SF90 into a series production model that was unequivocally one of its finest creations.
When a vehicle is so densely packed with advanced technology, there’s an inherent risk of the sum being less than its individual parts. We experienced this to some extent with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power, could be unsettlingly difficult to read dynamically. However, the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB represents a different breed of machine. Its organic feel, combined with a potent blend of power and engaging dynamics, strikes a perfect chord, redefining what a supercar in the roughly $250,000 price bracket can achieve. Rumors of a Versione Speciale variant, promising even more power and intensity, are circulating, and the hope is that the standard 296’s inexplicably natural driving feel will be preserved.
It is this core aspect of the 296 GTB’s character – its intrinsic connection with the driver – that we fervently hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900 horsepower is an obscene amount of power to manage in a series production supercar, and if the chassis and dynamics are not perfectly resolved to harness it, the experience could be compromised. If Lamborghini has truly nailed it, as their recent success with the Revuelto suggests they might have, then we are on the cusp of an epic twin test.
Alternatively, we could expand this to a 2400 horsepower triple threat with the inclusion of the McLaren 750S. This car, now astonishingly the “minnow” of the group with “only” 740 horsepower, commands respect for its remarkably petite 1389kg kerb weight, delivering a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw, ergonomic brilliance, razor-sharp steering, and supremely deft chassis arguably set it apart from the comparatively more remote-feeling Ferrari.
2025 Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications:
Engine: 2992cc, twin-turbocharged V6, plus electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, active E-diff
Combined Power: 819 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Combined Torque: 546 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm
Weight: 1470 kg (dry) (566 bhp/ton)
0-62 mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205 mph
Price: From $321,594 (estimated US pricing)
The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB represents more than just an evolution; it’s a revolution in supercar engineering. It harmonizes blistering performance with an accessible, engaging driving experience, proving that electrification can amplify, not dilute, the soul of a Ferrari. It sets a formidable benchmark, a car that truly embodies the future of the hybrid supercar.
Are you ready to experience the next chapter in automotive excellence? Explore the unparalleled performance and exquisite design of the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB by visiting your nearest authorized Ferrari dealer for a personalized consultation and test drive.
