Ferrari 296 GTB: Electrifying the Supercar Pantheon and What the Lamborghini Temerario Must Conquer
As a seasoned observer of the automotive landscape for over a decade, I’ve witnessed seismic shifts in what constitutes a cutting-edge supercar. The Ferrari 296 GTB represents a profound evolution, a vehicle that has not only redefined Ferrari’s own V6 supercar lineage but has also set an ambitious benchmark for its rivals. Even with the horizon promising a formidable Lamborghini Temerario boasting a jaw-dropping 10,000rpm, 903bhp hybrid powertrain, the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB continues to captivate with its audacious engineering and exhilarating performance.
For years, Ferrari’s mid-engined supercar formula was synonymous with the thunderous roar of a naturally aspirated V10 or the visceral punch of a twin-turbo V8. The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked an unprecedented departure. Swapping the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 for a new, potent twin-turbo V6 augmented by an electric motor, the 296 GTB boldly embraced hybridization, leading a segment that was, and in many ways still is, navigating the transition to electric power.
At its debut, the 296 GTB’s most direct contemporary was the Lamborghini Huracán, a car celebrated for its naturally aspirated V10 charisma and unadulterated acoustic drama. While it might have lagged in sheer horsepower compared to the hybridized Ferrari, the Huracán offered a raw, analog driving experience that resonated deeply. The McLaren 720S, with its formidable twin-turbo V8, also stood as a formidable competitor, a testament to the relentless pursuit of power-to-weight supremacy. Now, however, the narrative is shifting dramatically. The forthcoming Lamborghini Temerario, with its projected 903bhp, 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain, represents Lamborghini’s direct riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp hybrid Berlinetta, the Ferrari 296 GTB.
Make no mistake, the Ferrari 296 GTB packs an awe-inspiring punch. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, coupled with an electric motor powering the rear wheels exclusively (a departure from the four-wheel-drive SF90), produces a headline-grabbing 819bhp. This powertrain configuration shattered conventional supercar expectations. The sheer potency of this figure prompts contemplation: where does this relentless escalation of power ultimately lead, and more importantly, where can one truly exploit such prodigious performance? These are questions that extend beyond the immediate driving experience.
The significance of the Ferrari 296 GTB extends beyond its raw output. It proudly holds the distinction of being the first V6-powered Ferrari road car – the beloved 246 GT Dino, while a V6, never bore the iconic Prancing Horse emblem in its era. Furthermore, it pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger arrangement and embraces plug-in hybrid technology, offering an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles. This compact V6 is nestled low within a newly engineered aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase reduced by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, subtly repositioning the occupants slightly further forward.
The electric motor contributes a significant 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 alone delivers a staggering 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined output culminates in the headline 819bhp figure. Ferrari, characteristically, refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the engine and electric motor. However, it’s safe to surmise that the resultant torque is nothing short of considerable. The V6 engine itself offers a weight saving of 30kg over Ferrari’s V8s and is seamlessly mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a long, slender unit, is ingeniously housed behind the seats, contributing to the car’s balanced weight distribution.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of sophisticated electronic chassis control systems, and the Ferrari 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has developed a groundbreaking six-axis sensor, dubbed 6w-CDS, capable of measuring acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. This advanced system replaces conventional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a steering rack-mounted sensor, provides the car with an unprecedented understanding of driver inputs and tire grip levels at the contact patch. This intelligence empowers other systems, such as the Side Slip Control and active E-Diff, to optimize cornering speeds while upholding unwavering stability and security. It also facilitates a new ABS-evo system, particularly effective in RACE mode and above. Utilizing 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, a testament to the sophisticated integration of its supercar technology.
For the first time, Ferrari is employing its active aerodynamics not to diminish drag, but to amplify downforce. The manufacturer quotes a remarkable 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a significant 100kg of this generated by the deployable rear wing. The thermal management of the Ferrari 296 GTB is equally impressive, featuring two radiators in the front for engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two additional condensers for battery thermal regulation. Hot air is expelled underneath the vehicle, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the airflow directed to the intercoolers along the flanks. Small apertures below the headlamps are dedicated to cooling the brakes, while the integrated roofline wing creates a virtual rear screen, effectively channeling air to the rear of the car as if guided by a precisely sculpted surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce is meticulously generated from beneath the car, with particular attention paid to the underbody’s airflow management, the rear diffuser’s efficacy, and the critical underbody ground clearance to maximize the performance of these downforce-generating surfaces, showcasing Ferrari’s commitment to aerodynamic innovation.
Our initial experience with the Ferrari 296 GTB on the circuit involved models equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade swaps the standard dampers for Multimatic units derived from GT racing and adds carbon aerodynamic elements to the front, increasing front downforce by an additional 20kg. Further weight savings are achieved through increased use of carbon fiber in the cabin, including the door panels, and on the exterior. These enhancements contribute to an overall weight reduction of 12kg, which can be extended to 15kg with the optional Lexan rear engine cover. For those seeking ultimate track prowess, the Fiorano package also offers Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires as a replacement for the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Additionally, Fiorano-equipped cars can be personalized with an exterior graphics package, a nod to the iconic 250LM of the 1960s, adding a touch of heritage to this modern marvel.
Having spent considerable time evaluating the Ferrari 296 GTB in person, its aesthetic is undeniably captivating. It presents a design language that is both unique and strikingly beautiful, echoing the classic lines of the 250LM even without the more overt graphic treatments. This distinctive visual identity sets it apart in a field of highly competitive new hypercars.
Initiating forward motion in the Ferrari 296 GTB is an exercise in elegant simplicity: a double press of the lower steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, utilizing electric power for initial propulsion unless otherwise directed via the haptic driver mode controls on the left side of the steering wheel boss. As long as throttle application remains measured, the 296 will continue its silent progress on electric power, contingent on battery charge.
Drivers have the option to deliberately engage pure EV mode, irrespective of powertrain demands. Beyond this, Performance and Qualifying modes offer distinct driving profiles. In Performance mode, both the V6 engine and electric motor work in concert, with a secondary objective of maintaining battery charge. Qualifying mode, conversely, prioritizes absolute maximum performance, with the battery’s state of charge taking a backseat.
The quiet serenity of gliding through urban environments is a surprisingly delightful experience, and the sophisticated damping ensures a remarkably comfortable ride for extended journeys. The practicality extends to a reasonably sized luggage compartment in the front ‘frunk,’ a welcome contrast to the SF90. However, the question that truly ignites our curiosity, yours and mine, is the sensation when both the internal combustion engine and electric motor are unleashed to their full potential.
The answer lies in the response when the throttle is firmly applied at low revs in a high gear: the Ferrari 296 GTB surges forward with an immediacy that defies expectation, momentarily making one question the very need for gear changes, such is its sheer potency. Yet, with eight gears at its disposal and an engine that revs to an exhilarating 8500rpm, the experience when fully uncorking the 296 is nothing short of astonishing. The acceleration figures – a blistering 0-62mph time that defies belief and a sky-high top speed – translate into a sensation of hold-on-tight exhilaration, tinged with nervous laughter. It’s a deeply addictive experience, making this a seriously rapid machine. The auditory accompaniment is equally compelling, a symphony of turbocharger effects overlaying a tuneful V6 rasp. This is the essence of performance driving.
The responsiveness of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s chassis is profoundly impressive, validating Ferrari’s assertion that the car’s primary objective was to be “fun to drive.” It exhibits remarkable agility without tipping into nervousness. The steering is typically light and rapid, yet it conveys a wealth of feedback, allowing the driver to feel intimately connected to the road. While grip levels are, as anticipated, exceptionally high, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable, eliciting an irrepressible grin.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the Ferrari 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a remarkable lack of inertia throughout the entire vehicle, encouraging drivers to work with it, employing subtle inputs and reveling in its precision and accuracy. Engaging the CT Off mode grants considerable freedom, underpinned by the reassurance of an intelligent electronic guardian overseeing proceedings. However, even with all electronic aids deactivated, the inherent balance of the 296 allows it to be playfully coaxed into oversteer, a feat that might seem improbable in a car with 819bhp. This mastery of handling dynamics is a hallmark of Ferrari’s engineering prowess.
On the racetrack, the Ferrari 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to seemingly shrink even the longest start-finish straight. What becomes even more apparent is its surgical 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. Drivers quickly learn that precision with the controls yields the most significant rewards. The astonishing turn-in accuracy and responsiveness dramatically abbreviate the entry phase of every corner. Rather than gradually easing the car into turns and allowing loads to build, the 296 settles instantly into its line, aided by the Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering, which perfectly complements the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for those accustomed to more mature sports cars, the speed, precision, and agility of the 296 are phenomenal, offering a pure joy with every lap.
The cabin architecture of the Ferrari 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90, as the 296 borrows extensively from that flagship model. The fully digital interface, coupled with its haptic switchgear spread across the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it, presents a steep learning curve. While undeniably complex, it’s important to acknowledge the sheer volume of information being conveyed. However, the most frustrating aspect is the occasional need for a second press to register simple operations, and the uncertainty regarding whether a press has been successful at all. Nevertheless, the interior undeniably conveys a sense of occasion and specialness.
Reflecting on the evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, the competition was fierce, with the Ferrari 296 GTB and the McLaren Artura vying for supremacy. The judges were almost evenly split, with three narrowly favoring the Ferrari and three giving the McLaren a slight edge. Those who championed the 296, including myself, lauded its spectacular nature – its breathtaking aesthetics, outrageous speed, astonishing exploitability, and profound technical sophistication. The V6 engine was seen as a masterclass in downsizing, delivering immense drama, and its control levels were matched by the Artura, yet the Ferrari felt more playful and indulgent.
One judge declared the 296 the “first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. The hybrid system, he noted, integrated seamlessly, not significantly altering the driving experience as initially feared, perhaps due to our growing familiarity with the torque-rich characteristics of turbocharged V8s in the 488 and F8. The 296’s blistering speed is tempered by the character of its V6, which offers a consistently sweet soundtrack that evolves with throttle input.
The seamless integration of the Ferrari’s hybridisation drew widespread praise. However, a notable incident left one tester stranded when the battery depleted with no apparent means of revival. While Ferrari had preemptively warned of this possibility and provided guidance, the scenario of an owner finding themselves in a similar predicament isn’t inconceivable. As one critic pointed out, it’s a “huge oversight” that a company renowned for advanced technologies like individual rear-wheel steering couldn’t engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent such an occurrence. Fortunately for the 296, this happened after the scoring was complete.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake feel didn’t quite match the absolute best in the group. The tech interface, in particular, faced widespread criticism for its complexity. Despite these drawbacks, the 296 remained irresistibly seductive. One tester admitted to initial skepticism, anticipating a car that was “too complex, rather gratuitous points of difference,” but ultimately found himself “somewhat bewitched” by its uncanny directional changes, astonishing damping, and “looney-tunes levels of grip,” coupled with a “linearity of seemingly never-ending power.”
The Ferrari 296 GTS review further explores the convertible variant, questioning whether any of the performance magic is lost with the roof down.
In conclusion, the Ferrari 296 GTB represents a significant return to form for Ferrari, especially when compared to the SF90, which left some feeling underwhelmed. Its technical sophistication and the integration of its hybrid technology feel far more natural and less intrusive. Ferrari has demonstrably learned from the SF90, distilling its advancements into a series production model that stands as one of its very finest achievements. This hybrid supercar is a masterclass in modern automotive engineering.
When a vehicle is so densely packed with cutting-edge technology, there’s always a risk that it might become less than the sum of its parts. This was an observation made regarding the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power, could be unnerving due to its challenging driving characteristics. However, the Ferrari 296 GTB charts a distinctly different course. As evidenced by its joint third-place finish alongside the McLaren Artura at eCoty 2022, it feels far more organic. Its masterful blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect chord, fundamentally redefining what a supercar priced in the £250,000-plus bracket can achieve. Rumors of a “Versione Speciale” variant, promising even more power, performance, and intensity, are circulating for the current year. The hope is that this enhanced model retains the standard 296’s inexplicably natural feel.
It is precisely this nuanced aspect of the Ferrari 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 it has the potential to overwhelm if the rest of the vehicle isn’t meticulously engineered to complement it. If Lamborghini has indeed achieved this delicate balance – and their success with the Revuelto provides ample reason for optimism – then we are poised for an electrifying twin test, potentially involving a staggering 1700bhp combined output.
Alternatively, we could envision a colossal 2400bhp triple threat, including the McLaren 750S. Absurdly, the 750S, with its 740bhp, now appears to be the “minnow” of this illustrious class. However, it compensates with a remarkably petite 1389kg kerb weight, ensuring a competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw engagement, ergonomic perfection, crisp steering, and chassis finesse offer a distinct contrast to the comparatively more distant feel of the Ferrari. The debate over the ultimate electric supercar is more vibrant than ever.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications:
Engine: 2992cc, twin-turbocharged V6, plus electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch, active E-diff
Combined Power: 819bhp @ 8000rpm
Torque: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Price: Starting from £250,000+
The Ferrari 296 GTB represents a bold new chapter in the supercar narrative, pushing the boundaries of performance and electrification. If you’re captivated by this fusion of visceral excitement and cutting-edge technology, we invite you to explore our latest performance car leasing options or schedule a consultation with our specialists to discover how you can experience the future of driving today.
