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Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 Review: Maranello’s V6 Hybrid Supercar Redefined and the Lamborghini Threat
For the discerning collector and performance enthusiast, the arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB marked a watershed moment not just for Maranello, but for the entire luxury supercar landscape. Unveiled to the world in 2022, the 296 GTB dispensed with the legendary, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 that powered icons like the 488 and F8 Tributo. In its place emerged a revolutionary twin-turbo V6 architecture, augmented by electric power. This was Ferrari’s aggressive bid to dominate the hyper-performance hybrid segment—a domain where electrical integration was still proving its mettle.
As an industry analyst with a decade spent navigating the intersection of Italian engineering prowess and global market dynamics, I can attest that the 296 GTB review from that initial launch phase captured only the first chapter of this car’s story. In the years that followed, as it cemented its place in showrooms and on discerning garage floors, its true character—a seamless blend of raw mechanical fury and sophisticated electric drive—has come into sharp focus.
The original rivals for the 296 GTB were a classic triumvirate. There was the Lamborghini Huracán, the bastion of naturally-aspirated V10 symphony and unadulterated driver engagement; the McLaren 720S, a benchmark in lightweight, twin-turbo V8 brutality; and the then-upcoming Lamborghini Revuelto, a 986bhp V12 hybrid masterpiece set to redefine hypercar boundaries. Yet, today, the landscape has evolved. While the McLaren 750S remains a potent force of sheer power-to-weight dominance, it is the impending debut of the Lamborghini Revuelto (often mistakenly referred to as the Temerario in early internal memos) that represents Maranello’s true stoichiometric rival. Delivering 1,015 metric horsepower (986bhp) through a hybrid system underpinned by a roaring naturally-aspirated V12, the Revuelto is Lamborghini’s declaration that raw combustion will not cede the throne to electrification without a spectacular fight.
However, the standard-bearer for this new breed of plug-in hybrid performance remains the 296 GTB. With its astonishing 819bhp output and 10,000rpm redline (in its Berlinetta form), the 296 GTB didn’t just join the conversation; it changed the rules of the game. It successfully transitioned from a purely combustion-engine era to a electrified future, delivering a level of performance that makes its predecessors feel almost primitive by comparison.
The Ferrari 296 GTB: A Technical Masterclass
When analyzing the Ferrari 296 GTB, one must first appreciate the audacious engineering at its core. The shift from a V8 to a V6 was not merely a cost-saving measure; it was a fundamental architectural change designed to optimize weight distribution, lower the center of gravity, and, crucially, facilitate the integration of a high-voltage hybrid system. The 296 GTB represents the first time Ferrari has put a V6 into a road-going sports car since the beloved 246 Dino (which never actually wore the Prancing Horse badge in-period).
The engine itself is a marvel of thermal dynamics. Utilizing a “hot-vee” configuration, where the exhaust manifolds and turbochargers are mounted within the valley of the 120-degree V, the 296 GTB achieves exceptional packaging density and thermal efficiency. This design shortens the exhaust runner length, reducing turbo lag to near-zero levels—a critical consideration for road cars where the throttle response is paramount.
Power and Torque Dynamics: The Hybrid Equation
The sheer figures generated by this powertrain are the stuff of legend. The combustion engine alone produces a staggering 654bhp and 546lb ft of torque. This is combined with a 165bhp electric motor, resulting in a system output of 819bhp. Ferrari tactfully refrains from quoting a specific combined peak torque figure, a decision likely rooted in the intricate electronic management required to blend the linear torque of the electric motor with the peak power delivery of the V6. Nevertheless, enthusiasts can assume the Ferrari 296 GTB torque output is immense, delivering the sort of instant acceleration that redefines what is possible at
road-legal speeds.
Weight management was equally critical. The V6 unit is approximately 30kg lighter than Ferrari’s previous V8s. This weight saving, combined with a cutting-edge eight-speed, dual-clutch transmission (shared with the SF90), ensures the car remains dynamically agile despite its technological complexity. The battery pack, an elongated structure situated behind the cabin, powers the rear wheels exclusively, distinguishing it from the four-wheel-drive SF90 and maintaining a purer, more visceral driving feel.
Advanced Chassis Control Systems
A Ferrari of this caliber is nothing without its electronic guardians. The 296 GTB’s chassis is governed by an array of sophisticated systems, most notably the six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (6w-CDS). This system provides real-time data on acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes, replacing the conventional yaw sensor.
Working in tandem with a steering rack sensor, the 6w-CDS allows the car to understand the driver’s inputs and the available grip at the contact patches. This information is used to optimize the Side Slip Control (SSC) and the Active Electronic Differential (E-Diff), ensuring maximum cornering speed without sacrificing stability. A key innovation is the ABS-evo system, integrated with the 296’s brake-by-wire technology. In RACE mode and above, ABS-evo shortens braking distances and improves braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers, offering a confidence that is often missing in hypercars with such ferocious speed.
Aerodynamics Reimagined
In the realm of modern supercar engineering, aerodynamics is no longer merely about cutting through the air; it is about molding it. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari fundamentally inverted its approach. Instead of using active aerodynamics primarily to reduce drag, the engineers focused on generating downforce. The firm quotes a remarkable 360kg of downforce at 155 mph, a significant portion of which is generated by a deployable rear wing that rises from the bodywork.
Cooling is equally intricate. The 296 GTB features two radiators in the nose for engine and gearbox cooling, as well as two condensers for the battery. Hot air is efficiently expelled beneath the car to prevent it from interfering with the intercooler air intakes located along the flanks. The subtle intakes beneath the headlamps are optimized for brake cooling, while a wing integrated into the rear roofline creates a “virtual” rear screen, efficiently channeling air toward the back of the car as if guided by a solid surface.
Crucially, the majority of the 296’s downforce is generated from the underbody. Ferrari invested heavily in optimizing the airflow beneath the car, paying meticulous attention not just to the channeling tunnels and the rear diffuser, but also to the ride height. Even minute adjustments to the ride height dramatically impact the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces, making the 296 an incredibly sensitive machine.
The Assetto Fiorano Package: The Track-Ready Edition
For those seeking the ultimate expression of the 296 GTB’s capabilities, Ferrari offers the Assetto Fiorano package. This suite of upgrades is more than just a cosmetic addition; it is a holistic enhancement of performance and driving engagement.
Suspension and Weight Optimization
The standard dampers are replaced with Multimatic items derived from GT racing technology. These dampers provide superior body control and feedback, allowing the driver to better feel the subtle shifts in weight and tire grip. Furthermore, the Assetto Fiorano package adds carbon aerodynamic devices to the nose, increasing front-end downforce by an additional 20kg.
The weight savings continue inside. The cabin features carbon fiber door panels, and the exterior boasts additional carbon components, resulting in an overall weight reduction of 12kg. Buyers can further shave off 15kg by opting for the Lexan rear engine cover, which offers a stunning glimpse of the V6 and hybrid components beneath. To complete the transformation, Fiorano cars can be fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, providing a massive increase in mechanical grip over the standard Pilot Sport 4S tires. For those drawn to the classic racing livery, an exterior graphics package inspired by the 250LM from the 1960s is available.
Driving Dynamics: The 296 GTB Experience
Even on its launch, the 296 GTB impressed reviewers with its handling, but it is the time spent in the saddle over the last few years that has truly defined its legacy. It feels significantly lighter than its 1,470kg dry weight suggests, a testament to Ferrari’s masterful packaging and engineering.
The Joy of Electric Launch
To set off, the driver double-presses the bottom of the steering wheel boss and engages first gear. The 296 GTB
