Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 Review: Setting the Benchmark for Lamborghini’s Temerario Rival
For several years now, the Ferrari 296 GTB, a revolutionary V6 hybrid supercar, has captivated the automotive world. Even as a 903bhp Lamborghini rival, the Temerario, looms on the horizon, the 296 GTB continues to impress with its breathtaking performance and sophisticated engineering.
A Defining Moment for Ferrari
The arrival of the 296 GTB in 2022 marked a seismic shift in Ferrari’s mid-engined supercar lineup. By retiring the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 and introducing a brand-new twin-turbo V6 with electric augmentation, the 296 GTB claimed the technological lead in a segment that is still transitioning to hybrid power.
Formidable Competition
When it debuted, the 296 GTB faced stiff competition in the form of the Lamborghini Huracán, renowned for its naturally aspirated V10 engine and intoxicating sound, despite being significantly less powerful. It also squared off against the formidable McLaren 720S, which boasted a potent twin-turbo V8. While the McLaren 750S builds on existing strengths with superior power-to-weight ratios, the 903bhp 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid Temerario represents Lamborghini’s direct challenge to Ferrari’s 819bhp hybrid Berlinetta.
Unprecedented Power and Performance
The 296 GTB is undeniably a performance machine. Featuring a cutting-edge 120-degree twin-turbo V6 engine and an electric motor, it exclusively powers the rear wheels—a departure from the SF90’s all-wheel-drive system. The 819bhp 296 GTB redefines supercar expectations.
Ferrari’s Hybrid Revolution
With a combined output of 819bhp, the 296 GTB is a technological marvel. It is the first Ferrari road car with a V6 engine (the exquisite 246 GT Dino never wore the Prancing Horse badge during its production run) and the first to feature a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger layout. As a plug-in hybrid, it offers an electric-only range of approximately 15 miles. The lightweight V6 is positioned low in a new aluminum chassis, and the wheelbase is 50mm shorter than the V8-engined models, with the occupants sitting slightly further forward.
Engineering Excellence
The electric motor delivers an impressive 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 alone produces a staggering 654bhp and 546lb ft. While Ferrari refrains from quoting combined peak torque figures due to the complex interaction between the engine and the electric motor, the output is undeniably substantial. The V6 engine saves 30kg over a typical Ferrari V8 and is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a long rectangular unit, is housed behind the seats.
Advanced Chassis Control
No Ferrari would be complete without a suite of advanced electronic chassis systems. The 296 features the six-axis sensor known as 6w-CDS, which measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z axes. This replaces the conventional yaw sensor and, when combined with the steering rack sensor, allows the car to monitor driver inputs and grip levels at the tire contact patch. This enables the Side Slip Control and E-Diff systems to optimize cornering speed without compromising stability. The 296 also introduces the ABS-evo system (in RACE mode and above), which utilizes brake-by-wire technology to shorten braking distances and enhance stability during trail braking.
Innovative Aerodynamics
For the first time, Ferrari uses active aerodynamics to increase downforce rather than reduce drag. The firm quotes a figure of 360kg at 155mph, with the active rear wing contributing up to 100kg of that downforce. Two radiators in the nose cool the engine and gearbox, while two condensers cool the battery. Hot air is expelled from the underside to avoid interfering with the air directed to the intercoolers along the sides. The small apertures below the headlights are for brake cooling, and the roofline-integrated wing creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen that channels air to the rear of the car. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated underbody, with careful attention paid to air channeling and the rear diffuser height.
Assetto Fiorano Package
Our test cars were equipped with the Assetto Fiorano package, which replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic items derived from GT racing and adds aerodynamic carbon fiber elements to the nose, increasing front downforce by 20kg. The cabin features more carbon fiber (such as the door panels) and exterior components, resulting in a 12kg weight saving (15kg with the optional Lexan rear engine cover). Optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires replace the standard Pilot Sport 4S tires on Fiorano models. These cars can also be ordered with exterior graphics inspired by the 250LM of the 1960s.
A Visually Stunning Supercar
Having spent significant time with the 296 GTB, we find it to be an exceptionally attractive car. It stands out with a unique design that, even without the polarizing graphics pack, echoes the style of the 1960s 250LM.
Performance and Driving Experience
To start moving, double-press the bottom of the steering wheel boss and engage first gear. The 296 always begins in Hybrid mode, allowing it to pull away on electric power alone. Unless you manually select a different mode using the haptic controls on the steering wheel, the car will continue on electric power as long as the battery has sufficient charge.
Modes of Operation
You can select EV mode to drive solely on electric power, regardless of throttle input. Performance and Qualifying modes engage both power sources: Performance prioritizes a balance between power and battery charge, while Qualifying focuses on maximum performance regardless of battery level.
The Dual Nature of the 296
Gliding silently through villages is a surprisingly pleasant experience. The damping is so sophisticated that it makes for a comfortable long-distance cruiser, and there is a usable luggage compartment in the ‘frunk’. But the real question is: what does it feel like when both engine and electric motor are pushed to their limits? The answer lies in the incredible surge of acceleration. Even at low revs in a high gear, the 296 launches forward with no lag, making you question the need for gears, such is its potency. With eight gears and an engine that revs to 8500rpm, the 296 is absolutely breathtaking when pushed.
Impressive Acceleration Figures
The 0-62mph time is just 2.9 seconds, and the top speed exceeds 205mph, providing a thrilling, addictive, and slightly nerve-wracking experience. This is a seriously fast car, and it sounds fantastic, with turbo spool and V6 rasp creating a captivating soundtrack.
Ride and Handling Dynamics
What truly impresses about the 296 GTB is its responsive chassis and Ferrari’s dedication to making it ‘fun to drive’. It feels agile without being nervous. The steering is typically light and fast but offers excellent feedback. The grip levels are extremely high, but the car is also throttle-adjustable in a way that brings a smile to your face.
Lightweight Agility
Despite its 1470kg (dry) weight, the 296 feels significantly lighter. The car’s lack of inertia encourages engagement, allowing for small inputs and precise control. The CT Off mode permits astonishing levels of driving freedom, with the reassurance of an advanced electronic brain constantly monitoring the situation. Even with all systems off, the 296’s natural balance allows it to be teased into oversteer in a way you wouldn’t expect from a 819bhp supercar.
Circuit Prowess
On the track, the 296 GTB makes even the longest start/finish straight feel short. It proves to be an incredibly sharp instrument. The power is ample for rear-wheel traction loss, but the 296 is also highly sensitive to braking and steering inputs, rewarding precision with exceptional performance.
Precision Steering and Handling
The turn-in accuracy and response dramatically shorten the corner entry phase. Instead of easing into turns and allowing the load to build, the 296 takes set immediately on its Multimatic dampers. The lightning-quick steering complements the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even if you’ve just driven a conventional sports car, the 296’s speed, precision, and agility are phenomenal and provide endless enjoyment lap after lap.
Interior Design and Technology
The cabin architecture is instantly recognizable to anyone who has experienced the SF90. The 296 borrows heavily from that model, featuring a fully digital interface and complex haptic switchgear. This system, applied liberally on the steering wheel and side pods, can be challenging. While there is a lot of information to display, the most frustrating aspect is when simple operations require multiple presses to register, or when it’s unclear if a selection was successful. Nevertheless, the interior feels like a special place to be.
evo Car of the Year 2022 Verdict
“Now it gets serious,” as one tester put it. When the final scores were tallied, the Artura and 296 GTB were virtually tied, and the judges were split three and three. The three who favored the Ferrari were
