The Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 Review: Where the Lamborghini Temerario Must Earn Its Place
A revolutionary V6 hybrid supercar from Maranello, the Ferrari 296 GTB has redefined the mid-engined segment since its 2022 debut. By swapping the venerable twin-turbo V8 for a revolutionary V6 hybrid powertrain, Ferrari set a new standard for hybrid supercars, offering astonishing power, cutting-edge technology, and an unexpectedly engaging driving experience. While the Huracán has evolved into the naturally aspirated V10-powered Tecnica, the automotive world watched as Lamborghini unveiled its answer to the 296 GTB: the twin-turbo V8 hybrid Temerario, packing 903 horsepower and a 10,000rpm redline. But does this new electrified beast have what it takes to usurp the Prancing Horse?
The Ferrari 296 GTB: A New Paradigm in Supercar Engineering
Since its introduction in 2022, the Ferrari 296 GTB has been a testament to innovation in the supercar segment. This mid-engined Berlinetta marked a paradigm shift for Maranello, moving away from the tried-and-tested V8 to an all-new V6 hybrid engine. This revolutionary design not only propelled Ferrari into the next generation of performance but also established a benchmark for hybrid supercar technology that continues to challenge rivals.
At the heart of the 296 GTB lies an all-new 120-degree twin-turbocharged V6 engine, paired with an electric motor. This hybrid setup delivers a staggering 819 horsepower, all sent to the rear wheels. This revolutionary approach not only delivers mind-bending performance but also pushes the boundaries of what is possible in series-production road cars.
Despite the revolutionary powertrain, the 296 GTB remains a Ferrari through and through. It’s the first V6-powered Ferrari road car, featuring a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger layout and an EV-only range of around 15 miles. The engine is mounted low in a new aluminum chassis, with a shorter wheelbase than its V8 predecessors. The occupants sit closer to the front, resulting in an exceptionally agile and balanced driving experience.
The electric motor provides a significant boost of 165 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 produces a stunning 654 horsepower and 546 lb-ft of torque. Ferrari strategically opted not to quote combined peak torque, likely due to the intricacies of how the engine and motor work together, but the resulting output is undoubtedly staggering. The V6 engine is a significant achievement, saving approximately 30 kg over Ferrari’s V8s. This power is delivered through an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, with a long, sleek battery pack positioned behind the rear seats.
A new era of Ferrari dynamics is embodied by the 6w-CDS (six-axis sensor), which measures acceleration and rotation in the X, Y, and Z planes. Replacing the traditional yaw sensor, this system works in conjunction with a steering rack sensor to monitor driver input and grip levels, coordinating with the Side Slip Control and active E-Diff to maximize cornering speed without compromising stability. It also introduces ABS-evo, a breakthrough for Ferrari. In RACE mode and above, this brake-by-wire system significantly shortens braking distances and improves trail-braking performance.
Ferrari’s commitment to aerodynamics is also evident in the 296 GTB. Instead of reducing drag, the firm focused on generating downforce, achieving 360kg at 155mph. This is largely thanks to a deploying rear wing that generates up to 100kg of downforce. The car features two radiators for engine and gearbox cooling, alongside two condensers for the battery. Hot air is expelled underneath to avoid interfering with the intercoolers along the flanks. The small apertures below the headlights are for brake cooling, while the roof-integrated wing creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen that guides airflow to the rear.
For the track-focused 296 Assetto Fiorano, Ferrari introduced Multimatic dampers inspired by GT racing cars, along with aerodynamic enhancements that increase front downforce by 20kg. Further refinements include carbon fiber door panels and exterior components, reducing weight by 12kg (15kg with the optional Lexan rear engine cover). Optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires replace the standard Pilot Sport 4S tires, and a graphics package inspired by the 250LM adds a touch of vintage flair.
The Ferrari 296 GTB: Performance That Defies Expectations
Stepping into the 296 GTB is an experience in itself. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, so a double press on the steering wheel boss engages first gear, and the car moves away silently on electric power. With a light foot on the throttle, the 296 continues on electric power, a truly unique and luxurious experience.
For those seeking ultimate performance, the 296 GTB offers Performance and Qualifying modes. In these modes, both power sources work in harmony. Performance mode focuses on keeping the battery topped up while delivering exhilarating power, while Qualifying mode unleashes the full might of the hybrid system, regardless of the battery’s state of charge.
The Ferrari 296 GTB is more than just a powerful supercar; it’s an instrument that encourages engagement. The GTB’s responsiveness is truly remarkable, and Ferrari wasn’t exaggerating when they said the car was designed to be ‘fun to drive.’ It feels remarkably agile without being nervous. The steering is light and fast, but there’s detail and feel too. Grip levels are exceptionally high, and the car is surprisingly throttle-adjustable, inviting playful driver input.
Despite its 1,470kg (dry) weight, the 296 GTB feels much lighter. There’s a distinct lack of inertia that encourages the driver to work with the car, using small inputs and reveling in its accuracy and precision. The CT Off mode allows you to push the limits with confidence, knowing that a highly intelligent electronic brain is looking after you. Even with everything switched off, the 296’s natural balance means it can be teased into oversteer in a way you’d never expect from a 819bhp car.
On the track, the 296 GTB shrinks even the longest straights. But what becomes even more apparent is its precision. The power is there to break traction at the rear at multiple points, but the 296 is also highly sensitive to braking and steering inputs. You soon learn that precision is rewarded with the greatest results.
The 296’s accuracy and response dramatically shorten corner entry. Instead of easing into turns, the 296 takes set immediately, its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering working in perfect harmony with the extra roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even if you’ve just stepped out of a standard sports car, the speed, precision, and agility of the 296 are phenomenal and a joy to experience lap after lap.
The Interior: A Fusion of Technology and Craftsmanship
The cabin architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has sat in a SF90, which it borrows heavily from. The fully digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear are ubiquitous, covering the steering wheel and the pods on either side. While the interface is undoubtedly complex, it has to be, given the amount of information to process. However, the biggest drawback is that simple operations sometimes require a second press after the first fails to register, or not knowing if a press has been successful. Despite these minor frustrations, the cabin feels like a special place to be.
The evo Car of the Year 2022 Verdict: A Triumph of Engineering
At evo Car of the Year 2022, the Ferrari 296 GTB secured a joint third-place finish alongside the McLaren Artura. The judges were split, with three narrowly preferring the Ferrari and three giving the edge to the Macca.
Peter Tomalin, the reviewer, shared his thoughts: “Now it gets serious. When the scores were totted up, there wasn’t even the road tester’s legendary fag paper between the Artura and 296 GTB. The judges were perfectly split too: three of us narrowly preferred the Ferrari to the McLaren; three scored the Macca ahead by a whisker.”
The three judges who put the 296 in front were Jethro, Meaden, and Bovingdon. “What a spectacular car,” enthused Jethro. “Beautiful to look at, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable and so technically clever. Its V6 shows McLaren how to downsize but turn up the drama, and it matches the Artura in terms of sheer control but feels a bit more playful and indulgent.”
Dickie Meaden praised the 296 as the “first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. “The hybrid system works very well,” he went on, “and doesn’t change the driving experience as much as I’d feared. Probably because we’ve already got used to the torquey characteristics of the turbocharged V8 in the 488 and F8. The 296 is stonkingly quick, but doesn’t rely solely on speed thanks to the character of the V6, which has a soundtrack that’s always sweet and changes with throttle opening.”
The Ferrari’s hybridisation was widely praised for its seamless integration, but on the final night, the car ran
