Ferrari 296 GTB 2025: The Refined Hybrid Benchmark Under Lamborghini’s Approaching Shadow
By [Your Industry Expert Name]
The Ferrari 296 GTB, a revolutionary V6 hybrid supercar, has been a cornerstone of Maranello’s lineup since its introduction in 2022. Despite the relentless march of technological progress and the looming shadow of its Lamborghini rival, the 296 GTB remains a potent and captivating machine. Now, with the arrival of the Lamborghini Temerario and the evolving landscape of the hybrid supercar segment, the Ferrari 296 GTB review takes on renewed importance.
This article offers a deep-dive into the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025, examining its revolutionary powertrain, chassis dynamics, and interior technology. We’ll explore how it compares to key rivals and discuss its potential role in the ongoing evolution of luxury hybrid sports cars.
The Ferrari 296 GTB: A Departure from Tradition
Ferrari’s mid-engine supercar tradition underwent an unprecedented shift with the introduction of the 296 GTB. Abandoning the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 in favor of a new twin-turbo V6 engine, amplified by electrical augmentation, the 296 GTB took the initiative in a higher-tier supercar segment that is still transitioning to hybrid power.
In its early days, the 296 GTB was compared to the Lamborghini Huracán, with its naturally aspirated V10. While lower in comparative power, the Huracán offered the charisma and raw noise of a naturally aspirated engine. However, the landscape has changed dramatically. While the McLaren 750S represents a development of existing themes, trading on power-to-weight supremacy, the 903bhp 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid Temerario is Lamborghini’s direct challenge to Maranello’s 819bhp hybrid Berlinetta.
The 296 GTB packs real firepower. With an all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine and an electric motor powering the rear wheels exclusively (unlike the SF90), the 819bhp 296 GTB truly shattered supercar conventions.
It’s hard to look past such an awe-inspiring power figure and wonder where this escalation will end (Lamborghini seems to be asking the same question with the Temerario). But that is another discussion entirely. The 296 GTB is Ferrari’s first V6-powered road car (the delectable 246 GT Dino never wore the Prancing Horse emblem in its era), the first to feature a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger setup, and a plug-in hybrid with an EV-only range of around 15 miles.
Powertrain and Performance: The Heart of the Machine
The little V6 is mounted low in a new aluminum chassis, with the wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to the V8-engined cars, and the occupants are positioned slightly further forward. This optimization is critical for improving agility, a defining characteristic of the 296 GTB.
The electric motor delivers a substantial 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 alone produces a stunning 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined power output reaches 819bhp, but Ferrari refrains from quoting the combined peak torque, presumably due to the complexities of how the engine and electric motor operate together. Regardless, it’s safe to assume it’s considerable.
In total, the V6 saves 30kg over Ferrari’s V8s and is coupled to an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The battery pack, a long oblong structure, is housed behind the seats. This hybrid configuration is the defining feature of the 296 GTB, offering a unique blend of electric-only driving and high-performance power delivery.
Chassis Dynamics and Driver Engagement
It wouldn’t be a Ferrari without a suite of acronyms denoting sophisticated electronic chassis systems. For the 296, Ferrari has developed a six-axis sensor known as 6w-CDS that measures acceleration and rotation speed on the X, Y, and Z planes.
This system replaces the conventional yaw sensor. Combined with a sensor mounted on the steering rack, it allows the car to understand driver inputs and grip levels at the tire contact patches. It works with systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff to maximize cornering speed without compromising stability.
Furthermore, the 296 features ABS-evo (ABS evolutionary), in RACE mode and above, which shortens braking distances through the brake-by-wire system. It also improves braking performance during trail braking into corners, a crucial skill for supercar driving.
For the first time, Ferrari is using its active aerodynamics technology not to reduce drag, but to increase downforce. The firm quotes 360kg at 155mph, with up to 100kg generated by the deployable rear wing.
There are two radiators in the nose for engine and gearbox cooling, plus two condensers for battery cooling. Hot air is expelled underneath to avoid interfering with the intercooler airflow along the flanks. The small apertures below the headlamps cool the brakes, while the roofline-integrated wing creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen that channels air to the rear.
The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated under the car, with particular attention paid to airflow channelling, the rear diffuser, and the height of the underbody to maximize downforce-generating surfaces. This meticulous attention to detail is what sets Ferrari apart.
Performance and 0-62mph Time
To get moving, simply press the bottom of the steering wheel boss twice and engage first gear. The 296 always starts in Hybrid mode, moving away on electric power unless otherwise commanded via the haptic driver mode buttons on the left of the wheel. As long as throttle input is gentle, the car will continue in EV mode (battery permitting).
Drivers can also ‘force’ EV mode, regardless of powertrain demands, or switch to Performance and Qualifying modes. In these modes, both power sources work together. Performance mode aims to keep the battery topped up, while Qualifying mode prioritizes ultimate performance, disregarding the battery’s state of charge.
Gliding quietly through villages is an unexpected pleasure, and the damping is so sophisticated that the 296 is a surprisingly comfortable car. There’s even a reasonable luggage area in the ‘frunk’ up front (unlike the SF90). But what we all want to know is what it feels like with both engine and electric motor properly engaged.
Planting the throttle at low revs in a high gear, the 296 simply bolts forward with no lag, making you question the necessity of gears. Still, there are eight to play with, and an engine that revs to 8500rpm. When you uncork the 296, the effect is absolutely startling.
As the numbers suggest, the acceleration is a hold-on-tight/nervous-laughter variety, verging on the uncomfortable, yet weirdly addictive. This is a seriously rapid car. It also sounds glorious, with plenty of turbo sound effects overlaying the tuneful V6 rasp.
Ride and Handling: A Masterclass in Agility
What’s truly impressive is how responsive the 296 GTB’s chassis is. Ferrari wasn’t kidding when they said the aim was to make the car ‘fun to drive’. It feels highly agile without being nervous. The steering is typically light and fast, but there’s plenty of detail, and while grip levels are very high, the car is also throttle-adjustable in a way that makes you grin.
It feels much lighter than its 1470kg (dry) weight suggests, with a lack of inertia that encourages you to work with it, making small inputs and reveling in its accuracy and precision. The CT Off mode allows you to take amazing liberties with the reassurance that an electronic brain far more intelligent than yours is looking after you. Even with everything switched off, the natural balance of the 296 means it can be teased into oversteer in a way you’d never expect from a car with 819bhp.
On track, the 296 makes even a lengthy start-finish straight shrink. What becomes even more obvious is how sharp an instrument it is. The power is there to break traction at the rear at many points around the lap, but the 296 is also highly sensitive to braking and steering inputs, making precision with the controls the most rewarding approach.
The incredible turn-in accuracy and response dramatically shortens the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing into turns and allowing load to build, the 296 takes set immediately on its Multimatic dampers. The hyper-quick steering matches the extra roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup beautifully. 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.
Interior: A Blend of Luxury and Technology
The cabin architecture will be familiar to anyone who has sat in an SF90, as the 296 borrows heavily from that car. The purely digital interface and its haptic switchgear are the
