Ferrari 296 GTB: Still a Benchmark in the Hybrid Supercar Era
The Evolution of Maranello’s Mid-Engine Masterpiece
Ferrari’s iconic mid-engined supercar formula underwent a seismic shift with the introduction of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022. For years, the Prancing Horse relied on its multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8, which powered legendary models like the 488 GTB and F8 Tributo. However, the landscape of high-performance automobiles is rapidly evolving, driven by increasingly stringent emissions regulations and a global push toward electrification. In response, Ferrari made the bold decision to replace the potent V8 with a revolutionary twin-turbocharged 120-degree V6 engine. This V6 is significantly smaller and lighter than its predecessor, but it’s far from compromised. When paired with a high-performance electric motor, the 296 GTB achieves a staggering 819 horsepower combined, setting a new standard for plug-in hybrid supercars.
At the time of its debut, the 296 GTB faced stiff competition. Its traditional rival, the Lamborghini Huracán, offered the raw, naturally-aspirated V10 charisma that has defined the brand for decades. While the Huracán might have lacked the sheer power of the Ferrari, it compensated with an intoxicating soundtrack and a visceral, driver-focused experience. Meanwhile, McLaren continued to dominate the lightweight, turbo-V8 segment with its exceptional 720S, and later the 750S, which built upon the company’s philosophy of power-to-weight supremacy.
However, the automotive industry waits for no one. The true challenger to Maranello’s new V6 hybrid has emerged in the form of Lamborghini Temerario. This new hybrid supercar, rumored to produce over 900 horsepower from a 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8, represents Lamborghini’s most direct response to the Ferrari 296 GTB. While the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 model continues to evolve, it faces the daunting task of proving its worth against the new onslaught of electrified performance. The rivalry between these two automotive titans is just heating up, and it promises to redefine the supercar segment for years to come.
Unveiling the Ferrari 296 GTB: A Symphony of Power and Technology
The Ferrari 296 GTB isn’t just another supercar; it’s a paradigm shift. It marks a return to V6 power for Ferrari’s road cars, harkening back to the iconic 246 GT Dino (though the Dino never officially wore the Prancing Horse emblem). What makes the 296 GTB particularly groundbreaking is its “hot-vee” turbocharger layout, a compact and efficient design that helps minimize turbo lag. As a plug-in hybrid, it also offers a 15-mile EV-only range, allowing for silent, emission-free cruising in urban environments.
The engineering prowess of the 296 GTB is immediately apparent in its powertrain. The V6 engine is mounted low in the chassis, contributing to a low center of gravity and improved handling. The wheelbase has been reduced by 50mm compared to previous V8 models, placing the occupants slightly further forward and enhancing the car’s responsiveness.
The electric component is a 165hp motor providing 232lb-ft of torque, while the V6 itself delivers a staggering 654 horsepower and 546lb-ft of torque. Combined, they produce the headline figure of 819 horsepower. While Ferrari refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, it’s safe to assume it’s immense. The V6 is 30kg lighter than Ferrari’s V8, and the entire system is mated to an eight-speed twin-clutch gearbox. The 819 hp hybrid Ferrari 296 GTB power output is truly remarkable, pushing the boundaries of what was previously thought possible in a production road car. The Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 specs continue to emphasize this impressive power-to-weight ratio, solidifying its position at the forefront of the hybrid supercar revolution.
A Masterclass in Chassis Engineering: Driving Dynamics and Handling
No Ferrari is complete without a suite of sophisticated electronic chassis systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has developed 6w-CDS, a revolutionary six-axis sensor that measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes. This system replaces the traditional yaw sensor and, when combined with a steering rack sensor, provides the car with an unprecedented understanding of the driver’s inputs and the tire grip levels.
Working in concert with systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, the 296 GTB maximizes cornering speed while maintaining stability. It also introduces ABS-evo, a brake-by-wire system that shortens braking distances and improves braking performance during trail braking. This integrated approach ensures that even with 819 horsepower on tap, the driver remains in control.
Ferrari has also adapted its active aerodynamics technology for the 296 GTB. Unlike previous iterations that focused on reducing drag, the 296 utilizes its active rear wing to increase downforce. The car generates a claimed 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with the rear wing contributing up to 100kg. This aggressive aerodynamic package helps the 296 GTB maintain grip and stability at extreme speeds, a critical factor when testing the Ferrari 296 GTB on the track.
The Ferrari 296 GTB review often highlights the car’s intricate cooling system. Two radiators in the nose handle engine and gearbox cooling, while two additional condensers cool the battery. Hot air is expelled underneath the car to avoid interfering with the intercooler airflow along the flanks. The small apertures below the headlamps are dedicated to cooling the brakes, while the roofline-integrated wing acts as a ‘virtual’ rear screen, channeling air to the rear of the car as if guided by a solid surface. The majority of the 819 hp hybrid Ferrari 296 GTB downforce is generated from underbody airflow, with meticulous attention paid to channelling air and the rear diffuser.
The Assetto Fiorano Experience: A Lightweight Track Weapon
To truly appreciate the Ferrari 296 GTB, one must experience it in its most potent form. The Assetto Fiorano pack transforms the car into a dedicated track weapon. It replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic items derived from GT racing and adds further carbon aerodynamic devices to the nose, boosting front downforce by 20kg.
The interior benefits from increased carbon fiber, including the door panels, contributing to a total weight saving of 12kg. This increases to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For track enthusiasts, the Fiorano package offers Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Fiorano cars can also be ordered with an exterior graphics package inspired by the 250LM of the 1960s, adding a touch of heritage to the modern machine.
Having spent time with the 296 GTB in the metal, it’s clear that it is a stunningly beautiful car. It stands apart from anything else on the road, aping the 250LM even without the polarizing graphics pack. The Ferrari 296 GTB review consistently praises its visual appeal, noting that it marks a return to form for the Italian marque.
Performance and Acceleration: 0-62mph in a Blink
Getting started in the 296 GTB is a seamless experience. A double press on the bottom of the steering wheel boss engages the hybrid system, and the car starts in Hybrid mode, utilizing electric power until prompted otherwise. The haptic driver mode ‘buttons’ on the left side of the wheel allow for intuitive control over the powertrain. As long as you don’t demand too much throttle, the car will continue on electric power, provided the battery has sufficient charge.
Drivers can also force the car into EV mode, regardless of powertrain demands, or select Performance and Qualifying modes. In these modes, both power sources work in harmony. Performance mode balances power delivery with battery regeneration, while Qualifying mode unleashes maximum performance, prioritizing speed over battery life. This 819 hp hybrid Ferrari 296 GTB performance is truly astonishing, but it’s the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 review that truly captures the essence of this beast.
While gliding silently through villages is an unexpected pleasure, and the damping is so sophisticated it makes for a surprisingly comfortable grand tourer, what truly excites drivers is the raw performance when both the engine and electric motor are fully engaged. The clue lies in how the 296 GTB responds to low-rev throttle inputs in a high gear: the car simply bolts forward, with no lag. It makes you question the need for gears at all, such is its potency. Still, there are eight speeds to play with, and an engine that revs to 8500rpm. When you truly uncork the 819 hp hybrid Ferrari 296 GTB, the effect is absolutely startling.
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