Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 Review – The Benchmark for the Next Generation of Supercars
The Evolution of Power: A New Breed of Hybrid Supercars
The era of naturally aspirated V10 and V12 engines is fading, giving way to a new generation of hybrid supercars that push the boundaries of performance, efficiency, and technology. Leading this charge is the Ferrari 296 GTB, a revolutionary machine that has redefined the segment. With its revolutionary V6 hybrid powertrain, it has set a new standard that rivals like the Lamborghini Temerario must aspire to meet.
Redefining Supercar Dynamics
Ferrari’s long-standing tradition of naturally aspirated engines has been replaced with a bold new approach. The Ferrari 296 GTB, launched in 2022, introduced the first V6 engine in a Ferrari road car, combined with a plug-in hybrid system that offers up to 15 miles of electric-only range. This groundbreaking innovation has positioned Ferrari at the forefront of the automotive industry, pushing the limits of what is possible in terms of performance and efficiency.
Engine Performance
At the heart of the 296 GTB lies a twin-turbocharged 120-degree V6 engine that produces a staggering 654 bhp and 546 lb-ft of torque. This is supplemented by an electric motor that adds 165 bhp, bringing the total combined output to a formidable 819 bhp. The car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, with a top speed of 205 mph. This immense power is delivered to the rear wheels, providing an exhilarating driving experience that is both powerful and precise.
Technological Advancements
The Ferrari 296 GTB is a masterclass in engineering and technology. It features a six-axis sensor system known as 6w-CDS, which measures acceleration and rotational velocity on three planes to optimize chassis control and stability. This system works in tandem with the side-slip control and active E-diff to maximize cornering speed without compromising safety. The car also boasts an innovative active aerodynamics system that generates up to 360kg of downforce at 155 mph, with a rear wing that deploys to further enhance performance.
Transmission and Braking
The 296 GTB is equipped with an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox that ensures smooth and efficient power delivery. The car’s braking system, powered by brake-by-wire technology, incorporates an ABS-evo system that shortens braking distances and improves stability during trail braking. The battery pack, located behind the seats, provides the electric power that complements the V6 engine, creating a seamless and responsive driving experience.
Ride and Handling
The Ferrari 296 GTB is designed to be both comfortable and exhilarating. The chassis is stiff yet compliant, providing exceptional handling and responsiveness. The steering is precise and direct, allowing the driver to feel connected to the road. The car’s ride is refined, making it suitable for both daily driving and track use. The Assetto Fiorano package, which includes Multimatic dampers and carbon aerodynamic devices, further enhances the car’s performance, adding 20kg of front downforce and reducing weight.
Interior Design
The interior of the Ferrari 296 GTB is inspired by the SF90, featuring a minimalist design with a purely digital interface and haptic switchgear. While the interface is complex, it is designed to provide the driver with a wealth of information while maintaining a sleek and modern aesthetic. The cabin is a luxurious and high-tech environment, offering a premium driving experience.
Future of Supercars
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB has ushered in a new era of hybrid supercars. With rivals like the Lamborghini Temerario offering even more power and performance, the competition in this segment has never been fiercer. As manufacturers continue to push the boundaries of technology and engineering, the future of supercars promises to be even more exciting and innovative.
Driving the 296 GTB
Stepping into the 296 GTB, the driver is greeted with a host of advanced technology and intuitive controls. The car can be started in Hybrid mode, allowing for smooth, silent operation when needed. The driver can switch between EV mode, Performance mode, and Qualifying mode to optimize the powertrain for different driving scenarios. In EV mode, the car can travel up to 15 miles on electric power alone, offering a sustainable and efficient driving experience.
Performance on the Track
On the track, the Ferrari 296 GTB transforms into a focused driving machine. The engine’s immense power is readily available, allowing the driver to break traction at various points around the lap. The car’s highly responsive chassis, combined with its precise steering and active aerodynamics, enables the driver to execute sharp turns and execute daring maneuvers with ease. The Assetto Fiorano package further enhances the driving experience, providing superior grip and handling on the track.
The Ferrari Legacy
The Ferrari 296 GTB is more than just a supercar; it is a testament to Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence. It represents a bold new direction for the company, combining cutting-edge technology with timeless design and performance. As Ferrari continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, the 296 GTB stands as a beacon of innovation, setting the standard for future generations of supercars.
Rivals and Competition
In the fiercely competitive supercar market, the Ferrari 296 GTB faces stiff competition from rivals like the Lamborghini Temerario and the McLaren Artura. The Temerario, with its 900 bhp+ V8 hybrid powertrain, represents a formidable challenge to the 296 GTB. The Artura, meanwhile, offers a more lightweight and agile experience, with a focus on pure driving dynamics. However, the 296 GTB stands out with its unique blend of power, technology, and sophistication, offering a driving experience that is both exhilarating and refined.
The Ferrari 296 GTB: A Benchmark for the Future
The Ferrari 296 GTB has set a new benchmark for the supercar segment, blending cutting-edge technology with timeless design and performance. It represents a bold new direction for Ferrari, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in terms of efficiency and sustainability. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the 296 GTB stands as a testament to Ferrari’s unwavering commitment to innovation, setting the standard for future generations of supercars.
Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 Review: A New Standard in Hybrid Supercar Performance
The automotive world is undergoing a seismic shift. The era of screaming V10 and V12 engines is slowly being replaced by the whispers of electric motors and the electrifying roar of hybrid powertrains. At the vanguard of this revolution stands the Ferrari 296 GTB. Having been with us for a few years now, this
Ferrari V6 hybrid supercar still feels mindblowing, especially with the promise of a 10,000rpm, 903bhp
Lamborghini rival on the horizon.
A Bold Departure from Tradition
Ferrari’s iconic mid-engined supercar formula underwent a monumental transformation with the arrival of the 296 GTB in 2022. In a move that turned heads across the automotive world, the company replaced its multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 with a new, electrifying V6 engine. This wasn’t just a downsize; it was a strategic evolution. The
Ferrari 296 GTB hybrid took the lead in a premium supercar segment that was, at the time, still transitioning to electrification.
At its debut, the 296 GTB faced established rivals. Its closest contemporary was the Lamborghini Huracán, with its naturally-aspirated V10 engine. While not matching the raw power, the Huracán offered a charismatic V10 soundtrack and a visceral, analog driving experience that was hard to beat. The 296 GTB also contended with the formidable McLaren 720S, which retained its twin-turbo V8 legacy. While the newer McLaren 750S is an evolution of this theme, focusing on power-to-weight supremacy, the impending arrival of the 903bhp 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid Temerario marks Lamborghini’s direct response to Maranello’s 819bhp hybridised Berlinetta.
Unprecedented Power and Performance
Yes, the 296 GTB packs real firepower. Featuring an all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine and an electric motor, this
819bhp 296 GTB drives only the rear wheels (unlike the SF90). It truly blew apart supercar conventions.
It’s hard to ignore such an awe-inspiring power figure. The question naturally arises: where will this power escalation end? (With the 296, it seems not; just ask Lamborghini). And more importantly, where would one even use such performance in the first place? But that’s another story entirely.
The 296 GTB is the first V6-powered Ferrari road car—the delectable 246 GT Dino never wore the prancing horse emblem in its heyday. It’s also the first to feature a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger installation and is a plug-in hybrid with an EV-only range of around 15 miles. The
