Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 Review – TheBenchmark Hybrid Sports Car for Future Rivals
For nearly a decade, Ferrari has navigated the transition from its iconic naturally aspirated engines to the complex world of forced induction and electrification. While the LaFerrari remains the pinnacle of its hybrid efforts, the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 marks the revolutionary shift for the manufacturer’s traditional mid-engined sports car platform. It replaces the beloved, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 in favor of a stunningly potent, high-revving V6 hybrid system. This change places the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a new era in supercar design, an era defined by electrification and the relentless pursuit of both performance and efficiency.
Even as the automotive industry anticipates the arrival of the formidable Lamborghini Revuelto (the official code name for its upcoming twin-turbo V8 hybrid successor) and the electrifying McLaren 750S, the Ferrari 296 GTB continues to assert its dominance. Its technical sophistication and emotional appeal set a high bar for any competitor entering the hypercar market. This review explores the features, design, engineering, and driving experience of this paradigm-shifting machine that has redefined the sports car experience for the 21st century.
Evolution of the Prancing Horse: A New Era of Performance
Ferrari’s journey toward hybrid performance has been evolutionary, culminating in landmark vehicles like the SF90 Stradale. However, the 296 GTB represents a distinct philosophical departure. Unlike its predecessors, which featured mid-mounted V8 engines, the 296 GTB debuts Ferrari’s first production V6 engine for a road-legal vehicle (the legendary Dino series, while iconic, did not bear the official Ferrari emblem during its original production run).
This engineering innovation is more than just a downsize; it is a fundamental redesign of the chassis and powertrain. The V6 is mounted in a “hot-vee” configuration, where the turbochargers are situated between the cylinder banks. This placement achieves two crucial objectives: reducing the overall physical footprint of the engine and minimizing turbo lag. Furthermore, the 296 GTB is a plug-in hybrid, incorporating an electric motor that provides an impressive electric-only range, aligning the vehicle with growing consumer demand for sustainable supercars and emissions regulations.
The V6 Hybrid Powertrain: Power, Torque, and Efficiency
The heart of the Ferrari 296 GTB is its twin-turbo V6 engine. This powerhouse generates a staggering 654 brake horsepower (bhp) and 546 lb-ft of torque. This internal combustion engine (ICE) is paired with a potent electric motor that contributes an additional 165 bhp and 232 lb-ft of torque. The combined output of the Ferrari V6 hybrid system reaches a remarkable 819 bhp, making it a formidable contender in the luxury supercar market.
Ferrari deliberately refrains from quoting the combined peak torque figure, likely due to the intricate synergy of how the electric motor and the V6 engine work in concert to deliver power. Nonetheless, the instantaneous surge of acceleration is palpable, providing an experience akin to being pushed by an invisible hand.
In terms of weight savings, the V6 engine is approximately 30 kg lighter than the company’s V8 counterparts. This weight reduction is crucial in a segment where power-to-weight ratios dictate performance. The powertrain is coupled to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, renowned for its seamless gear changes and rapid shifts. Located behind the passenger compartment is the battery pack, a sleek, oblong structure designed to complement the car’s aerodynamic profile.
Chassis and Suspension: Precision Engineering
The Ferrari 296 GTB benefits from a completely new aluminum chassis architecture. This lightweight yet stiff platform is critical for managing the car’s substantial power output. One of the most notable engineering decisions was the reduction of the wheelbase by 50 mm compared to previous V8-engined cars. This reduction, combined with a subtly forward-shifted seating position for the occupants, enhances the car’s agility and responsiveness, particularly during high-speed cornering.
Ferrari utilizes its advanced six-axis sensor (6w-CDS) system to monitor the car’s dynamic behavior in real-time. This sensor measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z axes. In conjunction with the steering rack sensor, the system monitors not only driver inputs but also the grip levels at the contact patches.
This intelligent system works seamlessly with Ferrari’s Side Slip Control (SSC) and Electronic Differential (E-Diff) to maximize cornering speed while maintaining stability. The 296 GTB also features the innovative ABS-evo system, activated in RACE mode and above. Utilizing a brake-by-wire system, ABS-evo shortens braking distances and improves braking performance during trail braking, a critical technique for experienced drivers seeking to optimize turn-in.
Aerodynamics and Lightweighting: The Assetto Fiorano Experience
When evaluating the 296 GTB, one must consider the Assetto Fiorano pack, a competition-focused upgrade that enhances performance. This package replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units derived from GT racing. It also adds carbon aerodynamic elements to the front fascia, boosting front downforce by 20 kg.
The Assetto Fiorano pack extends to the interior with carbon fiber door panels and other trim elements, resulting in an overall weight saving of 12 kg. Owners can further reduce weight by opting for a Lexan rear engine cover, bringing the total savings to 15 kg. For track enthusiasts, the Fiorano package offers Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the standard Pilot Sport 4S tires. A nod to Ferrari’s racing heritage is also available in the form of a custom graphics package inspired by the 250LM of the 1960s.
The Driving Experience: A Symphony of Speed and Control
To drive the Ferrari 296 GTB is to witness a masterclass in automotive engineering. The driving experience is characterized by immediacy, precision, and an almost unsettling level of grip and responsiveness.
Starting the Journey: Electric Mode and Performance Modes
Getting started is a deliberate act: a double press of the bottom of the steering wheel boss initiates the powertrain, followed by the selection of first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing for quiet, electric-only propulsion until the driver engages sport modes. The haptic driver mode ‘buttons’ on the steering wheel boss control the power delivery, ranging from EV mode (for silent cruising) to Performance and Qualifying modes, where both the V6 engine and electric motor work in harmony to deliver maximum power.
One of the most unexpected pleasures of the 296 GTB is its capability as a comfortable touring car. The damping is exceptionally sophisticated, allowing drivers to cover long distances in comfort. The ‘frunk’ (front trunk) offers reasonable luggage capacity, a practical advantage that is often overlooked in the performance car segment.
However, the true magic happens when both the engine and electric motor are fully engaged. Planting the throttle at low revs in a high gear results in a surge of instant acceleration with no discernable lag. The seamless power delivery challenges the need for traditional gear changes, but with eight gears at the driver’s disposal, the 8,500 rpm redline of the V6 ensures that the engine is always responsive to driver inputs.
Acceleration and Sound: A Symphony for the Senses
The acceleration figures speak for themselves. The Ferrari 296 GTB 0-62 mph time is a mere 2.9 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 205 mph. This level of performance is breathtaking and, for some, verges on being uncomfortable. Yet, it is also incredibly addictive, delivering a visceral thrill that few other cars can match.
The sound of the 296 GTB is a complex symphony of turbocharger whooshes and the harmonic rasp of the V6 engine. Unlike the roaring V10 of the Lamborghini Huracán or the deep rumble of a traditional V8, the Ferrari V6 hybrid sound is sharper and more mechanical, a distinctive signature of this new generation of sports car technology.
Ride and Handling: Agility Meets Stability
What truly separates the 296 GTB from its competitors is its chassis responsiveness. Ferrari’s engineers successfully created a car that is both ‘fun to drive’ and incredibly intuitive. The steering is light and precise, with a level of detail that allows drivers to feel connected to the road. Despite the immense grip levels, the car remains highly throttle-adjustable, encouraging the driver to push the limits and revel in the sensation of oversteer, all while remaining secure due to the advanced electronic safety net.
The 296 GTB feels much lighter than its stated 1470 kg (dry) weight would suggest. There is a lack of inertia throughout the car that encourages precision and accuracy in the driver’s inputs. The CT Off mode allows drivers to explore the limits of adhesion with confidence, knowing that the intelligent electronic brain is always monitoring and ready to intervene. Even with all electronic aids switched off, the natural balance of the 296 GTB allows it to be teased into oversteer in a way that defies its 819 bhp output.
On the track, the 296 GTB shrinks the length of even the longest straight. What becomes apparent is the car’s precision as a scalpel. The power is capable of breaking traction at
