Ferrari 296 GTB Review: The Benchmark Every Supercar Must Chase
For over a decade, I have spent my time dissecting the world’s most potent performance machines, from the raw analog legends to the modern era of silicon-driven hypercars. If there is one truth in the automotive world, it is that evolution is rarely linear. Just when we thought the naturally aspirated V8 or the snarling V10 were the final words in combustion performance, the Ferrari 296 GTB arrived to prove that the future isn’t just electrified—it’s visceral, complex, and utterly exhilarating.
As the industry pivots toward electrification, the 296 GTB stands as a technical masterclass. It is not merely a Ferrari 296 GTB review subject; it is the moving target that every manufacturer, most notably Lamborghini with their upcoming Temerario, is currently trying to dismantle. With a V6 hybrid powertrain that defies convention, this car has redefined what we expect from a mid-engined supercar in 2025.
The Engineering Paradigm Shift
When the 296 GTB launched, the automotive press was skeptical. Could a 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 ever replace the emotional resonance of a Ferrari V8? The answer, as it turns out, is a resounding yes. By pairing this compact internal combustion engine with an electric motor, Ferrari produces a combined 819bhp. Unlike the all-wheel-drive SF90, the 296 remains rear-wheel drive, maintaining a purity of handling that enthusiasts demand.
The Ferrari 296 GTB utilizes a high-voltage battery system that offers about 15 miles of pure EV range. While that may sound like a gimmick in a car capable of over 200mph, it serves a purpose: silent, effortless egress from your neighborhood before the V6 comes to life with a mechanical, high-frequency scream that mimics the classic V12s of Maranello’s past.
Driving Dynamics: The Art of the Chassis
In my 10 years of testing, few cars have mastered the balance between “high-tech” and “fun” as well as the 296. The secret lies in the 6w-CDS sensor, a six-axis inertial measurement unit that monitors every minute detail of the car’s movement. It talks directly to the Side Slip Control (SSC) and the active E-Diff to ensure that 819bhp doesn’t just result in tire smoke, but in surgical cornering precision.
This is where the high-CPC keyword “performance supercar handling” truly applies. If you are shopping for a vehicle that blends daily drivability with track-day dominance, the 296 GTB is currently unrivaled. The steering is laser-quick—perhaps a bit light for some—but the feedback is so direct that you feel connected to every grain of tarmac.
Aerodynamics and the Assetto Fiorano
Ferrari’s approach to aerodynamics here is distinctive. They have stopped chasing drag reduction and started prioritizing downforce. The active rear wing generates significant load at high speeds, while the underbody design pulls the car into the asphalt.
For those serious about track performance, the Assetto Fiorano pack is non-negotiable. With Multimatic dampers derived from GT racing and a reduction in curb weight, it transforms the 296 into an apex-hunting machine. When paired with the optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, the lateral grip is, frankly, alarming. If you are looking for the ultimate luxury high-performance vehicle experience, this configuration is the one to seek out.
The Lamborghini Challenge
The industry is currently holding its breath for the Lamborghini Temerario. On paper, it promises to be the 296 GTB’s ultimate nemesis. With a 10,000rpm redline and over 900bhp, Lamborghini is swinging for the fences. However, my experience suggests that horsepower figures are only half the battle.
The Ferrari 296 GTB succeeds because it feels organic. Its integration of hybrid technology is seamless; you never feel the transition between electricity and fuel. This is the top-tier supercar technology gap that Lamborghini needs to bridge. If they can replicate the 296’s chassis balance, we are in for the greatest rivalry of the decade.
Interior and Ergonomics
If there is one area where the 296 GTB draws criticism, it is the cabin. The transition to a fully haptic, touch-sensitive interface on the steering wheel is a divisive choice. In my testing, I found that performing simple tasks at high speeds can be frustrating. While the cabin is a beautiful, minimalist space, it is a reminder that even in the world of high-end automotive engineering, sometimes traditional physical buttons still rule the roost.
Why the 296 GTB Remains the One to Beat
We are currently in a golden age of performance. Whether you are looking at the Ferrari 296 GTB or comparing it against the McLaren 750S or the incoming Temerario, the focus has shifted from raw, unmanageable power to chassis intelligence.
The 296 GTB is the car that proved Ferrari didn’t lose its soul when it went hybrid; it simply expanded its potential. It is fast enough to scare you, stable enough to flatter you, and sophisticated enough to convince you that this is, indeed, the right path forward for the internal combustion engine.
Take the Next Step
The Ferrari 296 GTB is more than just a spec sheet of 819bhp and 2.9-second 0-62mph times; it is a visceral, evolving piece of automotive history. Whether you are looking to secure an allocation or simply interested in the pinnacle of modern performance, the time to experience this machine is now.
Contact your local authorized Ferrari dealer today to schedule a private viewing and experience firsthand how Maranello has masterfully balanced the future of hybrid power with the spirit of a true driver’s car. Your journey into the next generation of supercars begins with a single test drive.
