Ferrari 296 GTB Review: The Benchmark Lamborghini’s Temerario Must Surpass
In the high-stakes theater of modern supercars, few vehicles have recalibrated our expectations quite like the Ferrari 296 GTB. Since its inception in 2022, this electrified Berlinetta has served as the definitive litmus test for the mid-engined exotic segment. As we move further into 2025, the automotive landscape is bracing for the arrival of the Lamborghini Temerario—a 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid monster that explicitly targets the Ferrari’s throne. Yet, after years of track time and road testing, it is clear that the 296 GTB remains a masterful blend of technical brilliance and pure, unfiltered driving joy.
A New Era of Prancing Horse Performance
The Ferrari 296 GTB represents a paradigm shift for Maranello. By retiring the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 in favor of an all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbocharged V6, Ferrari didn’t just downsize; they revolutionized. This engine, paired with a sophisticated plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system, produces a combined 819bhp. Unlike the all-wheel-drive SF90, the 296 GTB channels all that aggression exclusively to the rear wheels, reclaiming the classic, telepathic handling balance that purists crave.
For those eyeing the pinnacle of automotive engineering, the Ferrari 296 GTB isn’t just about the spec sheet. It’s about the integration. The electric motor, providing an extra 165bhp, fills the torque gaps of the turbochargers with millisecond precision, creating a driving experience that feels naturally aspirated in its linearity but explosive in its delivery.
The Physics of Precision
Engineering a car with this level of power requires more than just mechanical strength; it requires an electronic brain capable of interpreting driver intent in real-time. The 296 GTB utilizes the 6w-CDS (six-axis sensor), a system that tracks acceleration and rotation across three planes. This data feeds into the Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, allowing the vehicle to rotate with a level of confidence that feels almost uncanny.
One high-CPC area where the Ferrari excels is its ABS-evo system. By utilizing brake-by-wire technology, the car optimizes braking pressure during trail-braking maneuvers into corners, allowing drivers to carry significantly more speed through the apex. When looking at the competitive landscape, the Lamborghini Temerario has its work cut out for it if it intends to replicate this level of chassis intimacy.
Aerodynamics and the Assetto Fiorano
Ferrari’s approach to downforce with the 296 GTB is remarkably sophisticated. Rather than relying on drag-heavy wings, the engineers focused on active aerodynamics and underbody design. The car generates 360kg of downforce at 155mph, much of which is channeled by a deployable rear wing and a highly tuned underbody.
For those who prioritize track performance, the Assetto Fiorano package is essential. It replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units derived from GT racing and incorporates additional carbon fiber aero devices that increase front downforce by 20kg. For many, the choice to opt for these upgrades—and the potential addition of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires—marks the difference between a fast road car and a true circuit weapon.
Daily Driveability Meets Track Intensity
What separates the 296 GTB from its predecessors is its versatility. You can glide through suburban streets in silent, electric-only mode—a strange yet delightful novelty for a Ferrari—and then, with a flick of the haptic steering wheel controls, unlock “Qualifying” mode to experience the full 819bhp fury. The acceleration is violent yet predictable, a testament to the seamless handoff between the V6 combustion engine and the electric drive unit.
Inside, the cabin remains a digital-heavy environment inherited from the SF90. While the haptic touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel can be fiddly, the interior is undeniably a special place to be. It strikes a balance between minimalist luxury and ergonomic complexity, ensuring the pilot is never distracted from the primary task: driving.
The Competitive Horizon: 2025 and Beyond
The battle for the heart of the supercar enthusiast has never been more intense. The McLaren 750S continues to offer a raw, lightweight alternative, while the incoming Lamborghini Temerario promises to push the boundaries of high-revving performance. However, the Ferrari 296 GTB remains the “gold standard” for hybrid integration.
In our testing, we found that the 296 GTB manages to hide its hybrid hardware exceptionally well. It doesn’t feel like a heavy EV pretending to be a sports car; it feels like the natural evolution of the mid-engined Ferrari. It is agile, responsive, and possesses a soundtrack—a high-pitched, harmonic V6 rasp—that feels entirely appropriate for the modern age.
Final Verdict: Is it the King?
After extensive time behind the wheel, it is clear that the 296 GTB is a crowning achievement. It is a car that manages to be both a technical showcase and an emotional triumph. Whether you are navigating a mountain pass or chasing personal bests on a local circuit, the 296 rewards precise inputs with world-class feedback.
As Lamborghini prepares its assault on this segment, it faces a car that is not only breathtakingly beautiful and fast but also remarkably refined. The Ferrari 296 GTB is a masterclass in modern supercar engineering, setting a bar that is exceptionally high for any rival to hurdle.
Are you ready to experience the next chapter of automotive excellence for yourself? Visit your local authorized Ferrari dealership today to schedule a private consultation and discover why the 296 GTB remains the definitive choice for the modern enthusiast.
