Ferrari 296 GTB Review: The Benchmark Every Supercar Must Chase
For over a decade, I have spent my career dissecting the evolution of high-performance machinery, watching the industry transition from the analog purity of naturally aspirated engines to the complex, high-voltage world of electrification. In 2025, the landscape has shifted once more. As we look at the current hierarchy of exotic performance, one name remains the inevitable yardstick for competitors: the Ferrari 296 GTB.
Even with the impending arrival of the 903bhp, 10,000rpm Lamborghini Temerario promising to rewrite the rulebook, the Ferrari 296 GTB stands firm. It is not merely a car; it is a masterclass in hybrid integration, proving that electrification doesn’t have to compromise the “Prancing Horse” soul.
Redefining the Mid-Engined Supercar
When the Ferrari 296 GTB debuted, it did something truly radical: it traded the long-standing, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 for a compact, potent twin-turbo V6. Critics were initially skeptical, but those concerns vanished the moment the pedal hit the floor. By pairing a 120-degree “hot-vee” V6 with a high-torque electric motor, Ferrari achieved a combined output of 819bhp.
Unlike the four-wheel-drive complexity of its predecessor, the SF90, the Ferrari 296 GTB channels its massive power exclusively to the rear wheels. This layout, combined with a wheelbase shortened by 50mm, creates a level of agility that makes older supercars feel like blunt instruments.
The Engineering of Precision
To harness 819bhp, Ferrari engineers developed the 6w-CDS (six-axis sensor), a system that tracks vehicle movement in three dimensions—X, Y, and Z. This allows the car to calculate grip levels at the contact patch in real-time, feeding data into the E-Diff and Side Slip Control systems.
For those of us who track these machines regularly, the innovation here isn’t just the raw speed; it’s the usability of that speed. The ABS-evo system, enabled by brake-by-wire technology, allows for aggressive trail-braking into corners that would unsettle most other cars. Whether you are navigating winding canyon roads or pushing the limits on a high-speed circuit, the Ferrari 296 GTB maintains a composure that is nothing short of supernatural.
Aerodynamics and the Assetto Fiorano Advantage
Ferrari has pivoted its aerodynamic philosophy, using active tech to generate genuine downforce rather than just reducing drag. Generating up to 360kg of downforce at 155mph, the design ensures the car remains glued to the tarmac.
For the true enthusiast, the Assetto Fiorano package is the definitive upgrade. By swapping out standard dampers for Multimatic units derived from GT racing and trimming 12kg of weight through carbon-fiber components, the car gains an extra edge in front-end bite. During my time with the Assetto Fiorano, the difference in corner-entry precision was immediately apparent. It is the version of the Ferrari 296 GTB that separates the driver-focused machines from the garage queens.
Driving Dynamics: A New Standard
Stepping inside, the cabin mirrors the digital-heavy architecture of the SF90. While the haptic buttons on the steering wheel can be a source of frustration during initial familiarization, the driving experience quickly makes you forget the UI.
The power delivery is instantaneous. Thanks to the electric motor’s torque-fill, there is zero perceptible turbo lag. When you demand power in a high gear, the car simply lunges forward, pulling with a relentless, linear force that leaves you gasping. It sounds visceral, too—a sharp, metallic V6 rasp that defies the “downsized” engine stigma.
The handling balance is arguably the best in the segment. In CT Off mode, the car rewards precise inputs, allowing for delicate, throttle-adjustable oversteer that feels entirely natural. It is rare to find a vehicle that feels this “alive” while being managed by such sophisticated electronic safeguards.
The Competitive Landscape: Facing the Temerario
The question every buyer asks me today is simple: “Should I wait for the Lamborghini Temerario?”
If the Lamborghini follows the path of the Revuelto, it will be a powerhouse, potentially delivering a 1700bhp experience when paired with its own hybrid setup. However, power is not the only metric for success. The Ferrari 296 GTB has set the bar for the experience of being a hybrid. It is engaging, it is tactile, and it feels coherent.
While the McLaren 750S remains a darling of the purists due to its lighter kerb weight and mechanical connection, it lacks the effortless, cutting-edge technology that makes the Ferrari 296 GTB feel like the future of the segment.
Final Verdict
The Ferrari 296 GTB isn’t just the car the Lamborghini Temerario has to beat—it’s the car that taught us how a hybrid supercar should actually behave. It successfully combines the daily usability of a plug-in hybrid with the track-ready intensity of a specialized race machine.
In a world where internal combustion is increasingly scrutinized, Ferrari has managed to capture the magic of their history and wrap it in the most advanced tech currently available. It is a stunning, fast, and remarkably exploitable machine that sets a standard for supercar performance and automotive engineering.
If you are looking for the absolute pinnacle of current-gen supercar technology, the Ferrari 296 GTB is the definitive choice. Its blend of power, agility, and pure driving theater is unmatched.
Ready to experience the evolution of the Prancing Horse for yourself? Contact your local authorized Ferrari dealership today to schedule a private consultation and secure your place behind the wheel of this engineering marvel.
