The Ferrari 296 GTB Review: Defining the Modern Supercar Benchmark
In the fast-evolving landscape of high-performance vehicles, few machines have captured the zeitgeist as effectively as the Ferrari 296 GTB. As we move deeper into 2025, the automotive world is fixated on the impending clash between Maranello’s hybridized masterpiece and the upcoming Lamborghini Temerario. Having spent a decade evaluating the world’s finest supercars, I find the 296 GTB remains a fascinating study in engineering evolution. It isn’t just a car; it is the benchmark that rivals must eclipse to be taken seriously in this brave new world of electrification.
Engineering a New Identity
When the Ferrari 296 GTB debuted, it signaled a departure from the multi-award-winning V8s that defined a generation. By embracing a 120-degree, twin-turbocharged V6 engine paired with a potent electric motor, Ferrari didn’t just meet emission regulations—they fundamentally recalibrated the supercar performance hierarchy.
The powertrain produces a combined 819bhp, delivering a visceral experience that rivals the most exotic naturally aspirated engines of the past. Unlike its predecessor, the SF90, the 296 focuses on rear-wheel-drive engagement. The integration of the electric motor provides instant torque, effectively eliminating turbo lag and making the power delivery feel remarkably linear and persistent. This hybrid supercar technology is so seamless that, for the driver, the line between internal combustion and electrical assistance is entirely blurred.
The Physics of Speed and Stability
The technical prowess of the 296 GTB extends deep into its chassis architecture. Ferrari engineers implemented a six-axis sensor system, the 6w-CDS, which monitors vehicle dynamics in real-time. This system works in harmony with the Side Slip Control (SSC) and the active E-Diff to manage grip at the contact patch with surgical precision.
From an expert perspective, the Ferrari 296 GTB handling is nothing short of telepathic. Because the car features a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, the turn-in response is exceptionally sharp. The ABS-evo system, utilized in tandem with brake-by-wire technology, allows for aggressive trail-braking, giving the pilot confidence to push deep into corners without compromising the vehicle’s poise.
Aerodynamics and the Assetto Fiorano Edge
Ferrari’s approach to active aerodynamics in this model is refreshingly practical. Rather than focusing solely on reducing drag, the design team prioritized downforce. At 155mph, the 296 GTB generates an impressive 360kg of downforce, thanks in part to an active rear spoiler that deploys from the bodywork.
For those seeking the ultimate track weapon, the Assetto Fiorano pack is the logical choice. By replacing standard dampers with Multimatic units—derived from GT racing—and incorporating carbon fiber aerodynamic appendages, the car gains an additional 20kg of front-end downforce. When paired with the optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, the result is a machine that bridges the gap between a road-legal grand tourer and a track-day specialist.
Inside the Digital Cockpit
The interior of the 296 GTB represents a significant shift toward a fully digital environment. Borrowing the architecture from the SF90, the cabin is sleek, modern, and undeniably high-tech. However, it is here that the supercar ownership experience encounters a hurdle. The heavy reliance on haptic touch controls on the steering wheel can be fiddly during spirited driving. While the aesthetic is clean and minimalist, the lack of physical feedback is a departure from the tactile joy that purists often crave in a Ferrari sports car.
The Looming Rivalry: Temerario vs. 296 GTB
The automotive press is currently obsessed with the “Temerario vs. 296” debate. Lamborghini’s upcoming offering promises a 10,000rpm redline and 903bhp, setting the stage for a monumental showdown. Yet, the 296 GTB’s strength isn’t just in its power figures—it’s in the organic, communicative nature of the chassis.
While the Lamborghini Temerario will undoubtedly bring brute force and a high-revving V8 hybrid soul to the table, it must prove it can offer the same level of nuanced balance that Ferrari has perfected. As we look at the current market, the Ferrari 296 GTB price point—hovering above £250,000—positions it as an elite, yet accessible, entry into the future of automotive performance.
Performance Specs at a Glance
Engine: 2,992cc Twin-Turbo V6 + Electric Motor
Total Power: 819bhp
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: Over 205mph
Drive System: Rear-Wheel Drive with E-Diff
Is the 296 GTB the Peak of Modern Performance?
Having lived with and driven the most significant cars of the last decade, I can confidently say that the 296 GTB is a monumental achievement. It manages the difficult balancing act of being a comfortable daily driver, a plug-in hybrid for city driving, and a fierce, track-focused apex hunter.
The integration of the V6 hybrid powertrain is a masterclass in modern engineering. While the digital interface requires some patience, the rewards of the driving experience are unparalleled. As the industry shifts toward electrification, the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a testament to the fact that soul and character don’t have to be sacrificed at the altar of progress.
Are you ready to experience the evolution of the prancing horse for yourself? Whether you are looking to secure a pre-owned model or finalize your configuration for a bespoke build, there has never been a better time to step into the driver’s seat. Contact your local Ferrari dealer today to schedule a private test drive and discover why this is the car that defined a new era of performance.
