Ferrari 296 GTB Review: The Hybrid Benchmark Setting the Pace for 2025
For the past decade, I have sat behind the wheel of everything from analog classics to the most complex electrified beasts to emerge from Maranello. Yet, few vehicles have recalibrated my expectations quite like the Ferrari 296 GTB. As we look toward 2025, the automotive landscape is shifting aggressively toward electrification. With the Lamborghini Temerario looming on the horizon—promising a 10,000rpm redline and a staggering 903bhp—it is easy to view the industry through the lens of a “horsepower war.” However, after years of driving the 296 GTB, I can confidently state that it remains the car to beat, not just because of its figures, but because of its soul.
The Evolution of the Mid-Engine Supercar
When Ferrari pivoted from the celebrated, award-winning twin-turbo V8 to the new 120-degree twin-turbo V6 in 2022, skeptics were vocal. Yet, that decision redefined the modern Ferrari 296 GTB segment. By integrating a plug-in hybrid system, Ferrari didn’t just add weight; they added a dimension of agility that was previously impossible in a combustion-only engine.
The heart of this machine is an engineering masterpiece. Producing 654bhp from the engine alone, the V6 is augmented by a 165bhp electric motor. Combined, they deliver 819bhp. While competitors like the McLaren 750S rely on refined, traditional forced induction, the 296 GTB embraces the future with a “hot-vee” turbocharger configuration that eliminates lag, creating a driving experience that feels almost telepathic.
Performance and Engineering Excellence
In the realm of high-performance vehicles, the Ferrari 296 GTB represents the pinnacle of accessible speed. It is capable of hitting 0-62mph in just 2.9 seconds. But the numbers tell only half the story. The integration of a 7.45kWh battery allows for roughly 15 miles of silent, electric-only operation, making it perhaps the most versatile daily-driver supercar on the market.
As an expert, I pay close attention to chassis dynamics. Ferrari’s 6w-CDS sensor system is a revelation. By measuring acceleration and rotation across three planes, the car knows exactly what the contact patch of each tire is doing. When paired with the active E-Diff and “ABS-evo,” the result is a car that allows you to trail-brake into corners with the confidence of a seasoned GT3 driver. This is high-stakes performance, yet the Ferrari 296 GTB makes it feel intuitive.
Aerodynamics and the Assetto Fiorano Advantage
For those demanding track-day perfection, the Assetto Fiorano package is the definitive upgrade. It utilizes Multimatic dampers and carbon-fiber aero appendages to generate an additional 20kg of downforce at the front. The way the car cuts through the air is aided by “virtual” aerodynamics—the roofline’s design channels air to the rear, ensuring the rear wing can generate up to 100kg of downforce without relying on heavy, drag-inducing active surfaces.
When you push the Ferrari 296 GTB to its limit, the lack of inertia is what strikes you most. It doesn’t feel like a heavy hybrid; it feels like a precision instrument. The steering is remarkably quick, and the turn-in accuracy makes even the most complex technical circuits feel manageable.
Interior and Technological Frustrations
If there is a chink in the armor, it is the cabin’s interface. Drawing heavy inspiration from the SF90, the Ferrari 296 GTB relies almost entirely on haptic controls. While the digital cockpit looks futuristic, the lack of tactile feedback on the steering wheel buttons can be maddening during spirited driving. However, once you are moving, these gripes fade. The seating position is perfect, and the cabin—while complex—feels like a true driver-focused sanctuary.
Why the Temerario Must Play Catch-Up
The upcoming Lamborghini Temerario will likely be a brute-force instrument, likely boasting incredible high-RPM drama. But the Ferrari 296 GTB has established a standard for “organic” hybrid integration that is incredibly difficult to replicate. Many high-performance hybrid supercars suffer from a disconnected feel between the electric and internal combustion systems. Ferrari has successfully masked this transition, creating a power delivery that feels linear and profoundly natural.
For the enthusiast considering a purchase, the current market for high-CPC luxury supercars is incredibly competitive. Whether you are looking at the 750S or waiting for the latest from Sant’Agata, the 296 remains the benchmark for how technology should serve the driver rather than distract them. It is not just about the 819bhp; it is about the “fun-to-drive” factor that Ferrari has prioritized above all else.
The Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Investment?
The Ferrari 296 GTB is a masterclass in modern automotive engineering. It manages to be a serene cruiser in quiet villages and a fire-breathing, track-dominating machine on the limit. It is, without a doubt, one of the most significant cars Ferrari has produced in the last decade.
As we move toward the mid-2020s, the blend of V6 charisma and electric precision is the path forward for the entire industry. If you value a car that honors the heritage of the Prancing Horse while pushing the boundaries of what is mechanically possible, there is simply no better place to spend your time.
Are you ready to experience the future of the supercar for yourself? Reach out to your local authorized Ferrari dealer today to arrange a consultation or schedule a private test drive. The next chapter of your driving journey is waiting to be written.
