The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Revolution Redefining Supercar Excellence
For a decade, the automotive landscape has been shaped by relentless innovation. As an industry insider with ten years navi
gating the intricate world of high-performance vehicles, I’ve witnessed firsthand the seismic shifts driven by technology, electrification, and an ever-escalating pursuit of automotive perfection. The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB a couple of years back marked not just a new chapter for Maranello, but a fundamental redefinition of what a mid-engined supercar could be. Even with the rumblings of potent new rivals, like the anticipated Lamborghini Temerario, the 296 GTB continues to stand as a beacon of groundbreaking engineering and exhilarating driving dynamics.
The Ferrari 296 GTB represented a bold departure from tradition, a calculated gamble that has unequivocally paid off. In 2022, Ferrari made the audacious decision to replace its multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 with an entirely new twin-turbo V6 engine, ingeniously augmented by electric power. This strategic move positioned the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a supercar segment that was, and in many ways still is, in the nascent stages of its hybrid transition.
At its debut, the 296 GTB’s most direct competitor was the Lamborghini Huracán, a car celebrated for its sonorous, naturally aspirated V10. While the Huracán offered an abundance of charismatic V10 theatre and a visceral auditory experience, it was outgunned in terms of raw power compared to the electrification pushing the Ferrari. Simultaneously, the ferocious McLaren 720S, with its potent twin-turbo V8, presented another formidable challenge. While the subsequent McLaren 750S represents an evolution of that theme, prioritizing power-to-weight supremacy, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid Temerario is clearly Lamborghini’s calculated response to Maranello’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta. The 296 GTB, therefore, arrived not in a vacuum, but as a direct provocateur in a fiercely competitive arena.
Indeed, the 296 GTB possesses truly astonishing firepower. Featuring a groundbreaking 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine paired with an electric motor, it channels its considerable power exclusively to the rear wheels – a distinction from the all-wheel-drive SF90. This 819bhp hybrid marvel didn’t just enter the supercar fray; it actively dismantled established conventions. The sheer audacity of its power output is enough to make one ponder the limits of such performance escalation – a question that the 296 itself seems to enthusiastically answer, and where one might even find the opportunity to deploy such capabilities.
More than just a power figure, the 296 GTB holds significant historical importance. It marks the first V6-powered Ferrari road car, a lineage that harks back to the beloved, though never officially badged, 246 GT Dino. It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration and is a plug-in hybrid, offering an electric-only range of approximately 15 miles. This compact V6 is strategically mounted low within a newly engineered aluminum chassis, with a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, placing the occupants slightly further forward for a more immersive experience.
The electric motor itself contributes a substantial 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 alone produces a staggering 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined output culminates in that headline-grabbing 819bhp figure. Ferrari, wisely, refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the V6 and the electric motor. However, it’s safe to assume this combined torque output is nothing short of prodigious. Furthermore, the V6 engine itself is approximately 30kg lighter than its V8 counterparts. This powerplant is mated to an advanced eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, with the battery pack – a sleek, elongated unit – discreetly housed behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without a sophisticated suite of electronic chassis management systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has developed an advanced six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS (6 Ways Chassis Dynamic Sensor), capable of measuring acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes. This system replaces traditional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of driver inputs and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data is then utilized by systems like the Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff to maximize cornering speeds while ensuring unwavering stability and driver confidence. A significant innovation facilitated by this advanced sensor suite is the introduction of ABS-evo (a fittingly apt name) in RACE mode and above. Working in conjunction with the 296’s brake-by-wire system, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also significantly enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners.
For the first time in its history, Ferrari is employing its active aerodynamics not merely to reduce drag, but to actively generate downforce. The marque quotes a remarkable figure of 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a substantial 100kg of that generated by the deployable rear wing. This intelligent aerodynamic design ensures the car remains glued to the tarmac even at extreme velocities.
Cooling is meticulously managed throughout the 296 GTB. Two radiators in the front fascia handle engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two additional condensers dedicated to managing the battery’s temperature. Hot air is efficiently expelled from the underbody, preventing any interference with the airflow directed to the intercoolers flanking the vehicle. Small apertures situated below the headlamps are specifically designed to draw air for brake cooling, while a wing integrated into the rear roofline creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, effectively channeling air to the rear of the car as if guided by a precisely sculpted surface. The majority of the 296’s substantial downforce is generated beneath the car, where particular attention has been paid not only to airflow management and the rear diffuser but also to the crucial underbody ground clearance, optimizing the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The initial circuits where we experienced the 296 GTB were all equipped with the Assetto Fiorano package. This optional upgrade replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units, derived directly from Ferrari’s GT racing endeavors. It also incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the front splitter, increasing front downforce by an additional 20kg. Further weight savings are achieved through the extensive use of carbon fiber in the cabin, including the door panels, and on the exterior, contributing to an overall reduction of 12kg. This weight saving can be extended to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For those seeking the ultimate track-focused experience, the Assetto Fiorano package also allows for the fitment of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the already highly capable standard Pilot Sport 4S tires. Furthermore, Assetto Fiorano-equipped cars can be ordered with a distinctive exterior graphics package, drawing inspiration from the iconic 250LM of the 1960s.
Having had the opportunity to thoroughly examine the 296 GTB in person, it’s undeniable that this is a visually arresting machine. Its design language is distinctly Ferrari, yet it possesses a unique aesthetic that sets it apart from anything else on the road, subtly nodding to the legendary 250LM even without the polarizing graphics pack.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: A Symphony of Power and Precision
Initiating a journey in the 296 GTB is a simple, yet deliberate, affair. A double press on the lower portion of the steering wheel boss engages the powertrain, followed by selecting first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, meaning it will silently glide away on electric power alone, unless driver inputs dictate otherwise via the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors on the left side of the steering wheel boss. As long as throttle inputs are judicious and the battery retains sufficient charge, purely electric propulsion is a readily available and surprisingly enjoyable option.
Drivers can also elect to actively “force” the car into pure EV mode, irrespective of the demands placed upon the powertrain. Complementing these modes are the Performance and Qualifying settings. In Performance mode, both the V6 engine and the electric motor operate in unison, with a secondary objective of maintaining optimal battery charge. Qualifying mode, as the name suggests, unleashes the full, unadulterated performance potential of the hybrid system, with little regard for the battery’s state of charge.
The serene experience of gliding through urban landscapes is an unexpected pleasure, a testament to the sophistication of the damping system, which renders the 296 a surprisingly comfortable companion for long distances. Even luggage accommodation is considered, with a reasonably sized ‘frunk’ at the front, a welcome practical addition absent in the SF90. However, the true heart of the 296 GTB lies in what happens when both its formidable V6 and its electric motor are unleashed.
The true magic of the 296 GTB is revealed when you plant the throttle at low revs in a high gear. The car surges forward with an astonishing immediacy, virtually eliminating any perceptible turbo lag. It’s a sensation so potent that it prompts a fleeting contemplation of the very need for gears. Yet, with eight meticulously calibrated gears and an engine that revs enthusiastically to 8,500rpm, the full unleashing of the 296’s capabilities is nothing short of breathtaking.
As the figures suggest – a blistering 0-62mph sprint in the low 2-second range and a top speed exceeding 205mph – the acceleration is of the visceral, hold-on-tight variety, eliciting a mixture of nervous laughter and sheer exhilaration. This is a car that redefines rapid. And the soundtrack? It’s equally captivating. A rich tapestry of turbo spooling effects intertwines with the tuneful, insistent rasp of the V6, creating an aural experience that is as addictive as the acceleration itself.
Ride and Handling: A Masterclass in Agile Precision
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is the astonishing responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s assertion that the car’s primary objective was to be “fun to drive” is not an overstatement; it’s a fundamental truth embedded in its very DNA. The car feels incredibly agile, yet remarkably composed, never bordering on nervous. The steering is predictably swift and light, but crucially, it transmits an exceptional level of feedback from the road. While the grip levels are predictably immense, the car’s true genius lies in its adjustability on the throttle, a trait that invariably elicits an infectious grin.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a palpable lack of inertia throughout the entire vehicle, encouraging the driver to work with the car, making subtle inputs and reveling in its pinpoint accuracy and precision. Engaging the CT Off mode provides a remarkable sense of freedom, allowing for audacious maneuvers with the reassuring knowledge that an intelligent electronic guardian is always at work, anticipating and correcting. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows for delightful moments of controllable oversteer, a feat one might have thought impossible in a car boasting 819bhp.
On the circuit, the 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to make even the longest start-finish straight feel remarkably short. What becomes even more apparent is the car’s surgical precision. While the power is readily available to break rear-wheel traction at numerous points around the lap, the 296 is also exquisitely sensitive to both braking and steering inputs. It quickly becomes clear that meticulous control of these inputs yields the greatest rewards. The turn-in accuracy and immediate response dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing the car into turns and allowing load to build progressively, the 296 settles instantly into its line, aided by the sophisticated Multimatic dampers. This is beautifully complemented by the hyper-quick steering, which harmonizes perfectly with the enhanced roll support offered by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal, delivering an experience that is joyously repeatable lap after lap.
Interior: A Digital Command Center
The cabin architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90. Ferrari has clearly drawn heavily from that flagship model. However, the full-digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear, liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it, present a significant learning curve. It is undeniably complex, not least because of the sheer volume of information being conveyed. The most frustrating aspect, however, is how frequently simple operations require a second attempt to register, or leave the driver uncertain whether a command has been successfully executed. Despite these usability challenges, the cabin undeniably exudes a special, focused atmosphere.
2022 evo Car of the Year Verdict: A Triumph of Engineering and Emotion
At the close of the 2022 evo Car of the Year competition, the verdict was clear: “Now it gets serious.” The scores for the McLaren Artura and the 296 GTB were separated by an almost imperceptible margin, a testament to the exceptional nature of both vehicles. The judging panel was evenly divided, with three narrowly favoring the Ferrari and three giving the McLaren a slight edge.
Those who placed the 296 ahead, including myself, Jethro Bovingdon, and Richard Meaden, were captivated. “What a spectacular car,” enthused Jethro. “Beautiful to look at, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable, and so technically clever. Its V6 shows McLaren how to downsize but turn up the drama, and it matches the Artura in terms of sheer control but feels a bit more playful and indulgent.”
Richard Meaden eloquently described it as “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. He continued, “The hybrid system works very well and doesn’t change the driving experience as much as I’d feared. Probably because we’ve already got used to the torquey characteristics of the turbocharged V8 in the 488 and F8. The 296 is stonkingly quick, but doesn’t rely solely on speed thanks to the character of the V6, which has a soundtrack that’s always sweet and changes with throttle opening.”
The Ferrari’s hybridisation was widely lauded for its seamless integration. However, a notable incident occurred on the final night, leaving a car stranded after the battery depleted with no apparent means of regeneration. While Ferrari had cautioned about such possibilities and provided guidance to prevent it, it remains a concern that an owner could find themselves in a similar predicament. As Gallagher astutely noted, “that the company who introduced individual rear-wheel steering to its cars can’t engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this happening is a huge oversight.” Fortunately for the 296, this occurred after all scoring had been completed.
Ferrari’s signature hyper-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake feel, while competent, didn’t quite match the very best in the group. The tech interface also drew criticism for its complexity. Nevertheless, the 296’s allure was undeniable. Vivian admitted, “I thought I wouldn’t like the Fezza all that much – too complex, rather gratuitous points of difference – but I ended up somewhat bewitched: the spooky way it changes direction; its amazing damping and looney-tunes levels of grip; the linearity of seemingly never-ending power…”
The verdict from Peter Tomalin, editor of evo, summarized the achievement: “The 296 is way more successful because its technical sophistication, and the integration of its hybrid technology in particular, feels much more natural, and far less intrusive.” Gallagher concurred, stating, “Ferrari has taken so much from the SF90, learnt from that car, and distilled it into a series production model that’s one of its very best.”
Price and the Future of Supercar Rivalries
The inherent risk with such technologically advanced vehicles is that they can, at times, become less than the sum of their parts. This was a sentiment we experienced with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power, could be unnerving in its less predictable driving characteristics.
The 296 GTB, however, is a different proposition entirely. As we discovered during the 2022 evo Car of the Year test, where it secured a joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, the 296 feels far more organic. Its compelling blend of raw power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect chord, effectively redefining what a supercar in the £250,000-plus bracket can achieve. A Versione Speciale variant of the 296 is anticipated soon, promising even more power, performance, and intensity. The hope is that the standard 296’s remarkably natural and intuitive feel will be retained.
It is this very aspect – the natural, engaging driving experience – that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an almost obscene amount of power to contend with in a series production supercar, and without a perfectly resolved chassis to match, it risks becoming overwhelming. If Lamborghini has indeed succeeded in its execution, much like they did with the Revuelto, we could be on the cusp of a truly monumental 1700bhp twin test.
Alternatively, we could witness a colossal 2400bhp triple threat, incorporating the McLaren 750S. Currently, the 750S, with its 740bhp, appears the ‘minnow’ of this elite class. However, its relatively lithe 1389kg kerb weight ensures a potent power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw character, ergonomic brilliance, razor-sharp steering, and exquisitely balanced chassis offer a compelling contrast to the comparatively more remote feel of the Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Key Specifications:
Engine: 2992cc V6, twin-turbocharged, with electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, active E-diff
Combined Power: 819bhp @ 8000rpm
Combined Torque: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Price: Starting from approximately £250,000
The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB isn’t just a car; it’s a statement about the future of performance motoring. It masterfully blends the raw emotion of a V6 with the instant torque and efficiency of electrification, creating an experience that is both thrilling and remarkably accessible.
Ready to experience the pinnacle of hybrid supercar engineering? Discover the Ferrari 296 GTB and explore the possibilities of a new era of automotive performance. Contact your nearest Ferrari dealership or an authorized specialist today to arrange a private viewing and test drive.

