The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB: Electrifying the Supercar Paradigm and Challenging Competitors
For a decade, I’ve witnessed the relentless evolution of automotive engineering, particularly within the hallow
ed halls of supercar manufacturers. This journey has been marked by increasingly potent internal combustion engines, groundbreaking aerodynamic advancements, and an ever-present quest for the ultimate driving experience. However, the arrival of hybrid powertrains has undeniably been the most transformative shift, injecting a potent blend of visceral performance and sustainable efficiency. In this landscape, the Ferrari 296 GTB, now a few years into its tenure, stands as a formidable testament to this new era. Even with formidable rivals like the upcoming Lamborghini Temerario poised to enter the fray with their own electrifying offerings, the 296 GTB continues to captivate with its audacious engineering and exhilarating dynamics. This is a car that doesn’t just keep pace; it dictates the rhythm of modern supercar performance, setting a benchmark that others must undoubtedly strive to surpass.
The 296 GTB’s introduction in 2022 marked a pivotal moment for Ferrari’s mid-engined supercar lineage. Moving away from the acclaimed twin-turbo V8 that powered its predecessors, Maranello opted for a revolutionary twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by an electric motor. This audacious departure positioned the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a segment that was still tentatively embracing electrification. Its initial competitive set included the Lamborghini Huracán, a car that championed the charismatic, naturally aspirated V10, and the McLaren 720S, a force to be reckoned with thanks to its potent twin-turbo V8. While the subsequent McLaren 750S refines an existing formula, emphasizing a superior power-to-weight ratio, the 903 bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid Temerario from Lamborghini represents a direct and formidable challenge to the 819 bhp electrified Berlinetta from Maranello. The sheer horsepower figures alone are staggering, leaving one to ponder the upper limits of this power escalation and the practicalities of deploying such immense performance.
The Ferrari 296 GTB is not merely an evolution; it’s a revolution. It proudly bears the distinction of being the first V6-powered Ferrari road car (excluding the historically significant, though not badged as Ferrari, 246 GT Dino) and the first to incorporate a “hot-vee” turbocharger layout. Furthermore, its plug-in hybrid architecture grants it an impressive all-electric range of approximately 15 miles, offering a glimpse into a more sustainable future for performance motoring. Nestled within a bespoke, lightweight aluminum chassis, the compact V6 engine is mounted low, contributing to a slightly shortened wheelbase (50mm less than its V8 predecessors) and a more forward seating position for the occupants, enhancing the car’s agility and overall balance.
The electric motor alone contributes a potent 165 bhp and 232 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 engine independently delivers a sensational 654 bhp and 546 lb-ft. The combined output culminates in the headline-grabbing 819 bhp. Ferrari, in its characteristic subtlety, refrains from quoting a peak combined torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the electric motor and the V6. However, it is safe to assume this figure is nothing short of prodigious. The V6 unit itself represents a significant weight saving, shedding approximately 30 kg compared to previous Ferrari V8s. This powertrain is seamlessly integrated with an all-new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The compact, oblong-shaped battery pack, the heart of its hybrid system, is strategically positioned behind the seats, optimizing weight distribution and centralizing mass.
No modern Ferrari would be complete without a suite of sophisticated electronic chassis management systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. At its core lies the innovative six-axis sensor, dubbed 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This advanced system meticulously monitors acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes, effectively replacing traditional yaw sensors. In conjunction with a sensor integrated into the steering rack, the 6w-CDS provides the car’s electronic brain with an unparalleled understanding of driver input and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data is then leveraged by systems such as Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff to maximize cornering speeds while meticulously maintaining stability and driver confidence. A notable enhancement is the introduction of ABS-evo in RACE mode and above. This evolution of the anti-lock braking system, coupled with the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, not only curtails braking distances but also significantly elevates braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners, a testament to the precision engineering at play.
For the first time in its history, Ferrari has deployed its active aerodynamics not solely to minimize drag, but to actively generate downforce. The manufacturer quotes a substantial 360 kg of downforce at 155 mph, with a remarkable 100 kg of that figure attributed to the actively deploying rear wing. The thermal management system is equally sophisticated. Twin radiators in the front fascia handle engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two additional condensers dedicated to the battery pack. Exhaust gases are cleverly routed underneath the car, ensuring they do not interfere with the airflow directed to the intercoolers positioned along the flanks. Small apertures beneath the headlights are dedicated to cooling the brakes, while a roofline-integrated wing subtly channels air towards the rear, creating a “virtual” rear screen that guides airflow as if over a continuous surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce is meticulously sculpted from beneath the car, where considerable attention has been paid not only to the intricate channeling of air and the rear diffuser but also to the precise underbody height, thereby maximizing the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The models we sampled on the launch circuit were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance enhancement replaces the standard dampers with specialized Multimatic units, derived from GT racing technology, and incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the front end, contributing an extra 20 kg of front-end downforce. The Assetto Fiorano package also introduces further carbon fiber elements throughout the cabin, including door panels, and on the exterior, resulting in an additional 12 kg weight saving. This can be further augmented by an optional Lexan rear engine cover, bringing the total reduction to 15 kg. For those seeking ultimate track-focused grip, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires can be specified as an alternative to the standard Pilot Sport 4S. The Assetto Fiorano variant can also be personalized with an exterior graphics package, a stylish homage to the iconic 250LM of the 1960s. Visually, the 296 GTB is a masterpiece. Its lines are utterly captivating and distinct, evoking a modern interpretation of classic Ferrari elegance, even without the optional graphics.
Initiating movement in the 296 GTB is an intuitive process. A gentle double-press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear, sets the car in motion. The 296 defaults to Hybrid mode, silently gliding away on electric power alone unless the driver selects otherwise via the tactile driver mode selectors on the steering wheel. Gentle throttle inputs will maintain purely electric propulsion, provided sufficient battery charge is available. The driver can also consciously select “eDrive” mode, irrespective of powertrain demands, or opt for the more aggressive Performance or Qualifying modes. In these modes, both the V6 and electric motor work in tandem, with Performance mode also prioritizing battery replenishment, while Qualifying mode unleashes the full, unadulterated fury of the powertrain, with no regard for battery state.
The serene experience of gliding through urban landscapes in near silence is an unexpectedly delightful facet of the 296 GTB. The sophisticated damping ensures a remarkably comfortable ride, making it a surprisingly capable grand tourer for covering significant distances. The “frunk” offers a reasonable amount of luggage space, a welcome improvement over the SF90. However, the true revelation lies in unleashing the combined might of the V6 and electric motor. A decisive stab of the throttle at low revs in a high gear elicits an immediate, lag-free surge of acceleration that is so potent it makes you momentarily question the need for gear selection. Yet, with eight gears at your disposal and an engine that willingly revs to 8500 rpm, the full experience of uncorking the 296 is nothing short of astonishing. The acceleration figures – a sub-3-second 0-62 mph sprint and a top speed exceeding 205 mph – translate into a breathtakingly rapid sensation, verging on the unnerving yet undeniably addictive. The accompanying soundtrack is equally captivating, a symphony of turbocharger whines interwoven with the tuneful rasp of the V6.
The agility and responsiveness of the 296 GTB’s chassis are truly exceptional. Ferrari’s assertion that the car’s primary objective was driver enjoyment is demonstrably true. It feels incredibly nimble without ever becoming overtly nervous. The steering, typically light and rapid, offers a surprising degree of tactile feedback, allowing the driver to feel intimately connected to the road. While the grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable, fostering an infectious sense of playful engagement that inevitably brings a grin to your face. Despite its dry weight of 1470 kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter, with an uncanny lack of inertia that encourages precise, minimalist inputs and a deep appreciation for its accuracy. Engaging the CT Off mode provides a safety net of electronic assistance, allowing for audacious maneuvers with the reassurance of sophisticated oversight. However, even with all electronic aids deactivated, the inherent balance of the 296 allows for delightfully playful oversteer, a feat that would seem improbable in a car with such prodigious power.
On the track, the 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to make even the longest straights feel considerably shorter. It transforms into a razor-sharp instrument, a testament to its meticulously honed dynamics. While the power is readily available to break rear-wheel traction at numerous points around a circuit, the 296 is also acutely sensitive to braking and steering inputs, rewarding precision and finesse with lap after lap of exhilarating performance. The turn-in accuracy and responsiveness are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing into turns, the 296 hunkers down instantly, its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering working in perfect synergy with the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are profoundly impressive and a joyous experience to exploit repeatedly.
The interior architecture of the 296 GTB will be instantly recognizable to anyone who has experienced the SF90. This commonality, however, extends to a shared challenge: the reliance on a fully digital interface and haptic switchgear, liberally applied across the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods. While the system undoubtedly manages a vast amount of information, its complexity can be frustrating. The primary critique revolves around the occasional need for multiple presses for commands to register, or even uncertainty as to whether an input has been acknowledged. Despite these usability quirks, the cabin unequivocally conveys a sense of occasion and exclusivity, a truly special place to inhabit.
In the competitive landscape of high-performance automobiles, where technological sophistication can sometimes overshadow the sheer joy of driving, the 296 GTB stands as a beacon of brilliant execution. It masterfully blends raw power with an engaging, organic driving experience, striking a chord that resonates deeply with enthusiasts. It has redefined what a supercar in the £250,000 bracket can be. While rumors of a more extreme “Versione Speciale” variant with even greater power and performance are circulating, the hope remains that the standard car’s beautifully calibrated and natural feel will be preserved.
It is this very aspect – the innate drivability and connection – that we anticipate Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. The prospect of over 900 bhp in a series-production supercar presents an immense challenge, one that could easily overwhelm the chassis if not meticulously resolved. Given Lamborghini’s prowess demonstrated in the Revuelto, there is genuine cause for optimism. Should they achieve a comparable level of dynamic coherence, the automotive world could be on the cusp of a truly epic twin-test, pitting two hybrid titans against each other.
Considering the McLaren 750S, with its “mere” 740 bhp, might seem like the less potent contender in such a lineup. However, its comparatively svelte 1389 kg kerb weight ensures a fiercely competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw, unadulterated character, ergonomic perfection, and incisive steering, coupled with its agile chassis, offer a distinct counterpoint to the Ferrari’s more technologically insulated, albeit brilliant, driving experience.
Ultimately, the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB represents a significant leap forward, a bold statement in the ongoing electrification of the supercar. It demonstrates that hybrid technology can not only enhance performance but also elevate the driving engagement, creating a machine that is as thrilling to drive as it is technologically advanced. It is a car that invites you to explore its considerable capabilities, rewarding your every input with a visceral and unforgettable driving experience.
For those seeking to experience the pinnacle of hybrid supercar performance and understand the future of automotive excellence, we invite you to explore the latest offerings and consider how the 296 GTB redefines exhilaration on the road and track.

