The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB: A Symphony of V6 Hybrid Power, Redefining Supercar Dynamics
For a decade, I’ve navigated the exhilarating, often unforgiving, landscape of high-performance automotive enginee
ring. I’ve witnessed firsthand the relentless pursuit of power, the evolution of chassis dynamics, and the seismic shift towards electrification. It’s in this context that the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 emerges not just as a new model, but as a bold declaration of intent from Maranello, a masterclass in how to seamlessly integrate cutting-edge hybrid technology with the soul-stirring essence of a Ferrari. This isn’t just a car; it’s a paradigm shift, a benchmark that its rivals, particularly the highly anticipated Lamborghini Temerario, must now reckon with.
The supercar segment, once defined by the visceral roar of naturally aspirated V8s and the raw drama of V10s, has undergone an unprecedented transformation with the advent of electrification. Ferrari, never one to shy away from innovation, took a decisive leap with the introduction of the 296 GTB in 2022. This groundbreaking machine bid farewell to the venerable, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8, embracing a revolutionary twin-turbo V6, augmented by an electric motor. This audacious move placed the 296 GTB at the forefront of a segment still grappling with the transition to hybrid powertrains, setting a new standard for performance and efficiency.
For years, the traditional rival to Ferrari’s mid-engined titans was the Lamborghini Huracán, a charismatic V10 symphony that, while perhaps lacking in outright horsepower compared to some contemporaries, delivered an unfiltered, analogue driving experience. Alongside it stood the ferocious McLaren 720S, a V8 behemoth renowned for its power-to-weight supremacy. While the McLaren 750S represents a refinement of that potent formula, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid Temerario, codenamed for its eventual release, stands as Lamborghini’s direct riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta. This emerging rivalry is poised to redefine what we expect from hypercars in the coming years.
The Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 packs a truly mind-boggling punch. Its heart is an all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6, a marvel of engineering, paired with a potent electric motor that drives the rear wheels exclusively. This departure from the all-wheel-drive setup of the SF90 Stradale emphasizes a purer, more focused driving experience. The headline figure of 819bhp is staggering, a testament to Ferrari’s ability to extract extraordinary performance from its powertrains. It’s easy to get lost in such colossal power figures and wonder where this escalation will ultimately lead, and more importantly, where one can realistically exploit such immense capabilities. But that, as they say, is a discussion for another time.
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is its historic significance. It marks the first V6-powered Ferrari road car – a spiritual successor to the beloved 246 GT Dino, though the Dino never bore the Prancing Horse badge in its era. It also features a novel ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger installation, where the turbos are nestled within the cylinder banks, improving packaging and responsiveness. As a plug-in hybrid, it offers an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles, providing a silent, emissions-free mode for urban cruising or simply enjoying the serenity.
The compact V6 is mounted low in a bespoke aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase reduced by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, subtly shifting the occupants’ seating position slightly forward. This design choice contributes to the car’s exceptional agility and responsiveness. The electric motor alone contributes an impressive 165bhp and 232 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 on its own unleashes a remarkable 654bhp and 546 lb-ft. While Ferrari deliberately refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure – likely due to the intricate interplay between the V6 and electric motor – it’s safe to assume this combined output is nothing short of colossal. Crucially, the V6 unit itself weighs 30kg less than its V8 counterpart, while still delivering immense power. This engine is mated to a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and the compact battery pack, a sleek oblong structure, is discreetly housed behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of sophisticated electronic chassis management systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari’s engineers have developed an advanced six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS (Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This sophisticated unit measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes with unparalleled precision. Replacing conventional yaw sensors, and working in tandem with a sensor on the steering rack, the 6w-CDS provides the car with an intimate understanding of the driver’s intentions and the available grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data feeds into systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, maximizing cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and driver confidence. Furthermore, this technology enables the introduction of the innovative ABS-evo system, available in RACE mode and above. This system, leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, not only shortens braking distances but also significantly enhances braking performance during trail-braking into corners, a crucial technique for maximizing lap times.
For the first time, Ferrari is employing its active aerodynamics not primarily to reduce drag, but to actively generate downforce. The company quotes an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a substantial 100kg of that figure attributed to the deployable rear wing. This dynamic element, seamlessly integrated into the rear of the car, demonstrates a commitment to exploiting aerodynamic principles for enhanced grip and stability at high speeds.
The thermal management of the 296 GTB is a masterclass in engineering. Two radiators in the front handle engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two additional condensers dedicated to cooling the hybrid battery. Waste heat is efficiently expelled from the underbody, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the flow of air to the intercoolers strategically placed along the car’s flanks. The discreet apertures below the headlamps are responsible for drawing air to cool the brakes, a vital component for sustained track performance. The cleverly integrated wing at the rear of the roofline creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, effectively channeling air to the rear of the car as if guided by a perfectly sculpted surface, further enhancing aerodynamic efficiency. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated from beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid to air channeling, the rear diffuser design, and, critically, the underbody’s ground clearance to maximize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
Our initial impressions of the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 were formed on a circuit, aboard models equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units, derived from GT racing technology, and adds further carbon fiber aerodynamic elements to the nose, boosting front downforce by an additional 20kg. The inclusion of more carbon fiber throughout the cabin, including door panels, and on the exterior, contributes to a significant weight saving of 12kg. This figure can be further enhanced by an additional 3kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For those seeking ultimate track performance, the Assetto Fiorano package also offers the option of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the already highly capable standard Pilot Sport 4S. Aesthetic enhancements are also available, with the Fiorano package allowing for an exterior graphics package inspired by the iconic 250LM of the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 GTB in person, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a unique visual language, quite unlike anything else on the road, with echoes of the legendary 250LM even without the more polarizing graphics pack.
Performance and Dynamics: A New Era of Supercar Exhilaration
Initiating the drive in the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 is a refined process. A double press of the lower steering wheel boss and a gentle engagement of first gear are all that’s required. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, serenely pulling away on electric power alone. Unless instructed otherwise via the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors on the wheel, it will continue on pure electric propulsion, provided there’s sufficient charge in the battery and the throttle input remains judicious. For those moments when silent operation is desired, the EV mode can be manually engaged, irrespective of powertrain demands. Beyond this, the Performance and Qualifying modes unlock the full potential of the hybrid powertrain. In Performance mode, both the V6 and electric motor work in unison to deliver exhilarating acceleration, while also prioritizing the replenishment of the battery. Qualifying mode, as the name suggests, unleashes ultimate performance, with the battery’s state of charge becoming a secondary concern.
The ability to glide silently through picturesque villages is an unexpectedly delightful experience. The damping calibration is so sophisticated that the 296 GTB proves to be a surprisingly comfortable companion on long journeys. Even the luggage capacity in the ‘frunk’ is surprisingly generous, a welcome departure from the more restrictive storage solutions found in the SF90. But what truly ignites the passion of any automotive enthusiast is the question: what does it feel like when both the V6 and electric motor are unleashed to their full potential?
The answer lies in the car’s immediate response when planting the throttle at low revs in a high gear. The 296 GTB simply surges forward, with absolutely zero turbo lag, making one momentarily question the very necessity of gear changes such is its prodigious potency. However, with eight gears to exploit and an engine that eagerly revs to an incredible 8,500rpm, the experience of unleashing the full force of the 296 is nothing short of astonishing.
As the figures attest – a blistering 0-62mph time that will be revealed upon official release and a top speed nudging 205mph – the rate of acceleration is of the “hold-on-tight, nervous laughter” variety, bordering on overwhelming yet undeniably addictive. This is a seriously rapid machine. And the soundtrack? It’s equally captivating, a masterful blend of intricate turbocharger effects overlaying the tuneful, rasping character of the V6.
Ride and Handling: A Masterclass in Agile Precision
What truly sets the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 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 mere marketing hyperbole; it’s an engineering reality. The car feels incredibly agile without ever bordering on being nervous. The steering is typically light and swift, yet it’s brimming with feedback, providing a tactile connection to the road. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car’s true brilliance lies in its throttle adjustability, a characteristic that invariably brings a wide grin to the driver’s face.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a remarkable absence of inertia that encourages the driver to work with the car, making subtle inputs and reveling in its pinpoint accuracy and precision. Engaging the CT Off mode allows for audacious exploration of the car’s limits, providing the reassurance that an incredibly intelligent electronic brain is still acting as a safety net. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the inherent balance of the 296 allows it to be playfully teased into oversteer in a manner one might never expect from a car with 819bhp.
On the track, the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 has the uncanny ability to compress even the longest straights. What becomes even more apparent is its surgical precision. While the power is readily available to break traction at the rear in numerous corners, the 296 is exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. It quickly becomes apparent that a precise and deliberate approach to control yields the greatest rewards. The turn-in accuracy and response are nothing short of phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase into every corner. Instead of gently easing the car into turns and allowing loads to build, the 296 settles into its line instantaneously, aided by the Multimatic dampers and the hyper-quick steering that harmonizes beautifully with the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even if you’ve just stepped out of a more conventional sports car, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 are a revelation, providing an exhilarating and rewarding experience lap after lap.
Interior: A Blend of Futurism and Familiarity
The cabin architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as it borrows heavily from that flagship model. The fully digital interface, complemented by a vast array of haptic switchgear liberally applied to the steering wheel and the traditional Ferrari pods flanking it, presents a steep learning curve. While undoubtedly complex, it’s important to acknowledge the sheer volume of information and functions that need to be conveyed. However, the primary frustration lies in the occasional need for a second press for simple operations that fail to register on the first attempt, or a lack of clear confirmation that an input has been successful. Despite these ergonomic challenges, the cabin undeniably exudes a special, focused atmosphere.
Expert Verdict: A Return to Prancing Horse Greatness
At the esteemed evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 found itself in contention with the McLaren Artura, with the scores proving remarkably close. The judging panel was virtually split, with three judges narrowly favoring the Ferrari and three leaning towards the McLaren.
Those who championed the 296 GTB, including myself, lauded its “spectacular” nature. “Beautiful to look at, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable, and so technically clever,” was the enthusiastic assessment. The V6 engine was seen as a masterclass in downsizing, delivering drama that rivals could only aspire to. It matched the Artura in terms of sheer control but offered a more playful and indulgent driving experience.
Another esteemed judge remarked, “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. The hybrid system was praised for its seamless integration, its impact on the driving experience proving far less intrusive than initially feared. This was attributed, in part, to the familiarity with the torquey characteristics of turbocharged V8s in previous models. The 296 GTB’s astonishing speed is complemented by the character of its V6, delivering a consistently sweet soundtrack that evolves with throttle application.
While the Ferrari’s hybridisation was widely commended for its flawless integration, a notable incident occurred where the battery depleted, leaving the car stranded. Ferrari had, in fact, cautioned about this possibility and provided guidance on prevention. Nevertheless, the oversight in not engineering a simple fail-safe, particularly from a company that pioneered advanced technologies like individual rear-wheel steering, was a significant point of criticism. Fortunately, this occurred after scoring was complete.
The signature Ferrari ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake feel, while competent, didn’t quite match the absolute best in class. The technology interface also faced widespread criticism for its complexity. Yet, despite these shortcomings, the 296 GTB proved to be irresistibly seductive. One judge confessed, “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…”
Ultimately, the 296 GTB was seen as a significant return to form for Ferrari, particularly following the less inspiring SF90. The technical sophistication and the integration of its hybrid technology felt far more natural and less intrusive. Ferrari clearly learned valuable lessons from the SF90, distilling that knowledge into a series production model that stands as one of its very finest achievements.
The Ultimate Benchmark: Price, Rivals, and the Road Ahead
In a vehicle so heavily endowed with advanced technology, there’s always the inherent risk of the sum of its parts falling short of its individual components. This was a criticism leveled at the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power, could be unnerving in its challenging driving characteristics.
The Ferrari 296 GTB 2025, however, is a different proposition entirely. Its cohesive nature and the harmonious blend of immense power and engaging dynamics strike a profound sweet spot, effectively redefining what a £250,000-ish supercar can and should be. Rumors of a Versione Speciale variant, codenamed for its heightened performance and intensity, are circulating, and the hope is that the standard 296’s remarkably natural feel will be preserved.
It is precisely this 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 for a series-production supercar, and if the rest of the car isn’t meticulously resolved to manage it, such potency can easily become its undoing. Given the marque’s success with the Revuelto, there’s ample reason to be optimistic. If Lamborghini has indeed achieved this delicate balance, then the automotive world is poised for an epic 1700bhp twin test – a battle of hybridized titans.
And then there’s the McLaren 750S, a car that, by comparison, can now be almost absurdly described as the “minnow” of this elite class, with a comparatively modest 740bhp. However, it compensates with a remarkably lithe kerb weight of just 1389kg, offering a fiercely competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw, intuitive ergonomics, the crispness of its steering, and the sheer deftness of its chassis set it apart from the comparatively more remote feel of the Ferrari.
The Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 represents a bold new chapter in the evolution of the supercar. It’s a testament to what is possible when cutting-edge technology meets an unwavering dedication to the art of driving. If you’re seeking an automotive experience that pushes the boundaries of performance while retaining an intoxicating connection to the road, the 296 GTB demands your attention.
Explore the future of supercar driving. Discover the unparalleled performance and driving dynamics of the Ferrari 296 GTB today by scheduling a private consultation with our specialists.

