The Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Masterpiece Redefining Supercar Performance in 2025
For a decade now, I’ve navigated the exhilarating, often cutting-edge world of automotive performance. I’ve witnessed
firsthand the relentless pursuit of power, the evolution of engineering, and the seismic shifts that redefine what’s possible in a supercar. In this landscape, the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a beacon, a testament to how Maranello continues to push boundaries, especially in the electrifying era of hybrid powertrains. This isn’t just another iteration; it’s a fundamental reimagining of the supercar formula, one that has set a new benchmark and left rivals like the anticipated Lamborghini Temerario with a formidable challenge.
When the Ferrari 296 GTB first arrived in 2022, it marked a pivotal moment for the Italian marque. It represented an unprecedented departure from its established lineage, famously trading the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 for an entirely new, electrically-augmented twin-turbo V6. This bold move catapulted the Ferrari 296 GTB into a segment that was only beginning its transition to hybrid power, an audacious step that few manufacturers were ready to take with such conviction.
In its nascent days, the Ferrari 296 GTB faced the formidable, naturally aspirated V10-powered Lamborghini Huracán, a car celebrated for its charismatic V10 soundtrack and raw auditory appeal. It also contended with the ferociously potent McLaren 720S, a titan of the twin-turbo V8 world. While the subsequent McLaren 750S is a refinement of that successful formula, emphasizing a supreme power-to-weight ratio, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid Temerario represents Lamborghini’s direct counterpoint to Maranello’s 819bhp hybridised Berlinetta.
Make no mistake, the Ferrari 296 GTB possesses formidable firepower. Its heart is an all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, meticulously paired with an electric motor. Crucially, unlike its flagship SF90 sibling, the 819bhp Ferrari 296 GTB channels its hybrid might solely to the rear wheels, a decision that fundamentally reshaped supercar conventions. The sheer magnitude of its power output is staggering, prompting contemplation on the ultimate limits of such escalation and, more practically, where one might truly harness such prodigious performance.
This groundbreaking V6 marks a significant chapter for Ferrari’s road cars. While the delectable 246 GT Dino of yesteryear bore a similar configuration, it never officially carried the Prancing Horse emblem during its production run. The Ferrari 296 GTB also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger arrangement and embraces plug-in hybrid technology, offering a commendable EV-only range of approximately 15 miles. Nestled low within a sophisticated new aluminum chassis, the V6 benefits from a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, with occupants positioned slightly further forward for an even more visceral connection to the driving experience.
The electric motor contributes an impressive 165bhp and 232 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 alone unleashes a breathtaking 654bhp and 546 lb-ft. The combined headline figure of 819bhp is truly remarkable. Ferrari wisely chooses not to quote a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the V6 and electric motor. However, it’s safe to assume this figure is nothing short of immense. Moreover, the V6 unit itself is approximately 30kg lighter than Ferrari’s V8 engines, and it’s seamlessly mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The compact, oblong battery pack resides discreetly behind the seats, a marvel of packaging.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of acronyms denoting its sophisticated electronic chassis management systems. For the Ferrari 296 GTB, engineers have developed a six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS, capable of measuring acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. This advanced sensor supplants conventional yaw sensors, and when integrated with the steering rack sensor, provides an unparalleled understanding of driver input and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data allows for the intelligent modulation of systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, maximizing cornering speeds while preserving unwavering stability and driver confidence. It also enables the new ABS-evo system (a fitting moniker), which, in RACE mode and above, leverages the car’s brake-by-wire technology to not only shorten braking distances but also enhance performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners.
For the first time in its history, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics not to minimize drag, but to aggressively generate downforce. The company quotes a substantial figure of 360kg at 155mph, with an impressive 100kg of that derived from the deployable rear wing. The cooling architecture is equally ingenious. Two radiators in the front handle engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two condensers dedicated to the battery. Hot air is expertly ducted underneath the car, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the airflow directed to the intercoolers along the flanks. The subtle apertures beneath the headlights are dedicated to brake cooling, while a roofline-integrated rear wing orchestrates airflow, creating a ‘virtual’ rear screen that meticulously guides air to the car’s posterior. A significant portion of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s downforce is sculpted beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid to the underbody’s channeling, diffuser design, and crucially, its ground clearance to maximize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The Ferrari 296 GTB models we experienced on track during the launch were all equipped with the Assetto Fiorano package. This optional upgrade swaps standard dampers for high-performance Multimatic units, derived from GT racing technology, and adds carbon-fiber aerodynamic elements to the nose, increasing front downforce by an additional 20kg. Further carbon fiber integration within the cabin, such as the door panels, and on exterior components contributes to a remarkable 12kg weight saving, which can extend to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For the ultimate track-focused setup, Assetto Fiorano clients can opt for Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the already capable standard Pilot Sport 4S. Visually, Fiorano-spec cars can also be adorned with an exterior graphics package inspired by the iconic 250LM from the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time with the Ferrari 296 GTB in person, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a unique beauty, diverging from anything else on the road, and its homage to the 1960s 250LM is evident, even without the more divisive graphics package.
Performance Dynamics and the Thrill of Acceleration
Initiating motion in the Ferrari 296 GTB is as simple as a double-press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, meaning it will commence its journey on electric power alone unless deliberately prompted otherwise via the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors on the steering wheel’s hub. As long as throttle inputs remain gentle and the battery retains charge, the Ferrari 296 GTB will glide silently on electricity.
Drivers have the option to “force” the car into pure EV mode, irrespective of powertrain demands. Alternatively, the Performance and Qualifying modes offer unadulterated exhilaration. In these settings, both the V6 engine and electric motor work in concert. Performance mode prioritizes a balance of power while also maintaining battery charge, whereas Qualifying mode unleashes the full, uncompromised fury of the hybrid powertrain, with battery state of charge becoming secondary.
The unexpected pleasure of gliding silently through urban landscapes is a revelation, and the damping sophistication ensures a surprisingly comfortable ride for covering long distances. There’s even a reasonably practical luggage compartment located in the front ‘frunk,’ a notable advantage over the SF90. However, the ultimate question, for both enthusiasts and myself, revolves around the experience when both the V6 and electric motor are unleashed to their full potential.
The revelation begins when you plant the throttle from low revs in a high gear: the Ferrari 296 GTB simply surges forward with instantaneous response, momentarily making you question the very concept of gear selection due to its sheer potency. Yet, there are eight gears to exploit, and an engine that revs to a glorious 8,500rpm. When you truly uncork the Ferrari 296 GTB, the effect is nothing short of astonishing.
The acceleration figures—a blistering 0-62mph time in the sub-three-second bracket and a top speed exceeding 205mph—paint a picture of neck-snapping velocity that borders on the visceral. It’s a sensation that evokes a mixture of nervous laughter and an almost addictive pull, solidifying its status as a seriously rapid machine. The soundtrack is equally captivating, with a symphony of turbocharger effects harmoniously overlaying the tuneful V6 rasp.
Ride and Handling: Precision Engineered for Pure Driving Joy
What truly sets the Ferrari 296 GTB apart is the extraordinary responsiveness of its chassis and Ferrari’s unwavering commitment to making it “fun to drive.” It exhibits remarkable agility without ever tipping into a nervous demeanor. The steering, typically light and direct, also conveys an impressive level of tactile feedback. While grip levels are, as expected, exceptionally high, the car’s adjustable nature via the throttle allows for playful cornering, eliciting an irrepressible grin.
Despite its published dry weight of 1470kg, the Ferrari 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a remarkable lack of inertia, encouraging an intuitive connection with the driver, facilitating minute inputs and rewarding with exquisite accuracy and precision. The CT Off mode, while disengaging electronic aids, still provides a subtle safety net, reassuring drivers that a highly intelligent electronic guardian is looking out for them. Even with all systems deactivated, the Ferrari 296 GTB’s inherent balance allows for controlled drifts and playful oversteer, a feat one might deem impossible in a car producing 819bhp.
On the racetrack, the Ferrari 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to make even lengthy straights feel considerably shorter. Its precision as a scalpel is profoundly evident. While the power is ample to break rear traction at numerous points around the circuit, the car is acutely sensitive to braking and steering inputs, swiftly teaching the driver that precision in control yields the greatest rewards. The turn-in accuracy and immediate response dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing into turns and gradually building load, the Ferrari 296 GTB adopts its line instantaneously, aided by the Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering, which harmonizes beautifully with the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for those transitioning from more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the Ferrari 296 GTB are phenomenal, offering an exhilarating experience lap after lap.
Interior Ambiance: A Digital Sanctuary
The interior architecture of the Ferrari 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90. The cabin heavily borrows from its larger sibling, featuring a fully digital interface and a host of haptic switchgear, meticulously integrated into the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it.
While undeniably complex, this advanced interface is tasked with conveying a wealth of information. The primary frustration arises from the occasional need for a second press for commands to register, or uncertainty as to whether an input has been successfully accepted. Despite these minor ergonomic challenges, the cabin undeniably conveys a sense of occasion and exclusivity.
Verdict: A New Benchmark in Supercar Evolution
The Ferrari 296 GTB captured the automotive world’s attention, even securing a joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura at the prestigious evo Car of the Year 2022 awards. It struck a remarkable chord with its more organic feel and a dynamic blend of power and engagement that truly redefines the £250,000-ish supercar segment. A forthcoming Versione Speciale variant promises even greater power and intensity, and the hope is that the standard Ferrari 296 GTB’s inexplicably natural driving feel will be preserved.
It is this refined driving character that we keenly hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. A power output exceeding 900bhp in a series-production supercar is an extraordinary figure, one that can easily overwhelm the chassis if not meticulously engineered to match. If Lamborghini has indeed achieved the engineering prowess demonstrated in the Revuelto, we are poised for an electrifying 1700bhp twin test.
Alternatively, we could envision a 2400bhp triple threat, including the McLaren 750S. Absurdly, the McLaren, with its mere 740bhp, now appears the diminutive contender in this elite class. However, it counters with a comparatively petite 1389kg kerb weight, ensuring a competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw immediacy, ergonomic perfection, razor-sharp steering, and delicate chassis control offer a distinct contrast to the comparatively more remote feel of the Ferrari. The Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a testament to what’s possible when cutting-edge hybrid technology meets decades of racing pedigree.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications
Engine: V6, 2992cc, twin-turbocharged, augmented by electric motor.
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, active E-diff.
Combined Power Output: 819bhp @ 8000rpm.
Combined Torque Output: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm.
Weight: 1470kg (dry), equating to approximately 566bhp per ton.
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds.
Top Speed: 205mph.
Estimated Price: £250,000+ (UK Market)
The automotive landscape is in constant flux, and the Ferrari 296 GTB has firmly planted its flag as a pioneer in the hybrid supercar era. Its blend of electrifying performance, sophisticated engineering, and an engaging driving experience sets a new standard. As the automotive industry continues its rapid evolution, the questions surrounding the future of hypercars, including the highly anticipated Lamborghini Temerario and the refined McLaren 750S, become even more compelling. If you’re ready to explore the cutting edge of automotive innovation or seeking to understand how these groundbreaking machines can integrate into your driving aspirations, now is the opportune moment to engage with the experts who live and breathe this passion.
