Ferrari 296 GTB 2025: The Electrifying Evolution of the Supercar Landscape
As a seasoned observer and participant in the automotive industry for the past decade, I’ve witnessed firsthand the dramatic
shifts within the supercar segment. The relentless pursuit of performance, coupled with ever-tightening emissions regulations, has pushed manufacturers to innovate at an unprecedented pace. At the forefront of this revolution stands Ferrari, a brand synonymous with performance and desirability. The Ferrari 296 GTB has been a significant marker in this evolutionary journey, and with the 2025 model year upon us, it’s a compelling moment to reassess its impact and its position in a rapidly evolving market.
For years, the mid-engined supercar paradigm was dominated by the thunderous roar of naturally aspirated V10s and the muscular punch of twin-turbo V8s. Then, in 2022, Ferrari dared to deviate. The introduction of the 296 GTB marked a pivotal moment, signaling a departure from its multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 platform in favor of a completely new twin-turbocharged V6 engine augmented by electric power. This bold move into hybridized performance for a production V6 Ferrari road car – a lineage that traces its roots back to the beloved but unofficial 246 GT Dino – immediately set the 296 GTB apart in a segment that was only just beginning its transition to electrification.
When the 296 GTB first arrived, its primary rivals were the Lamborghini Huracán, with its soul-stirring naturally aspirated V10, and the McLaren 720S, a titan of the twin-turbo V8 world. The Huracán offered a visceral connection through its sound and character, while the McLaren championed raw power-to-weight dominance. However, the landscape has since intensified. The arrival of the 903 bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid Temerario from Lamborghini represents a direct challenge to Maranello’s 819 bhp electrified Berlinetta. This juxtaposition highlights the critical role that hybrid supercar performance plays in the contemporary automotive dialogue.
The 296 GTB, in its current iteration, is a testament to Ferrari’s engineering prowess. At its heart lies an all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, a marvel of compact design and potent output. This internal combustion engine is seamlessly integrated with an electric motor, channeling their combined might exclusively to the rear wheels – a distinction from its more extreme stablemate, the SF90. The headline figures are nothing short of astonishing: an 819 bhp combined output that shattered conventional expectations for a V6-powered Ferrari. This remarkable power figure naturally prompts introspection about the extremities of performance and the real-world application of such capabilities.
Beyond the raw numbers, the 296 GTB boasts several firsts for Ferrari. It’s the first V6-powered Ferrari road car, the first to adopt a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration for enhanced efficiency and responsiveness, and a plug-in hybrid with a usable EV-only range of approximately 15 miles. The compact V6 is mounted low in a bespoke aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase that’s been meticulously shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, allowing occupants to sit slightly further forward for an even more engaging driving position.
The electric motor contributes a significant 165 bhp and 232 lb ft of torque, while the V6 itself independently produces a staggering 654 bhp and 546 lb ft. While Ferrari strategically refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the electric motor and the V6, it’s safe to assume this figure is colossal. Crucially, the V6 unit itself is approximately 30 kg lighter than a comparable Ferrari V8, contributing to the car’s overall agility. This potent powertrain is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and the compact battery pack, a long, slender structure, is ingeniously housed behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without an array of sophisticated electronic chassis management systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has developed a groundbreaking six-axis sensor unit, dubbed the 6w-CDS, capable of measuring acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes. This advanced sensor replaces traditional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a steering rack sensor, provides the car’s systems with an unparalleled understanding of driver intent and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patches. This data allows for exquisite control over systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, maximizing cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and driver confidence. Furthermore, it enables the new ABS-evo system, which, in RACE mode and above, works in tandem with the brake-by-wire system to shorten braking distances and enhance performance during trail braking into corners. The pursuit of advanced automotive electronics is clearly a key focus for performance brands.
In a fascinating development, Ferrari is leveraging its active aerodynamics not solely to minimize drag, but to actively generate downforce. The firm quotes an impressive 360 kg of downforce at 155 mph, with a significant portion – up to 100 kg – attributed to a deployable rear wing. Cooling is managed by two radiators in the front for the engine and gearbox, supplemented by two condensers dedicated to the battery pack. Hot air is expelled beneath the car to avoid disrupting the airflow directed to the intercoolers located along the flanks. Small apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to brake cooling, while a roofline-integrated wing creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen that expertly channels air to the rear of the car. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated from its underbody, where meticulous attention has been paid to airflow management, the rear diffuser, and the critical ground clearance to maximize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces. This focus on aerodynamic efficiency in supercars is paramount for track capability and high-speed stability.
Our initial experiences with the 296 GTB were aboard models equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance enhancement replaces the standard dampers with race-derived Multimatic units and adds carbon aerodynamic elements to the front splitter, increasing front downforce by an additional 20 kg. The package also incorporates more carbon fiber in the cabin, such as the door panels, and on the exterior, contributing to a total weight saving of 12 kg. This can be further enhanced by an optional Lexan rear engine cover, shedding an additional 3 kg. For the ultimate grip, Assetto Fiorano cars can be specified with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Aesthetically, the Fiorano package can be augmented with an exterior graphics package inspired by the iconic 250LM of the 1960s, further cementing the car’s heritage-inspired design. This drive towards lighter supercar construction underscores the industry’s commitment to enhancing performance through weight reduction.
Visually, the 296 GTB is a striking machine, offering a design language that is distinct and captivating. Its lines are evocative, subtly referencing classic Ferrari aesthetics, particularly the 250LM, even without the optional graphics. The overall design eschews overt aggression for a more sculpted, organic form that is undeniably beautiful.
Getting underway in the 296 GTB is initiated by a dual press on the lower portion of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing for silent, electric-only propulsion unless the driver dictates otherwise via the intuitive haptic controls on the steering wheel. With judicious throttle application and sufficient battery charge, the 296 can glide through urban environments purely on electric power, offering an unexpected and refined experience. The sophisticated damping system ensures a remarkably comfortable ride, making it an unexpectedly pleasant car for covering long distances. The presence of a reasonably sized luggage compartment in the front ‘frunk’ is another practical advantage, a welcome departure from the more utilitarian SF90.
However, the true magic of the 296 GTB is revealed when both the V6 engine and electric motor are unleashed. The immediate surge of power when planting the throttle, even in a high gear at low revs, is breathtaking. The absence of perceptible turbo lag and the sheer potency of the hybrid system can make one question the necessity of gear changes – a testament to its seamless and explosive delivery. With eight gears to play with and an engine that revs willingly to 8500 rpm, the experience of fully unwinding the 296 is nothing short of startling. The acceleration is relentless, inducing that exhilarating mix of hold-on-tight adrenaline and nervous laughter. This is a seriously rapid machine, and its auditory signature is equally captivating, with a blend of turbocharger effects and a tuneful V6 rasp that evolves beautifully with throttle input. The 0-60 mph times for supercars are increasingly being redefined by these hybrid powertrains.
The chassis dynamics of the 296 GTB are truly exceptional. Ferrari’s claim of making this car ‘fun to drive’ is not an exaggeration; it feels incredibly agile without becoming twitchy. The steering is typically light and rapid, yet it communicates an impressive level of detail from the road surface. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable, encouraging playful engagement and eliciting an irrepressible grin. Despite its published dry weight of 1470 kg, the 296 feels significantly lighter, possessing a remarkable lack of inertia that invites precise, small inputs and a deep appreciation for its accuracy. The ‘CT Off’ mode provides a safety net of electronic intervention, offering immense reassurance, but even with all systems deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows for playful teasing into oversteer in a manner one might not expect from a car producing 819 bhp. The driving dynamics of hybrid supercars are reaching new heights of sophistication.
On a circuit, the 296 GTB possesses an uncanny ability to dramatically shorten even the longest straights. It reveals itself as a razor-sharp instrument. While the power is readily available to break traction at the rear at numerous points around the lap, the 296 is also exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs, rewarding precision with extraordinary results. The turn-in accuracy and responsiveness are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing into turns, the 296 settles instantly, its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering harmonizing beautifully 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 are utterly captivating, providing an exhilarating experience lap after lap. The handling characteristics of performance hybrids are a fascinating area of development.
The interior architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90. It adopts a largely digital interface, complemented by haptic switchgear liberally applied to the steering wheel and flanking pods. While undoubtedly complex, and occasionally requiring a second press to register or confirm a command, it contributes to an overall sense of occasion. It is a special place to be, cocooning the driver in cutting-edge technology and premium materials. The supercar interior design trends are leaning towards minimalist and technologically integrated cabins.
In the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards, the 296 GTB was a standout contender, narrowly missing out on outright victory. The judges were famously split, with many praising its spectacular design, outrageous speed, exploitable performance, and technical brilliance. The V6 powertrain was lauded for demonstrating how downsizing could be achieved without sacrificing drama, offering a blend of control similar to the McLaren Artura but with a more playful and indulgent character. One judge famously described it as the “first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. The seamless integration of the hybrid system was praised for not unduly altering the driving experience, likely a result of drivers becoming accustomed to the torquey nature of turbocharged V8s. The V6’s soundtrack was consistently lauded for its sweetness and variability.
However, even in such a lauded vehicle, constructive criticism emerged. The hybrid system, while brilliant, did present a rare instance of being stranded due to a depleted battery, highlighting a potential oversight in fail-safe mechanisms. Ferrari’s signature super-quick steering also divided opinion, and the brake feel, while strong, didn’t quite match the absolute best in class. The tech interface, as mentioned, was widely criticized for its complexity. Yet, despite these points, the 296 GTB was described as “irresistibly seductive,” with its spooky directional changes, astounding damping, and seemingly endless linearity of power leaving a profound impression. This experience underscores the importance of customer feedback in automotive development and the constant strive for refinement.
The 296 GTB represents a significant return to form for Ferrari, particularly when contrasted with the somewhat less engaging SF90. Its technical sophistication and hybrid integration felt far more natural and less intrusive, distilled into a series-production model that stands as one of Ferrari’s very best. The evolution of Ferrari’s hybrid supercar strategy is clearly benefiting from lessons learned.
The inherent risk with such technologically dense vehicles is that they can become less than the sum of their parts. This was a sentiment echoed with the SF90, which, while dazzling in power, could be unnerving in its drivability. The 296 GTB, however, feels fundamentally different. It strikes a genuine sweet spot, blending prodigious power with deeply engaging dynamics. It redefines what a supercar in the £250,000-ish bracket can be. Whispers of a Versione Speciale variant, promising even more power and intensity, suggest that Ferrari is not resting on its laurels. The key will be to retain the 296’s natural feel amidst these enhancements.
It is precisely this natural feel and dynamic cohesion that Lamborghini must emulate with its hybrid Temerario. Over 900 bhp is an obscene amount of power, and if the rest of the car isn’t perfectly resolved to manage it, the experience can become compromised. Given Lamborghini’s success with the Revuelto, there is reason for optimism that the Temerario will be a formidable contender. This sets the stage for a potentially epic twin-test showdown, pushing the boundaries of hypercar performance benchmarks. We could even expand this to a three-way battle with the McLaren 750S, which, with its 740 bhp, might appear the ‘minnow’ of the group. However, its remarkably low kerb weight of 1389 kg ensures a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw engagement, ergonomic prowess, crisp steering, and deft chassis balance offer a more analogue, less remote experience compared to the Ferrari.
In terms of specifications, the Ferrari 296 GTB specs highlight its advanced engineering:
Engine: V6, 2992cc, twin-turbocharged, augmented by an electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, with active E-diff
Power: 819 bhp (combined) @ 8000rpm
Torque: 546 lb ft @ 6250rpm
Weight: 1470kg (dry), equating to approximately 566 bhp per ton
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Price: Starting from £250,000+
The Ferrari 296 GTB price and rivals place it firmly at the pinnacle of the supercar market, competing directly with the most advanced offerings from Lamborghini and McLaren. The pursuit of next-generation supercar technology is an ongoing arms race, and the 296 GTB stands as a testament to Ferrari’s leadership in this domain.
The journey of the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 is more than just an evolution; it’s a revolution in how we perceive and experience high-performance automobiles. It proves that electrification doesn’t necessitate a compromise in driver engagement or emotional connection. As this V6 hybrid supercar continues to captivate enthusiasts and set new benchmarks, one can only anticipate the thrilling developments that lie ahead in the world of performance hybrid vehicles.
If you’re ready to explore the cutting edge of automotive engineering and experience the future of the supercar today, we invite you to delve deeper into the world of Ferrari and discover what makes the 296 GTB an icon.

