Ferrari 296 GTB 2025: A New Epoch in Supercar Engineering and Driving Dynamics
As an industry veteran with a decade immersed in the exhilarating world of performance automobiles, I’ve witnessed firsth
and the relentless evolution of the supercar segment. The year 2025 marks a pivotal moment, with Maranello’s audacious Ferrari 296 GTB spearheading a revolution that fundamentally redefines what’s possible. This isn’t just a successor; it’s a paradigm shift, a meticulously engineered marvel designed not only to captivate but to set an unparalleled benchmark for rivals, most notably the anticipated Lamborghini Temerario.
The 296 GTB, arriving a few years after its initial debut, continues to command awe. Its presence, even against the backdrop of a burgeoning V6 hybrid rival boasting a staggering 10,000rpm redline and 903bhp, remains utterly spellbinding. This is a testament to Ferrari’s enduring mastery in crafting machines that push the boundaries of automotive excellence.
For years, the iconic Ferrari mid-engined supercar formula revolved around a symphony of twin-turbocharged V8 engines. The arrival of the 296 GTB in 2022 signaled an unprecedented departure. Eschewing the multi-award-winning V8 in favor of a groundbreaking twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by sophisticated electric power, the 296 GTB strategically positioned itself at the vanguard of a higher-tier supercar segment still grappling with the full transition to hybrid propulsion. This strategic pivot by Ferrari ensured they weren’t just participating in the hybrid supercar revolution; they were actively shaping it, offering a compelling vision for the future of high-performance driving.
At its inception, the 296 GTB’s most direct competitor was the Lamborghini Huracán, a titan of the naturally aspirated V10 era. While perhaps lagging in sheer horsepower compared to its electrified rival, the Huracán exuded an undeniable charisma, a raw auditory visceral experience that resonated deeply with purists. It also faced the formidable McLaren 720S, a car celebrated for its twin-turbo V8 prowess and an unyielding focus on power-to-weight supremacy. While the subsequent McLaren 750S represents an evolutionary refinement of that established theme, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm, twin-turbo V8 hybrid Lamborghini Temerario emerges as Lamborghini’s direct riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta. This escalating technological arms race is precisely what makes the current supercar landscape so electrifying.
Indeed, the Ferrari 296 GTB is armed with formidable firepower. At its heart lies an entirely new 120-degree, twin-turbocharged V6 engine, seamlessly integrated with an electric motor to drive the rear wheels exclusively – a departure from the four-wheel-drive configuration seen in the SF90. This potent combination propels the 819bhp 296 GTB, shattering conventional supercar assumptions and setting a new performance standard. The sheer audacity of this power output is staggering, prompting contemplation about the ultimate limits of such performance escalation and, more pertinently, the practical application of such velocity in real-world driving scenarios.
The significance of the 296 GTB extends beyond its raw performance figures. It marks a historic milestone as the first V6-powered Ferrari road car to bear the iconic Prancing Horse emblem (the sublime 246 GT Dino, a spiritual predecessor, never officially carried the badge in its time). It is also the first Ferrari to feature a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger installation, a design choice that optimizes packaging and performance. Furthermore, its plug-in hybrid nature offers an electric-only range of approximately 15 miles, providing a tantalizing glimpse into the duality of supercar ownership – silent, emission-free commuting alongside exhilarating, uncompromised performance. The compact V6 is mounted low within a newly engineered aluminum chassis, which features a wheelbase 50mm shorter than its V8 predecessors, subtly repositioning the occupants slightly further forward to enhance the sense of occasion and driver immersion.
The electric motor alone contributes an impressive 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 engine, in isolation, generates a breathtaking 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined output crests at a headline-grabbing 819bhp. Ferrari, in its characteristic discretion, refrains from quoting a peak combined torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. However, it’s safe to infer that this figure is nothing short of prodigious. Crucially, the V6 unit itself is approximately 30kg lighter than Ferrari’s V8 engines, contributing to the car’s overall agility. This powertrain is mated to an advanced eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and the compact battery pack, a sleek, oblong structure, is ingeniously housed behind the seats, contributing to the car’s balanced weight distribution.
No Ferrari would be complete without a sophisticated array of acronym-laden electronic chassis control systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has developed a novel six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor), capable of precisely measuring acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes. This advanced system replaces conventional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor integrated into the steering rack, provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of both driver intent and the available grip at the tire contact patch. This data allows for the optimization of systems such as Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, maximizing cornering speeds while ensuring unwavering stability and driver confidence. Furthermore, it enables the groundbreaking ABS-evo system (a fitting moniker) in RACE mode and above. Leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also significantly enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners, a critical technique for maximizing lap times.
In a notable departure from convention, Ferrari is employing its active aerodynamics technology not for drag reduction, but for the specific purpose of generating downforce. The company quotes a remarkable figure of 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with the deployable rear wing alone contributing up to 100kg of this impressive aerodynamic load. The thermal management system is equally sophisticated. Two radiators in the front fascia handle engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two additional condensers dedicated to managing the battery pack’s temperature. Hot air is expelled discreetly beneath the car, ensuring it does not interfere with the cool air directed towards the intercoolers positioned along the car’s flanks. Small apertures below the headlights are dedicated to feeding cool air to the brakes, while a strategically integrated wing at the rear of the roofline creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, effectively channeling airflow to the car’s posterior as if guided by a solid surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce, however, is generated from beneath the car. Here, meticulous attention has been paid not only to the precise channeling of air and the design of the rear diffuser but also to optimizing the underbody’s ground clearance, thereby amplifying the effectiveness of the downforce-generating surfaces.
Our initial experiences with the 296 GTB, sampled on a circuit during its launch, were exclusively with cars equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with specialized Multimatic units, directly derived from GT racing applications. It also incorporates additional carbon-fiber aerodynamic elements on the front fascia, contributing an extra 20kg of front downforce. The Assetto Fiorano package also features a more extensive use of carbon fiber throughout the cabin, including the door panels, and on the exterior, resulting in an overall weight saving of 12kg. This figure can be further enhanced to 15kg by specifying the optional Lexan rear engine cover. For those seeking the ultimate track-focused configuration, the Assetto Fiorano package offers the choice of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, a significant upgrade over the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Further customization options for Fiorano-equipped cars include an exterior graphics package, artfully inspired by the legendary 250LM from the 1960s, a nod to Ferrari’s rich racing heritage.
Having had the opportunity to thoroughly evaluate the 296 GTB in its physical form, I can attest to its stunning aesthetic. It possesses a distinct and captivating beauty, quite unlike anything else on the road, evoking the spirit of the 1960s 250LM even without the more overt graphic treatments. This design language represents a significant achievement, blending classic Ferrari elegance with cutting-edge aerodynamic principles.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: A Symphony of Power and Precision
Initiating the drive is as simple as a double-press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by engaging first gear. The 296 GTB defaults to Hybrid mode, initiating its journey powered solely by electric propulsion unless commanded otherwise. Subtle adjustments to throttle application allow for extended purely electric locomotion, contingent, of course, on available battery charge. For those who wish to immerse themselves in the electric experience, a dedicated ‘EV’ mode can be engaged, irrespective of powertrain demands. Beyond this, distinct ‘Performance’ and ‘Qualifying’ modes are available. In ‘Performance,’ both power sources operate in tandem, with an emphasis on maintaining optimal battery charge. ‘Qualifying,’ as the name suggests, unleashes the full unadulterated performance potential, with the battery’s charge state becoming a secondary consideration.
The experience of gliding silently through urban landscapes is a surprisingly profound pleasure. The damping is so exquisitely calibrated that it transforms long journeys into comfortable, refined excursions. Even the practicality of luggage space in the front ‘frunk’ surpasses that of its SF90 sibling, a thoughtful consideration for extended tours. However, the question that truly ignites the enthusiast’s curiosity is: what does it feel like when both the V6 engine and electric motor are unleashed to their full potential?
A glimpse into this exhilarating reality is provided by a deceptively simple maneuver: planting the throttle at low revs in a high gear. The 296 GTB surges forward instantaneously, with zero discernible turbo lag, prompting a momentary contemplation of the necessity of gear selection, such is its immediate potency. Yet, with eight gears to exploit and an engine that willingly revs to an astonishing 8,500rpm, the full unleashing of the 296’s capabilities is nothing short of startling.
As the performance metrics suggest – a sub-3-second 0-62mph sprint and a top speed exceeding 205mph – the rate of acceleration is of the visceral, hold-on-tight variety, eliciting a sensation that verges on the overwhelming, yet is paradoxically addictive. This is, without question, a seriously rapid machine. And the auditory experience is equally captivating, with a delightful blend of turbocharger whooshes overlaid on the tuneful, raspy V6 soundtrack.
Ride and Handling: The Art of Finesse
What truly distinguishes the 296 GTB is the astonishing responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s assertion that the car’s primary objective was to be ‘fun to drive’ is unequivocally validated. It exhibits a remarkable agility without ever bordering on nervousness. The steering, typically light and rapid, is also imbued with exceptional feel, providing detailed feedback from the road surface. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car’s true brilliance lies in its throttle adjustability. This allows drivers to playfully exploit the limits of adhesion in a manner that invariably elicits a wide grin.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter, possessing an inherent nimbleness that encourages a symbiotic relationship between driver and machine. It rewards small, precise inputs, allowing one to revel in its accuracy and unwavering precision. Engaging ‘CT Off’ mode (Traction Control Off) allows for audacious maneuvers, albeit with the reassuring knowledge that an incredibly sophisticated electronic safety net remains active. Even with all electronic aids disengaged, the inherent balance of the 296 GTB allows for subtle oversteer to be initiated in a manner one might scarcely believe possible in a car producing 819bhp.
On the track, the 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to seemingly shrink even the longest start-finish straight. What becomes even more apparent is its surgical precision. While the abundant power is readily available to break rear-wheel traction at numerous points around the circuit, the 296 GTB is also exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. It quickly becomes evident that a measured and precise application of controls yields the most profound rewards. The turn-in accuracy and immediate response are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Rather than gently easing the car into turns and allowing loads to build progressively, the 296 GTB adopts its line instantaneously, its Multimatic dampers working in concert with the hyper-quick steering and 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 296 GTB are simply phenomenal, offering an addictive joy lap after lap.
Interior: A Blend of Familiarity and Futurism
The cabin architecture will be immediately recognizable to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the 296 GTB inherits much of its design philosophy. The fully digital interface, coupled with its accompanying haptic switchgear, presents a learning curve. These controls are liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari stalks flanking it.
While undoubtedly complex, it is important to acknowledge the sheer volume of information and functions that need to be conveyed. The most frustrating aspect, however, is when simple operations occasionally require a second press to register, or when there’s ambiguity as to whether a press has been successful at all. Nevertheless, the overall impression is that of a truly special environment, meticulously crafted for the discerning driver.
The Verdict: A New Benchmark in Supercar Excellence
The Ferrari 296 GTB represents a significant leap forward, earning its place as a contender for automotive accolades. Early assessments highlighted the razor-thin margins between this electrified marvel and its rivals, underscoring its exceptional credentials. Judges were notably divided, reflecting the subjective nature of automotive perfection, but the consensus leaned towards the Ferrari’s compelling blend of innovation and driving pleasure.
Praise for the 296 GTB often centered on its spectacular design, exhilarating performance, remarkable exploitability, and sophisticated engineering. The V6 powertrain was lauded for demonstrating how downsizing can be achieved without sacrificing drama, effectively setting a new standard for turbocharged engines in this class. The car’s ability to match competitors in sheer control while exuding a more playful and indulgent character further solidified its appeal.
The aesthetic appeal of the 296 GTB was frequently described as a return to Ferrari’s design roots, a genuinely beautiful creation that resonated deeply. The seamless integration of its hybrid system was a particular highlight, exceeding expectations and enhancing, rather than detracting from, the fundamental driving experience. This integration proved far less intrusive than initially feared, perhaps due to the increasing familiarity with the torquey characteristics of turbocharged V8 engines in preceding models. The 296 GTB’s stratospheric acceleration is complemented by the inherent character of the V6, delivering a consistently sweet and evolving soundtrack that responds dynamically to throttle inputs.
While the hybrid system’s seamless operation was widely celebrated, a solitary instance of the battery depleting without an apparent means of recovery served as a stark reminder of the complexities inherent in cutting-edge technology. While Ferrari had provided prior warnings and advised on preventative measures, the situation highlighted a potential oversight in fail-safe engineering for such a sophisticated vehicle. Fortunately, this incident occurred after the critical scoring had concluded.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering, while polarizing, contributed to the car’s engaging character. Although the brake pedal feel, in some instances, did not quite match the absolute best in class, and the technological interface continued to draw criticism for its complexity, the overall allure of the 296 GTB proved irresistible. The car’s uncanny ability to change direction, its remarkable damping, prodigious grip levels, and the seemingly unending linearity of its power delivery ultimately captivated even the most skeptical observers.
It’s a testament to Ferrari’s engineering prowess that the 296 GTB feels so much more resolved and integrated than its predecessor, the SF90 Stradale, which, while dazzling, left some feeling somewhat cold. The 296 GTB’s technical sophistication and the harmonious integration of its hybrid technology feel far more natural and less intrusive, proving that Ferrari has learned valuable lessons and distilled them into a series production model that stands as one of its very finest achievements.
Price and Rivals: Redefining the Supercar Landscape
With such an extensive deployment of cutting-edge technology, there’s always an inherent risk that a vehicle might become less than the sum of its parts. This was a concern that surfaced with the SF90, a car that, while offering staggering power, sometimes felt less intuitive to drive.
The Ferrari 296 GTB, however, charts a different course. As recognized in its strong showing at the 2022 awards, it possesses a more organic character. Its potent blend of raw power and engaging dynamics strikes a delightful sweet spot, effectively redefining expectations for a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket. Rumors of an upcoming Versione Speciale variant, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity, only heighten anticipation, with the fervent hope that the standard 296’s inexplicably natural feel will be preserved.
It is precisely this aspect of the 296 GTB’s intrinsic character that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an almost obscene amount of power to wield in a series production supercar, and it possesses the potential to overwhelm the chassis if not meticulously engineered to match. If Lamborghini has indeed achieved this balance – and the exemplary execution of the Revuelto provides substantial reason for optimism – then we are poised for an epic twin test, potentially featuring a staggering 1700bhp of hybrid power.
Alternatively, one could envision a formidable 2400bhp triple threat, incorporating the McLaren 750S. In comparison, the McLaren, with its 740bhp, might now be considered the ‘minnow’ of this elite class. However, it counters with a relatively petite kerb weight of 1389kg, delivering a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s rawness, ergonomic rightness, the crispness of its steering, and the deftness of its chassis offer a distinct contrast to the comparatively remote experience of the Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications
Engine: V6, 2992cc, twin-turbocharged, augmented by an electric motor.
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, with an active E-diff.
Combined Power: 819bhp @ 8,000rpm.
Combined Torque: 546lb ft @ 6,250rpm.
Weight: 1470kg (dry), equating to 566bhp per tonne.
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds.
Top Speed: 205mph.
Price: Starting from approximately £250,000.
The Ferrari 296 GTB is more than just a car; it’s a statement about the future of performance. It elegantly synthesizes cutting-edge hybrid technology with an uncompromised, exhilarating driving experience. If you’re ready to explore the pinnacle of modern supercar engineering and discover how this incredible machine redefines automotive passion, we invite you to connect with our specialist team to discuss procurement or to arrange a personalized consultation.