Ferrari 296 GTB 2025: A New Era of Supercar Electrification, Challenging the Lamborghini Temerario
For a decade, the supercar landscape has been dominated by V8 thunder and naturally aspirated V10 sym
phonies. As an industry veteran with ten years navigating the ever-evolving world of high-performance automotive engineering, I’ve witnessed the seismic shifts firsthand. Now, with the advent of advanced hybrid powertrains, the rules are being rewritten. Ferrari’s bold embrace of this new paradigm with the 296 GTB, even a few years into its tenure, remains a watershed moment. It’s a car that, even as potent rivals like the upcoming Lamborghini Temerario loom, continues to redefine expectations for what a hybridized Ferrari 296 GTB price supercar can achieve.
The arrival of the 296 GTB in 2022 marked an unprecedented departure for Ferrari’s mid-engined icon. Stepping away from the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8, the engineers in Maranello opted for a revolutionary twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by an electric motor. This audacious move positioned the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a supercar segment still tentatively transitioning to hybrid power. At its debut, its primary rival was the Lamborghini Huracán, a darling of naturally aspirated V10 charisma and raw acoustic drama. While lacking the raw horsepower of its electrified successor, the Huracán represented a traditional benchmark. Another formidable contender was the McLaren 720S, a masterclass in twin-turbo V8 performance and power-to-weight dominance. While the subsequent McLaren 750S refines this existing formula, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid beast that is the Lamborghini Temerario stands as Sant’Agata Bolognese’s direct riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta, a testament to the escalating performance war in the supercar market.
Indeed, the Ferrari 296 GTB performance is nothing short of astonishing. Featuring an all-new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine paired with an electric motor, propelling only the rear wheels (unlike the all-wheel-drive SF90 Stradale), the 819bhp 296 GTB shattered conventional supercar blueprints. This awe-inspiring power output naturally leads one to ponder the limits of such escalation – a question that perhaps the Temerario will more forcefully answer – and, more practically, where such unbridled performance can be responsibly unleashed.
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is its groundbreaking V6 engine. This marks the first V6-powered road-going Ferrari, a lineage tracing back to the charming, though unbadged, 246 GT Dino. It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration, where the turbos are mounted within the V of the engine for enhanced responsiveness and packaging. Furthermore, it’s a plug-in hybrid, offering an electric-only range of approximately 15 miles, a nod to increasing environmental consciousness without compromising the visceral supercar experience. The compact V6 is mounted low in a bespoke aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, positioning the occupants slightly further forward for an even more engaging driving position.
The electric motor contributes a substantial 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 itself churns out an impressive 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined output, a headline-grabbing 819bhp, is complemented by a considerable, though unstated by Ferrari, peak torque figure. This intricate dance between internal combustion and electric propulsion results in a cohesive surge of power. Critically, the V6 unit is approximately 30kg lighter than Ferrari’s V8 engines, mated to an ultra-slick eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The compact battery pack, ingeniously housed behind the seats, ensures a low center of gravity, crucial for dynamic prowess.
No Ferrari would be complete without a sophisticated suite of electronic chassis control systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. The vehicle debuts the six-axis sensor known as 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor), capable of measuring acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z axes. This advanced system replaces traditional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, provides unparalleled insight into driver intent and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data feeds into systems like Side Slip Control and the active Electronic Differential, meticulously working to maximize cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and driver confidence. It also enables ABS-evo in RACE mode and above, a groundbreaking enhancement to the brake-by-wire system that not only shortens stopping distances but also refines braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers, a crucial technique for maximizing Ferrari 296 GTB handling and track performance.
For the first time, Ferrari has leveraged its active aerodynamics not for drag reduction, but for significant downforce generation. The manufacturer quotes an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a remarkable 100kg of that figure derived from an active rear wing that deploys from the car’s tail. The thermal management strategy is equally impressive. Two radiators in the front are dedicated to engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two condensers for battery thermal management. Hot air is expelled beneath the car to avoid disrupting the airflow directed to the intercoolers along the flanks. Small apertures below the headlamps channel air to cool the brakes, while a roofline-integrated rear wing creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, guiding airflow to the car’s posterior. The majority of the 296’s downforce, however, is generated from beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid not only to air channeling and the rear diffuser but also to the underbody’s ground clearance, optimizing the effectiveness of its downforce-generating surfaces, a key aspect of aerodynamic downforce in supercars.
The 296 GTBs experienced on the launch circuit were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This track-focused upgrade replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units derived from GT racing, and adds further carbon fiber aerodynamic elements to the front splitter, increasing front downforce by an additional 20kg. The package also incorporates more carbon fiber in the cabin (such as door panels) and exterior components, contributing to a weight saving of 12kg. This can be further enhanced by a further 3kg by specifying the optional Lexan rear engine cover. For ultimate adhesion, the Assetto Fiorano specification allows for the fitment of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, a significant step up from the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Visually, Fiorano-spec cars can be adorned with an exterior graphics package inspired by the iconic 250LM of the 1960s, a subtle nod to Ferrari’s rich racing heritage.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 GTB in person, its design is undeniably captivating. It possesses a unique aesthetic, distinct from anything else on the road, with a visual kinship to the 250LM that transcends even the optional livery. This striking visual appeal hints at the engineering prowess within, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a luxury performance car.
To initiate motion, a double press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear, brings the 296 GTB to life. It defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing for silent departure on electric power alone, unless deliberately overridden via the haptic driver mode selectors on the wheel. With judicious throttle application, it can glide through urban landscapes purely on electric power, provided the battery has sufficient charge. The ability to “force” EV mode further enhances its versatility, while Performance and Qualifying modes unlock the full fury of the hybrid powertrain. In Performance mode, both power sources work in tandem, with a focus on maintaining battery charge, whereas Qualifying mode prioritizes ultimate performance, disregarding the battery’s state of charge, ideal for Ferrari 296 GTB track use.
The serene experience of gliding through villages is an unexpected delight. The damping sophistication provides a surprisingly comfortable ride, making long distances surprisingly palatable. The front luggage compartment, or ‘frunk,’ offers a reasonable amount of space, a welcome practicality absent in the SF90 Stradale. However, the true question on everyone’s mind is: what does it feel like when both the V6 and electric motor are unleashed in earnest?
The answer lies in the brutal, instantaneous acceleration when you stomp on the throttle in a high gear at low revs. The 296 GTB surges forward with virtually zero lag, making one momentarily question the necessity of gears given its immediate potency. Yet, with eight gears at its disposal and an engine that spins to an astonishing 8500rpm, the experience of truly uncorking the 296 GTB is nothing short of electrifying. As the specifications suggest – a 0-62mph time in the sub-three-second bracket and a top speed exceeding 205mph – the acceleration is exhilarating, verging on overwhelming, yet paradoxically addictive. This is a seriously rapid machine, accompanied by a captivating soundtrack that blends the purposeful rasp of the V6 with the subtle theatre of turbocharger effects. For those seeking the pinnacle of Ferrari 296 GTB acceleration, this car delivers.
What truly elevates the 296 GTB is its telepathic chassis responsiveness. Ferrari’s promise of a “fun to drive” machine is delivered in spades. The car feels incredibly agile without any hint of nervousness. The steering is typically light and razor-sharp, yet it conveys an astonishing level of road feel, allowing the driver to understand the nuances of the surface. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains delightfully throttle-adjustable, inducing grins with every spirited corner exit. It feels considerably lighter than its 1470kg (dry) kerb weight suggests, with a remarkable lack of inertia that encourages intuitive, minimalist inputs and rewards precision. The CT Off mode provides a safety net of electronic intervention, but even with all systems deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows for controlled drifts and playful oversteer, a feat one wouldn’t typically associate with a car producing 819bhp.
On track, the 296 GTB has the remarkable ability to compress even the longest straights. Its acuity as a precision instrument becomes immediately apparent. While the power is readily available to break rear-end traction at numerous points on a circuit, the 296 GTB is exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. Mastering these controls unlocks the car’s true potential, rewarding precise inputs with unparalleled confidence. The turn-in accuracy and response are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing into turns and allowing load to build gradually, the 296 GTB settles instantly, its advanced damping and hyper-quick steering perfectly complementing the enhanced roll support offered by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are simply phenomenal, offering a joyous and repeatable experience lap after lap, solidifying its reputation as a top-tier Ferrari track car.
The cabin architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the 296 GTB inherits much of its design language. The fully digital interface, coupled with its haptic switchgear liberally applied across the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods, presents a learning curve. While undeniably complex, this is perhaps understandable given the vast amount of information and control functions available. The most frustrating aspect can be the occasional need for a second press to register commands or the uncertainty of whether an input has been successfully acknowledged. Nevertheless, the cabin exudes a special, focused atmosphere befitting a Ferrari supercar interior.
In the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards, the 296 GTB faced stiff competition. With scores incredibly close to the McLaren Artura, the judges were divided. Three narrowly favored the Ferrari, while three opted for the McLaren. Those who championed the 296 GTB, including myself, praised its spectacular design, outrageous speed, exploitable dynamics, and technical sophistication. Jethro Bovingdon lauded how the V6 demonstrated to McLaren how to downsize while amplifying the drama, matching the Artura’s control with a more playful character. Dickie Meaden declared it the “first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” highlighting the seamless integration of the hybrid system, which proved less intrusive than anticipated, likely due to our growing familiarity with the torquey nature of turbocharged V8s. He noted the 296’s stonking speed was balanced by the V6’s character and a consistently sweet soundtrack that evolves with throttle input.
While the hybrid system’s seamlessness was widely lauded, a significant issue arose on the final night of testing when a battery unexpectedly depleted, leaving the car stranded. Ferrari had indeed cautioned about this possibility and outlined preventative measures. However, the inability of a company that pioneered individual rear-wheel steering to engineer a simple fail-safe was a significant oversight, as noted by Gallagher. Fortunately, this occurred after the scoring, but it did cast a shadow on the otherwise stellar performance. Despite this, Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, brake feel wasn’t universally praised as class-leading, and the tech interface drew criticism for its complexity. Yet, the 296 remained irresistibly seductive. Vivian, initially skeptical of the Ferrari’s complexity, found himself “bewitched” by its uncanny directional changes, phenomenal damping, prodigious grip, and the linearity of its seemingly endless power delivery.
The 2022 evo Car of the Year verdict highlighted the 296 GTB as a significant return to form for Ferrari, especially after the SF90 left them somewhat cold the previous year. As Sutcliffe observed, the 296’s success stemmed from its technical sophistication and the far more natural, less intrusive integration of its hybrid technology. Gallagher concurred, stating that Ferrari had distilled the lessons learned from the SF90 into a series production model that ranks among its very best.
The risk with such technologically advanced vehicles is that they can become less than the sum of their parts. This was a sentiment echoed in the SF90 Stradale, which, while dazzling in its power, could be unnerving in its driving characteristics. The 296 GTB, however, is a different proposition. As demonstrated at the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards, where it secured joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, it feels far more organic. Its potent blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect chord, fundamentally redefining what a £250,000 supercar can be. Rumors of a Versione Speciale variant with even more power and intensity are circulating, and the hope is that the standard 296’s remarkably natural feel will be preserved.
It is this nuanced, engaging character that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an almost obscene amount of power, and if not perfectly integrated with the chassis and dynamics, it can overwhelm the driver. If Lamborghini has managed to strike the right balance – and their success with the Revuelto offers ample reason for optimism – then we could be on the cusp of an epic 1700bhp twin test. Alternatively, we could expand this to a 2400bhp triple threat with the McLaren 750S, now seemingly the ‘minnow’ of this high-performance quartet with ‘only’ 740bhp. However, the McLaren brings a comparatively svelte 1389kg kerb weight to the table, resulting in a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s rawness, ergonomic perfection, crisp steering, and deft chassis offer a distinct advantage against the comparatively remote feel of the Ferrari. For those seeking the most engaging driving experience and best value supercar, the competition is fiercer than ever.
Whether you are an experienced track day enthusiast looking to push the boundaries of performance or a discerning collector seeking the pinnacle of automotive innovation, the Ferrari 296 GTB represents a compelling chapter in the supercar saga. If you’re captivated by this groundbreaking hybrid marvel and are considering making it a part of your automotive journey, we invite you to explore our exclusive ownership opportunities and discover how you can experience the future of high-performance driving firsthand.

