The Electrifying Evolution: Ferrari 296 GTB Redefines Supercar Supremacy in 2025
For a decade, the automotive landscape has been abuzz with discussions surrounding the future of high-performance vehic
les. The relentless pursuit of power, coupled with an increasing demand for sustainability, has pushed manufacturers to the brink of innovation. As an industry veteran with ten years immersed in the exhilarating world of supercars, I’ve witnessed firsthand the seismic shifts brought about by electrification and forced induction. And now, in 2025, the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a testament to this evolution, a breathtaking fusion of combustion engine brilliance and electric propulsion that not only sets a new benchmark but boldly challenges its rivals, notably the anticipated Lamborghini Temerario.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked an unprecedented departure for the legendary Italian marque. Moving away from the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8, which had become a cornerstone of their supercar identity, Ferrari introduced a revolutionary twin-turbo V6 engine augmented by electric power. This bold move positioned the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a supercar segment that, while on the cusp of electrification, was still predominantly populated by internal combustion engines. At its debut, the traditional benchmark was the Lamborghini Huracán, celebrated for its naturally aspirated V10 symphony and raw, visceral character. While lacking the sheer horsepower of its hybrid contemporary, the Huracán offered a purist’s delight in its twilight years. Then there was the McLaren 720S, a potent force leveraging its twin-turbo V8. While the subsequent McLaren 750S represents an evolution of that theme, prioritizing power-to-weight superiority, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid Temerario emerges as Lamborghini’s direct riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta.
Make no mistake, the Ferrari 296 GTB is an absolute powerhouse. Its all-new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, paired with an electric motor driving only the rear wheels (a departure from the all-wheel-drive SF90), delivers a staggering 819bhp. This combination shattered conventional supercar paradigms, ushering in a new era of performance. It’s easy to become fixated on such awe-inspiring power figures, leading one to ponder the ultimate ceiling of this power escalation and, more practically, where such performance can be safely and enjoyably deployed. But that, as they say, is a story for another time.
The 296 GTB holds a significant place in Ferrari’s history. It is the first V6-powered Ferrari road car (the exquisite 246 GT Dino, while sharing the V6 configuration, never bore the Prancing Horse emblem during its production run). It is also the first to feature a “hot-vee” turbocharger installation, where the turbos are mounted within the V of the engine, reducing turbo lag and improving thermal efficiency. Furthermore, its plug-in hybrid nature grants it an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles, offering a glimpse into silent, emissions-free motoring. The compact V6 is mounted low within a newly designed aluminum chassis, with a wheelbase 50mm shorter than its V8 predecessors, subtly repositioning the occupants slightly further forward for enhanced weight distribution and a more engaging driving position.
The electric motor itself contributes an impressive 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 engine on its own produces a phenomenal 654bhp and 546lb ft. The headline combined figure is a colossal 819bhp. Ferrari, in its characteristic discretion, refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the engine and electric motor. However, it’s safe to assume this figure is, to put it mildly, substantial. Crucially, the V6 unit is approximately 30kg lighter than Ferrari’s V8 engines, and it’s mated to an advanced eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a long, rectangular unit, is strategically located behind the seats, contributing to the car’s optimal weight balance.
As expected from a Ferrari, the 296 GTB is equipped with a suite of sophisticated electronic chassis control systems. At the forefront is the groundbreaking six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This system meticulously measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes. By replacing traditional yaw sensors and integrating with a sensor on the steering rack, it provides the car’s electronic brain with an unparalleled understanding of driver inputs and the instantaneous grip levels at the tire contact patches. This data is then leveraged by systems like Side Slip Control and the active electronic differential to maximize cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and driver confidence. A novel addition is the ABS-evo system, operable in RACE mode and above. Employing the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also enhances braking performance during trail braking into corners, a crucial technique for maximizing corner entry speed.
For the first time, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics not solely for drag reduction but to generate significant downforce. The manufacturer claims an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with the deployable rear wing contributing up to 100kg of this figure. The aerodynamic package is a masterclass in integrated design. Two radiators in the front are dedicated to engine and gearbox cooling, while two additional condensers manage battery thermal requirements. Hot air is strategically expelled beneath the car to avoid interfering with the airflow directed to the intercoolers located along the flanks. Small apertures below the headlights serve to cool the brakes, and a roofline-integrated wing channels air towards the rear of the car, creating a “virtual” rear screen that enhances 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, and crucially, the underbody’s ground clearance to optimize the performance of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The pre-production 296 GTBs we sampled on a circuit at the launch were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units derived from GT racing, and incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the front splitter, increasing front downforce by 20kg. The package also features more extensive use of carbon fiber in the cabin, such as the door panels, and on exterior components, contributing to a total weight saving of 12kg. This can be further enhanced by an additional 3kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. Another enticing option for Assetto Fiorano equipped cars is the fitment of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, a significant upgrade over the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Visually, Assetto Fiorano cars can be further personalized with an exterior graphics package, paying homage to the iconic 250LM from the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 “in the metal,” I can attest to its stunning aesthetic. It is a truly beautiful machine, unlike anything else on the road, drawing clear inspiration from the 1960s 250LM, even without the more divisive graphic treatments.
Performance Dynamics and the Thrill of Hybrid Power
Initiating movement in the 296 GTB is as simple as a double-press on the lower portion of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, silently engaging electric propulsion unless prompted otherwise by the driver via the intuitive haptic controls on the steering wheel. With judicious throttle application, the 296 can glide through urban environments purely on electric power, provided the battery has sufficient charge.
Drivers have the option to definitively engage EV mode, irrespective of powertrain demands, or select from the more potent Performance and Qualifying modes. In these modes, both power sources work in unison. Performance mode prioritizes exhilarating acceleration while simultaneously ensuring the battery remains adequately charged. Qualifying mode, on the other hand, unlocks the powertrain’s ultimate potential, with the battery’s state of charge becoming a secondary concern.
The unexpected pleasure of gliding silently through picturesque villages is a novel experience for a supercar, and the sophisticated damping ensures a surprisingly comfortable ride for covering long distances. Even luggage space is accounted for, with a reasonable capacity in the front “frunk” – a welcome addition absent in the SF90. However, the question that truly ignites our curiosity is: what does it feel like when both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor are unleashed in their full glory?
The answer lies in the car’s astonishing response when you floor the throttle from low revs in a high gear. The 296 surges forward with an immediacy that obliterates any semblance of turbo lag, making you momentarily question the necessity of gear changes, such is its sheer potency. Yet, with eight gears at your disposal and an engine that enthusiastically revs to 8500rpm, the experience of truly uncorking the 296 is nothing short of startling.
As the performance figures suggest – a blistering 0-62mph in under 3 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205mph – the rate of acceleration is intense, bordering on overwhelming, yet simultaneously addictive. This is a seriously rapid machine. The soundtrack is equally captivating, a harmonious V6 rasp interwoven with evocative turbocharger sounds.
Ride and Handling: A Symphony of Precision and Engagement
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is the astonishing responsiveness of its chassis, validating Ferrari’s commitment to making this car “fun to drive.” It feels incredibly agile without ever becoming nervous. The steering is, as expected from Ferrari, light and exceptionally quick, but crucially, it also communicates detailed feedback from the road. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains delightfully throttle-adjustable, eliciting grins with every subtle correction and acceleration burst.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 feels significantly lighter, possessing a remarkable lack of inertia that encourages a collaborative driving style. Small, precise inputs yield immediate and accurate responses, allowing you to revel in its surgical precision. Engaging CT Off mode provides a remarkable degree of freedom, offering immense confidence that a sophisticated electronic safety net is still actively monitoring your every move. However, even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows for subtle, controllable oversteer, a feat one might deem impossible in a car producing 819bhp.
On a circuit, the 296 has the uncanny ability to seemingly shrink even the longest straights. Its efficacy as a sharp instrument becomes profoundly apparent. While the power is more than sufficient to break rear-end traction at numerous points around the lap, the 296 is exquisitely sensitive to both braking and steering inputs. Mastering precision with these controls unlocks the car’s true potential and rewards the driver immensely. The turn-in accuracy and responsiveness are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing into turns and waiting for loads to build, the 296 settles immediately, its Multimatic dampers working in concert with the hyper-quick steering and 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 a joy to experience lap after lap.
The Interior Experience: A Blend of Familiarity and Futuristic Interface
The cabin architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90, as the 296 inherits much of its design ethos. The fully digital interface, coupled with its array of haptic switchgear, presents a learning curve. These controls are liberally applied across the steering wheel and the traditional Ferrari pods flanking it.
While undeniably complex, it’s important to acknowledge the vast amount of information and functionality being managed. The most significant challenge lies in the occasional need for a second press for simple operations that may not register on the first attempt, or the uncertainty of whether an input has been successfully registered. Nevertheless, the cabin undeniably exudes a sense of occasion and exclusivity, making it a truly special place to inhabit.
Verdict: A Triumph of Engineering and Emotion
The Ferrari 296 GTB has unequivocally redefined the supercar segment. It represents a significant leap forward in performance, efficiency, and driver engagement. Its hybrid powertrain seamlessly blends electrifying acceleration with the soulful character of a V6, creating an experience that is both exhilarating and remarkably accessible. The praise it received at the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards, where it secured joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, underscores its exceptional blend of performance and dynamic prowess. Judges lauded its spectacular aesthetics, outrageous speed, and intelligent technical execution, noting how its V6 demonstrated downsizing done right, injecting drama and character.
While the hybrid system’s seamless integration was widely celebrated, one notable incident saw a car left stranded after the battery depleted, highlighting a potential oversight in fail-safe engineering. However, Ferrari had provided clear guidance on preventing such occurrences, and this isolated incident did not overshadow the car’s overall brilliance. The debate over Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering and the brake feel in comparison to segment leaders, alongside criticism of the overly complex tech interface, are valid points. Yet, these minor critiques are ultimately dwarfed by the 296’s irresistible allure. The sheer responsiveness, the uncanny ability to change direction, the sublime damping, and the seemingly endless linear power delivery leave a lasting impression, bordering on bewitchment.
Compared to its predecessor, the SF90, which left some feeling cold with its demanding driving characteristics, the 296 GTB is a revelation. Its technical sophistication and the integration of its hybrid technology feel remarkably natural and far less intrusive. Ferrari has clearly learned from the SF90, distilling its advanced learnings into a series production model that stands as one of its very best creations.
The Price of Pinnacle Performance and the Road Ahead
When a vehicle is laden with such cutting-edge technology, there’s always a risk it may become less than the sum of its parts. However, the 296 GTB masterfully avoids this pitfall, achieving a harmonious balance that transcends its individual components. Its power and engaging dynamics strike a perfect sweet spot, effectively redefining what a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket can achieve. A forthcoming Versione Speciale variant promises even greater power and intensity, and one can only hope it retains the standard 296’s inexplicably natural and intuitive driving feel.
It is precisely this focus on holistic engineering and driver connection that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power, and if not meticulously integrated with the rest of the vehicle’s dynamics, it can easily overwhelm. Given Lamborghini’s success with the Revuelto, there is strong reason for optimism that the Temerario will be a worthy competitor. If both machines are perfectly resolved, we are poised for an electrifying twin test that will push the boundaries of performance. Imagine, then, the sheer spectacle of a 2400bhp triple threat, including the McLaren 750S – now the relative “minnow” of this trio with a mere 740bhp. However, the McLaren counters with a remarkably light 1389kg kerb weight, ensuring a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw unfiltered experience, ergonomic perfection, crisp steering, and deft chassis control offer a distinct contrast to the comparatively detached nature of the Ferrari.
The Ferrari 296 GTB is more than just a supercar; it is a statement of intent, a glimpse into the future of automotive performance, and a thrilling realization of hybrid technology’s potential. It invites you to experience driving at its most exhilarating and refined.
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