The Prancing Horse Reimagined: A Deep Dive into the Ferrari 296 GTB’s Electrifying Evolution
For over a decade, the supercar landscape has been dominated by a familiar symphony of roaring V8s and thun
derous V10s. However, as an industry veteran with ten years immersed in the exhilarating world of high-performance automotive engineering, I’ve witnessed firsthand the seismic shifts that have reshaped this exclusive domain. The advent of electrification, once a whisper, is now a dominant force, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the breathtaking evolution of Ferrari’s iconic mid-engined models. The Ferrari 296 GTB review has been a focal point for many enthusiasts and industry analysts, and for good reason. This isn’t just another Ferrari; it’s a bold declaration of intent, a meticulously crafted machine that has redefined the very essence of a hybrid supercar.
The Ferrari 296 GTB arrived on the scene in 2022, marking an unprecedented departure from Maranello’s established formula. Gone was the celebrated, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8, replaced by a revolutionary, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, augmented by a potent electric motor. This audacious move positioned the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB at the vanguard of a segment that was only beginning to tentatively embrace hybrid powertrains. As a new Ferrari hybrid supercar, it immediately set a benchmark for performance and technological integration.
In its initial stages, the Ferrari 296 GTB price placed it in direct contention with traditional rivals. The Lamborghini Huracán, with its evocative naturally-aspirated V10, offered a visceral, analogue experience, prioritizing charismatic noise and raw auditory drama over outright power. Then there was the formidable McLaren 720S, a twin-turbo V8 titan that championed a relentless pursuit of power-to-weight supremacy. While the subsequent McLaren 750S represents an evolution of that theme, the Lamborghini Temerario, boasting a staggering 903bhp from its 10,000rpm hybrid V8, stands as a direct riposte to Ferrari’s electrified Berlinetta, which delivers a formidable 819bhp. This intensifying rivalry, particularly the impending showdown with the Lamborghini Temerario vs Ferrari 296 GTB, promises to elevate the hybrid supercar performance benchmarks to unprecedented levels.
The sheer output of the Ferrari 296 GTB is, frankly, awe-inspiring. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6, coupled with a cutting-edge electric motor, propels the rear wheels with a combined output of 819bhp. Unlike its stablemate, the SF90 Stradale, the 296 GTB electric motor drives exclusively the rear axle, a decision that contributes to its unique driving dynamics and character. This electrified V6 configuration isn’t just about raw numbers; it’s about a fundamental reimagining of Ferrari’s identity. It is the first V6-powered Ferrari road car to wear the Prancing Horse emblem, a nod to the legendary 246 GT Dino, albeit that car predated the formal adoption of the iconic badge. Furthermore, it incorporates a “hot-vee” turbocharger layout, a compact and efficient design that contributes to the engine’s responsiveness, and a plug-in hybrid system offering an electric-only range of approximately 15 miles – a feature that adds an unexpected layer of versatility for urban navigation.
Beneath its sculpted skin lies a new aluminum chassis, meticulously engineered to accommodate the V6 powertrain. The wheelbase has been subtly shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, and the occupants are positioned slightly further forward, contributing to a more centralized and engaging driving experience. The electric motor itself contributes a remarkable 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 alone churns out a prodigious 654bhp and 546lb ft. Ferrari, with its characteristic mystique, refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. However, it’s safe to assume this figure is nothing short of colossal. The V6 unit itself is approximately 30kg lighter than Ferrari’s V8 engines, and it’s seamlessly integrated with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a sleek, elongated structure, is ingeniously housed behind the seats, further contributing to the car’s optimal weight distribution.
No Ferrari would be complete without a sophisticated array of electronic chassis management systems, and the 296 GTB technology is no exception. Ferrari has developed a groundbreaking six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor), capable of precisely measuring acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. This advanced system replaces conventional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, provides the car’s central computer with an unprecedented understanding of driver inputs and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patches. This information is then fed to other sophisticated systems like Side Slip Control and the active electronic differential, working in concert to maximize cornering speeds while steadfastly maintaining stability and driver confidence. A particularly noteworthy innovation is the ABS-evo system, which debuts in RACE mode and above. Leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, it significantly enhances braking performance, particularly during trail braking into corners, a technique that demands exceptional control and feedback.
Ferrari has also ingeniously applied its active aerodynamics expertise to the 296 GTB aerodynamics. Unlike previous applications focused on drag reduction, the focus here is on generating downforce. The manufacturer quotes a remarkable 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a significant portion – up to 100kg – derived from the deployable rear wing. The thermal management system is equally impressive. Twin radiators in the front handle engine and gearbox cooling, while two additional condensers manage battery temperature. Hot air is efficiently expelled from underneath the car, preventing interference with the airflow directed to the intercoolers along the flanks. Small apertures below the headlamps are dedicated to brake cooling, and a roofline-integrated wing channels air to the rear of the car, acting as a virtual rear screen to enhance aerodynamic efficiency. The majority of the car’s downforce is generated beneath the floor, where meticulous attention has been paid not only to airflow channeling and the rear diffuser but also to maintaining optimal underbody ground clearance, thereby maximizing the effectiveness of the downforce-generating surfaces.
The Ferrari 296 GTB Assetto Fiorano package, tested on circuits during its launch, represents an even more focused iteration of this hybrid marvel. This optional upgrade replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units derived from GT racing technology and incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the nose, further increasing front downforce by an additional 20kg. The Assetto Fiorano package also emphasizes weight reduction, with more carbon fiber integrated into the cabin (such as door panels) and exterior components, contributing to a total weight saving of 12kg. This can be further enhanced to 15kg by specifying the optional Lexan rear engine cover. For the ultimate track-focused setup, the Assetto Fiorano cars can be optioned with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Aesthetically, the Fiorano cars can also be adorned with an exterior graphics package, a tasteful homage to the iconic 250LM from the 1960s.
Visually, the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB is a design masterpiece. In the metal, it presents a strikingly contemporary yet undeniably classic silhouette, drawing inspiration from the elegant lines of the 1960s 250LM, even without the optional graphics package. It’s a design that commands attention and stands apart in a segment filled with automotive exotica.
Getting the Ferrari 296 GTB performance underway is an intuitive process. A double-press of the lower steering wheel boss initiates the system, followed by selecting first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing for silent, electric-only propulsion unless prompted otherwise by the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors on the steering wheel. With judicious throttle application, the car can glide through urban environments purely on electric power, provided the battery has sufficient charge. This flexibility offers a surprisingly comfortable and refined experience, a stark contrast to the visceral aggression one might expect from a Ferrari supercar. The damping is remarkably sophisticated, making it a surprisingly comfortable grand tourer, complete with a practical luggage compartment in the front “frunk” – a welcome addition absent in the SF90.
But, of course, the true magic of the Ferrari 296 GTB 0-62mph and beyond lies in unleashing its full hybrid potential. Bury the throttle from low revs in a high gear, and the car surges forward with an astonishing lack of lag, a testament to the immediate torque delivery of the electric motor and the responsiveness of the V6. While the eight-speed gearbox is there to be exploited, the initial sensation of effortless acceleration can make one momentarily question the need for gear changes. However, as the revs climb and the V6 truly awakens, the experience becomes nothing short of exhilarating. The acceleration figures – a blistering 0-62mph in under 2.9 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205mph – translate into a sensation of relentless forward propulsion that is both thrilling and, at times, bordering on overwhelming. Yet, this intensity is curiously addictive. The soundtrack is equally captivating, a harmonious blend of turbocharger induction noise and the tuneful rasp of the V6, creating an auditory symphony that complements the breathtaking performance.
The Ferrari 296 GTB handling is where the car truly shines, demonstrating Ferrari’s unparalleled expertise in chassis dynamics. The responsiveness of the chassis is astonishing, and the engineers’ commitment to making the car “fun to drive” is evident in every aspect of its behavior. It feels incredibly agile without ever becoming nervous or unpredictable. The steering, a Ferrari hallmark, is exceptionally light and quick, but crucially, it’s also imbued with a remarkable level of feedback, allowing the driver to feel precisely what the front tires are doing. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable, encouraging playful inputs and rewarding the driver with an infectious sense of engagement.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB weight feels significantly less. There’s a remarkable lack of inertia throughout the entire car, fostering an intuitive connection between driver and machine. Small, precise inputs are all that are required to guide this supercar with accuracy and grace. Engaging the CT Off (Traction Control Off) mode, while maintaining the electronic stability net, allows for incredible exploratory driving, with the reassurance of an intelligent safety net always at the ready. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the inherent balance of the 296 GTB chassis allows for deliberate and controllable oversteer, a feat that seems almost improbable in a car producing 819bhp.
On a circuit, the 296 GTB track performance is exceptional. It possesses the ability to shrink even the longest straights, and its sharpness as a precision instrument becomes profoundly apparent. While the power is readily available to break rear-end traction at numerous points around the lap, the car is also acutely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. Mastering these controls unlocks the car’s full potential, with precision being the ultimate reward. The turn-in accuracy and response are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase into every corner. Instead of gently easing the car into turns and allowing loads to build progressively, the 296 GTB settles into its line instantaneously, aided by the Multimatic dampers and the hyper-quick steering, which perfectly complements 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 Ferrari 296 GTB are nothing short of phenomenal, delivering a joyous experience lap after lap.
The Ferrari 296 GTB interior design shares a strong lineage with the SF90 Stradale, featuring a predominantly digital interface and a complex array of haptic switchgear. This sophisticated control layout is spread across the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it. While undeniably intricate, it’s a necessary complexity given the wealth of information and functions being managed. The primary frustration lies in the occasional need for a second press for commands to register, or the uncertainty as to whether an input has been successfully registered at all. Nevertheless, the cabin exudes a sense of occasion and exclusivity, befitting a car of this caliber.
In the highly competitive evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, the Ferrari 296 GTB achieved a joint third-place finish alongside the McLaren Artura. The judges were remarkably divided, with a mere “fag paper” separating the two. Three judges narrowly favored the Ferrari, while three scored the McLaren marginally higher. For those who placed the 296 GTB ahead, the verdict was unanimous: “What a spectacular car,” enthused Jethro. “Beautiful to look at, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable, and so technically clever. Its V6 shows McLaren how to downsize but turn up the drama, and it matches the Artura in terms of sheer control but feels a bit more playful and indulgent.”
Another judge, Dickie, declared it, “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. He praised the seamless integration of the hybrid system, noting, “It doesn’t change the driving experience as much as I’d feared. Probably because we’ve already got used to the torquey characteristics of the turbocharged V8 in the 488 and F8. The 296 is stonkingly quick, but doesn’t rely solely on speed thanks to the character of the V6, which has a soundtrack that’s always sweet and changes with throttle opening.”
However, a notable caveat emerged from the judges’ experience: after the scoring concluded, one 296 GTB was left stranded due to a depleted battery, with no apparent means of revival. While Ferrari had cautioned about this possibility and outlined preventative measures, it highlights a potential vulnerability for owners. As one judge remarked, “that the company who introduced individual rear-wheel steering to its cars can’t engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this happening is a huge oversight.” Fortunately, this incident occurred after the cars had been scored, mitigating its impact on the overall results.
Despite this, the Ferrari 296 GTB verdict remained overwhelmingly positive. Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering was a point of discussion, and the brake pedal feel didn’t quite match the very best in class. The tech interface also drew widespread criticism for its complexity. Yet, the car’s seductive qualities proved irresistible. “I thought I wouldn’t like the Fezza all that much – too complex, rather gratuitous points of difference,” admitted Vivian, “but I ended up somewhat bewitched: the spooky way it changes direction; its amazing damping and looney-tunes levels of grip; the linearity of seemingly never-ending power…”
Peter Tomalin, the editor of evo, summarized the sentiment, stating, “The 296 is way more successful because its technical sophistication, and the integration of its hybrid technology in particular, feels much more natural, and far less intrusive.” He concluded, “Ferrari has taken so much from the SF90, learnt from that car and distilled it into a series production model that’s one of its very best.” This sentiment suggests a triumphant return to form for Ferrari, learning from the SF90’s more polarizing reception.
When a vehicle is so laden with cutting-edge technology, there’s always a risk that it might become less than the sum of its parts. This was a concern with the SF90, which, despite its prodigious power, could feel somewhat unnerving due to its challenging driving characteristics. However, the Ferrari 296 GTB, as evidenced by its strong performance in eCoty 2022, strikes a profoundly different chord. It feels far more organic and cohesive, its blend of immense power and engaging dynamics hitting a truly sweet spot, effectively redefining expectations for supercars under $300,000 and upwards. Rumors of a “Versione Speciale” variant are circulating, promising even greater power and intensity, with the fervent hope that the standard 296’s inherently natural and engaging feel will be preserved.
It is precisely this aspect of the 296 GTB’s character that one hopes Lamborghini has meticulously refined in its upcoming hybrid Temerario supercar. In excess of 900bhp is an astronomical figure for a series-production supercar, and if the rest of the vehicle isn’t meticulously engineered to harness that power, it can easily become unwieldy. If Lamborghini has indeed succeeded, as their recent prowess with the Revuelto suggests they might have, then we are on the cusp of an epic hybrid supercar comparison test – potentially a 1700bhp twin-test that will set new benchmarks. Or, perhaps, a mind-boggling 2400bhp triple-threat, incorporating the McLaren 750S. While the McLaren, with its 740bhp, may appear the “minnow” in this context, its comparatively lithe 1389kg kerb weight ensures a formidable power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw, ergonomic rightness, crisp steering, and deft chassis control offer a contrasting, more immediate experience against the somewhat more remote feel of the Ferrari.
The Ferrari 296 GTB price positions it as a significant investment, reflecting its groundbreaking technology and unparalleled performance. For those seeking the pinnacle of electrified performance, an experience that seamlessly blends visceral excitement with sophisticated engineering, the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a compelling proposition.
As the automotive world continues its rapid transformation, machines like the Ferrari 296 GTB serve as powerful testaments to innovation and the enduring pursuit of driving perfection. If you’re intrigued by the future of the supercar and wish to explore how this incredible hybrid machine compares to its closest rivals, or if you’re ready to take the next step in understanding its place in your automotive aspirations, we invite you to connect with our experts today for a personalized consultation and to explore exclusive Ferrari 296 GTB lease deals and purchase opportunities.
