The Electrifying Evolution: Ferrari 296 GTB Redefines Supercar Prowess in 2025
For over a decade, I’ve witnessed the relentless march of automotive innovation, particularly within the rarefied air of
supercar engineering. My journey has taken me through countless test drives, technical deep-dives, and close encounters with the bleeding edge of performance. And in that time, few vehicles have made an impact as profound and transformative as the Ferrari 296 GTB. It’s not just a car; it’s a paradigm shift, a bold declaration that the future of hypercar performance is unequivocally hybrid.
This mid-engined marvel, which first graced public roads in 2022, continues to Astonish, even as its rivals, like the highly anticipated Lamborghini Temerario with its 10,000rpm, 903bhp hybrid powertrain, emerge from the shadows. The 296 GTB’s arrival marked an unprecedented departure for Ferrari’s established supercar formula. It boldly dispensed with the celebrated, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8, a powerplant that had defined an era, in favor of a revolutionary twin-turbocharged V6, intricately interwoven with a sophisticated electric augmentation. This daring move positioned the 296 GTB at the forefront of a supercar segment still navigating the nascent stages of widespread hybrid adoption.
In its initial iteration, the 296 GTB faced a more traditional adversary in the Lamborghini Huracán, a car celebrated for its naturally aspirated V10 symphony. While perhaps trailing in raw horsepower compared to the electrified Ferrari, the Huracán offered an unadulterated V10 charisma and an intoxicating acoustic experience that captivated enthusiasts during its golden years. It also contended with the formidable McLaren 720S, a titan in its own right, which steadfastly retained its twin-turbo V8. While the subsequent McLaren 750S represents an evolution of that potent theme, focusing on sheer power-to-weight supremacy, the forthcoming 903bhp, 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid Temerario stands as Lamborghini’s direct riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta.
Make no mistake, the 296 GTB commands immense respect. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, coupled with a potent electric motor, drives only the rear wheels – a departure from the all-wheel-drive setup found in the SF90. This configuration, delivering a combined 819bhp, shattered conventional supercar expectations. It’s a figure that commands immediate attention, and it’s easy to ponder the limits of such escalating power and where, in the real world, such velocity can be fully unleashed. But that, as they say, is a topic for another discussion.
The 296 GTB holds several significant “firsts” in Ferrari’s illustrious history. It is the first V6-powered Ferrari road car (the charming 246 GT Dino, while a precursor in spirit, never bore the Prancing Horse emblem during its production run). It’s the first to adopt a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger installation, a design that optimizes packaging and response. Furthermore, it is a plug-in hybrid, offering an impressive electric-only range of approximately 15 miles, a practical concession for everyday urban driving. This compact V6 engine is nestled low within a bespoke aluminum chassis. Compared to its V8 predecessors, the wheelbase has been judiciously reduced by 50mm, with the occupants positioned slightly further forward, contributing to a more centralized and engaging driving posture.
The electric motor alone contributes an astonishing 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque. The V6 engine, in isolation, produces a staggering 654bhp and 546lb ft. The headline combined figure of 819bhp is truly remarkable. Ferrari, in its typical understated fashion, refrains from quoting a peak combined torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. However, it’s safe to surmise that the resultant torque is, to put it mildly, colossal. Crucially, the V6 unit itself shaves 30kg off the weight of Ferrari’s V8 engines. This powertrain is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, while the compact, oblong battery pack is strategically positioned behind the seats, contributing to the car’s balanced weight distribution.
No Ferrari would be complete without an intricate suite of electronic chassis systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has pioneered a sophisticated six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS (Six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This innovative system precisely measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes. Replacing traditional yaw sensors, and working in concert with a sensor mounted on the steering rack, the 6w-CDS provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of the driver’s intentions and the available grip at the tire contact patch. This data is then fed to other advanced systems, including Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, to maximize cornering speeds while upholding unwavering stability and occupant security. A noteworthy development is the introduction of ABS-evo, a system designed to enhance braking performance, particularly in RACE mode and above. Leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also refines trail-braking capabilities, allowing for more precise corner entry.
For the first time in a production Ferrari, active aerodynamics are employed not to minimize drag, but to actively generate downforce. The manufacturer quotes an impressive figure of 360kg of downforce at 155mph. A significant portion of this, up to 100kg, is attributed to the deployable rear wing, seamlessly integrated into the car’s rear.
The thermal management system is equally sophisticated. Two radiators in the front fascia are dedicated to engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two additional condensers for the battery pack. Hot air is expertly channeled underneath the car, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with the airflow directed to the intercoolers situated along the car’s flanks. The discreet apertures below the headlamps are ingeniously designed to draw air for brake cooling. Furthermore, a wing integrated into the roofline creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, guiding air effectively to the rear of the car, as if channeled by a precisely sculpted surface. The lion’s share of the 296’s downforce is generated beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid not only to the underbody airflow and diffuser design but also to the critical ground clearance, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The pre-production 296 GTBs I sampled on a closed circuit were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with specialized Multimatic units, derived from Ferrari’s GT racing endeavors. It also incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the front fascia, contributing an extra 20kg of front downforce. The cabin benefits from further carbon fiber enhancements, such as the door panels, and exterior applications, collectively contributing to a 12kg weight saving. This figure increases to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For those seeking the ultimate track-focused experience, the Assetto Fiorano package also offers Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires as an upgrade from the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Further personalization options for Fiorano-equipped cars include an exterior graphics package, inspired by the iconic 250LM from the 1960s.
Having had the privilege of experiencing the 296 GTB firsthand, I can attest to its striking aesthetic. It’s a truly beautiful machine, possessing a distinct visual identity that sets it apart from anything else on the road. The subtle nods to the 250LM, even without the more overtly divisive graphics package, are elegantly executed.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: A New Benchmark
Initiating the 296 GTB’s journey is as simple as a double-press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing for silent departure on electric power alone, unless deliberately overridden via the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors located on the left side of the steering wheel boss. With judicious throttle application, the 296 will continue its silent progress solely on electric power, provided the battery has sufficient charge.
For those who wish to prioritize silence, the EV mode can be explicitly engaged, irrespective of other powertrain demands. Alternatively, Performance and Qualifying modes unlock the full potential of the hybrid powertrain. In Performance mode, both the V6 and electric motor work in concert to deliver exhilarating acceleration, with a secondary objective of maintaining battery charge. Qualifying mode, as the name suggests, unleashes the absolute peak of the car’s performance, with little regard for the battery’s state of depletion.
The sensation of gliding silently through urban landscapes is an unexpected delight. The damping sophistication ensures a remarkably comfortable ride, making it an adept cruiser for covering long distances. The practicality extends to a surprisingly capacious luggage area in the front ‘frunk,’ a welcome advantage over its SF90 sibling. However, the real question on everyone’s mind, including mine, is the visceral experience when both the internal combustion engine and electric motor are unleashed in full force.
The answer is unequivocally electrifying. A casual plant of the throttle at low revs in a higher gear results in an immediate, lag-free surge of acceleration that prompts one to momentarily question the necessity of gear changes, such is the potency on offer. Yet, with eight gears to exploit and an engine that eagerly spins to an 8,500rpm redline, the experience when truly uncorking the 296 is nothing short of startling.
As the performance figures suggest – a blistering 0-62mph sprint in under 3 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205mph – the rate of acceleration is an almost disorienting blend of breathtaking force and exhilarating feedback. It borders on the intense, yet possesses an undeniably addictive quality. This is a seriously rapid machine, and its soundtrack is equally captivating. The V6 engine delivers a tuneful rasp, artfully layered with the compelling sound effects of the twin turbochargers.
The responsiveness of the 296 GTB’s chassis is truly impressive. Ferrari’s assertion that the car was designed to be ‘fun to drive’ is not an overstatement. It exhibits a remarkable agility without ever feeling nervous. The steering is typically light and incredibly quick, but crucially, it’s also packed with tactile feedback, allowing the driver to precisely gauge the grip levels. While the grip itself is predictably immense, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable, eliciting an immediate grin of pure automotive joy.
Despite its relatively compact dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s an inherent lack of inertia that encourages an intuitive connection with the car, allowing for precise, small inputs and a profound appreciation for its accuracy and agility. Engaging the CT Off mode provides a remarkable level of freedom, with the implicit reassurance of a sophisticated electronic safety net far more intelligent than one’s own instincts. Yet, even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows it to be coaxed into controlled oversteer in a manner one wouldn’t typically associate with a car producing 819bhp.
On the racetrack, the 296 GTB possesses the remarkable ability to seemingly compress even the longest straights. What becomes even more apparent is its precision as a driving instrument. While the power is readily available to break rear-wheel traction at numerous points around a lap, the 296 also exhibits acute sensitivity to both braking and steering inputs. A precise application of controls leads to the greatest rewards. The turn-in accuracy and response are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Rather than easing into turns and gradually building load, the 296 settles instantaneously, its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering working in perfect harmony with the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers transitioning from more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 are phenomenal and consistently deliver a joyous experience.
Interior and Technology: A Glimpse into Ferrari’s Future
The cabin architecture will feel familiar to those who have experienced the SF90, as the 296 borrows heavily from its elder sibling. The fully digital interface, coupled with its complimentary haptic switchgear, presents a learning curve. These controls are liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it.
Undoubtedly, the system is complex. To be fair, there’s a wealth of information to convey. However, the primary frustration lies in how simple operations can sometimes require a second attempt to register, or leave the driver uncertain whether a command has been successfully executed. Nevertheless, the overall ambiance is undeniably special, befitting a Ferrari supercar.
Verdict: A New Era Dawns
In 2022, during the esteemed evo Car of the Year awards, the competition between the McLaren Artura and the Ferrari 296 GTB was incredibly close. The judges were remarkably split, with an equal number narrowly preferring the Ferrari and the McLaren. Those who favored the 296 lauded its spectacular design, outrageous speed, astonishing exploitability, and sheer technical brilliance. The V6, they argued, demonstrated how downsizing could amplify drama, matching the Artura’s control while offering a more playful and indulgent driving experience.
The sentiment that the 296 GTB represented “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355” resonated deeply with many. The hybrid system was praised for its seamless integration, its contribution to the driving experience proving less intrusive than anticipated, likely due to the familiar torque characteristics of turbocharged V8s in cars like the 488 and F8. The 296’s blistering pace was complemented by the character of its V6, which produced a consistently sweet soundtrack that evolved with throttle input.
While the hybridisation was widely celebrated, a notable incident occurred where a car was left stranded after the battery depleted with no apparent means of recovery. Although Ferrari had provided guidance on preventing such occurrences, it highlighted a potential oversight: a lack of a simple fail-safe mechanism to prevent a complete system shutdown. Fortunately, this occurred after the scoring was complete.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering did divide opinion, and the brake pedal feel didn’t consistently match the very best in class. The technological interface also faced widespread criticism for its complexity. However, these minor reservations were overshadowed by the 296’s irresistible allure. Many found themselves “bewitched” by its uncanny ability to change direction, its remarkable damping, astonishing levels of grip, and the linearity of its seemingly unending power delivery.
The 296 GTB represents a significant return to form for Ferrari, particularly after the SF90 left some feeling underwhelmed. The technical sophistication and the integration of its hybrid technology in the 296 felt far more natural and less intrusive. Ferrari has clearly learned from the SF90, distilling its innovations into a series production model that stands as one of its very best.
Price and Rivals: A Fierce Competitive Landscape
The sheer density of technology within the 296 GTB raises the perennial risk of the whole being less than the sum of its parts, a challenge that somewhat impacted the SF90, which, while dazzling in power, could be unnerving to read. The 296 GTB, however, is a different proposition entirely. Its cohesive blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect chord, effectively redefining what a supercar in the £250,000 ballpark can achieve. A ‘Versione Speciale’ variant, hinting at even greater power and intensity, is anticipated, with hopes that the standard 296’s natural feel will be preserved.
It is this very aspect – the natural, intuitive driving experience – 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 the rest of the car isn’t meticulously resolved to harness it, it risks overwhelming the driver. Given Lamborghini’s success with the Revuelto, there is genuine optimism for an epic twin-test between these two hybrid titans. We could even expand this to a triple-threat, incorporating the McLaren 750S. While now seemingly the ‘minnow’ with only 740bhp, its remarkably light 1389kg kerb weight offers a compelling power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw engagement, ergonomic perfection, crisp steering, and deft chassis dynamics provide a distinct contrast to the comparatively more detached feel of the Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications:
Engine: 2992cc, twin-turbocharged V6, plus electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, active E-diff
Combined Power: 819bhp @ 8000rpm
Combined Torque: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Price: £250,000+
The automotive landscape is in constant flux, and the 296 GTB is a powerful testament to that evolution. If you’re captivated by the future of performance and yearning to experience this revolutionary machine firsthand, now is the time to connect with a Ferrari specialist or authorized dealer to explore personalized leasing options or acquisition opportunities.
