The Prancing Horse Reimagined: Is the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB the Hybrid Supercar Benchmark?
For nearly a decade, I’ve witnessed the automotive landscape shift, especially within the rarefied air of supe
rcar manufacturing. The relentless pursuit of performance, once solely dictated by brute combustion power, has irrevocably pivoted towards the electrifying embrace of hybrid technology. In 2022, Ferrari didn’t just dip its toes; it plunged headfirst into this new era with the 296 GTB. This wasn’t merely an evolution; it was a bold declaration, replacing the iconic, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 with a groundbreaking twin-turbo V6, amplified by an electric motor. This paradigm shift, even with a 10,000rpm, 903bhp Lamborghini rival now on the horizon, continues to captivate and challenge our perceptions of what a modern supercar should be.
The supercar segment, traditionally a battleground of naturally aspirated V10s and potent V8s, saw the 296 GTB arrive when its primary rival, the Lamborghini Huracán, still championed the soulful roar of its V10. While the Huracán offered unparalleled auditory charisma, the 296 GTB, alongside the McLaren 720S (and its successor, the 750S), represented a more modern, turbocharged approach. The McLaren 750S, a refined iteration focused on power-to-weight dominance, stands as a testament to established principles. However, the impending arrival of Lamborghini’s Temerario, a 903bhp hybrid beast boasting a 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8, signifies a direct, uncompromising riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp hybridized Berlinetta. The Ferrari 296 GTB hybrid performance is more than just impressive; it’s a statement of intent.
Indeed, the 296 GTB possesses firepower that’s simply astounding. Its entirely new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, paired with an electric motor, exclusively drives the rear wheels – a distinction from the SF90’s all-wheel-drive setup. With a combined output of 819bhp, the Ferrari 296 GTB review reveals a car that truly shattered established supercar conventions. It’s easy to become mesmerized by such a colossal power figure, prompting contemplation about the ultimate limits of this power escalation – a question that seems to loom large over rivals like Lamborghini – and, perhaps more importantly, where one can responsibly unleash such velocity.
The significance of the 296 GTB extends beyond its raw numbers. It marks Ferrari’s maiden V6-powered road car (the exquisite 246 GT Dino, while bearing a spiritual connection, never wore the Prancing Horse emblem in its era). It’s also the first Ferrari to feature a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration, strategically placing the turbos within the engine’s V-angle for enhanced responsiveness. As a plug-in hybrid, it offers an impressive electric-only range of approximately 15 miles, adding a layer of versatility previously unseen in a Ferrari supercar. This compact V6 is nestled low within a newly engineered aluminum chassis, with a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, subtly repositioning the occupants slightly further forward for an even more engaging driving posture.
The electric motor contributes a substantial 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque. On its own, the V6 delivers a remarkable 654bhp and 546lb ft. The headline combined figure stands at 819bhp, while Ferrari judiciously refrains from quoting a peak combined torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the combustion engine and electric motor. Nevertheless, it’s safe to assume this synergy produces a formidable, almost unquantifiable, torque output. Critically, the V6 package sheds approximately 30kg compared to Ferrari’s V8 engines. This potent powerplant is mated to a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a slender, elongated unit, is ingeniously housed behind the seats, contributing to the car’s balanced weight distribution.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of acronym-laden electronic chassis control systems. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari has pioneered a sophisticated six-axis sensor system, dubbed the 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This advanced unit precisely measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes. By supplanting traditional yaw sensors and working in concert with a sensor on the steering rack, the 6w-CDS grants the car an unprecedented understanding of driver intent and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data feeds into systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, orchestrating optimal cornering speeds while meticulously preserving stability and driver confidence. Furthermore, it enables the novel ABS-evo system, available in RACE mode and above. This integration, via the 296’s brake-by-wire architecture, not only shortens braking distances but also enhances performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners.
In a fascinating development, Ferrari has deployed its active aerodynamics technology not for drag reduction, but for generating substantial downforce. The company quotes a figure of 360kg at 155mph, with a significant portion – up to 100kg – attributed to the deployable rear wing. The thermal management of the 296 GTB is equally intricate. Two radiators are positioned in the front for engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two additional condensers dedicated to the battery’s thermal regulation. Hot air is strategically expelled beneath the car to avoid interfering with the airflow directed to the intercoolers along the vehicle’s flanks. The subtle apertures below the headlamps are dedicated to feeding cool air to the brakes, while the roofline-integrated rear wing creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, effectively channeling air towards the car’s posterior. A significant portion of the 296’s downforce is sculpted from beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid not only to the channeling of air and the rear diffuser but also to the precise underbody ride height, maximizing the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The track-focused Assetto Fiorano package, a popular choice among early 296 GTB adopters, offers tangible enhancements. It replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units derived from GT racing, and incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the front bumper, boosting front downforce by an additional 20kg. The weight-saving theme continues with increased use of carbon fiber throughout the cabin (including door panels) and exterior, contributing to a total weight reduction of 12kg. Opting for the Lexan rear engine cover further slims the car by an additional 3kg. For those seeking ultimate track adhesion, the Assetto Fiorano package can be specified with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, a significant upgrade over the standard Pilot Sport 4S. The Fiorano variant also offers an optional exterior graphics package, elegantly nodding to the iconic 250LM of the 1960s.
Having experienced the 296 GTB firsthand, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a distinct, almost otherworldly beauty, evoking the spirit of the 1960s 250LM, even without the more divisive graphic treatments. The Ferrari 296 GTB price positions it firmly in the ultra-luxury segment, but its design alone commands attention.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: Where Electrifying Power Meets Analog Soul
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, seamlessly pulling away on electric power alone, unless the driver consciously selects otherwise via the intuitive haptic controls integrated into the steering wheel. Gentle throttle inputs will maintain pure electric propulsion, provided the battery retains sufficient charge. Drivers can also elect to permanently engage EV mode, overriding any powertrain demands. Alternatively, Performance and Qualifying modes offer escalating levels of exhilaration. In Performance mode, both power sources collaborate, with the system actively working to maintain battery charge. Qualifying mode prioritizes absolute maximum performance, disregarding the battery’s state of charge.
The experience of silently gliding through picturesque villages is an unexpectedly delightful facet of the 296 GTB. The damping is so sophisticated that it transforms long journeys into comfortable affairs. Even luggage space is surprisingly practical in the front ‘frunk,’ a welcome improvement over the SF90. But the true question, the one that ignites the passion of any enthusiast, is: what happens when both the V6 and electric motor are unleashed in their full glory?
The answer lies in the visceral acceleration experienced when planting the throttle from low revs in a higher gear. The 296 GTB surges forward with an immediacy that makes one question the very necessity of gear changes, such is its overwhelming potency. Yet, with eight gears to exploit and an engine that eagerly spins to 8,500rpm, the experience of truly uncorking the 296 is nothing short of astonishing. The car’s acceleration figures – a sub-3-second 0-62mph sprint and a top speed exceeding 205mph – translate to a relentless, almost overwhelming surge of speed that elicits nervous laughter and an undeniably addictive sensation. This is a seriously rapid machine, and its auditory accompaniment is equally compelling, with a harmonious blend of turbocharger effects overlaying the tuneful rasp of the V6.
Ride and Handling: The Art of Controlled Chaos
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is the astonishing responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s assertion that the car’s primary objective was to be “fun to drive” is not hyperbole; it’s an engineered reality. The car feels incredibly agile without ever bordering on nervousness. The steering, characteristic of Ferrari, is light and swift, yet it communicates a remarkable level of road detail. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car also offers a delightful level of throttle adjustability, inducing grins that are almost involuntary.
Despite its published dry weight of 1,470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a palpable lack of inertia that encourages an intuitive, collaborative driving style, rewarding small, precise inputs with exceptional accuracy. The CT Off mode provides a safety net, allowing for daring maneuvers with the reassurance of an immensely capable electronic guardian. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows for controlled drifts and oversteer that one might scarcely believe possible in a car producing 819bhp.
On the track, the 296 GTB possesses the remarkable ability to seemingly shrink even the longest straights. It functions as a precision instrument, capable of breaking rear traction at numerous points around a lap. However, it also exhibits a keen sensitivity to braking and steering inputs, teaching the driver that precision is the key to unlocking its true potential. The turn-in accuracy and immediacy dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing into turns and building load, the 296 sets up instantly, aided by the Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering, which synergizes beautifully 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 GTB are phenomenal, offering a joyous experience lap after lap.
Interior and Technology: A Digital Realm with Analog Sensations
The cabin architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the 296 GTB draws heavily from its sibling. The fully digital interface and its associated haptic switchgear, liberally applied to the steering wheel and surrounding pods, can present a steep learning curve. While the sheer volume of information to convey is considerable, the primary challenge lies in the occasional need for a second press for commands to register, or simply the ambiguity of whether an input has been successfully acknowledged. Nevertheless, the cabin exudes a palpable sense of occasion and exclusivity.
The Verdict: A Landmark Achievement
In the fiercely competitive supercar arena, the risk of technological integration overwhelming the driving experience is ever-present. We’ve seen this before, notably with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power, could feel somewhat detached. The Ferrari 296 GTB performance and handling, however, tell a different story. At the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards, it shared joint third place with the McLaren Artura, a testament to its exceptional all-around capabilities. It strikes a compelling balance between immense power and engaging dynamics, effectively redefining expectations for a sub-$300,000 supercar. Rumors of a more potent Versione Speciale variant, promising even greater performance and intensity, add to the excitement, with the hope that the standard 296’s inherent, almost intuitive, connection with the driver will be preserved.
It is precisely this refined driving character that we hope Lamborghini has meticulously honed in its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an almost obscene amount of power, and without a commensurate level of chassis resolution, it can easily become unruly. If Lamborghini has indeed achieved the same level of integration and poise that characterized their Revuelto, then we are poised for an epic head-to-head, potentially featuring a 1,700bhp twin-test showdown. Or, perhaps, a truly stratospheric 2,400bhp triple threat, including the McLaren 750S. The McLaren, with its 740bhp, might appear the ‘minnow’ in this comparison, but its featherweight 1,389kg kerb weight and consequently potent power-to-weight ratio cannot be discounted. The McLaren’s raw character, ergonomic brilliance, razor-sharp steering, and exquisitely balanced chassis offer a compelling counterpoint to the Ferrari’s more insulated, albeit technologically advanced, experience.
For those seeking the pinnacle of hybrid supercar engineering and a driving experience that transcends raw statistics, the Ferrari 296 GTB for sale represents a compelling proposition. Its blend of electrifying performance, sublime handling, and undeniable Italian flair continues to set a formidable benchmark.
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
Estimated Price: $300,000+ (depending on region and options)
The automotive world is in constant motion, and the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a shining beacon of this evolution. If you’re ready to experience the future of supercar performance, to feel the seamless integration of raw power and electrifying precision, we invite you to explore the world of the Ferrari 296 GTB and discover what’s possible when innovation meets passion. Contact your nearest authorized Ferrari dealer to arrange a private viewing and test drive.
