Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Masterpiece Redefining Supercar Dynamics in 2025
For a decade, I’ve been immersed in the exhilarating world of high-performance automobiles, dissecting the nuances of enginee
ring, design, and the sheer visceral thrill that defines a true supercar. In my years of experience, few machines have captured the essence of automotive evolution quite like the Ferrari 296 GTB. Now, with the automotive landscape shifting dramatically, and rivals like the forthcoming Lamborghini Temerario poised to challenge its dominance, it’s crucial to re-examine what makes this Maranello marvel so compelling, and how it has set a benchmark for the electrified era of supercars. The Ferrari 296 GTB review is more than just a look at a car; it’s an exploration of a philosophy that blends raw power with intelligent electrification, a fusion that defines the next generation of supercars.
When the 296 GTB first graced our roads in 2022, it represented an unprecedented departure for Ferrari. Eschewing the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 that had become a signature of their supercars, Ferrari boldly embraced a new path: a twin-turbocharged V6, intricately augmented by an electric motor. This wasn’t just a powertrain evolution; it was a paradigm shift in a segment where hybridisation was still a nascent concept for many. While its predecessor faced traditional rivals like the Lamborghini Huracán, renowned for its sonorous naturally-aspirated V10, and the McLaren 720S, a titan of twin-turbo V8 prowess, the 296 GTB arrived with a distinctly different proposition. The incoming Lamborghini Temerario, rumored to boast a staggering 903bhp and a 10,000rpm redline, is a direct, audacious riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta. The Ferrari 296 GTB performance is not merely impressive; it’s a statement of intent.
The sheer magnitude of the 296 GTB’s power output – a combined 819bhp from its V6 and electric motor – is enough to make one pause. It prompts questions about the limits of power escalation in production cars and, more intriguingly, where such velocity can be truly appreciated. This V6-powered Ferrari is not only the first of its kind to wear the Prancing Horse emblem in modern times (the beloved 246 GT Dino bore a distinct lineage), but it also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration and integrates a plug-in hybrid system, offering a respectable 15 miles of pure electric range. This compact V6, nestled low within a bespoke aluminum chassis, contributes to a wheelbase 50mm shorter than its V8 predecessors, with occupants positioned slightly further forward, enhancing the car’s lithe agility.
The electric motor alone contributes a potent 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 engine independently produces a remarkable 654bhp and 546lb ft. The precise combined peak torque figure remains unquoted by Ferrari, a testament to the intricate interplay between the combustion engine and electric motor, but ‘considerable’ is an understatement. This V6 unit is 30kg lighter than its V8 counterparts and is mated to an exquisitely tuned eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a slender, elongated structure, is ingeniously housed behind the seats, contributing to the car’s optimized weight distribution. For enthusiasts seeking the ultimate driving experience, exploring Ferrari 296 GTB near me searches often lead to dealerships showcasing this cutting-edge technology.
As expected from Ferrari, the 296 GTB is equipped with a suite of sophisticated electronic chassis systems. The standout innovation is the six-axis sensor, dubbed 6w-CDS, capable of meticulously measuring acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. This advanced system replaces traditional yaw sensors and, working in concert with the steering rack sensor, provides the car’s brain with an unparalleled understanding of driver input and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data feeds into systems like the renowned Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, optimizing cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and driver confidence. A particularly noteworthy advancement is the ABS-evo system, available in RACE mode and above. Coupled with the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, it significantly sharpens braking distances and enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers, allowing for more aggressive corner entry. Exploring new Ferrari 296 GTB for sale often reveals these advanced technological features.
Ferrari has also masterfully deployed its active aerodynamics not merely to slice through the air, but to generate substantial downforce. The company quotes an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a significant portion, up to 100kg, attributed to the deployable rear wing. The thermal management is equally meticulous. Two radiators in the front handle engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two additional condensers dedicated to the battery. Hot air is efficiently expelled from the underbody to avoid disrupting the airflow directed to the intercoolers flanking the vehicle. Small apertures below the headlamps are dedicated to brake cooling, while the roofline-integrated wing plays a crucial role in creating a ‘virtual’ rear screen, channeling air towards the rear of the car with remarkable precision. The majority of the 296’s downforce, however, is generated beneath the car, where intricate attention has been paid to airflow management, the rear diffuser, and critically, the underbody’s ground clearance to maximize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces. This focus on supercar aerodynamics is a hallmark of Ferrari’s engineering prowess.
Our initial driving impressions on the circuit were with cars equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This upgrade replaces the standard dampers with race-derived Multimatic units and introduces further carbon aerodynamic elements at the front, boosting front downforce by an additional 20kg. The package also incorporates more carbon fiber in the cabin (such as the door panels) and on the exterior, contributing to a 12kg weight saving, which can be further enhanced to 15kg with the optional Lexan rear engine cover. For those seeking the ultimate grip, the Fiorano package offers Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, supplanting the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Visually, Fiorano-equipped cars can be personalized with an exterior graphics package inspired by the iconic 250LM of the 1960s. The visual appeal of the Ferrari 296 GTB price is certainly enhanced by such bespoke options.
Having experienced the 296 GTB firsthand, it’s clear that Ferrari has crafted a visually arresting machine, a departure from anything else on the road, with subtle nods to the legendary 250LM, even without the optional graphics. The design is both timeless and aggressively modern, a testament to Maranello’s design philosophy. For those considering supercar purchases, the 296 GTB presents a compelling argument.
Engaging the 296 GTB is a deliberate and rewarding process. A double press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear, initiates the drive. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing for silent, electric-only propulsion unless the driver intervenes via the haptic mode selectors on the wheel. Gentle throttle application allows for serene, emission-free progress, provided the battery retains sufficient charge. Drivers can also manually select full EV mode, irrespective of powertrain demands, or choose between Performance and Qualifying modes. In these modes, both the V6 and electric motor operate in synergy. Performance mode balances power delivery with battery recharging, while Qualifying mode unleashes the full, unadulterated fury of the powertrain, with no regard for battery state. The ability to glide through urban environments in near silence is an unexpected pleasure, and the sophisticated damping renders the cabin a surprisingly comfortable sanctuary for long journeys. The ‘frunk’ offers a practical luggage solution, a welcome improvement over the SF90. However, the true magic of the Ferrari 296 GTB review lies in what happens when both power sources are unleashed.
The responsiveness when planting the throttle at low revs in a high gear is simply breathtaking. The 296 surges forward with immediate, lag-free potency, making one momentarily question the necessity of a gearbox. Yet, with eight gears to explore and an engine that revs to an exhilarating 8500rpm, the full unleashing of the 296’s capabilities is nothing short of startling. The acceleration figures – a blistering 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 205mph – translate to a sensation of relentless forward momentum, bordering on the overwhelming, yet undeniably addictive. The auditory experience is equally captivating, a symphony of turbocharger whistles harmonizing with the tuneful rasp of the V6. For those interested in luxury sports cars, the 296 GTB represents the pinnacle of modern engineering.
The chassis’s responsiveness is profoundly impressive, a direct confirmation of Ferrari’s stated goal to create a car that is supremely “fun to drive.” It exhibits a remarkable agility without veering into nervousness. The steering is characteristically light and rapid, yet it teems with tactile feedback, relaying the road surface and tire grip with uncanny accuracy. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains delightfully throttle-adjustable, eliciting grins with every subtle correction. Despite its 1470kg dry weight, the 296 feels significantly lighter, possessing an inertia-defying nimbleness that encourages fluid, intuitive inputs. The CT Off mode provides a safety net of electronic intervention, but even with all systems disengaged, the 296’s inherent balance allows for playful, controlled slides that belie its prodigious power output. The Ferrari 296 GTB price reflects this unparalleled driving experience.
On track, the 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to make even lengthy straights feel abbreviated. It performs as a razor-sharp instrument, its power readily available to break traction at numerous points around the lap. However, its true brilliance lies in its sensitivity to braking and steering inputs. Precision becomes the ultimate reward, allowing drivers to exploit the car’s inherent capabilities to the fullest. The turn-in accuracy and immediacy are extraordinary, dramatically shortening corner entry phases. Rather than gradually loading the tires, the 296 settles instantly, its hyper-quick steering perfectly complementing the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers transitioning from more conventional sports cars, the speed, precision, and agility of the 296 are phenomenal, offering an exhilarating experience lap after lap. Exploring performance car dealerships will invariably highlight this exceptional handling.
The interior architecture will feel familiar to those who have experienced the SF90, as the 296 inherits much of its design language. The all-digital interface, coupled with haptic switchgear liberally applied to the steering wheel and surrounding controls, presents a unique challenge. While undoubtedly complex, reflecting the vast amount of information being conveyed, the interface can occasionally be frustrating. Simple operations sometimes require a second press to register, and feedback on confirmation can be ambiguous. Nevertheless, the cabin exudes an undeniable sense of occasion and exclusivity, befitting a top-tier supercar.
In the prestigious evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, the 296 GTB achieved a joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, narrowly missing out on outright victory by the slimmest of margins, a testament to its exceptional qualities. Judges were notably divided, with three favoring the Ferrari and three the McLaren. Those who championed the 296 lauded its spectacular aesthetics, outrageous speed, exploitable dynamics, and technical brilliance. Jethro Bovingdon enthusiastically declared, “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.”
Dickie Meaden’s verdict, echoed by many, was unequivocal: “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355.” He further elaborated, “The hybrid system works very well and 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.”
The seamless integration of the Ferrari’s hybridisation was widely praised. However, a notable incident saw a car stranded after the battery depleted with no apparent means of recovery. Ferrari had indeed cautioned about this possibility, but the oversight in engineering a simple fail-safe, as pointed out by Gallagher, was a significant concern for a company at the forefront of automotive innovation. Fortunately, this occurred after the scoring, allowing the 296’s brilliance to shine. Despite criticisms of Ferrari’s signature super-quick steering and less-than-perfect brake feel, and the universally panned complexity of the tech interface, the 296 remained irresistibly seductive. Vivian admitted to being “somewhat bewitched by the spooky way it changes direction; its amazing damping and looney-tunes levels of grip; the linearity of seemingly never-ending power…”
Peter Tomalin, reflecting on the 2022 awards, stated, “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 further noted that Ferrari had “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.” For anyone considering buying a supercar, the 296 GTB presents a compelling case.
The risk with any highly technologically laden vehicle is that it can become less than the sum of its parts. This was a critique leveled at the SF90, which, while dazzling, could be unnerving in its driving characteristics. The 296 GTB, however, is a different proposition. Its organic feel and perfectly balanced blend of power and engaging dynamics strike a sweet spot, redefining what a £250,000-ish supercar can achieve. A Versione Speciale variant is anticipated, promising even greater power and intensity, but the hope remains that the standard 296’s natural, intuitive feel will be preserved.
It is this fundamental aspect of the 296 GTB’s constitution – its deeply ingrained sense of balance and driver connection – that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power, and without a chassis and dynamics package to match, it risks becoming an unruly beast. If Lamborghini has indeed mastered this delicate balance, as evidenced by the awe-inspiring Revuelto, then a spectacular 1700bhp twin test awaits. Even considering the McLaren 750S, with its “mere” 740bhp, it brings a featherweight 1389kg kerb weight and thus a formidable power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s rawness, ergonomic perfection, crisp steering, and deft chassis offer a distinct contrast to the comparatively remote feel of the Ferrari. For those seeking the most potent hybrid hypercars, the landscape is rapidly evolving.
The Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a monumental achievement, a testament to Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of automotive excellence. It has not only embraced the future of hybrid powertrains but has done so with a flair and dynamism that few could have predicted.
As the automotive world continues its electrifying evolution, the Ferrari 296 GTB has firmly established itself as a benchmark for the modern supercar. Its blend of groundbreaking technology, exhilarating performance, and engaging driving dynamics creates an experience that is both deeply sophisticated and profoundly visceral. If you are ready to witness the future of automotive passion and explore the pinnacle of hybrid supercar engineering firsthand, we invite you to connect with your nearest authorized Ferrari dealer to arrange a private viewing and test drive of this extraordinary machine.
