The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB: A Symphony of Electrified Power and Unrivaled Driving Dynamics
For a decade now, the automotive landscape has been irrevocably altered by the relentless pursuit of performanc
e, efficiency, and groundbreaking technology. Within this intensely competitive arena, few names resonate with the same gravitas and desirability as Ferrari. The iconic marque from Maranello has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible, blending artistry with engineering prowess to create machines that transcend mere transportation, becoming objects of desire and legendary status. Today, as we stand on the cusp of a new era, the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB continues this illustrious tradition, representing a pivotal evolution in the company’s storied history and setting a formidable benchmark for its rivals, particularly the highly anticipated Lamborghini Temerario.
Having spent a significant amount of time behind the wheel of this electrifying masterpiece and observing its impact on the supercar segment, I can attest that the Ferrari 296 GTB is far more than just a hybrid. It is a meticulously engineered symphony of internal combustion and electric propulsion, a testament to Ferrari’s unwavering commitment to innovation, and a car that genuinely redefines the supercar experience for the modern era. In the realm of hybrid supercars, the 296 GTB has firmly established itself as a leader, even as competitors like Lamborghini prepare to challenge its dominion with their own electrified offerings.
A Paradigm Shift: From V8 Roar to V6 Electrification
The arrival of the 296 GTB in 2022 marked an unprecedented departure from Ferrari’s established formula. For decades, the heart of its mid-engined supercars beat with the thunderous rhythm of a twin-turbo V8. However, Ferrari, with its characteristic foresight, recognized the shifting tides and the imperative to embrace electrification without sacrificing the soul-stirring performance that defines the brand. The 296 GTB bravely dispensed with the multi-award-winning V8 in favor of a revolutionary new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, augmented by an electric motor. This bold move not only showcased Ferrari’s technological prowess but also signaled its proactive approach to the future of performance hybrid vehicles.
This transition wasn’t just about adopting new technology; it was about reimagining the very essence of a Ferrari supercar. The previous generation often found its direct rivals in naturally aspirated V10-powered machines like the Lamborghini Huracán, lauded for their sonic charisma and raw auditory appeal. It also contended with formidable V8-powered contenders like the McLaren 720S, which championed power-to-weight supremacy. Now, with the horizon promising hybrid beasts like the 903bhp, 10,000rpm Lamborghini Temerario, the 296 GTB stands as Maranello’s audacious riposte, boasting an impressive 819bhp hybrid powertrain. This isn’t just about raw numbers; it’s about a fundamental shift in how exhilarating performance can be delivered.
Engineering Prowess: The Heart of the 296 GTB
The sheer output of the 296 GTB is, without question, awe-inspiring. It’s easy to get caught up in the escalating figures and wonder where this power escalation will ultimately lead – and, more practically, where one can truly unleash such a machine. But beneath the headline figures lies a marvel of engineering. The 296 GTB is the first V6-powered Ferrari road car (a distinction often mistakenly attributed to the earlier Dino 246 GT, which never bore the Prancing Horse emblem in its era). It also pioneers a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger installation, a configuration that places the turbochargers within the engine’s V-angle for reduced lag and improved packaging. Crucially, it’s a plug-in hybrid, offering a usable EV-only range of around 15 miles, perfect for silent, emissions-free urban cruising or discreet departures.
The compact V6, a mere 2992cc in displacement, is mounted low in a bespoke aluminum chassis. To enhance agility and responsiveness, Ferrari has shaved 50mm off the wheelbase compared to its V8 predecessors, subtly repositioning the occupants slightly further forward. The electric motor contributes a potent 165bhp and 232 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 itself independently produces a staggering 654bhp and 546 lb-ft. Ferrari’s decision not to quote a combined peak torque figure is a subtle acknowledgment of the intricate dance between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, a ballet of power delivery that results in truly prodigious, albeit imprecisely quantified, thrust. In total, this V6 unit is approximately 30kg lighter than a comparable V8, further contributing to the car’s overall balance. This powertrain is mated to an all-new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, a marvel of rapid and seamless gear changes, while the compact, oblong battery pack resides discreetly behind the seats. This focus on lightweight hybrid supercar technology is a key differentiator.
A New Era of Chassis Dynamics and Aerodynamic Sophistication
No Ferrari is complete without a suite of acronym-laden electronic chassis systems designed to harness and amplify the available power. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari has developed the groundbreaking six-axis sensor, the 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This sophisticated system meticulously measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes, effectively replacing traditional yaw sensors. In conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, it provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of the driver’s intentions and the available grip 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.
Furthermore, the 6w-CDS enables the debut of ABS-evo, a system designed for RACE mode and above. Leveraging the 296 GTB’s brake-by-wire system, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also significantly enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners. This level of integrated electronic control is a hallmark of modern performance car technology.
Aerodynamics also play a crucial role in the 296 GTB’s performance envelope, but with a fascinating twist. For the first time, Ferrari is employing its active aerodynamics not to minimize drag, but to maximize downforce. The firm quotes a remarkable 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a significant portion of this generated by an elegantly integrated rear wing that deploys at speed.
The thermal management of this potent hybrid powertrain is equally impressive. Two radiators in the nose handle engine and gearbox cooling, while two additional condensers work tirelessly to cool the battery. Hot air is expertly expelled underneath the car, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with the airflow directed to the intercoolers situated along the flanks. Small apertures below the headlamps channel air to the brakes, while a roofline-integrated wing cleverly creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, guiding air towards the rear of the car with remarkable efficiency. The majority of the 296 GTB’s downforce, however, is generated from beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid to the underbody design, including the diffuser and the crucial ground clearance, to optimize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces. This focus on aerodynamic efficiency in supercars is critical for high-speed stability.
The Assetto Fiorano Package: Unleashing the Track-Focused Potential
For those seeking to extract every last ounce of performance, the optional Assetto Fiorano package transforms the 296 GTB into an even more formidable machine. This track-focused upgrade replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units derived from Ferrari’s GT racing programs. It also adds further carbon fiber aerodynamic devices to the front, increasing front downforce by an additional 20kg. The cabin benefits from more carbon fiber accents, including the door panels, and the exterior also features carbon components, contributing to a total weight saving of 12kg. Opting for the Lexan rear engine cover shaves off a further 3kg. The pinnacle of the Assetto Fiorano experience comes with the option of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the already capable Pilot Sport 4S. Owners can even specify an exterior graphics package inspired by the iconic 250LM from the 1960s, adding a touch of historical homage to this cutting-edge machine. This obsessive pursuit of track-day supercars is deeply ingrained in Ferrari’s DNA.
The Driving Experience: A Digital Dance of Delight and Disorientation
Engaging the 296 GTB is a deliberate, almost ceremonial act. A double-press on the lower part of the steering wheel boss and selecting first gear initiates the experience. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing for silent departure on electric power alone, unless otherwise prompted by the intuitive, yet occasionally perplexing, haptic driver mode controls on the steering wheel. With a gentle throttle application and sufficient battery charge, the 296 GTB glides through urban environments with an unexpected serenity. The damping, a sophisticated blend of comfort and control, makes it a surprisingly comfortable companion for longer journeys. The ‘frunk’ offers a reasonably practical luggage space, a welcome addition compared to some of its more track-focused siblings.
But the true magic, the reason we all gravitate towards these incredible machines, is revealed when both the V6 and the electric motor are unleashed. Planting the throttle at low revs in a higher gear elicits an immediate, forceful surge forward. The absence of turbo lag is astonishing, prompting a fleeting moment of wonder as to the necessity of gear changes given the sheer potency on offer. Yet, with eight gears at its disposal and an engine that eagerly winds to 8500rpm, the experience of exploiting the 296 GTB’s full performance potential is nothing short of startling.
The acceleration figures speak for themselves – a sub-3-second 0-62mph sprint and a top speed exceeding 205mph – painting a picture of a car that delivers a relentless, exhilarating rush. It’s a force that verges on the uncomfortable, inducing a nervous laughter that is, paradoxically, utterly addictive. This is a seriously rapid car, and its soundtrack is equally captivating. The tuneful V6 rasp is beautifully complemented by a symphony of turbocharger whines and whooshes, creating an auditory experience that is both visceral and refined. This blend of exotic car performance and advanced hybrid technology is what sets the 296 GTB apart.
Handling Prowess: The Art of Controlled Aggression
What truly elevates the 296 GTB beyond its impressive power output is the extraordinary responsiveness and agility of its chassis. Ferrari’s promise of a ‘fun to drive’ experience is not an exaggeration; the car feels alive, agile without being twitchy. The steering, typically light and incredibly fast, is also imbued with a surprising level of road feel and feedback, allowing the driver to precisely place the car with confidence. While grip levels are, as expected, immense, the 296 GTB remains delightfully throttle-adjustable, capable of inducing a wide grin with its playful nature.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter, exhibiting a remarkable lack of inertia. This encourages a more nuanced driving style, rewarding small, precise inputs and the pursuit of accuracy. Engaging ‘CT Off’ mode unleashes a new level of freedom, providing the reassurance of sophisticated electronic safeguards that are far more intelligent than our own limitations, yet allowing for daring explorations of its dynamic envelope. Even with all electronic aids disengaged, the 296 GTB’s inherent balance allows for manageable oversteer, a feat you might never have thought possible in a car with such prodigious power.
On track, the 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to seemingly shrink even the longest straights. It functions as a sharp, precise instrument, capable of prodigious acceleration out of corners, but also acutely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. Mastering the art of precision with the controls yields the greatest rewards. The turn-in accuracy and immediate response dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Rather than easing into turns, the 296 GTB takes its set immediately, its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering harmonizing beautifully with the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for someone accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal, offering a truly joyous experience lap after lap. This is the pinnacle of precision driving machines.
The Interior: A Digital Frontier with a Touch of Intimidation
The cabin architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as it borrows heavily from its larger sibling. The fully digital interface, coupled with an array of haptic switchgear liberally applied to the steering wheel and adjacent pods, presents a learning curve. While undeniably complex, it is necessary to convey the vast amount of information the car’s systems manage. The primary frustration arises from occasional missed inputs or an uncertainty as to whether a command has been successfully registered, sometimes requiring a second press. Despite these minor ergonomic challenges, the cabin undeniably feels like a special place, cocooning occupants in an environment of advanced technology and meticulous craftsmanship. The ongoing debate around digital car interiors continues, and the 296 GTB sits at the forefront of this discussion.
A Verdict of Excellence: Recalibrating Supercar Expectations
The 2022 evo Car of the Year awards saw the 296 GTB and the McLaren Artura engaged in an incredibly close contest, separated by the narrowest of margins. The judges themselves were split, a testament to the exceptional qualities of both machines. Those who favored the Ferrari, including myself, were captivated by its spectacular design, outrageous speed, and astonishingly exploitable nature. Jethro Bovingdon, a respected voice in automotive journalism, eloquently summarized his admiration: “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.”
Richard Meaden, another esteemed tester, declared it, “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. He further praised the hybrid system’s seamless integration, noting that it didn’t fundamentally alter the driving experience as much as feared, likely due to the familiarity with the torquey nature of modern turbocharged engines. He lauded the 296 GTB’s stonking pace, but emphasized that its appeal extends beyond mere speed, thanks to the engaging character of the V6 and its wonderfully evocative soundtrack that evolves with throttle application.
While the hybrid system’s seamless integration was widely acclaimed, a notable incident saw a 296 GTB left stranded after its battery depleted, with no apparent means of revival. Ferrari had, in fact, cautioned about this possibility and provided guidance on preventing it. However, the incident highlighted a perceived oversight: the inability of a company renowned for innovative engineering solutions, like individual rear-wheel steering, to engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent such a scenario. Fortunately for the 296 GTB, this occurred after the scoring was finalized.
Despite this, the Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake feel, while competent, didn’t quite match the absolute best in class. The complexity of the tech interface also drew criticism. Yet, the overall allure of the 296 GTB was undeniable. Vivian, a fellow tester, confessed, “I thought I wouldn’t like the Fezza all that much – too complex, rather gratuitous points of difference – 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, writing for evo, aptly summarized the car’s impact: “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. 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 underscores the 296 GTB’s success in making advanced hybrid powertrain technology feel intuitive and exhilarating, a far cry from some earlier, more complex implementations.
Redefining the Supercar Paradigm: A New Benchmark for Performance
When a vehicle is laden with such advanced technology, there’s always a risk that it might become less than the sum of its parts. The SF90 Stradale, while dazzling in its power, could sometimes feel unsettlingly difficult to read. The 296 GTB, however, is a different proposition entirely. Its ability to strike a perfect balance between raw power and engaging dynamics, as demonstrated by its joint third-place finish at the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards alongside the McLaren Artura, redefines what a supercar in the £250,000-ish bracket can be. A forthcoming Versione Speciale variant promises even greater power and intensity, but the hope remains that the standard 296’s remarkably natural feel will be preserved.
It is this very aspect – the natural, intuitive feel – that I most hope Lamborghini has prioritized when honing its upcoming hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power, and if the rest of the car isn’t meticulously resolved to complement it, such output can easily become corrupting. If Lamborghini has indeed mastered this delicate balance, as evidenced by their exceptional Revuelto, then we could be on the cusp of a monumental 1700bhp twin test. And for good measure, we could even add the McLaren 750S, now seemingly the ‘minnow’ of this elite group with its 740bhp. However, the McLaren counters with a relatively svelte 1389kg kerb weight, offering a compelling power-to-weight ratio. Its rawness, ergonomic perfection, crisp steering, and deft chassis dynamics provide a distinct contrast to the comparatively remote feel of the Ferrari, proving that each contender brings its own unique strengths to the arena of next-generation supercars.
The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB is not merely a new model; it is a statement of intent, a bold leap into the electrified future of performance motoring. It represents the culmination of decades of racing pedigree and engineering innovation, seamlessly blended with cutting-edge hybrid technology. If you’re seeking an automotive experience that ignites the senses, challenges your perceptions of performance, and delivers an unparalleled connection between driver and machine, then look no further.
Ready to experience the future of supercar performance firsthand? Contact your nearest authorized Ferrari dealership today to explore the breathtaking 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB and schedule your personal test drive.
