The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB: A New Era of Electrified Supercar Performance
For over a decade, the automotive landscape has been dominated by the visceral symphony of naturally aspirated engines and the r
elentless pursuit of raw, unadulterated power. As an industry veteran with ten years immersed in the high-octane world of supercars, I’ve witnessed firsthand the evolution, and sometimes the upheaval, that defines this elite segment. Today, as we stand on the precipice of 2025, the conversation has irrevocably shifted. The Ferrari 296 GTB isn’t just another supercar; it represents a paradigm shift, a meticulously engineered statement that electrifies the very soul of performance driving. It’s the car that has fundamentally redefined the benchmark, setting an astonishingly high bar for its rivals, most notably the eagerly anticipated Lamborghini Temerario.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked an unprecedented departure for the marque. Eschewing the celebrated, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 that had powered so many of its predecessors, Ferrari boldly embraced a new twin-turbocharged V6 engine, meticulously integrated with sophisticated electrical augmentation. This daring move placed the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a higher-tier supercar segment that, until then, had been only tentatively transitioning to hybrid power. It was a calculated risk, a leap into the unknown that has, unequivocally, paid off.
In its initial years, the 296 GTB faced worthy adversaries. The Lamborghini Huracán, with its sonorous naturally-aspirated V10, offered an intoxicating blend of charismatic noise and raw sonic appeal, a delightful counterpoint in its twilight years. Then there was the formidable McLaren 720S, a twin-turbo V8 powerhouse that epitomized the pursuit of power-to-weight supremacy. While the subsequent McLaren 750S builds upon that established formula, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm, twin-turbo V8 hybrid Lamborghini Temerario stands as a direct and audacious riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp hybridised Berlinetta. This imminent clash of electrified titans, the Ferrari 296 GTB versus the Lamborghini Temerario, is poised to be a defining moment in supercar history, pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible.
The sheer audacity of the 296 GTB’s performance figures is nothing short of breathtaking. With an all-new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine and an integrated electric motor, powering the rear wheels exclusively – a distinct departure from the four-wheel-drive setup of the SF90 Stradale – the 819bhp 296 GTB has fundamentally shattered established supercar conventions. The question of where this power escalation will eventually lead, and perhaps more importantly, where one might realistically deploy such colossal performance, lingers in the air like the scent of high-octane fuel. But for now, the focus remains squarely on the engineering marvel that is the 296 GTB.
This extraordinary machine holds the distinction of being the first V6-powered Ferrari road car to proudly wear the Prancing Horse emblem – a lineage tracing back, albeit indirectly, to the revered 246 GT Dino. It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration, a design that maximizes efficiency and responsiveness. Furthermore, its plug-in hybrid architecture offers an electric-only range of approximately 15 miles, a testament to its dual-purpose capabilities. The compact V6, a marvel of modern engineering, is mounted low within a newly developed aluminum chassis. This design choice, coupled with a 50mm reduction in wheelbase compared to its V8-engined predecessors, positions the occupants slightly further forward, contributing to a more centralized and engaging driving experience.
The electric motor itself contributes a potent 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 engine independently churns out an astonishing 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined headline figure of 819bhp is impressive, yet Ferrari wisely refrains from quoting a precise peak torque figure. This is likely due to the complex interplay between the combustion engine and the electric motor, a harmonious dance of power sources whose synergistic output is, suffice it to say, immense. Crucially, the V6 unit sheds approximately 30kg compared to Ferrari’s V8 engines, contributing to the car’s overall agility. It’s mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, with the compact battery pack – a long, rectangular unit – discreetly housed behind the seats. This intelligent packaging ensures that the car’s aesthetics and weight distribution remain optimized for ultimate performance.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of sophisticated electronic chassis control systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has introduced its six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS, capable of measuring acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes with unparalleled accuracy. This advanced system replaces conventional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, provides the car’s control units with an intricate understanding of the driver’s intentions and the available grip at the tire contact patch. This data is then fed to systems like Side Slip Control and the active Electronic Differential (e-Diff) to maximize cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and security. It also enables the groundbreaking ABS-evo system, available in RACE mode and above. This innovative system, leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, not only shortens braking distances but also enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers, allowing for more precise corner entry.
For the first time in its storied history, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics not to reduce drag, but to actively generate downforce. The company quotes an impressive figure of 360kg at 155mph, with a remarkable 100kg of that being produced by the deployable rear wing. This sophisticated aerodynamic package is crucial in harnessing the immense power on offer.
Beneath the sculpted bodywork, the engineering brilliance continues. Two radiators located in the front fascia manage engine and gearbox cooling, while two additional condensers are dedicated to chilling the battery pack. Hot air is strategically expelled from the underbody to prevent any interference with the airflow directed to the intercoolers positioned along the car’s flanks. The subtle apertures beneath the headlamps are specifically designed to channel air towards the brakes, ensuring optimal thermal management even under extreme conditions. Furthermore, a cleverly integrated wing at the rear of the roofline creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, effectively guiding airflow towards the rear of the car as if it were being sculpted by a defined surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce is, however, generated from beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid not only to the intricate ducting and the potent rear diffuser but also to the precise ground clearance, optimizing the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
On the track, the 296 GTB models we sampled were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units, derived from those utilized in GT racing. It also incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the front fascia, further increasing front-end downforce by an additional 20kg. The Assetto Fiorano package further enhances the car’s performance credentials with increased use of carbon fiber throughout the cabin, including the door panels, and on the exterior. This comprehensive weight-saving strategy results in a reduction of 12kg. Opting for the Lexan rear engine cover shaves off an additional 3kg. For those seeking the ultimate track-focused setup, the Assetto Fiorano package also allows for the specification of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the already highly capable standard Pilot Sport 4S. Completing the track-day aesthetic, Fiorano cars can be adorned with an optional exterior graphics package, a stylish homage to the iconic 250LM from the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time with the Ferrari 296 GTB in its natural habitat, I can attest that it is, without question, a visually stunning machine. Its design language is refreshingly distinct, a bold departure from convention that even without the polarizing graphics pack, pays a graceful nod to the legendary 250LM. This is a supercar that commands attention not through ostentation, but through its inherent elegance and purposeful design.
Getting the 296 GTB moving is a surprisingly simple affair, initiated by a double-press of the lower button on the steering wheel boss, followed by engaging first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, utilizing electric power for initial acceleration unless prompted otherwise. The intuitive haptic driver mode selectors, located on the left side of the steering wheel boss, allow for seamless transitions between different driving profiles. As long as the battery retains sufficient charge and throttle inputs are judicious, the 296 GTB can glide silently through urban landscapes, offering an unexpected serenity. The damping, a marvel of modern engineering, is so sophisticated that it transforms long journeys into surprisingly comfortable affairs. Even the practicality aspect has been considered, with a reasonably sized luggage compartment located in the front ‘frunk,’ a welcome improvement over some of its predecessors. But let’s be honest, what truly ignites the senses is the experience when both the V6 engine and the electric motor are unleashed to their full potential.
The sheer potency of the 296 GTB is immediately apparent when you plant the throttle at low revs in a high gear. The car surges forward with an electrifying immediacy, virtually eliminating any sense of lag and making you momentarily question the necessity of gear changes, such is its relentless torque delivery. However, with eight meticulously calibrated gears and an engine that eagerly spins to an 8,500rpm redline, the experience when fully uncorked is nothing short of astonishing.
The acceleration figures – a blistering 0-62mph time in the sub-3-second bracket and a top speed exceeding 205mph – translate into a visceral sensation of being pressed firmly back into your seat, accompanied by a nervous, yet exhilarating, laughter. It’s a sensation that borders on the overwhelming, yet is paradoxically addictive. This is a seriously rapid machine, and the accompanying soundtrack is equally compelling. The tuneful rasp of the V6 is expertly complemented by a symphony of turbocharger effects, creating an auditory experience that is as captivating as the performance itself.
The true brilliance of the 296 GTB lies not just in its prodigious power, but in the astonishing responsiveness and agility of its chassis. Ferrari’s claim that the car was designed to be ‘fun to drive’ is not hyperbole; it’s an understatement. The handling is exceptionally agile without ever feeling nervous or unpredictable. The steering, typically light and razor-sharp, is also remarkably communicative, providing a level of feedback that connects the driver intimately with the road. While the grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains wonderfully throttle-adjustable, allowing for playful adjustments to its attitude that are guaranteed to elicit a wide grin.
Despite its dry weight of 1,470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter, exhibiting an almost complete absence of inertia. This characteristic encourages a fluid, intuitive driving style, where small, precise inputs are met with immediate and accurate responses. Engaging the CT Off mode offers a remarkable degree of freedom, allowing for audacious maneuvers with the implicit reassurance that an incredibly intelligent electronic safety net is always in place. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows for surprisingly accessible oversteer, a feat one might not have thought possible in a car boasting 819bhp.
On the track, the 296 GTB possesses an almost uncanny ability to shrink even the longest straights. Its true nature as a precision instrument becomes abundantly clear with every lap. While the power is more than sufficient to break rear-end traction at numerous points around the circuit, the 296 is also incredibly sensitive to braking and steering inputs. It quickly becomes apparent that a precise and deliberate approach to controlling the car yields the greatest rewards. The turn-in accuracy and responsiveness are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing the car into turns and patiently building load, the 296 immediately settles into its desired attitude, aided by the exceptional Multimatic dampers and the hyper-quick steering, which perfectly complements the increased roll support offered by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more mature sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are a revelation, providing a pure and unadulterated joy lap after lap.
The cabin architecture will feel familiar to those who have experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the 296 inherits much of its interior design ethos. However, the fully digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear, liberally applied across the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari stalks, present a learning curve. It is undeniably complex, and while it aims to convey a vast amount of information, some simple operations can sometimes require a second press, and it’s not always clear if an input has been successfully registered. Despite these occasional frustrations, the cabin undeniably exudes a sense of occasion and specialness, a true driver’s sanctuary.
evo Car of the Year 2022 Verdict: A Momentous Occasion
“Now it gets serious,” declared the judges at evo. When the scores were tallied for their prestigious Car of the Year award in 2022, the margin between the McLaren Artura and the Ferrari 296 GTB was astonishingly slim – barely a ‘fag paper,’ as the testers affectionately put it. The judging panel was equally divided, with three narrowly favoring the Ferrari and three siding with the McLaren.
The three critics who placed the 296 GTB ahead were Jethro Bovingdon, Henry Catchpole, and the author. Jethro enthused, “What a spectacular car. 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.”
Dickie Meaden offered perhaps one of the most striking compliments: “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355.” He further elaborated on the hybrid system: “It works very well and doesn’t change the driving experience as much as I’d feared, probably because we’ve already become accustomed to the torquey characteristics of the turbocharged V8s 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 lauded. However, a critical incident occurred on the final night of testing where a depleted battery left one car stranded, with no apparent means of recovery. While Ferrari had provided prior warnings and detailed preventative measures, the scenario highlighted a potential vulnerability for owners. As one judge noted, “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 for the 296 GTB, this happened after all cars had been scored.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake feel didn’t quite match the absolute best in the group. The tech interface also faced widespread criticism for its complexity. Yet, despite these points, the 296 remained irresistibly seductive. As Vivian Gallagher remarked, “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…”
The sentiment of a return to form for Ferrari was palpable, especially after the SF90 Stradale had left some testers feeling somewhat underwhelmed the previous year. As Steve Sutcliffe concluded, “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.” Angus Fotheringham agreed, adding, “Ferrari has taken so much from the SF90, learned from that car, and distilled it into a series production model that’s one of its very best.”
Price and the Evolving Supercar Landscape
When a vehicle is engineered with such an advanced technological suite, there’s always an inherent risk that the sum might not quite equal its parts. This was a sentiment we experienced with the SF90 Stradale, which, while dazzling in its power output, could sometimes feel slightly intimidating due to its complex driving characteristics.
However, the Ferrari 296 GTB carves out a distinctly different path. As evidenced by its strong performance in the evo Car of the Year 2022 competition, where it secured a joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, the 296 feels far more organic. Its masterful blend of raw power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect chord, effectively redefining the expectations for a supercar in the £250,000-ish bracket. Whispers of a “Versione Speciale” variant are circulating, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity. The hope is that this enhanced model retains the inexplicably natural and intuitive feel that makes the standard 296 GTB so exceptional.
It is precisely this aspect – the natural, unforced feel – that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Lamborghini Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power for a series-production supercar, and it has the potential to overwhelm the chassis if the rest of the car isn’t meticulously engineered to manage it. If Lamborghini has indeed achieved the right balance, as evidenced by their success with the Revuelto, then we are in for a truly monumental twin test. Imagine a head-to-head battle between these electrified behemoths, potentially generating over 1700bhp combined!
Alternatively, we could even expand the comparison to include the McLaren 750S, which, by comparison, now appears as the ‘minnow’ of the class with a mere 740bhp. However, the McLaren brings to the table a remarkably petite kerb weight of 1,389kg, ensuring a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw, unfiltered character, its ergonomic perfection, the crispness of its steering, and the sheer deftness of its chassis offer 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 @ 8,000rpm
Combined Torque: 546lb ft @ 6,250rpm
Weight: 1,470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Price: £250,000+
The future of the supercar is undeniably hybrid, and the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a testament to this exhilarating evolution. If you’re ready to experience the pinnacle of electrified performance and precision engineering, we invite you to explore the exceptional offerings from Ferrari and discover how you can become part of this groundbreaking automotive era.
