Ferrari 296 GTB 2025: The Pinnacle of Electrified Performance and the Benchmark for Future Supercars
For a decade now, I’ve navigated the ever-shifting landscape of high-performance automobiles, witne
ssing firsthand the relentless pursuit of speed, innovation, and driver engagement. In that time, I’ve seen established titans evolve and ambitious newcomers stake their claim. Yet, few machines have resonated with the sheer, unadulterated brilliance of the Ferrari 296 GTB. This hybrid marvel, which first graced our roads a couple of years ago, continues to defy expectations, even as the horizon is lit by the glow of a 10,000rpm, 903bhp Lamborghini rival. The Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 isn’t just a car; it’s a statement, a meticulously crafted piece of engineering that redefines what a modern supercar can and should be.
The very foundation of Ferrari’s mid-engined supercar lineage was shaken by the arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022. In a move that signaled a seismic shift, Maranello bid farewell to its multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8, embracing a revolutionary new twin-turbo V6, artfully augmented by an electric motor. This bold electrification strategy propelled the Ferrari 296 GTB to the forefront of a supercar segment that, until then, had been hesitant in its transition to hybrid power.
At its debut, the Ferrari 296 GTB found itself in the rarefied air of traditional supercar rivals. The Lamborghini Huracán, with its soul-stirring naturally aspirated V10, offered a different, albeit less potent, form of excitement. Its raw noise and V10 charisma were undeniable, a delightful counterpoint in its twilight years. Then there was the McLaren 720S, a ferocious beast that clung to its twin-turbo V8. While the subsequent McLaren 750S represents an evolution of that theme, prioritizing power-to-weight supremacy, the arrival of the 903bhp, 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid, the Lamborghini Temerario, is a direct, audacious challenge to Maranello’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta. This is the arena where the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 must now prove its enduring mettle.
Make no mistake, the Ferrari 296 GTB possesses a formidable arsenal of firepower. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, working in concert with a potent electric motor, drives only the rear wheels – a distinction from the four-wheel-drive SF90. The result is a staggering combined output of 819bhp, a figure that utterly shattered existing supercar conventions at its inception. This electrifying performance has undeniably broadened the capabilities of a Ferrari V6 supercar, pushing the boundaries of what’s achievable.
It’s easy to be captivated by such monumental power figures, prompting introspection about the ultimate limits of such acceleration and, indeed, where one might responsibly deploy such performance. But the narrative of the Ferrari 296 GTB extends far beyond mere numbers. It represents a pivotal moment for Ferrari, marking the first V6-powered road car to carry the Prancing Horse emblem – the delectable 246 GT Dino, a cherished classic, never officially bore the badge in its era. Furthermore, it’s the first Ferrari to feature a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger installation, a design choice that contributes significantly to its compact packaging and responsiveness. As a plug-in hybrid, it offers an electric-only range of approximately 15 miles, providing a silent, emissions-free dimension to its capabilities.
The compact V6 engine is nestled low within a newly engineered aluminum chassis. A strategic 50mm reduction in wheelbase compared to its V8 predecessors, combined with a slightly forward positioning of the occupants, contributes to a more concentrated and agile feel. The electric motor alone contributes an impressive 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 independently churns out a sensational 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined figure of 819bhp is the headline act, but Ferrari, with characteristic discretion, refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure. This is likely due to the intricate interplay between the combustion engine and the electric motor, but rest assured, the total torque delivered is nothing short of colossal. Crucially, the V6 setup shaves a significant 30kg off the weight of previous V8 engines. This power is expertly managed by an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, while the long, oblong battery pack is ingeniously housed behind the seats. This meticulous engineering ensures that the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 delivers its power with both ferocity and finesse.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of sophisticated electronic chassis control systems, and the Ferrari 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has developed an innovative six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This advanced system meticulously measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes, offering unprecedented insight into the car’s dynamics. It effectively replaces traditional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, provides the car with an intimate understanding of the driver’s intentions and the available grip at the tire contact patch. This data is then leveraged by systems like the Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff to maximize cornering speeds while steadfastly maintaining stability and driver confidence. A groundbreaking new feature, ABS-evo, debuts in RACE mode and above. Utilizing the 296’s brake-by-wire system, it not only shortens braking distances but also significantly enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners. This level of electronic integration is a hallmark of modern Ferrari hybrid technology and contributes immeasurably to the car’s accessible performance.
For the first time in a road-going Ferrari, active aerodynamics are employed not to reduce drag, but to actively generate downforce. The company quotes a remarkable 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a substantial 100kg of that figure being attributed to the deployable rear wing. The front of the car houses two radiators for engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two additional condensers dedicated to cooling the battery pack. Hot air is expertly expelled from underneath the vehicle, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the flow of cooling air directed to the intercoolers positioned along the car’s flanks. Small apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to cooling the brakes, while the aerodynamically integrated wing at the rear of the roofline creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, channeling air efficiently to the rear of the car as if guided by a precisely sculpted surface. The majority of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s downforce is generated beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid to not only the air channeling and the rear diffuser but also to the critical ground clearance, optimizing the effectiveness of these downforce-generating elements.
Our initial experience with the Ferrari 296 GTB on a circuit involved models equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-enhancing suite replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units, derived from GT racing technology, and adds further carbon aerodynamic elements to the nose, increasing front downforce by an additional 20kg. The Assetto Fiorano package also incorporates more carbon fiber both within the cabin (such as the door panels) and on the exterior, contributing to a notable weight saving of 12kg. This figure can be further enhanced to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For those seeking the ultimate track-focused grip, the Assetto Fiorano cars can be equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, a significant upgrade over the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Visually, the Fiorano variants can also be personalized with an exterior graphics package, a stylish nod to the iconic 250LM of the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time with the Ferrari 296 GTB in person, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a distinct and captivating beauty, unlike anything else on the road, drawing inspiration from the legendary 250LM, even without the more polarizing graphics package. It’s a design that balances aggression with elegance, a hallmark of exotic sports car design.
When it comes to initiating motion, a simple double-press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by engaging first gear, brings the Ferrari 296 GTB to life. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, silently gliding away on electric power alone unless otherwise directed via the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors on the left side of the steering wheel boss. As long as throttle inputs remain measured, the car will continue its silent progress on electric power, provided the battery has sufficient charge.
Drivers have the option to explicitly engage ‘e-drive’ mode, overriding any powertrain demands. Alternatively, distinct Performance and Qualifying modes cater to more spirited driving. In these settings, both the V6 engine and the electric motor work in tandem. Performance mode aims to maintain optimal battery charge while delivering exhilarating performance, whereas Qualifying mode unleashes the full, uncompromised fury of the powertrain, with little regard for the battery’s state of charge. This adaptability is a key aspect of the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 experience.
Cruising through urban landscapes in near silence is an unexpectedly serene pleasure. The damping sophistication ensures a remarkably comfortable ride, making long journeys a surprisingly relaxed affair. Even luggage space is reasonably accommodated in the front ‘frunk,’ a welcome improvement over the SF90. However, the question that truly burns is: what does it feel like when both the engine and electric motor are unleashed to their full potential?
The answer is a revelation, particularly when you floor the throttle at low revs in a high gear. The Ferrari 296 GTB surges forward with an instantaneous surge of torque, eradicating any notion of turbo lag. It’s a sensation so potent it makes one question the very necessity of gear changes. Yet, with eight gears at its disposal and an engine that eagerly spins to 8500rpm, the full unleashment of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s power is nothing short of astonishing. The acceleration, as the figures suggest (0-62mph in approximately 2.9 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 205mph), is of the ‘hold on tight and laugh nervously’ variety. It borders on the exhilaratingly uncomfortable, yet is undeniably addictive. This is a seriously rapid machine, accompanied by a captivating soundtrack that blends the characteristic rasp of the V6 with evocative turbocharger sounds.
The responsiveness of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s chassis is truly remarkable. Ferrari’s promise of making this car “fun to drive” is not an exaggeration; it’s an understatement. The car feels incredibly agile without ever becoming nervous. The steering, as is typical of Ferrari, is light and rapid, but crucially, it’s brimming with tactile feedback and detail. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains delightfully throttle-adjustable, encouraging playful exploration and eliciting grins from ear to ear.
Despite its 1470kg dry weight, the Ferrari 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a remarkable absence of inertia that encourages the driver to work with the car, making minute inputs and reveling in its precision and accuracy. Engaging CT Off mode offers a remarkable degree of freedom, underpinned by the reassurance of an incredibly intelligent electronic safety net. However, even with all electronic aids deactivated, the Ferrari 296 GTB’s innate balance allows for a level of playful oversteer that one would scarcely believe possible in a car with 819bhp.
On the track, the Ferrari 296 GTB has the uncanny ability to make even the longest start-finish straight feel dramatically shorter. What becomes even more apparent is its surgical precision. The power is readily available to break rear-wheel traction at numerous points around the lap, but the Ferrari 296 GTB is also exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. Drivers quickly learn that precision in their control inputs yields the greatest rewards. The incredible turn-in accuracy and response dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing the car into turns and allowing loads to build gradually, the Ferrari 296 GTB settles instantly, its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering working in seamless harmony with the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for those accustomed to more mature sports cars, the speed, precision, and agility of the Ferrari 296 GTB are simply phenomenal, offering a joyous experience lap after lap.
The interior architecture of the Ferrari 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90. The cabin heavily borrows from its larger sibling, featuring a purely digital interface complemented by haptic switchgear. This system, liberally applied to the steering wheel and surrounding pods, can initially present a steep learning curve. It is undeniably complex, tasked with conveying a wealth of information. The primary challenge lies in the occasional need for a second press for simple operations that may not register on the first attempt, and the uncertainty as to whether a command has been successfully registered. Despite these minor ergonomic quirks, the cabin undeniably feels like a special place to be, befitting a luxury supercar interior.
In the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 review, our judges at evo Car of the Year 2022 noted the intense competition. “Now it gets serious,” one remarked. When the scores were tallied, there was barely a hair’s breadth between the McLaren Artura and the Ferrari 296 GTB. The judging panel was almost evenly split: three narrowly favored the Ferrari, while three placed the McLaren ahead by a whisker.
Those who championed the Ferrari 296 GTB lauded its “spectacular” nature, describing it as “beautiful to look at, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable, and so technically clever.” The V6 was seen as a masterclass in downsizing, delivering drama with aplomb, while matching the Artura in control yet feeling more playful and indulgent. One judge declared it “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. The hybrid system was praised for its seamless integration, altering the driving experience far less than anticipated, perhaps due to the familiar torque characteristics of turbocharged V8s in previous models. The Ferrari 296 GTB was described as “stonkingly quick” but not solely reliant on speed, thanks to the characterful V6 and its ever-sweet soundtrack that evolves with throttle opening.
The hybridisation of the Ferrari 296 GTB received widespread acclaim for its flawless execution. However, a cautionary tale emerged: on the final night, one car was left stranded after its battery depleted with no apparent means of recovery. Ferrari had indeed forewarned of such possibilities and provided guidance on how to mitigate them. Nevertheless, the possibility of an owner finding themselves in a similar predicament is not inconceivable. As one judge pointed out, “the fact that the company which pioneered individual rear-wheel steering cannot engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this is a huge oversight.” Fortunately for the Ferrari 296 GTB, this incident occurred after all scoring had been completed.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake feel didn’t quite match the very best in the group. The tech interface also drew criticism for its excessive complexity. Yet, despite these drawbacks, the Ferrari 296 GTB was found to be “irresistibly seductive.” One judge, initially skeptical of its complexity, found themselves “bewitched by its spooky directional changes, amazing damping, loony-tunes levels of grip, and the linearity of its seemingly never-ending power.”
The consensus was that the Ferrari 296 GTB represented “a real return to form for Ferrari,” a significant improvement over the less inspiring SF90. Its technical sophistication and the integration of its hybrid technology felt far more natural and significantly less intrusive. Ferrari had clearly learned from the SF90, distilling its lessons into a series-production model that stands as one of its very best. This is the benchmark that rivals, including the forthcoming Lamborghini Temerario, must now aspire to meet.
The inherent risk with such advanced technology is that a car can become less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment echoed by some with the SF90, which, despite its dazzling power, could feel somewhat unsettling due to its challenging driving characteristics. However, the Ferrari 296 GTB is a distinctly different proposition. Its organic feel and the harmonious blend of immense power and engaging dynamics strike a perfect chord, effectively redefining the capabilities of a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket. Whispers of a Versione Speciale variant, promising even more power, performance, and intensity, are already circulating, with the hope that the standard Ferrari 296 GTB’s natural feel will be preserved.
It is precisely this aspect of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s constitution that we hope Lamborghini has meticulously honed in its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an almost obscene amount of power for a series-production supercar, and it has the potential to overwhelm if the rest of the vehicle isn’t perfectly resolved to manage it. If Lamborghini has truly mastered this challenge – and their success with the Revuelto provides ample reason for optimism – then we are poised for an epic twin test between two titans of the automotive world, potentially boasting a combined output of 1700bhp!
For an even more extreme comparison, we could consider a 2400bhp triple threat, including the McLaren 750S. In this context, the McLaren, with its 740bhp, might seem like the minnow. However, it brings a relatively petite 1389kg kerb weight to the table, ensuring a competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw character, ergonomic brilliance, crisp steering, and deft chassis dynamics offer a distinct counterpoint to the comparatively more detached feel of the Ferrari 296 GTB.
Ferrari 296 GTB 2025: Key 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: £250,000+
The Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 stands as a testament to automotive evolution, a symphony of power, technology, and driving purity. It’s a car that not only excites the senses but also inspires confidence, making mind-bending performance accessible to a wider audience.
If you’re captivated by the cutting edge of automotive engineering and the thrill of unparalleled performance, the Ferrari 296 GTB represents an exceptional destination. Explore the possibility of experiencing this marvel for yourself – discover the nearest Ferrari dealership or connect with a specialist consultant to discuss how you can step into the future of supercars today.

