The Future of Ferrari: A Deep Dive into the 2025 296 GTB and its Evolving Supercar Landscape
For a decade now, the automotive world has been grappling with the relentless march of electrification, par
ticularly within the rarefied atmosphere of the supercar segment. As an industry professional who has witnessed firsthand the seismic shifts over the past ten years, I can attest that the journey from roaring naturally aspirated engines to the silent hum of electric motors has been as thrilling as it has been contentious. And right in the heart of this transformation stands the Ferrari 296 GTB, a machine that, even after a couple of years on the scene, continues to redefine performance expectations, especially as formidable rivals like the Lamborghini Temerario emerge from the shadows, boasting eye-watering horsepower figures.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a watershed moment for the marque. It was a bold departure from tradition, signaling a fundamental evolution in Ferrari’s mid-engined supercar philosophy. Gone was the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8, replaced by a potent new twin-turbo V6, ingeniously augmented by an electric powertrain. This audacious move positioned the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB at the vanguard of a high-tier supercar segment still navigating the intricate path towards widespread hybrid adoption.
In its initial release, the 296 GTB faced a more conventional adversary in the Lamborghini Huracán, a purveyor of naturally aspirated V10 charm and unadulterated auditory drama. While the Huracán might have lagged in raw horsepower compared to the electric-assisted Ferrari, its V10 symphony was an undeniable draw in its heyday. The competitive arena also included the formidable McLaren 720S, which steadfastly clung to its twin-turbo V8. While the subsequent McLaren 750S represents an evolution of that theme, prioritizing a superior power-to-weight ratio, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm Lamborghini Temerario hybrid supercar stands as a direct riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp hybridized Berlinetta. It’s this very battleground of cutting-edge hybrid technology and brutal acceleration that the Ferrari 296 GTB price and its performance figures place it squarely within.
Indeed, the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB packs a truly staggering amount of firepower. Featuring an all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine meticulously paired with an electric motor driving exclusively the rear wheels – a distinction from the all-wheel-drive SF90 – the 819bhp 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB has, without question, shattered conventional supercar paradigms. The sheer audacity of this power output is difficult to ignore, leading one to ponder the ultimate ceiling of such performance escalation – a question that the Ferrari 296 GTB vs Lamborghini Temerario debate will surely explore further. And, perhaps more pressingly, where on public roads one might even begin to safely unleash such capability. But these are discussions for another time.
What is undeniable is that the 296 GTB represents a significant historical marker. It is the first V6-powered Ferrari road car to bear the Prancing Horse emblem (a lineage that fondly recalls the delectable 246 GT Dino, though it never officially wore the badge in its era). It’s also the first to feature a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration and, crucially, it operates as a plug-in hybrid, offering an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles. This compact V6 is mounted low within a newly engineered aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase reduced by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, subtly repositioning the occupants slightly further forward.
The electric motor itself contributes an impressive 165bhp and 232 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 engine alone unleashes a phenomenal 654bhp and 546 lb-ft. The headline combined figure stands at 819bhp. Ferrari, wisely perhaps, refrains from quoting a precise combined peak torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the engine and electric motor. However, it’s safe to assume this combined torque output is nothing short of prodigious, contributing to the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB performance. In terms of weight savings, the V6 unit sheds approximately 30kg compared to a typical Ferrari V8. This powerplant is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and the battery pack, a long, rectangular structure, is ingeniously housed behind the seats, a compact solution for potent hybrid power.
No Ferrari would be complete without a sophisticated array of electronic chassis management systems. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari has developed an innovative six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS, capable of precisely measuring acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. This advanced sensor replaces conventional yaw sensors, and when integrated with the sensor situated on the steering rack, it grants the car an unparalleled understanding of both driver input and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This intelligence then orchestrates systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff to maximize cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and driver confidence. Furthermore, it enables the introduction of a new system called ABS-evo. Activated in RACE mode and above, this system, working in conjunction with the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, not only shortens braking distances but also significantly enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners, a critical element for any supercar handling test.
Marking a significant innovation for the brand, Ferrari is now employing its active aerodynamics not to reduce drag, but to actively generate downforce. The manufacturer quotes a remarkable figure of 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a substantial portion, up to 100kg, being produced by the deployable rear wing. The thermal management of the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB is equally meticulous. Two radiators are positioned in the front for engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two additional condensers dedicated to cooling the battery pack. Hot air is expelled from the underside of the car, ensuring it does not interfere with the airflow directed to the intercoolers located along the flanks. The subtle apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to cooling the brakes, while the aerodynamically integrated wing at the rear of the roofline effectively creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, channeling air towards the tail of the car as if guided by a sculpted surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated from the underbody, where considerable engineering effort has been invested not only in airflow management and the rear diffuser but also in optimizing the underbody’s ground clearance to maximize the effectiveness of its downforce-generating surfaces.
Our initial encounters with the 296 GTB on a circuit were exclusively with models fitted with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with race-derived Multimatic units, mirroring those found in GT racing applications. It also adds further carbon fiber aerodynamic elements to the front end, contributing an additional 20kg of front downforce. The lightweight material extends to the interior, with carbon fiber door panels, and to the exterior, collectively contributing to a weight saving of 12kg. This figure can be further enhanced by an additional 3kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. A further enhancement for the Assetto Fiorano equipped cars is the option of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, superseding the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Moreover, Assetto Fiorano models can be adorned with an exterior graphics package, artfully inspired by the iconic 250LM of the 1960s. Observing the Ferrari 296 GTB in person, its aesthetic is undeniably captivating. It presents a striking departure from convention, exuding a distinct character that, even without the polarizing graphics, evokes the spirit of the legendary 250LM.
To initiate motion in the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB, a simple double-press of the lower section of the steering wheel boss and engagement of first gear suffice. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing for silent departure on electric power alone, unless the driver deliberately overrides this via the haptic driver mode selectors located on the left side of the steering wheel hub. Provided the throttle application remains gentle and the battery possesses sufficient charge, the 296 will continue its journey in pure electric propulsion. Drivers can also explicitly select ‘eDrive’ mode, irrespective of the powertrain’s demands, or opt for the more invigorating ‘Performance’ and ‘Qualifying’ modes. In these latter settings, both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor operate in tandem. ‘Performance’ mode aims to maintain battery charge while maximizing performance, whereas ‘Qualifying’ mode prioritizes unadulterated, maximum performance, with little regard for the battery’s state of charge.
The unexpected pleasure of gliding silently through urban landscapes, coupled with a remarkably sophisticated damping system that transforms long journeys into comfortable affairs, is a revelation. The inclusion of a surprisingly practical luggage compartment in the ‘frunk’ – a welcome contrast to the SF90 – further enhances its usability. But the question that truly captivates is: what does it feel like when both the V6 engine and the electric motor are unleashed to their full potential? The answer lies in the immediate and explosive acceleration experienced when planting the throttle at low revs in a higher gear. The 296 simply surges forward, utterly devoid of lag, prompting a fleeting reconsideration of the necessity of gear changes given its sheer potency. Yet, with eight gears to exploit and an engine that eagerly spins to an 8,500rpm redline, the full unleashing of the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB acceleration is nothing short of startling.
As the performance figures suggest – a blistering 0-62mph time in the sub-three-second bracket and a top speed exceeding 205mph – the rate of acceleration is a visceral experience, bordering on the intense, yet paradoxically, deeply addictive. This is an exceptionally rapid machine. Its soundtrack is equally compelling, with a rich tapestry of turbocharger effects harmonizing with the tuneful rasp of the V6.
The responsiveness of the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB chassis is genuinely impressive. Ferrari’s assertion that the car’s primary objective was to be ‘fun to drive’ is unequivocally validated. It exhibits remarkable agility without tipping into nervousness. The steering, typically light and rapid, also conveys a significant amount of feedback, and while grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable, eliciting an irrepressible grin from behind the wheel. It feels considerably lighter than its quoted dry weight of 1,470kg would suggest, possessing a fluidity and lack of inertia that encourages an intuitive connection with the driver, rewarding small, precise inputs. Engaging the ‘CT Off’ mode allows for audacious driving maneuvers, with the comforting assurance that an advanced electronic guardian remains vigilant. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the inherent balance of the 296 allows for teasing it into controlled oversteer in a manner one might deem impossible for a car boasting 819bhp.
On the racetrack, the 296 possesses the uncanny ability to make even lengthy start-finish straights feel truncated. What becomes even more apparent is its surgical precision. While the power is readily available to break rear traction at numerous points around the lap, the 296 is also extraordinarily sensitive to braking and steering inputs. It quickly becomes evident that precise control inputs yield the most rewarding results. The astonishing accuracy and immediacy of its turn-in dramatically reduce the entry phase of every corner. Instead of gradually easing the car into turns and allowing loads to build, the 296 adopts its line instantly, aided by its Multimatic dampers. The hyper-quick steering harmonizes beautifully with the enhanced body control provided by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers transitioning from more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 are phenomenal, delivering an exhilarating experience lap after lap.
The interior architecture will be familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90; the 296 inherits a significant portion of its cabin design philosophy. However, the predominantly digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear, liberally applied to the steering wheel and the traditional Ferrari stalks flanking it, present a notable learning curve. While undeniably complex, it’s important to acknowledge the sheer volume of information and functions being managed. The most frustrating aspect, however, can be the occasional need for a second press to register a command, or the uncertainty of whether a press has been successfully acknowledged. Despite these quirks, the cabin undeniably feels like a special place to inhabit.
In the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards, the narrative surrounding the 296 GTB was intensely compelling. As noted, the competition between the McLaren Artura and the 296 GTB was incredibly close, with judges narrowly divided. Three favored the Ferrari, while three edged towards the McLaren. Those who placed the 296 ahead lauded its spectacular design, outrageous speed, exploitable nature, and technical brilliance. Jethro Bovingdon enthused, “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 a striking endorsement: “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.”
While the Ferrari 296 GTS review often highlights the seamless integration of its hybrid system, a notable incident occurred where a depleted battery left a car stranded, necessitating a recall of Ferrari’s prior warnings and instructions. This oversight, concerning the lack of a simple fail-safe, was pointed out by Gallagher. Fortunately, this occurred after scoring, but it did raise questions about the engineering priorities. Despite the divided opinions on Ferrari’s signature super-quick steering and brake feel, and the criticism leveled at the overly complex tech interface, the 296 GTB remained irresistibly seductive. Vivian 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 summarized the sentiment for evo: “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 concluded, “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.”
The inherent risk with any technologically advanced vehicle is the potential for it to become less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment echoed in our assessment of the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power, proved somewhat unnerving in its drivability. However, the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB charts a distinctly different course. Its success in the 2022 evo Car of the Year, securing joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, stemmed from its organic feel and its adept blend of power and engaging dynamics, effectively redefining the benchmark for a supercar in the approximately $250,000 price bracket. Rumors of a Versione Speciale variant, promising even greater power and intensity, are circulating, and the hope remains that the standard 296’s remarkably natural driving character will be preserved.
It is precisely this aspect of the 296 GTB’s inherent character that we hope Lamborghini has meticulously addressed when refining its hybrid Temerario supercar. Exceeding 900bhp is an almost obscene amount of power for a production supercar, and it has the potential to overwhelm the chassis if not perfectly resolved. If Lamborghini has achieved the same level of success as demonstrated with the Revuelto, we are poised for an absolutely titanic twin-test between these hybrid titans. Alternatively, we could expand this to a colossal 2,400bhp triple threat, including the McLaren 750S. In this context, the McLaren, with its ‘mere’ 740bhp, appears as the minnow, yet it brings a surprisingly lithe 1,389kg kerb weight to the table, offering a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s rawness, ergonomic brilliance, crisp steering, and chassis deftness set it apart from the comparatively more detached Ferrari.
As the supercar landscape continues its electrifying evolution, the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a testament to progressive engineering and a bold vision for the future. Its blend of V6 potency, electric augmentation, and sophisticated dynamics offers an unparalleled driving experience, challenging preconceptions and setting new benchmarks for performance and engagement.
Considering a paradigm shift in your own automotive journey? Explore the electrifying possibilities and discover the future of performance by connecting with a specialist today to learn more about the groundbreaking Ferrari 296 GTB and its place in the evolving world of supercars.
