Ferrari 296 GTB: The Electrifying Revolution Redefining Supercar Dynamics
For a decade now, I’ve navigated the exhilarating, often bewildering, landscape of the automotive industry, and in that time,
I’ve witnessed seismic shifts. Few have been as profound as the hybridization of the supercar segment. While the roar of a naturally aspirated V10 once reigned supreme, the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a testament to a new era, one where electrifying torque and raw V6 potency forge an unparalleled driving experience. It’s a car that not only redefines the Prancing Horse’s lineage but also sets an incredibly high bar for its rivals, most notably the anticipated Lamborghini Temerario.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a pivotal moment for Maranello’s mid-engined masterpiece. It signaled a courageous departure from the beloved, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8, embracing a groundbreaking twin-turbocharged V6 augmented by electric power. This strategic pivot placed the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a segment still grappling with the transition to hybrid powertrains. In its nascent stages, its traditional adversary was the Lamborghini Huracán, a symphony of naturally aspirated V10 charisma and visceral sound. Though outgunned in sheer horsepower by the burgeoning hybrid challengers, the Huracán offered a compelling, albeit older, flavor of supercar performance. Equally formidable was the McLaren 720S, a twin-turbo V8 powerhouse focused on class-leading power-to-weight ratios. While the 750S represents an evolution of that theme, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid marvel that is the Lamborghini Temerario is an undeniable, direct riposte to Ferrari’s hybridised berlinetta.
Make no mistake, the Ferrari 296 GTB packs an astonishing punch. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, coupled with an electric motor, drives solely the rear wheels – a distinction from the all-wheel-drive SF90 Stradale. This potent combination yields an eye-watering 819 horsepower, a figure that continues to shatter supercar conventions. The sheer audacity of this power output begs the question: where does this escalation end, and more importantly, where can one truly exploit such performance? These are questions for another time, but the impact of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s performance is undeniable.
This remarkable machine is not only Ferrari’s first V6-powered road car (the iconic 246 GT Dino, while a V6, never bore the Prancing Horse badge in its era) but also the first to feature a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger arrangement and a plug-in hybrid system with an estimated 15 miles of pure electric range. This compact V6 is nestled low within a bespoke aluminum chassis, with a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, pushing the occupants slightly further forward for an even more engaging driving position.
The electric motor alone contributes an impressive 165 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 independently churns out a staggering 654 horsepower and 546 lb-ft. The combined 819 horsepower is the headline figure, but Ferrari wisely refrains from quoting peak combined torque, likely due to the intricate interplay between the V6 and electric motor. However, it’s safe to surmise that this figure is, to put it mildly, substantial. The V6 unit itself sheds 30kg compared to Ferrari’s V8s and is mated to a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a slender oblong structure, is discreetly housed behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without a sophisticated arsenal of electronic chassis systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has developed an advanced six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS, capable of measuring acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes. This innovation supersedes 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 precise grip levels at the tire contact patches. This data is then fed to systems like the Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, meticulously optimizing cornering speed while upholding unwavering stability and confidence. Furthermore, it enables the revolutionary ABS-evo system, available in RACE mode and above. Leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also dramatically enhances braking performance during trail braking into corners.
For the first time, Ferrari is employing its active aerodynamics not for drag reduction, but to actively generate downforce. The company claims an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a significant 100kg of this generated by a deployable rear wing. The car’s thermal management is equally impressive: two radiators in the front handle engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two condensers for the battery. Hot air is expelled underneath, preventing interference with the airflow directed to the intercoolers along the flanks. The subtle apertures below the headlamps are dedicated to brake cooling, while a wing integrated into the roofline creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, meticulously guiding airflow to the rear of the car. The majority of the 296 GTB’s downforce is sculpted from beneath the car, with meticulous attention paid not only to the channeling of air and the rear diffuser but also to the precise underbody height, maximizing the effectiveness of these aerodynamic surfaces.
Our initial circuit evaluations of the Ferrari 296 GTB were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This enhances the standard dampers with Multimatic units derived from GT racing, and incorporates additional carbon aerodynamic elements on the nose, boosting front downforce by a further 20kg. Further weight savings are achieved through extensive use of carbon fiber in the cabin (such as the door panels) and exterior components, contributing to a total weight reduction of 12kg. This figure climbs to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For the ultimate track-focused experience, the Assetto Fiorano package also allows for the fitment of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the already potent standard Pilot Sport 4S. Adding a touch of heritage, Fiorano-spec cars can also be ordered with an exterior graphics package inspired by the iconic 250LM from the 1960s. Visually, the 296 GTB is a breathtaking creation, its lines unlike anything else on the road, subtly echoing the 250LM even without the more overt graphic treatments.
To initiate the driving experience, a double-press of the lower steering wheel boss and a flick into first gear are all that’s required. The Ferrari 296 GTB defaults to Hybrid mode, propelling you forward on electric power alone unless explicitly overridden. Maintain gentle throttle inputs, and the car will continue its silent progression using only its electric powertrain, provided sufficient battery charge. You can also deliberately engage EV mode, overriding all powertrain demands. Beyond this, there are Performance and Qualifying modes. In Performance, both power sources unite to deliver exhilarating acceleration while also ensuring the battery remains sufficiently charged. Qualifying mode, however, prioritizes absolute maximum performance, with battery state of charge becoming a secondary concern.
The serene glide through urban landscapes is an unexpectedly delightful experience, and the damping sophistication renders the Ferrari 296 GTB remarkably comfortable for long distances. Even the luggage capacity in the ‘frunk’ is surprisingly practical, a welcome advantage over the SF90. But the true anticipation lies in the sensation when both the V6 engine and electric motor are unleashed in their full fury. The immediate surge forward, devoid of any discernible lag, as you plant the throttle from low revs in a high gear, makes you momentarily question the necessity of gear changes. Nevertheless, the eight gears and an engine that revs to 8,500rpm provide ample opportunity for engagement, and when the Ferrari 296 GTB truly comes alive, the effect is nothing short of astonishing. The acceleration figures – a sub-3-second 0-62mph sprint and a top speed exceeding 205mph – translate to a visceral, hold-on-tight sensation that verges on overwhelming, yet is simultaneously addictive. This is a car of profound and exhilarating speed, accompanied by a compelling soundtrack that blends the intricate symphony of turbochargers with the tuneful rasp of the V6.
What truly sets the Ferrari 296 GTB apart is its chassis responsiveness. Ferrari’s assertion that the car’s primary objective was to be “fun to drive” is not hyperbole. It possesses an agile demeanor without succumbing to nervousness. The steering, typically light and rapid, is also remarkably communicative, providing excellent feel. Grip levels are, as expected, exceptionally high, but crucially, the car remains delightfully throttle-adjustable in a manner that guarantees an unadulterated grin. Despite its 1470kg dry weight, it feels significantly lighter, exhibiting a rare nimbleness that encourages driver engagement through precise, minimal inputs. The CT Off mode offers a reassuring safety net, with an intelligent electronic brain still overseeing proceedings, yet even with all aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows for playful, yet controlled, oversteer – a feat almost unimaginable in an 819bhp machine.
On track, the Ferrari 296 GTB has the uncanny ability to make even the longest straights feel dramatically shorter. It reveals itself as an incredibly sharp instrument. While the power is readily available to break rear traction at numerous points around a lap, the 296 is also exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs, rewarding precision with unparalleled driver satisfaction. The turn-in accuracy and response are phenomenal, dramatically compressing the entry phase of every corner. Instead of gradually loading the chassis, the 296 settles instantly, its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering harmonizing perfectly with the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more mature sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 are simply phenomenal, delivering a joy that endures lap after lap.
The interior architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the 296 borrows heavily from its sibling. The all-digital interface, complemented by haptic switchgear scattered across the steering wheel and the traditional Ferrari stalks, presents a significant learning curve. While it undeniably accommodates a vast amount of information, the primary frustration lies in the sometimes-unresponsive nature of simple operations. A second press might be required, or one might be left unsure if an input has even registered. Nevertheless, the cabin exudes a sense of occasion and exclusivity, making it a truly special place to be.
evo Car of the Year 2022 Verdict: A Symphony of V6 and Hybrid Ingenuity
The intensity of the competition at evo Car of the Year 2022 was palpable. The scores between the McLaren Artura and the 296 GTB were incredibly close, with judges narrowly divided. Three favored the Ferrari, while three slightly preferred the McLaren.
Those who championed the 296 GTB, including myself, included Jethro Bovingdon, who 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.”
Richard Meaden described it as, “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. He continued, “The hybrid system works very well and doesn’t change the driving experience as much as I’d feared. Probably because we’ve already grown accustomed 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’s hybridisation was widely lauded for its seamless integration, a peculiar incident on the final night saw the car stranded due to a flat battery, with no apparent means of revival. Ferrari had, admittedly, cautioned about this possibility and outlined preventative measures. However, as Gallagher pointed out, “That the company which 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, this occurred after all cars had been scored.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and brake feel didn’t quite match the very best in the group, while the tech interface drew widespread criticism for its complexity. Despite these criticisms, the 296 remained irresistibly seductive. Vivian admitted, “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…”
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Peter Tomalin summarized the sentiment, stating, “It’s a real return to form for Ferrari, after the SF90 left us cold last year. 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.” Gallagher concurred, “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.”
Price and Rivals: A New Benchmark in the £250,000 Supercar Arena
The integration of such advanced technology always carries the inherent risk of the sum being less than its parts. This was a concern echoed in our experience with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power, felt somewhat distant in its driving characteristics. The Ferrari 296 GTB, however, charts a different course. Its performance at the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards, where it secured a joint third place with the McLaren Artura, highlighted its more organic feel. This blend of prodigious power and captivating dynamics strikes a perfect chord, effectively redefining the £250,000 supercar segment. A Versione Speciale variant, anticipated to deliver even greater power, performance, and intensity, is slated for release. The hope is that this enhanced model retains the standard 296’s remarkably natural and engaging character.
It is precisely this aspect – the inherent drivability and connection – that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900 horsepower is an extraordinary amount of power for a series-production supercar, and it has the potential to overwhelm if the supporting chassis and dynamics are not meticulously resolved. If Lamborghini has indeed achieved the same level of engineering prowess evident in the Revuelto, then we are poised for an epic twin test, potentially pitting two colossal forces against each other.
Alternatively, we could witness a 2400bhp triple threat, including the McLaren 750S, which, in this company, could almost be described as the ‘minnow’ with its mere 740bhp. However, the McLaren compensates with a relatively lithe 1389kg kerb weight, ensuring a fiercely competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw immediacy, ergonomic perfection, razor-sharp steering, and balletic chassis control offer a distinctly different, and arguably more immediate, driving experience compared to the comparatively 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 @ 8000rpm
Combined Torque: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Price: £250,000+
The future of the supercar is undeniably electrified, and the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a beacon of this new era. Its blend of staggering performance, technological innovation, and, crucially, an utterly engaging driving experience makes it a benchmark. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, the 296 GTB serves as a compelling invitation to embrace the thrilling potential of hybrid supercars.
Ready to experience the future of performance? Explore the Ferrari 296 GTB and discover a new dimension of driving exhilaration. Contact your local Ferrari dealership today to schedule a test drive and witness the revolution firsthand.
