The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Masterpiece Redefining Supercar Excellence
For a decade, I’ve navigated the ever-evolving landscape of high-performance automotive engineering. Through countless lau
nches, track days, and deep dives into the minutiae of supercar development, I’ve witnessed seismic shifts. Yet, few have been as profound as the arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025. This isn’t just another evolution; it’s a revolution cloaked in iconic Italian design, a testament to how electrifying innovation can coexist with visceral driving pleasure. Even with the looming threat of a 903-horsepower, 10,000rpm Lamborghini rival on the horizon, the 296 GTB continues to captivate and redefine what a hybrid supercar can and should be.
A Radical Departure for Maranello
The introduction of the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 in 2022 marked an unprecedented pivot for Ferrari’s mid-engined supercar lineage. Forgoing the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 that had become a staple, Maranello embraced a new twin-turbo V6, significantly augmented by electric power. This bold move positioned the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a supercar segment that, while increasingly acknowledging the necessity of hybrid powertrains, had not yet fully embraced their potential in the upper echelons.
At its debut, the 296 GTB’s most direct competitor was the Lamborghini Huracán, a car celebrated for its naturally aspirated V10 symphony and raw acoustic charisma. While it may have lagged in outright horsepower compared to the hybrid newcomer, the Huracán offered a purist’s delight in its twilight years. The McLaren 720S, with its potent twin-turbo V8, also presented a formidable challenge, a car that the subsequent 750S has refined further, trading on its supreme power-to-weight ratio. However, the much-anticipated, 903-horsepower, 10,000rpm hybrid Lamborghini Temerario stands as Sant’Agata Bolognese’s direct riposte to Maranello’s 819-horsepower hybrid Berlinetta, setting the stage for an electrifying new chapter in supercar rivalries.
Unleashing the Prancing Horse’s V6 Powerhouse
Indeed, the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 packs a staggering punch. At its heart lies an all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbocharged V6 engine, seamlessly integrated with an electric motor to drive the rear wheels exclusively – a departure from the all-wheel-drive setup of the SF90. This potent combination yields a phenomenal 819 horsepower, a figure that shattered conventional supercar benchmarks upon its release. The sheer audacity of this power output begs the question: where does this relentless escalation of performance ultimately lead? And perhaps more importantly, where can such prodigious velocity be genuinely unleashed? These are profound questions for the automotive enthusiast.
The significance of the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 cannot be overstated. It proudly holds the distinction of being the first V6-powered Ferrari road car (the exquisite 246 GT Dino, though a precursor in spirit, never bore the Prancing Horse emblem in its era). It also pioneers the ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration and embraces plug-in hybrid technology, offering an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles. This compact V6 is nestled low within a newly developed aluminum chassis, with a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors. The driver and passenger are positioned slightly further forward, enhancing the sense of intimacy with the machine.
The electric motor alone contributes an impressive 165 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 independently produces a staggering 654 horsepower and 546 lb-ft. The headline combined figure of 819 horsepower is remarkable, though Ferrari judiciously refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure. This is likely due to the complex interplay between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. Nevertheless, one can only surmise that the resultant torque is nothing short of immense. In terms of weight savings, the V6 unit is approximately 30kg lighter than Ferrari’s V8 engines. It’s mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the compact battery pack, a long, rectangular unit, is cleverly housed behind the seats.
Engineering Prowess: A Symphony of Electronics and Aerodynamics
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of sophisticated electronic chassis control systems, and the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 is no exception. Ferrari has developed an innovative six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This cutting-edge system measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes, effectively replacing traditional yaw sensors. In conjunction with a sensor mounted directly on the steering rack, the car possesses an unparalleled understanding of driver input and available grip at the tire contact patch. This data is leveraged to optimize systems like the Side Slip Control and the active Electronic Differential (E-Diff), maximizing cornering speeds while steadfastly maintaining stability and driver confidence.
A significant advancement is the introduction of ABS-evo in RACE mode and above. This 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, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics not to minimize drag, but to actively generate downforce. The company quotes a remarkable 360kg of downforce at 155 mph, with a substantial 100kg of that figure attributed to the deployable rear wing.
The car’s thermal management is equally impressive. Two radiators in the front are dedicated to cooling the engine and gearbox, complemented by two additional condensers for the hybrid system’s battery. Hot air is strategically expelled underneath the car, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the airflow directed towards the intercoolers positioned along the flanks. Small apertures beneath the headlamps are responsible for drawing air to cool the brakes, while a cleverly integrated wing at the rear of the roofline creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, channeling air towards the car’s posterior as if guided by a sculpted surface. The majority of the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025’s downforce is generated from beneath the car, with meticulous attention paid to air channelling, the rear diffuser, and crucially, the underbody’s ground clearance to maximize the effectiveness of these aerodynamic surfaces.
The Assetto Fiorano Experience: Elevating Performance
The circuits where we first sampled the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 were exclusively fitted with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units derived from GT racing technology. It also incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the front splitter, contributing an extra 20kg of front downforce.
Further weight reduction is achieved through the increased use of carbon fiber in the cabin, including the door panels, and on exterior components, resulting in a total weight saving of 12kg. This figure can climb to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For those seeking the ultimate grip, the Assetto Fiorano package also offers Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires as an alternative to the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Visually, Assetto Fiorano-equipped cars can be further personalized with an exterior graphics package inspired by the legendary 250LM of the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time with the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 “in the metal,” I can attest to its striking beauty. It possesses a distinct visual identity, an aesthetic that, even without the more divisive graphics package, subtly evokes the spirit of the iconic 250LM. This is a car that commands attention.
Driving Dynamics: A Hybrid That Excites
Initiating motion in the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 is a simple yet satisfying ritual: a double press on the lower portion of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, utilizing electric power for initial propulsion unless overridden by the driver through the haptic “driver mode” buttons on the wheel. Maintain gentle throttle inputs, and the 296 will glide forward silently on electric power, provided the battery has sufficient charge.
The option to manually engage pure EV mode is available, irrespective of driving demands. Beyond that, drivers can select Performance or Qualifying modes. In Performance mode, both the V6 engine and electric motor work in concert, with a secondary objective of maintaining battery charge. Qualifying mode, as the name suggests, prioritizes absolute maximum performance, with battery state of charge becoming a secondary concern.
The unexpected pleasure of silently gliding through tranquil villages is a revelation. The damping system is so sophisticated that it transforms long journeys into remarkably comfortable experiences. The car even offers a surprisingly practical luggage compartment in the front ‘frunk,’ a welcome addition absent in the SF90. But, as we all truly want to know, what does it feel like when both the V6 engine and the electric motor are unleashed in their full fury?
The answer is immediate and startling. Stomp on the accelerator at low revs in a high gear, and the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 simply surges forward, devoid of any perceptible lag. It’s so potent that for a fleeting moment, you question the very necessity of gears. However, with eight to choose from and an engine that screams to an exhilarating 8,500 rpm, the experience of fully unleashing the 296 is nothing short of astonishing.
As the performance figures suggest – a 0-62 mph sprint in under three seconds and a top speed exceeding 205 mph – the rate of acceleration is intense, verging on overwhelming, yet possesses an almost addictive quality. This is a car of terrifying speed. And the soundtrack? It’s equally captivating, with a tuneful V6 rasp augmented by a symphony of turbocharger effects.
Agility and Precision: A Driver’s Dream
What truly impresses is the responsiveness of the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025’s chassis. Ferrari’s assertion that the car was engineered to be “fun to drive” is not hyperbole; it’s an understatement. The handling is exceptionally agile without ever feeling nervous. The steering is typically light and direct, yet it also conveys a remarkable level of feedback, allowing the driver to feel connected to the road. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car’s inherent adjustability on the throttle encourages playful engagement, eliciting grins with every corner conquered.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 feels significantly lighter. There’s an exhilarating lack of inertia, encouraging the driver to work with the car, making subtle inputs and reveling in its precision and accuracy. Engaging CT Off mode allows for audacious maneuvers, providing a profound sense of reassurance thanks to the car’s intelligent electronic safety net. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows for nuanced drifts and controlled oversteer, a feat one might deem improbable in a car boasting 819 horsepower.
On the track, the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 possesses the uncanny ability to make even long straights feel remarkably short. Its character as a razor-sharp instrument becomes profoundly evident. While ample power is available to break rear-wheel traction at numerous points around the circuit, the 296 is exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. It quickly becomes apparent that precision is the key to unlocking its full potential. The turn-in accuracy and immediate response dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing into turns and allowing loads to build gradually, the 296 settles instantly, its Multimatic dampers working in harmony with the hyper-quick steering and the enhanced roll support offered by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for those accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal, providing an exhilarating experience lap after lap.
The Interior: A Digital Frontier
The cabin architecture of the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90. The car adopts a predominantly digital interface, complemented by haptic switchgear integrated into the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it. This setup is undoubtedly complex, tasked with conveying a vast amount of information. The primary challenge lies in the sometimes inconsistent registration of inputs; simple operations can occasionally require a second press, and there’s an inherent uncertainty about whether a command has been successfully received. Nevertheless, the cabin undeniably exudes a sense of occasion and exclusivity, a truly special place to inhabit.
Evo Car of the Year 2022: A Verdict of Acclaim
“Now things get serious,” stated the judges at evo. “When the scores were tallied, there was barely a hair’s breadth between the McLaren Artura and the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025. The judging panel was evenly split: three of us narrowly favored the Ferrari, while three placed the McLaren ahead by a whisker.”
The three who championed the 296 GTB were myself, along with evo testers Meaden and Bovingdon. Jethro enthused, “What a spectacular car! Beautiful to behold, outrageously fast, incredibly exploitable, and technically brilliant. Its V6 demonstrates to McLaren how to downsize while amplifying the drama. It matches the Artura in sheer control but possesses a more playful and indulgent character.”
Dickie declared it, “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. He continued, “The hybrid system integrates seamlessly and doesn’t compromise the driving experience as much as I feared. Perhaps it’s because we’ve grown accustomed to the torquey characteristics of the turbocharged V8s in the 488 and F8. The 296 is stonkingly quick, but its appeal isn’t solely derived from speed; the V6 offers a characterful soundtrack that remains sweet and evolves with throttle application.”
While the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025’s hybridisation was widely lauded for its seamless integration, a minor hiccup occurred on the final night of testing when the battery depleted, leaving the car immobile with no apparent means of revival. Ferrari had indeed cautioned about this possibility and outlined preventative measures. However, it’s not inconceivable that an owner could encounter a similar predicament. As Gallagher aptly noted, “For a company that pioneered individual rear-wheel steering, the inability to engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this is a significant oversight.” Fortunately for the 296, this incident transpired after all cars had been scored.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake feel, while competent, didn’t quite match the benchmark set by the very best in the group. The technology interface also faced widespread criticism for its excessive complexity. Despite these points, the 296 remained irresistibly seductive. Vivian confessed, “I initially thought I wouldn’t be overly impressed by the Fezza – too complex, with rather gratuitous points of difference. But I ended up somewhat bewitched: its uncanny ability to change direction, its astonishing damping, its looney-tune levels of grip, and the linearity of its seemingly endless power…”
“It represents a significant return to form for Ferrari, especially after the SF90 left us feeling somewhat underwhelmed last year,” observed Peter Tomalin, summing up the ecoty 2022 verdict. “The 296 is far more successful because its technical sophistication, particularly the integration of its hybrid technology, feels far more natural and considerably less intrusive.” Gallagher concurred, stating, “Ferrari has learned immensely from the SF90, distilling that knowledge into a series-production model that ranks among its finest achievements.”
The Price of Pinnacle Performance and Its Rivals
The inherent risk with technologically advanced vehicles is the potential for them to become less than the sum of their parts. This was a sentiment we experienced with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power output, felt somewhat detached and unnerving in its driving characteristics.
However, the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 is a different proposition entirely. As demonstrated at the evo Car of the Year 2022 competition, where it secured joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, it feels far more organic. Its exquisite blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect chord, effectively redefining what a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket can achieve. A Versione Speciale variant is anticipated this year, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity. One can only hope that the standard 296’s remarkably natural feel will be preserved.
It is precisely this aspect of the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025’s character that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900 horsepower is an almost obscene amount of power to harness in a series-production supercar; if the accompanying chassis and dynamics are not meticulously resolved, it could prove overwhelming. If Lamborghini has indeed hit the mark – and the sheer brilliance of the Revuelto provides ample reason for optimism – then we are poised for an epic twin test, potentially featuring a staggering 1700 horsepower duel.
Alternatively, we could expand this to a 2400-horsepower triple threat by including the McLaren 750S, a car that, by comparison, must now be described as the “minnow” of the class with a mere 740 horsepower. However, as mentioned, it brings a relatively svelte 1389kg kerb weight to the table, resulting in a formidable power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw engagement, ergonomic perfection, crisp steering, and deft chassis dynamics offer a distinct advantage against the comparatively remote 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: 819 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Combined Torque: 546 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm
Weight: 1470 kg (dry) (566 bhp/ton)
0-62 mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205 mph
Price: £250,000+
The Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 represents a bold leap forward for the supercar. It’s a machine that harmonizes cutting-edge hybrid technology with the raw emotion and exhilarating performance that are the hallmarks of the Prancing Horse. It’s a car that doesn’t just challenge expectations; it obliterates them.
If you’re captivated by the fusion of electrifying performance and timeless automotive artistry, and are considering elevating your driving experience to this unparalleled echelon, we invite you to explore your options and connect with a specialist to discuss how the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 can become the centerpiece of your automotive passion.

