The Prancing Horse’s Electrifying Evolution: A Deep Dive into the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2025
For a decade now, I’ve been immersed in the intoxicating world of high-performance automotive engineering, wit
nessing firsthand the relentless march of innovation. In that time, few vehicles have captured the imagination – and indeed, redefined the very essence of what a supercar can be – quite like the Ferrari 296 GTB. This marvel of Italian engineering, which first graced our roads a few years ago, continues to be a benchmark, even as the horizon beckons with even more formidable rivals. As we navigate the evolving landscape of performance motoring in 2025, the Ferrari 296 GTB review remains a crucial touchstone, a testament to a brand that consistently pushes boundaries.
The arrival of the 296 GTB in 2022 marked a significant departure for Ferrari’s mid-engined supercar lineage. Eschewing the celebrated, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 in favor of an all-new, electrically augmented twin-turbo V6, it boldly embraced the hybrid era. This wasn’t merely an iteration; it was a revolution. In a segment still cautiously tiptoeing towards electrification, the 296 GTB seized the initiative with unwavering confidence.
In its initial years, the 296 GTB faced traditional adversaries. The Lamborghini Huracán, with its glorious naturally-aspirated V10, offered a visceral, auditory experience that was undeniably alluring, even if it played a different power game. Then there was the ferocious McLaren 720S, a twin-turbo V8 titan built upon a legacy of power-to-weight supremacy. While the subsequent McLaren 750S refines that existing theme, the Ferrari 296 GTB and its impending rivals represent a new frontier. Specifically, the much-anticipated Lamborghini Temerario, a reported 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid monster, stands as a direct, potent challenge to Maranello’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta.
Indeed, the 296 GTB is no stranger to firepower. Its heart beats with a completely redesigned, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6, expertly blended with an electric motor. Unlike its sibling, the SF90 Stradale, power is channeled exclusively to the rear wheels. This potent combination allows the 819bhp Ferrari 296 GTB to shatter conventional supercar paradigms.
It’s easy to be mesmerized by such an astounding power output. The immediate question becomes: where does this escalation of performance ultimately lead? And more practically, in which real-world scenarios can one truly exploit such prodigious capability? These are fascinating hypotheticals, but for now, let’s focus on what makes this particular machine so extraordinary.
Significantly, the 296 GTB holds the distinction of being Ferrari’s first V6-powered road car. While the charming 246 GT Dino bore a V6, it never officially carried the Prancing Horse emblem during its production run. The 296 also pioneers a “hot-vee” turbocharger configuration and embraces plug-in hybrid technology, offering an EV-only range of approximately 15 miles. This compact V6 is nestled low within a newly developed aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase reduced by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, subtly repositioning the occupants slightly further forward.
The electric motor contributes a substantial 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque. The V6 alone unleashes a remarkable 654bhp and 546lb ft. The headline combined figure is the aforementioned 819bhp. Ferrari tactfully refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the combustion engine and electric motor. However, it’s safe to assume this combined torque is, in a word, colossal. Furthermore, the V6 package clocks in 30kg lighter than a comparable Ferrari V8, and it’s paired with a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The compact battery pack, a long, slender structure, is ingeniously housed behind the seats.
A Ferrari wouldn’t be complete without an arsenal of acronyms denoting sophisticated electronic chassis control systems. For the 296, Ferrari has introduced the six-axis sensor, dubbed 6w-CDS. This advanced system meticulously measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. It effectively supersedes traditional yaw sensors. In conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, it grants the car an unparalleled understanding of both driver input and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patches. This data is then used to optimize systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, maximizing cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and driver confidence. This also unlocks ABS-evo, a sophisticated braking system activated in RACE mode and above. Leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, it not only shortens stopping distances but also enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners.
In a significant shift, Ferrari has deployed its active aerodynamics not for drag reduction, but for outright downforce generation. The manufacturer quotes a staggering 360kg of downforce at 155mph. Remarkably, up to 100kg of this is attributed to a deployable rear wing that elegantly emerges from the car’s tail.
The thermal management system is equally impressive. Two radiators located in the nose handle engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two additional condensers dedicated to cooling the battery pack. Hot air is strategically expelled from the underbody, preventing interference with the airflow directed to the intercoolers positioned along the car’s flanks. The subtle apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to feeding cool air to the brakes, while the integrated roofline spoiler generates a “virtual” rear screen, precisely channeling air to the rear of the vehicle. The majority of the 296’s downforce, however, is sculpted from beneath the car. Here, meticulous attention has been paid not only to the intricate channeling of air and the aggressive rear diffuser but also to optimizing the underbody’s ground clearance, thereby amplifying the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The initial circuits where we experienced the 296 GTB were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance enhancement replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units, derived from GT racing technology, and incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements at the front, boosting front downforce by an additional 20kg. The package further utilizes carbon fiber extensively throughout the cabin, including the door panels, and on exterior components, contributing to an overall weight saving of 12kg. This figure can extend to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For those seeking the ultimate track-focused setup, the Assetto Fiorano specification also allows for the fitment of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the already potent standard Pilot Sport 4S. Visually, Assetto Fiorano-equipped cars can be adorned with an exterior graphics package, a nostalgic nod to the iconic 250LM of the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 “in the metal,” its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a distinct visual identity, evoking the spirit of the 1960s 250LM, even without the more polarizing graphic options.
Performance Dynamics and Electrifying Acceleration
Initiating the driving experience is as simple as a double-press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The 296 defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing for silent, electric-only departure unless deliberately overridden via the haptic “driver mode” controls on the wheel. Gentle throttle application will maintain electric propulsion, provided the battery has sufficient charge.
Drivers can explicitly select “eDrive” mode, overriding powertrain demands. Alternatively, “Performance” and “Qualifying” modes are available. In both these settings, both power sources collaborate. Performance mode aims to maintain battery charge while delivering potent acceleration. Qualifying mode, however, prioritizes absolute peak performance, irrespective of the battery’s state of charge.
The sensation of gliding silently through urban landscapes is a surprisingly novel and pleasant experience. The damping sophistication ensures a remarkably comfortable ride, making it an effective long-distance cruiser. Even luggage space is surprisingly practical, with a usable “frunk” at the front – a welcome contrast to the SF90. But what truly ignites the senses is the unleashed fury of both the V6 and electric motor working in tandem.
The true revelation occurs when you floor the throttle at low revs in a higher gear. The 296 simply catapults forward with an astonishing lack of lag, making you momentarily question the very necessity of gear changes given its immediate potency. Yet, there are eight gears to exploit, and an engine that willingly sings to an 8500rpm redline. When the 296 truly awakens, the effect is nothing short of electrifying.
As the performance figures suggest – a blistering 0-62mph sprint in the low 2-second range and a top speed nudging 205mph – the rate of acceleration is intense, bordering on overwhelming, yet undeniably addictive. This is a car that demands your full attention, delivering a symphony of turbocharged effects overlaying the melodious V6 rasp.
Chassis Prowess and Unrivaled Agility
What truly elevates the 296 GTB is the astonishing responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s stated aim of creating a “fun to drive” experience is not mere marketing hyperbole; it’s a tangible reality. The car feels exceptionally agile, yet remarkably stable, never bordering on nervous. The steering, a hallmark of Ferrari engineering, is characteristically light and rapid, but it’s the exquisite level of feedback that truly impresses. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains delightfully throttle-adjustable, inducing smiles with every spirited corner exit.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 feels significantly lighter. There’s a remarkable lack of inertia, encouraging the driver to work with the car, employing subtle inputs and reveling in its surgical precision. Engaging “CT Off” mode provides a reassuring safety net, allowing for exhilarating explorations of the car’s limits with the knowledge that an incredibly intelligent electronic guardian is still monitoring proceedings. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows for an astonishing degree of playful oversteer, a feat one might not expect from a machine producing 819bhp.
On track, the 296 GTB has the remarkable ability to make even the longest straights feel manageable. Its sharpness as a precision instrument becomes acutely apparent. While the power is ample to break rear-end traction at numerous points around the lap, the 296 is acutely sensitive to both braking and steering inputs. Mastering these inputs reveals the true reward: lap times tumble, and the driving experience becomes utterly captivating. The turn-in accuracy and immediate response dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Instead of gradually loading the chassis, the 296 settles instantly, its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering perfectly complementing the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 are phenomenal, offering an addictive, lap-after-lap thrill.
An Interior of Futuristic Fascination and Frustration
The interior architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the 296 inherits much of its design language. The fully digital interface, coupled with its accompanying haptic switchgear, presents a steep learning curve. These controls are liberally applied across the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it.
Undeniably, the system is complex. To be fair, there is a vast amount of information and functionality to manage. However, the primary frustration lies in how seemingly simple operations can sometimes require a second, often hesitant, press to register, or leave the driver uncertain if the input has been acknowledged at all. Despite these usability quirks, the cabin exudes an undeniable sense of occasion and specialness.
Expert Verdict: A Landmark Achievement
The 2022 evo Car of the Year competition underscored the 296 GTB’s profound impact. It stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the McLaren Artura, separated by the thinnest of margins, with judges evenly split in their preference.
Those who championed the Ferrari, including myself, lauded its “spectacular” nature: “Beautiful to look at, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable, and so technically clever,” enthused Jethro Bovingdon. “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’s verdict, “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” resonated with many. He further noted, “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.”
The seamless integration of the 296’s hybrid system was widely praised. However, one notable incident saw the car stranded due to a depleted battery, with no immediate apparent solution to revive it. While Ferrari had issued warnings and guidance to prevent such occurrences, the possibility of an owner facing a similar predicament isn’t inconceivable. As Gallagher observed, “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, this occurred after the scoring was finalized.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake pedal feel didn’t quite match the very best in the class. The technological interface also drew widespread criticism for its over-complexity. Yet, despite these drawbacks, the 296’s allure was irresistible. 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…”
Peter Tomalin’s concluding remarks from the evo Car of the Year 2022 assessment aptly summarized the sentiment: “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. 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.”
Pricing, Competition, and the Future of Supercar Performance
The inherent risk with any vehicle so heavily laden with cutting-edge technology is that it might become less than the sum of its parts. This was a critique leveled at the SF90 Stradale, which, while dazzling in its power, could feel somewhat detached and unnerving to drive.
The 296 GTB, however, charts a different course. Its performance on the evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, securing joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, highlighted its more organic feel. The harmonious blend of immense power and engaging dynamics strikes a compelling sweet spot, effectively redefining the £250,000-ish supercar segment. Rumors of an upcoming Versione Speciale variant, promising even greater power and intensity, only add to the anticipation. The crucial question remains whether this enhanced focus on outright performance will compromise the standard 296’s wonderfully natural driving character.
It is this very aspect – the natural, unforced feel – that we hope Lamborghini has meticulously honed in its forthcoming hybrid Temerario supercar. An output exceeding 900bhp in a series production supercar is an almost obscene amount of power. Without a perfectly resolved chassis and dynamic package to match, such performance could easily become unruly. If Lamborghini has indeed achieved this delicate balance – and their success with the Revuelto offers considerable optimism – then we are on the cusp of an epic twin-test, pitting two hybrid titans against each other.
Or, perhaps, a mind-boggling 2400bhp triple threat, including the McLaren 750S. In this context, the 740bhp McLaren might appear the “minnow,” but its relatively lithe 1389kg kerb weight ensures a potent power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw engagement, ergonomic perfection, crisp steering, and supremely deft chassis offer a distinct contrast to the comparatively more insulated experience of the Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB: Technical Specifications
Engine: V6, 2992cc, twin-turbocharged, augmented by an electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, with active E-diff
Combined Power Output: 819bhp @ 8000rpm
Combined Torque Output: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm
Weight: 1470kg (dry), equating to 566bhp per ton
Acceleration (0-62mph): 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Estimated Price: £250,000+
The Ferrari 296 GTB represents more than just a new model; it signifies a bold leap into the future of supercar performance, balancing electrifying power with an engaging and intuitive driving experience. As this remarkable machine continues to set benchmarks, it invites enthusiasts and potential owners alike to explore the thrilling possibilities of hybrid hypercars.
Are you ready to experience the future of Ferrari performance? Discover the 296 GTB and arrange your personalized consultation today.