Ferrari 296 GTB 2025: The Electrified Masterpiece Challenging Automotive Boundaries
As an industry veteran with a decade spent immersed in the world of high-performance automotive engineering and mark
et analysis, I’ve witnessed tectonic shifts in the supercar landscape. Today, the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 stands as a compelling testament to this evolution. It’s a machine that, even with rivals like the anticipated Lamborghini Temerario pushing the envelope with a claimed 10,000rpm, 903bhp hybrid powertrain, continues to captivate with its groundbreaking blend of V6 efficiency and electrifying potency. This isn’t just a new model; it’s a statement of intent from Maranello, a bold stride into a future where raw power and sustainable performance are not mutually exclusive.
The supercar segment, historically defined by roaring V8s and naturally aspirated V12s, has been undergoing an unprecedented metamorphosis. The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a significant departure, replacing the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 with a revolutionary twin-turbocharged V6 augmented by electric power. This electrification strategy, while still in its nascent stages for many manufacturers in this elite tier, positions the 296 GTB as a pioneer, taking the initiative in a segment that’s still grappling with the transition to hybrid power.
In its early days, the 296 GTB’s most direct contemporary was the Lamborghini Huracán, a car celebrated for its naturally aspirated V10’s sonic charisma and raw appeal. While it may have paled in sheer horsepower against the electrification wave, the Huracán offered an unfiltered sensory experience that resonated deeply with enthusiasts. Simultaneously, the ferocious McLaren 720S, with its potent twin-turbo V8, presented a formidable challenge based on its established prowess in power-to-weight supremacy. Now, with the Lamborghini Temerario on the horizon, boasting a 903bhp hybrid V8 and a breathtaking 10,000rpm redline, the battleground is set for an electrifying clash. The Temerario, it seems, is Lamborghini’s direct riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta.
The Ferrari 296 GTB indeed possesses formidable firepower. At its heart lies an all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbocharged V6 engine, working in concert with an electric motor to drive the rear wheels exclusively – a distinct departure from the all-wheel-drive architecture of the SF90. This potent combination results in a staggering 819bhp, a figure that fundamentally reshaped supercar conventions upon its debut.
It’s difficult not to be awestruck by such an immense power output. The immediate question that arises is: where does this power escalation ultimately lead, and more importantly, where can such performance be truly unleashed in the real world? These are fascinating, albeit secondary, considerations to the sheer engineering marvel that is the 296 GTB.
This model represents several significant “firsts” for Ferrari. It is the first V6-powered Ferrari road car (distinguishing itself from the iconic 246 GT Dino, which, in its era, never bore the Prancing Horse emblem). It’s also the first Ferrari to feature a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration, where the turbochargers are mounted within the engine’s V-angle for improved efficiency and responsiveness. Furthermore, its plug-in hybrid nature offers an estimated EV-only range of around 15 miles, allowing for silent, emission-free urban commuting. The compact V6 engine is nestled low within a new aluminum chassis, and importantly, the wheelbase has been reduced by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, with occupants positioned slightly further forward to enhance the car’s compact, agile feel.
The electric motor contributes an impressive 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 engine alone delivers a remarkable 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined peak power is the headline 819bhp figure. Ferrari strategically omits a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the V6 and the electric motor. However, it’s safe to assume this combined torque output is nothing short of colossal. In terms of weight savings, the V6 unit is approximately 30kg lighter than a comparable Ferrari V8. This powerhouse is mated to a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The battery pack, a long, oblong structure, is cleverly integrated behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without a sophisticated suite of electronic chassis management systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has introduced its six-axis sensor, dubbed 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor), capable of measuring acceleration and rotational speeds across the X, Y, and Z axes. This advanced sensor replaces traditional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of driver inputs and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patches. This data allows the integration with systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-diff to maximize cornering speeds while maintaining exceptional stability and driver confidence. It also enables the new ABS-evo system, available in RACE mode and above. This innovative ABS functionality, working in conjunction with the 296’s brake-by-wire system, not only shortens braking distances but also significantly enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners.
For the first time in its history, Ferrari is employing its active aerodynamics not to reduce drag, but to generate downforce. The company quotes a remarkable 360kg of downforce at 155mph. A significant portion of this, up to 100kg, is attributed to the deployable rear wing, seamlessly integrated into the car’s rear.
The thermal management of the 296 GTB is a masterpiece of engineering. Two radiators in the front are dedicated to cooling the engine and gearbox, supplemented by two additional condensers responsible for cooling the battery pack. Hot air is expertly expelled from the underbody to prevent any interference with the airflow directed to the intercoolers along the car’s flanks. The subtle apertures beneath the headlamps are designed to draw air for brake cooling, while the aerodynamically integrated wing at the roofline helps create a ‘virtual’ rear screen, effectively channeling air towards the rear of the car as if guided by a sculpted surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated from beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid to airflow management, the rear diffuser, and, critically, the underbody’s ground clearance to maximize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
Our initial experience with the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 on a circuit, all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package, was enlightening. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units, derived from GT racing technology. It also adds further carbon-fiber aerodynamic elements to the front, increasing front downforce by an additional 20kg. The inclusion of more carbon fiber throughout the cabin, such as in the door panels, and on the exterior, contributes to an overall weight saving of 12kg. This can be further enhanced by an additional 3kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For those seeking ultimate track capability, the Fiorano package can also be optioned with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the already capable standard Pilot Sport 4S tires. Furthermore, Fiorano-equipped cars can be personalized with an exterior graphics package, paying homage to the iconic 250LM from the 1960s.
Having had the opportunity to scrutinize the Ferrari 296 GTB in detail, I can attest to its striking visual appeal. It’s a design that transcends the ordinary, evoking a sense of timeless elegance, even without the more provocative graphics package, it draws clear inspiration from the legendary 250LM.
Performance and Dynamic Prowess: A New Benchmark
Initiating the drive is as simple as a double-press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The 296 GTB defaults to Hybrid mode, enabling it to depart silently on electric power alone. Unless you actively override this via the haptic driver mode selectors on the steering wheel’s boss, and provided you avoid excessive throttle application, the car will continue to run purely on electric power, assuming sufficient battery charge.
You can deliberately engage “e-Drive” mode, forcing the car into all-electric operation regardless of powertrain demands. Beyond this, Ferrari offers dedicated Performance and Qualifying modes. In both, the V6 engine and electric motor work in unison. Performance mode prioritizes a balance between exhilarating driving and maintaining battery charge, while Qualifying mode unleashes the absolute maximum performance, disregarding the battery’s state of charge.
The sheer pleasure of gliding silently through picturesque villages is an unexpected delight. The damping system is so sophisticated that it transforms long journeys into a surprisingly comfortable experience. Even the luggage space in the front ‘frunk’ is more practical than that found in the SF90, offering usable capacity. However, the true anticipation lies in experiencing the combined force of the V6 and the electric motor unleashed.
The clue to the powertrain’s potency lies in what happens when you floor the throttle at low revs in a higher gear. The Ferrari 296 GTB simply surges forward with an immediacy that makes you momentarily question the necessity of gears, such is its instantaneous torque delivery. Still, with eight gears at your disposal and an engine that happily revs to 8,500rpm, the experience when you truly uncork the 296 is nothing short of astonishing. The acceleration figures, with a 0-62mph sprint in the low 2-second range and a top speed exceeding 200mph, paint a picture of relentless propulsion that elicits a mixture of hold-on-tight exhilaration and nervous laughter. It’s an addictive sensation, a testament to the car’s serious pace. The auditory experience is equally captivating, with a symphony of turbocharger sounds harmonizing with the tuneful rasp of the V6.
Ride and Handling: An Orchestra of Precision
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is the astonishing responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s assertion that the car’s primary objective was to be “fun to drive” is not an exaggeration. It exhibits remarkable agility without ever feeling overly nervous. The steering is typically light and swift, yet it conveys an impressive level of road feel and feedback. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains delightfully throttle-adjustable, eliciting an irrepressible grin.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a delightful lack of inertia that encourages the driver to work intuitively with the car, making small, precise inputs and reveling in its accuracy. The CT Off ( a form of stability control) mode allows for exhilarating liberties, with the reassurance of an intelligent electronic guardian always present. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows for controlled oversteer that you might not expect from a car with 819bhp.
On the track, the 296 GTB has the uncanny ability to make even lengthy straights feel shorter. What becomes even more apparent is its precision as a scalpel-sharp instrument. The power is readily available to break rear-wheel traction at numerous points around the circuit, but the 296 is also acutely sensitive to braking and steering inputs, rewarding precise control with unparalleled satisfaction. The turn-in accuracy and responsiveness dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Instead of gently easing the car into turns and allowing loads to build, the 296 adopts its line instantaneously, aided by the Multimatic dampers. This is perfectly complemented by the hyper-quick steering and the enhanced body control offered by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more mature sports cars, the speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal and an absolute joy to experience lap after lap.
Interior: A Digital Sanctuary
The cabin architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to those who have experienced the SF90, as it borrows heavily from its sibling. The fully digital interface, coupled with its haptic switchgear, presents a learning curve. These controls are liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it.
Undoubtedly, the system is complex. However, it must be acknowledged that a vast amount of information needs to be conveyed. The primary frustration arises from simple operations sometimes requiring a second attempt to register or the ambiguity of whether a press has been successful. Nevertheless, the cabin undeniably exudes a sense of occasion and specialness.
Verdict from the Trenches: An Evolutionary Leap
The sentiment from the automotive press, particularly concerning its Evo Car of the Year 2022 evaluation, highlighted the intense competition, with the McLaren Artura and the 296 GTB often separated by the narrowest of margins. Judges were frequently divided, with a near-even split in preference.
Those who favored the Ferrari often lauded its spectacular design, outrageous speed, and remarkable exploitability. Jethro, a respected voice, enthused, “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.” Dickie, another respected critic, declared it, “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355.” 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 Ferrari’s hybrid system was widely praised. However, a notable incident involved the car being stranded due to a depleted battery, a situation Ferrari had warned could occur with specific operational procedures. This raised concerns about the lack of a simple fail-safe, a point articulated by Gallagher: “that 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 complete.
Despite some reservations about Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering, brake pedal feel not quite matching the absolute best, and a critique of the overly complex tech interface, the 296’s overall allure was undeniable. 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…”
This marked a significant return to form for Ferrari, particularly in contrast to the SF90’s reception the previous year. Sutcliffe observed, “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, stating, “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, Rivals, and the Future of Performance
When a vehicle is as technologically advanced as the 296 GTB, there’s always a risk of it becoming less than the sum of its parts. This was a concern with the SF90, which, while dazzling in power, could be unnerving in its less predictable driving characteristics.
However, the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 transcends this. Its inclusion in the Evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, where it secured a joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, underscored its organic feel and its ability to strike a perfect balance between immense power and engaging dynamics, effectively redefining the £250,000-ish supercar segment. Whispers of a ‘Versione Speciale’ variant, codenamed temporarily, are circulating, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity. The hope remains that this enhanced iteration will retain the standard 296’s inexplicably natural and intuitive driving character.
It is precisely this aspect of the 296 GTB’s constitution that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized when refining its own hybrid supercar, the Temerario. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power to harness in a series-production supercar, and it has the potential to overwhelm if the rest of the vehicle isn’t meticulously engineered to meet it. If Lamborghini has achieved the same level of finesse that made the Revuelto so impressive, then we are poised for an epic twin test of colossal proportions, potentially featuring over 1700bhp combined.
Alternatively, we could expand this to a breathtaking 2400bhp triple threat with the inclusion of the McLaren 750S. Astonishingly, in this company, the 740bhp McLaren now appears as the ‘minnow’. However, its compact 1389kg kerb weight provides a compelling power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw engagement, ergonomic perfection, sharp steering, and deft chassis control offer a distinct contrast to the comparatively more insulated experience of the Ferrari.
The Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 is more than just a supercar; it’s a paradigm shift. It represents Ferrari’s mastery of electrification, delivering a driving experience that is both exhilarating and remarkably accessible. As the automotive world continues its trajectory towards a hybridized and electrified future, models like the 296 GTB demonstrate that performance and innovation can indeed go hand-in-hand, setting new benchmarks for what’s possible.
The journey of automotive excellence is relentless. If you’re captivated by this vision of future performance and are ready to explore how this groundbreaking technology can elevate your driving experience, we invite you to connect with our team of specialists for a personalized consultation.

