The Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Masterpiece Redefining Supercar Performance in 2025
For over a decade, my career has been immersed in the exhilarating world of high-performance automobiles. I’ve witness
ed firsthand the relentless evolution of the supercar, from the raw, analog beasts of yesterday to the sophisticated, electrified machines of today. And as we stand on the cusp of 2025, few vehicles embody this transformative era quite like the Ferrari 296 GTB. This isn’t just another iteration of an iconic marque; it represents a fundamental paradigm shift, a bold statement from Maranello that hybridisation isn’t just a compromise, but a catalyst for unprecedented performance and driving engagement.
When the Ferrari 296 GTB first arrived in 2022, it signaled a dramatic departure from tradition. Gone was the revered, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 that had powered Ferraris for years. In its place, a revolutionary twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, augmented by a potent electric motor, took center stage. This radical re-imagining positioned the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a supercar segment that was, and still is, grappling with the transition to electrified powertrains.
The landscape of supercar rivals has always been fiercely competitive. For years, the Ferrari 296 GTB contended with formidable opponents like the Lamborghini Huracán, celebrated for its intoxicating naturally-aspirated V10 symphony and visceral feedback. The McLaren 720S, a masterclass in lightweight engineering and V8 prowess, also presented a significant challenge. However, with the impending arrival of the Lamborghini Temerario – a 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid titan – the stakes have been significantly raised. The Temerario, with its audacious power output and hybrid underpinnings, is clearly Lamborghini’s direct riposte to Ferrari’s electrified Berlinetta, which already boasts a staggering 819bhp.
The sheer firepower of the Ferrari 296 GTB is undeniable. Its all-new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6, paired with an electric motor, drives exclusively the rear wheels (a distinction from the SF90 Stradale’s all-wheel-drive system). This potent combination delivers a headline-grabbing 819bhp, dismantling conventional supercar expectations. The question inevitably arises: where does this relentless pursuit of power end, and more importantly, where can such performance be fully exploited in the real world? These are philosophical questions that fuel the passion of enthusiasts, but the technical execution behind the 296 GTB is what truly sets it apart.
This vehicle marks a significant milestone for Ferrari. It’s the first road-going Ferrari to feature a V6 engine (the legendary 246 GT Dino, while sporting a V6, never bore the Prancing Horse emblem in its era). It also pioneers the ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration, where the turbos are nestled within the engine’s cylinder banks for improved efficiency and response. Furthermore, its plug-in hybrid capability offers an estimated 15 miles of pure electric range, allowing for discreet, emissions-free urban jaunts. The compact V6 is mounted low in a bespoke aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, subtly repositioning the occupants slightly further forward for a more engaging driving posture.
The electric motor contributes an impressive 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 alone churns out a colossal 654bhp and 546lb ft. Ferrari, with characteristic discretion, doesn’t quote a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the electric motor and internal combustion engine. However, it’s safe to assume the total output is nothing short of formidable. Crucially, the V6 unit is approximately 30kg lighter than its V8 counterparts, and it’s seamlessly mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a slender, elongated structure, is cleverly concealed behind the seats, minimizing its impact on the car’s center of gravity.
As expected from any modern Ferrari, the 296 GTB is replete with sophisticated electronic chassis control systems. At the forefront is the innovative six-axis sensor, dubbed 6w-CDS. This advanced unit meticulously measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes. Replacing traditional yaw sensors, and working in tandem with a sensor on the steering rack, the 6w-CDS provides the car with an almost prescient understanding of driver inputs and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patches. This data is fed to systems like Side Slip Control and the active electronic differential (E-Diff), optimizing cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability. A notable innovation enabled by this system is ABS-evo, activated in RACE mode and above. Working in conjunction with the 296’s brake-by-wire system, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers, a testament to its track-honed capabilities.
For the first time in its history, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics not primarily to reduce drag, but to aggressively generate downforce. The manufacturer quotes a substantial 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with the deployable rear wing contributing up to 100kg of that figure. The thermal management strategy is equally impressive. Two radiators in the front handle engine and gearbox cooling, while two additional condensers manage battery temperature. Hot air is expelled underneath the car, carefully routed to avoid interfering with the airflow directed to the intercoolers located along the flanks. Small apertures below the headlamps are dedicated to cooling the brakes, and a roofline-integrated rear wing aids in creating a ‘virtual’ rear screen, effectively channeling air towards the car’s rear. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid to the underbody’s airflow, the rear diffuser, and critically, the ground clearance, to maximize the effectiveness of these crucial aerodynamic surfaces.
The examples of the Ferrari 296 GTB I experienced during its launch, which included track driving, were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units, derived from GT racing technology, and adds carbon fiber aerodynamic elements to the front splitter, enhancing front-end downforce by an additional 20kg. The package also incorporates more carbon fiber in the cabin, including the door panels, and on the exterior, contributing to a total weight saving of 12kg. This can be further reduced by a further 3kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For ultimate grip, the Assetto Fiorano specification allows for the fitment of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the standard Pilot Sport 4S. The Fiorano package can also be adorned with an exterior graphics scheme, reminiscent of the iconic 250LM from the 1960s. Visually, the Ferrari 296 GTB is a triumph. In the metal, it possesses a captivating beauty, a design language that feels distinct yet undeniably Ferrari, subtly evoking the classic lines of the 250LM even without the more overtly retro graphics.
Initiating a drive in the Ferrari 296 GTB is a simple affair. A double-press of the lower button on the steering wheel boss primes the car, followed by selecting first gear. It defaults to Hybrid mode, utilizing electric power for initial propulsion unless the driver explicitly selects a different mode via the intuitive haptic buttons on the steering wheel. Gentle throttle application ensures silent, emission-free progress, provided the battery has sufficient charge. For those moments when silent operation is paramount, an ‘e-Drive’ mode can be manually engaged, overriding all other powertrain demands. Beyond this, Performance and Qualifying modes unlock the full potential of the hybrid powertrain. Performance mode balances power delivery with battery charging, while Qualifying mode unleashes unadulterated, maximum performance, with little regard for the battery’s state of charge.
The experience of gliding silently through picturesque villages offers an unexpected pleasure. The damping sophistication makes for a remarkably comfortable ride, transforming long distances into a relaxed affair. Even the luggage compartment in the ‘frunk’ is surprisingly practical, a welcome improvement over the SF90. But what truly ignites the senses is unleashing both the V6 and electric motor in unison. Prod the throttle from low revs in a higher gear, and the Ferrari 296 GTB surges forward with an immediate, lag-free potency that makes you momentarily question the need for gear changes. Yet, with eight gears to play with and an engine that eagerly spins to an 8,500rpm redline, the experience when truly uncorked is nothing short of astounding.
The acceleration figures – a blistering 0-62mph in under 3 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205mph – translate into a visceral surge of speed that induces a mixture of nervous laughter and an almost addictive, hold-on-tight sensation. This is a car of ferocious pace, but it’s also a car that sounds magnificent. The V6 emits a melodious rasp, punctuated by the distinctive symphony of its turbochargers, creating an aural landscape that perfectly complements its performance.
The agility and responsiveness of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s chassis are truly remarkable. Ferrari’s claim of making this car ‘fun to drive’ is not an exaggeration; it’s a profound truth. It feels incredibly nimble without ever becoming nervous, a testament to its finely honed dynamics. The steering is typically light and rapid, yet it conveys a surprising level of feedback, allowing the driver to feel intimately connected to the road. Grip levels are, as one would expect, immense, but what truly sets the 296 apart is its throttle adjustability. The ability to subtly adjust trajectory with the accelerator pedal induces grins of pure automotive joy.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter, exhibiting an absence of inertia that encourages precise, minimal inputs. This precision and accuracy are immensely rewarding. Engaging ‘CT Off’ mode allows for bold maneuvers, with the implicit reassurance that an advanced electronic safety net is still actively managing the car’s behavior. However, even with all electronic aids deactivated, the inherent balance of the Ferrari 296 GTB allows for playful mid-corner adjustments and controlled oversteer, sensations rarely experienced in a car with this level of power.
On track, the 296 GTB has the uncanny ability to make even long straights feel abbreviated. It reveals itself as a razor-sharp instrument, capable of breaking rear-wheel traction at numerous points around the circuit. Yet, it remains remarkably sensitive to brake and steering inputs, rewarding precision with amplified performance. The turn-in accuracy and immediate response dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing into turns, the 296 settles instantly, its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering perfectly complementing the enhanced body control offered by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for those accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the Ferrari 296 GTB are a revelation, delivering an exhilarating experience lap after lap.
The cabin architecture will be familiar to those who have experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the 296 GTB draws heavily from its sibling. The fully digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear, liberally applied across the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods, present a learning curve. While the system is undoubtedly complex, intended to convey a vast amount of information, some simple operations occasionally require a second press, and discerning confirmation of a successful input can sometimes be ambiguous. Nevertheless, it feels like a truly special place to be, a cockpit designed for the enthusiast.
The evo Car of the Year 2022 verdict highlighted the intense competition, with the Ferrari 296 GTB and the McLaren Artura separated by the narrowest of margins. Judges were evenly split, with three narrowly favoring the Ferrari and three opting for the McLaren. Those who placed the 296 ahead lauded its spectacular beauty, outrageous speed, and technical brilliance. Jethro Bovingdon described it as a car that “shows McLaren how to downsize but turn up the drama,” offering control akin to the Artura but with a more playful and indulgent character.
Dickie Meaden declared it “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. He praised the seamless integration of the hybrid system, noting it didn’t fundamentally alter the driving experience as much as feared, perhaps due to the familiarity of turbocharged V8 torque characteristics. He described the 296 as “stonkingly quick,” but emphasized that its appeal extends beyond raw speed, thanks to the V6’s character and its sweet, throttle-dependent soundtrack.
While the hybrid system’s seamless integration was widely applauded, one critical incident saw the car stranded when the battery depleted with no apparent means of revival. Although Ferrari had provided warnings and preventative measures, the oversight of a marque that pioneered advanced technology failing to engineer a simple fail-safe was a significant concern raised by Gallagher. Fortunately, this occurred after the scoring concluded. Despite Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering dividing opinion and brake feel not quite matching the class leaders, and the tech interface drawing criticism for its complexity, the Ferrari 296 GTB proved irresistibly seductive. Vivian, initially skeptical of its complexity, found himself “bewitched by the spooky way it changes direction, its amazing damping, and looney-tunes levels of grip,” captivated by the “linearity of seemingly never-ending power.”
As Peter Tomalin, from evo, concluded at ecoty 2022, “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 and Gallagher agreed that Ferrari had learned valuable lessons from the SF90, distilling its innovations into a series production model that stands as one of its very best.
The risk inherent in packing a car with so much advanced technology is that it can become less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment felt with the SF90, which, despite its dazzling power, could be unnerving and difficult to read. The Ferrari 296 GTB, however, represents a different philosophy. Its harmonious blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect chord, redefining what a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket can achieve. A forthcoming Versione Speciale variant promises even more power and intensity, but the hope is that the standard 296’s almost inexplicable natural feel will be retained.
It is this very aspect of natural feel and driver engagement that I hope Lamborghini has prioritized with its upcoming hybrid supercar, the Temerario. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power for any series production supercar, and it can easily overwhelm the chassis if not meticulously engineered. If Lamborghini has achieved the same level of balance and driver connection that Ferrari has with the 296 GTB – and their success with the Revuelto offers strong grounds for optimism – then we are poised for an epic showdown.
Even the McLaren 750S, with its comparatively modest 740bhp, enters the fray with a kerb weight of just 1389kg, offering a compelling power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s rawness, ergonomic rightness, sharp steering, and deft chassis provide a contrast to the more insulated feel of the Ferrari. Yet, the Ferrari 296 GTB transcends such comparisons. It is a technological marvel that doesn’t compromise on the soul-stirring experience that defines a true supercar.
For those captivated by the future of performance and eager to experience this extraordinary machine firsthand, the journey begins with exploring the available configurations and performance packages. Whether you’re navigating the vibrant streets of Los Angeles, seeking the thrill of a track day at Laguna Seca, or simply desiring to elevate your driving experience, the Ferrari 296 GTB offers an unparalleled opportunity. Contact your local Ferrari dealership today to schedule a personal consultation and discover how this hybrid masterpiece can redefine your understanding of automotive excellence.
