The Maranello Marvel: Reimagining the Ferrari 296 GTB for the 2025 Driving Landscape
For over half a century, the mid-engined supercar formula from Ferrari has been a benchmark of automotive excellenc
e. Yet, with the advent of the 296 GTB in 2022, Maranello embarked on an unprecedented evolutionary leap. This wasn’t merely an update; it was a fundamental redefinition. Replacing the revered, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 with a groundbreaking twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by sophisticated electric power, the 296 GTB boldly steered a segment that was only tentatively beginning its transition into the electrified era. As an industry expert with a decade immersed in this thrilling domain, I’ve witnessed firsthand the seismic shifts that electrify Ferrari’s lineage, and the 296 GTB stands as a potent testament to innovation.
At its debut, the 296 GTB’s traditional adversary was the Lamborghini Huracán, a titan defined by its naturally aspirated V10 symphony. While possessing less brute force in comparison, the Huracán offered an unparalleled charisma and raw auditory assault that captivated in its twilight years. The fierce McLaren 720S, with its own potent twin-turbo V8, also presented a formidable challenge. Now, with the McLaren 750S representing a refined evolution of its established theme, emphasizing power-to-weight supremacy, the horizon has undeniably shifted. Enter the 903bhp, 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid marvel that is Lamborghini’s Temerario – a direct, audacious challenge to Maranello’s 819bhp hybridized Berlinetta. This upcoming encounter promises to be a pivotal moment in supercar development, setting new benchmarks for performance and technological integration.
The sheer potency of the Ferrari 296 GTB review is undeniable. Boasting an entirely new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine paired with an electric motor, channeling power exclusively to the rear wheels (a distinction from the SF90 Stradale), the 819bhp 296 GTB shattered conventional supercar paradigms. It’s difficult to ignore such an awe-inspiring power output, and one naturally ponders the ultimate trajectory of this power escalation – and, crucially, where one might realistically deploy such prodigious performance. But that’s a philosophical discussion for another time; our focus here is on the tangible brilliance of this machine.
The 296 GTB holds significant historical weight: it marks the first V6-powered Ferrari road car (a poignant nod to the iconic 246 GT Dino, which, though revered, never bore the Prancing Horse emblem in its era). It also pioneers the ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration and embraces plug-in hybrid technology, offering a respectable EV-only range of approximately 15 miles. This compact V6, a masterpiece of engineering, is mounted low within a new aluminum chassis. The wheelbase has been meticulously reduced by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, subtly repositioning the occupants slightly further forward to enhance weight distribution and driver engagement.
The electric motor itself contributes a potent 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 engine, operating independently, delivers a staggering 654bhp and 546lb ft. When these two power sources unite, the combined output reaches the headline-grabbing 819bhp. Ferrari, however, astutely refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, a decision likely rooted in the complex interplay between the engine and electric motor. Nevertheless, it’s safe to surmise that the resultant torque delivery is nothing short of colossal. In terms of weight savings, the V6 unit is approximately 30kg lighter than Ferrari’s V8 engines. This potent powertrain is seamlessly mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a sleek, elongated structure, is strategically positioned behind the seats, further optimizing the car’s low center of gravity and central mass.
No modern Ferrari would be complete without a suite of acronyms signifying its sophisticated electronic chassis management systems. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari has introduced the six-axis sensor system, known as 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This advanced technology meticulously measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. Its integration effectively supersedes the traditional yaw sensor. Working in concert with a sensor mounted directly on the steering rack, the 6w-CDS system provides the car with an unprecedented understanding of both driver intent and the instantaneous grip levels at the tire contact patches. This intelligence is then fed to other crucial systems, including the Side Slip Control and the active Electronic Differential (E-Diff), enabling the 296 GTB to maximize cornering speeds without compromising stability or driver confidence. Furthermore, this sophisticated setup facilitates the implementation of ABS-evo, a revolutionary braking system that, in RACE mode and above, leverages the car’s brake-by-wire architecture to not only shorten braking distances but also enhance braking performance during trail braking scenarios – a critical technique for maximizing corner entry speed.
For the first time in its history, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics technology not for drag reduction, but for genuine downforce generation. The automaker quotes an impressive figure of 360kg of downforce at 155mph. A significant portion of this, up to 100kg, is meticulously generated by a deployable rear wing seamlessly integrated into the rear of the car.
The thermal management of the 296 GTB is a testament to engineering prowess. Two radiators are strategically located in the front of the car to manage engine and gearbox cooling. These are complemented by two additional condensers dedicated to cooling the battery pack. Hot air is efficiently expelled from the underbody, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with the flow of cooling air directed towards the intercoolers positioned along the car’s flanks. The subtle apertures located beneath the headlamps serve the vital purpose of drawing air to cool the brakes, while the aerodynamically integrated wing at the rear roofline plays a crucial role in generating a ‘virtual’ rear screen. This ingenious design channels airflow towards the rear of the car, as if guided by a meticulously sculpted surface, further enhancing stability and downforce. The majority of the 296 GTB’s downforce is generated beneath the car. Here, particular emphasis has been placed not only on optimizing airflow through the underbody and the rear diffuser but also on fine-tuning the ground clearance to maximize the effectiveness of the downforce-generating surfaces.
The examples of the 296 GTB we had the privilege of experiencing on the circuit during its launch were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units, directly derived from GT racing technology. It also incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the front fascia, which contribute an extra 20kg of front-end downforce. The Assetto Fiorano package further enhances the car’s performance credentials with increased use of carbon fiber throughout the cabin, including the door panels, and on exterior components. These weight-saving measures collectively contribute to an overall reduction of 12kg. This figure can be further improved by an additional 3kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified, bringing the total to a remarkable 15kg. For those opting for the Fiorano package, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires are available as an upgrade from the standard Pilot Sport 4S tires, providing an even sharper edge on track. The Fiorano specification also offers the option of a striking exterior graphics package, directly inspired by the iconic liveries seen on the legendary 250LM of the 1960s, further enhancing its visual appeal and historical connection.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 GTB in person, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It’s a remarkably beautiful machine, possessing a distinct character that sets it apart from anything else on the road, subtly echoing the iconic 250LM of the 1960s, even without the polarizing graphics package.
Performance and Acceleration: A Symphony of Power
Initiating forward motion is a simple, intuitive process: a double press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The 296 GTB defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing for silent, electric-only acceleration unless the driver chooses otherwise via the haptic driver mode selectors located on the left side of the steering wheel’s boss. As long as throttle inputs remain measured, the car will continue on purely electric power, provided sufficient battery charge is available.
The driver also has the option to deliberately engage EV mode, overriding any powertrain demands, or to select from further Performance and Qualifying modes. In these modes, both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor work in unison. Performance mode prioritizes spirited driving while also aiming to maintain battery charge, whereas Qualifying mode unleashes the full, unadulterated performance potential, with no regard for the battery’s state of charge.
The experience of gliding silently through urban landscapes is a surprisingly delightful revelation. The damping system is so remarkably sophisticated that it transforms the 296 GTB into an exceptionally comfortable grand tourer, capable of consuming long distances with ease. Even the luggage space in the front ‘frunk’ is more practical than in the SF90 Stradale. However, the true question on everyone’s mind, yours and mine included, is: what does it feel like when both the engine and the electric motor are unleashed to their full potential?
The answer lies in the car’s immediate response when you plant the throttle at low revs in a higher gear. The 296 GTB simply bolts forward with zero perceptible lag, making you question the very necessity of gear changes given its immediate potency. Still, there are eight gears to exploit, and an engine that revs enthusiastically to 8500rpm. When you truly uncork the 296 GTB, the effect is nothing short of astonishing.
As the performance figures suggest – a sub-3-second 0-62mph sprint and a top speed exceeding 205mph – the rate of acceleration is exhilarating, verging on the almost overwhelming, yet paradoxically addictive. This is a car of exceptional speed. Its auditory experience is equally captivating, with a blend of turbocharger effects overlaying the melodious rasp of the V6. The seamless integration of performance metrics and driver engagement is what truly sets this Ferrari 296 GTB performance apart.
Ride and Handling: The Art of Controlled Ferocity
What truly distinguishes the 296 GTB is the astonishing responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s assertion that the car was engineered to be “fun to drive” is not an overstatement. It exhibits a remarkable agility without ever becoming nervous or unpredictable. The steering is characteristically light and rapid, yet it communicates a wealth of detail from the road surface to the driver’s hands. While the grip levels are predictably immense, the car also possesses a delightful throttle adjustability that invariably brings a smile to your face.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels considerably lighter. There’s a palpable absence of inertia throughout the entire vehicle, which encourages an intuitive, collaborative driving style, favoring small, precise inputs and reveling in its accuracy and precision. Engaging the ‘CT Off’ mode allows for audacious liberties, all while providing the comforting reassurance that an advanced electronic brain is diligently safeguarding your trajectory. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the inherent balance of the 296 GTB permits it to be coaxed into predictable oversteer in a manner one would scarcely believe possible in a vehicle producing 819bhp.
On the circuit, the 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to seemingly shrink even the longest start-finish straight. What becomes even more apparent is its function as a razor-sharp instrument. While the prodigious power is readily available to break traction at the rear at numerous points around the lap, the 296 GTB is also exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. This dynamic encourages the driver to learn that precision in control yields the most substantial rewards.
The incredible turn-in accuracy and immediate response dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing the car into turns and gradually building load, the 296 GTB settles into its apex instantaneously, aided by its Multimatic dampers. The hyper-quick steering perfectly complements the enhanced body control offered by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers transitioning from more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal, offering a joyous and engaging experience lap after lap. This is a key aspect of the Ferrari 296 GTB handling that truly elevates it.
Interior: A Digital Embrace
The cabin architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the 296 GTB inherits a significant portion of its interior design. The fully digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear represent a departure from tradition, liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it.
While undeniably complex, it’s important to acknowledge the sheer volume of information being conveyed. However, the primary frustration lies in how seemingly simple operations sometimes require a second, deliberate press after the initial attempt fails to register, or indeed, whether the press has been registered at all. Despite these ergonomic quirks, the cabin undeniably feels like a special place to inhabit, reflecting the exclusivity and prestige associated with owning a Ferrari.
Verdict: The 2025 Supercar Standard Bearer
As the automotive landscape continues its rapid evolution, the question arises: what defines a truly exceptional supercar in 2025? The 2022 Evo Car of the Year awards provided significant insight. At the time, there was an incredibly fine margin between the McLaren Artura and the 296 GTB, with judges narrowly divided.
Those who favored the Ferrari, including myself, praised its spectacular nature: “Beautiful to look at, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable, and so technically clever,” enthused Jethro. “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.”
Another judge declared it, “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by 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 gotten 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 hybridisation was widely lauded. However, a notable incident involved the car being stranded after the battery depleted, with no apparent means of revival. While Ferrari had cautioned about this possibility and provided specific preventative measures, it remains a conceivable scenario for an owner. As one critic pointed out, “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 GTB, this occurred after all scoring was completed.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake feel didn’t quite match the very best in the group. The technological interface also faced widespread criticism for its over-complexity. Despite these drawbacks, the 296 GTB proved irresistibly seductive. One judge 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 Ferrari 296 GTB review from 2022 still resonates today, underscoring its enduring appeal. It represents a significant return to form for Ferrari, particularly following the less impactful SF90 Stradale. As one expert 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.” The consensus was that Ferrari had learned invaluable lessons from the SF90, distilling that knowledge into a series-production model that stands as one of its very best.
Price, Rivals, and the Future of Hypercars
The inherent risk with any vehicle heavily laden with advanced technology is that it may ultimately feel like less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment echoed in our experience with the SF90 Stradale, which, while dazzling with its power, often unnerved with its challenging driving characteristics.
However, the 296 GTB is a different proposition entirely. Its designation as a joint third-place finisher alongside the McLaren Artura at the 2022 Evo Car of the Year awards highlights its more organic feel. The harmonious blend of immense power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect sweet spot, redefining expectations for a supercar in the $250,000-plus bracket. Reports of a ‘Versione Speciale’ variant, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity, are circulating, and the anticipation is that the standard 296’s remarkably natural driving feel will be preserved.
It is precisely this aspect – the nuanced driving experience – that we hope Lamborghini has meticulously addressed when honing its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an extraordinary amount of power for a series-production supercar, capable of overwhelming the chassis if not perfectly resolved. If Lamborghini has indeed mastered this challenge, much like they did with the Revuelto, then we are poised for an epic twin test of unparalleled proportions, potentially featuring a combined 1700bhp.
Alternatively, we could expand this to a colossal 2400bhp triple threat by including the McLaren 750S. This machine, which must now be absurdly classified as the class’s ‘minnow’ with its comparatively modest 740bhp, brings to the table a relatively petite kerb weight of 1389kg, resulting in a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s rawness, ergonomic excellence, crisp steering, and deft chassis dynamics offer a compelling counterpoint to the comparatively remote feel of the Ferrari. The Ferrari 296 GTB price places it in a competitive segment, but its unique offering justifies the investment for discerning enthusiasts.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications:
Engine: 2992cc, twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by an electric motor.
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, with active E-diff.
Power: 819bhp (combined) @ 8000rpm.
Torque: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm.
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton).
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds.
Top Speed: 205mph.
Estimated Price: $300,000+ (USD)
The Ferrari 296 GTB represents more than just a powerful supercar; it’s a statement of intent, a bold stride into the future of automotive performance. Its innovative hybrid powertrain, exceptional dynamics, and breathtaking design converge to create an experience that is both exhilarating and deeply rewarding.
Are you ready to experience the future of supercar performance? Contact your local authorized Ferrari dealer today to learn more about the 296 GTB and schedule your exclusive test drive. The road to automotive excellence awaits.
