Ferrari 296 GTB 2025: A New Benchmark in Hybrid Supercar Performance and Driving Purity
As a seasoned automotive industry professional with a decade immersed in the evolution of performance vehicles,
I’ve witnessed firsthand the seismic shifts redefining the supercar landscape. The most significant transition, arguably, is the embrace of electrification. While once a fringe concept, hybrid powertrains are now at the vanguard, promising not just increased output but entirely new driving dynamics. At the forefront of this revolution stands the Ferrari 296 GTB. Even with formidable rivals like the anticipated Lamborghini Temerario poised to enter the fray with staggering power figures, the 2025 iteration of the Ferrari 296 GTB continues to be a breathtaking testament to what’s possible when cutting-edge technology meets timeless driving engagement.
For years, the mid-engined Ferrari supercar formula revolved around the thunderous roar and visceral connection of a naturally aspirated V10 or the relentless shove of a twin-turbo V8. However, the arrival of the 296 GTB in 2022 marked an unprecedented departure. Ferrari strategically shifted away from its multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8, opting instead for a groundbreaking twin-turbocharged V6 engine augmented by an electric motor. This bold move placed the 296 GTB in an advanced position within a supercar segment that is still navigating the complexities and potential of hybrid power integration.
In its initial guise, the 296 GTB’s primary adversary was the Lamborghini Huracán, celebrated for its evocative naturally-aspirated V10 symphony and raw sonic character, even if it lagged in outright power compared to its electrified contemporaries. It also contended with the formidable McLaren 720S, which championed its twin-turbo V8 prowess. While the McLaren 750S represents an evolutionary step, emphasizing power-to-weight supremacy, the impending 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid V8-powered Temerario from Lamborghini signals a direct challenge to Maranello’s 819bhp hybridised Berlinetta.
Make no mistake, the Ferrari 296 GTB possesses immense potency. Its all-new 120-degree, twin-turbocharged V6, seamlessly integrated with an electric motor driving only the rear wheels (a distinction from the all-wheel-drive SF90), delivers a combined output of 819bhp. This electrified V6 architecture shattered conventional supercar paradigms upon its debut. The sheer scale of this power output is difficult to comprehend, and one might naturally question the ultimate limits of such power escalation—a question that even the incoming Lamborghini rival seems eager to explore—and, more practically, where such performance can be responsibly unleashed. But these are discussions for another time.
The 296 GTB holds a significant place in Ferrari’s history. It is the first V6-powered road-legal Ferrari (barring the historically distinct 246 GT Dino, which never bore the Prancing Horse emblem in its era), the first to feature a “hot-vee” turbocharger configuration, and crucially, it’s a plug-in hybrid with a usable all-electric range of approximately 15 miles. This compact V6 engine is mounted low within a newly engineered aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, and positioning the occupants slightly further forward for an even more engaging driving posture.
The electric motor alone contributes a substantial 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 engine independently produces a remarkable 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined headline figure of 819bhp is impressive, but Ferrari wisely refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. Suffice it to say, the resultant torque is colossal. Overall, the V6 unit is approximately 30kg lighter than a comparable Ferrari V8, and it’s paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The long, rectangular battery pack resides neatly behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without an array of sophisticated electronic chassis control systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has developed an advanced six-axis sensor, dubbed 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor), capable of precisely measuring acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. This replaces traditional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, provides the car with an intimate understanding of driver intent and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data is then utilized by systems like Side Slip Control and the active electronic differential (e-Diff) to maximize cornering speeds while maintaining exceptional stability and driver confidence. Furthermore, it enables a novel ABS-evo system in RACE mode and above. Leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, ABS-evo significantly reduces braking distances and enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners.
For the first time in its road car lineage, Ferrari is employing its active aerodynamics not for drag reduction, but for generating substantial downforce. The company quotes an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a significant portion, up to 100kg, attributed to the deployable rear wing. The front of the car houses two radiators for engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two additional condensers dedicated to battery cooling. Hot air is efficiently expelled from underneath the car, preventing interference with the airflow directed to the intercoolers along the flanks. Smaller apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to cooling the brakes, while a rear roofline-integrated wing creates a “virtual” rear screen, meticulously channeling air to the car’s rear as if guided by a perfectly sculpted surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated from beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid not only to airflow management and the rear diffuser but also to optimizing the underbody’s ground clearance to enhance the effectiveness of its downforce-generating elements.
The 296 GTBs that I had the privilege of experiencing on a circuit during the launch event were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance upgrade replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units, drawing technology directly from GT racing. It also incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the front end, contributing an extra 20kg of front downforce. The Assetto Fiorano package further enhances the car’s performance credentials through the strategic use of lightweight materials. Inside the cabin, carbon fiber door panels and other interior components contribute to an overall weight saving of 12kg. This figure increases to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For those seeking ultimate grip, the Assetto Fiorano package also allows for the fitment of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the already capable standard Pilot Sport 4S tires. Visually, Assetto Fiorano-equipped cars can be further personalized with an exterior graphics package inspired by the iconic 250LM from the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 GTB in person, I can attest to its striking aesthetic appeal. It possesses a unique and captivating presence, deviating from conventional supercar design language and even evoking the spirit of the legendary 1960s 250LM, even without the distinctive graphics package. This is a car that commands attention.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: A Hybrid’s Symphony
Initiating motion in the 296 GTB is elegantly simple: a double press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by engaging first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing for silent, electric-only acceleration unless explicitly overridden via the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors on the steering wheel. With judicious throttle application, the 296 can glide through urban landscapes solely on electric power, provided the battery has sufficient charge.
Drivers have the option to forcibly engage EV mode, irrespective of powertrain demands, or select from Performance and Qualifying modes. In these modes, both the V6 engine and the electric motor collaborate intensely. Performance mode prioritizes power delivery while simultaneously managing battery regeneration, whereas Qualifying mode unleashes the full, unadulterated potential of the hybrid system, prioritizing ultimate performance above all else, including the battery’s state of charge.
The experience of gliding silently through villages is an unexpected delight. The adaptive damping system is so sophisticated that it transforms the 296 GTB into a remarkably comfortable long-distance cruiser. The inclusion of a reasonably sized luggage compartment in the front “frunk”—a welcome departure from the SF90—further enhances its practicality. However, the true question on everyone’s mind, including mine, is the visceral sensation when both the V6 engine and electric motor are unleashed.
The answer is profound. Planting the throttle at low revs in a higher gear elicits an immediate and forceful surge forward, completely devoid of turbo lag. It’s so potent that it momentarily makes one question the necessity of gear changes, such is the sheer immediacy of its power delivery. Yet, with eight gears at its disposal and an engine that revs to a thrilling 8,500rpm, the full unleashing of the 296’s capabilities is nothing short of astonishing.
As the performance figures suggest—a blistering 0-62mph time in the sub-3-second range and a top speed exceeding 200mph—the rate of acceleration is of the exhilarating, hold-on-tight variety, bordering on the overwhelming yet strangely addictive. This is a seriously rapid automobile. Its soundtrack is equally compelling, with a harmonious blend of V6 rasp and the evocative notes of the twin-turbochargers.
Ride and Handling: Precision Engineered for Pure Enjoyment
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is the extraordinary responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s commitment to making this car “fun to drive” is unequivocally evident. It exhibits remarkable agility without ever feeling nervous or twitchy. The steering, typically light and swift, also transmits a remarkable level of tactile feedback, allowing the driver to feel precisely what the front tires are doing. While grip levels are exceptionally high, as one would expect from a Ferrari, the car remains remarkably adjustable on the throttle, a trait that invariably brings a broad smile to the driver’s face.
Despite its published dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s an almost complete absence of inertia, encouraging the driver to work with the car, making precise, subtle inputs and reveling in its accuracy. The CT Off (Control for Traction Off) mode offers a remarkable degree of freedom, accompanied by the reassuring knowledge that an exceptionally intelligent electronic brain is still looking after you. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows for a level of playful oversteer that one might never anticipate in a car producing 819bhp.
On the track, the 296 GTB possesses an uncanny ability to make even lengthy straights feel dramatically shorter. What becomes even more apparent is its surgical precision. While the power is certainly available to break rear-wheel traction at numerous points around the circuit, the 296 is also acutely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. This cultivates an understanding that precise control yields the greatest rewards. The turn-in accuracy and responsiveness are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase into every corner. Instead of easing the car into turns and allowing loads to build gradually, the 296 GTB settles instantly, aided by its Multimatic dampers. This is beautifully complemented by the hyper-quick steering, which aligns perfectly with 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 are phenomenal, providing a joyous experience lap after lap.
Interior: A Blend of Familiarity and Future Shock
The cabin architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the 296 GTB inherits much of its interior design. The fully digital interface, coupled with its accompanying haptic switchgear—liberally applied across the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari stalks flanking it—presents a unique challenge. It is undeniably complex, and to be fair, there is a vast amount of information to convey. However, the most significant frustration arises when simple operations require multiple attempts to register or when it’s unclear if a command has been successfully executed. Despite these ergonomic quirks, the interior undeniably feels like a special and focused environment.
The Verdict: A Return to Supercar Purity
In the highly competitive landscape of hypercars and supercars, the Ferrari 296 GTB has firmly established itself as a pivotal benchmark. Its hybrid powertrain is not merely an addition but an integral component of its exhilarating performance and driving character. The seamless integration of electric power enhances responsiveness and broadens the car’s usability, from silent urban cruising to track-focused aggression.
While high-performance variants of the 296 GTB, potentially boasting even greater power and intensity, are anticipated, the core ethos of the standard model—its incredibly natural feel and engagement—is what truly resonates. It’s this very aspect that I hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an immense amount of power for a series-production supercar, and it has the potential to overwhelm if the rest of the vehicle isn’t meticulously engineered to complement it. If Lamborghini has indeed succeeded in honing the Temerario with the same finesse it demonstrated with the Revuelto, we could be on the cusp of an epic twin test between two titans of the hybrid supercar era.
Then there’s the McLaren 750S, which, against the stratospheric power figures of the Ferrari and Lamborghini, might seem like the ‘minnow’ of the trio with its 740bhp. However, its relatively svelte 1389kg kerb weight ensures a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s rawness, ergonomic perfection, crisp steering, and sublime chassis dynamics offer a distinct contrast to the more detached feel of the Ferrari.
The Ferrari 296 GTB, with its revolutionary V6 hybrid powertrain and its focus on delivering an engaging and dynamic driving experience, has redefined expectations for what a supercar in the multi-million-dollar segment can and should be. It represents not just a leap forward in performance, but a profound reinterpretation of the very essence of driving pleasure.
Ready to experience the future of supercar performance firsthand? Contact your nearest authorized Ferrari dealer to schedule a private consultation and discover the unparalleled driving dynamics of the Ferrari 296 GTB.
