The Ferrari 296 GTB 2025: A New Era of Hybrid Supercar Prowess
For a decade, I’ve navigated the thrilling, ever-evolving landscape of the automotive industry, particularly the rarefied air of supercar
engineering. In that time, I’ve witnessed seismic shifts, from the intoxicating rumble of naturally aspirated engines to the relentless surge of turbocharging. But nothing has prepared me for the profound transformation that the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 represents – a V6 hybrid supercar that not only redefines performance benchmarks but also sets a formidable target for rivals, most notably the highly anticipated Lamborghini Temerario.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 in 2022 marked a watershed moment for Maranello’s mid-engined icon. It boldly departed from the lineage of the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8, embracing a revolutionary twin-turbocharged V6 engine seamlessly augmented by electric power. This strategic pivot placed the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 at the vanguard of a supercar segment still grappling with the full integration of hybrid technology.
In its initial stride, the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 found its contemporary adversary in the Lamborghini Huracán, a marvel of naturally aspirated V10 charisma and sonic theatre. While the Huracán, in its twilight years, offered a more visceral, albeit comparatively less potent, sensory experience, the landscape has dramatically shifted. The formidable McLaren 720S, a benchmark in twin-turbo V8 supercars, has evolved into the 750S, a testament to iterative refinement and power-to-weight supremacy. However, the true gauntlet thrown at Maranello’s feet is the 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid V8-powered Lamborghini Temerario. This isn’t just a new model; it’s a declaration of intent, a direct riposte to Ferrari’s 819bhp hybridised Berlinetta.
The sheer numerical potency of the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 is undeniably staggering. Its all-new, 120-degree twin-turbo V6, in conjunction with a potent electric motor, drives the rear wheels exclusively – a departure from the all-wheel-drive madness of the SF90 Stradale. This configuration catapults the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 to a headline-grabbing 819bhp, shattering established supercar conventions and prompting the inevitable question: where does this relentless pursuit of power end, and more pertinently, where can it truly be unleashed?
This exceptional machine is the first V6-powered Ferrari road car, a significant historical footnote considering the beloved but unbadged 246 GT Dino. It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger architecture and integrates a plug-in hybrid system, offering an EV-only range of approximately 15 miles. Nestled low within a bespoke aluminum chassis, the V6 benefits from a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, with occupants positioned slightly further forward to enhance the sense of intimacy and connection.
The electric motor alone contributes an impressive 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 unleashes a breathtaking 654bhp and 546lb ft. Ferrari, in its characteristic understated elegance, refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the internal combustion engine and electric motor. However, it’s safe to assume this collaborative effort yields a truly formidable, almost immeasurable, torque output. Crucially, the V6 unit itself is 30kg lighter than Ferrari’s V8s and is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a sleek, elongated structure, resides discreetly behind the seats, contributing to the car’s perfect weight distribution.
No modern Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of sophisticated electronic chassis management systems, and the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 is no exception. It debuts Ferrari’s six-axis sensor, the 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor), capable of measuring acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes. This advanced sensor replaces conventional yaw sensors, working in tandem with a steering rack sensor to provide the car’s central nervous system with unparalleled awareness of driver inputs and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This intelligence is channeled to systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, maximizing cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and driver confidence. Furthermore, it enables the groundbreaking ABS-evo system in RACE mode and above. Through the car’s brake-by-wire architecture, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also significantly enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners, a testament to its F1-derived technologies.
For the first time in its history, Ferrari has leveraged its active aerodynamics not for drag reduction but for pure downforce generation. The marque quotes an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a substantial 100kg attributed to the deployable rear wing. The thermal management is equally meticulous. Two radiators in the front fascia handle engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two condensers dedicated to the hybrid battery. Hot air is expertly expelled from the underbody, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with the crucial airflow directed to the intercoolers positioned along the car’s flanks. The subtle apertures below the headlamps are dedicated to brake cooling, while a roofline-integrated spoiler creates a “virtual” rear screen, meticulously channeling air towards the rear of the vehicle as if guided by an invisible surface. The majority of the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025’s downforce is generated from beneath the car, with particular emphasis placed on the underbody’s channeling, the rear diffuser, and optimizing ground clearance to maximize the effectiveness of these crucial downforce-generating elements.
Our initial experience with the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 on track involved models equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance enhancement swaps standard dampers for race-derived Multimatic units and adds carbon aerodynamic elements to the front splitter, increasing front downforce by an additional 20kg. The package also incorporates extensive use of carbon fiber in the cabin, including door panels, and on the exterior, contributing to a significant 12kg weight saving. This can be further increased to 15kg with the optional Lexan rear engine cover. For the ultimate grip, the Assetto Fiorano variant can be specified with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the already capable standard Pilot Sport 4S. Visually, Fiorano cars can be adorned with an exterior graphics package inspired by the legendary 250LM of the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time with the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 in person, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a distinct and captivating design language, an homage to the iconic 250LM of the 1960s, even without the optional, more polarizing graphics.
Performance and Driving Dynamics:
Initiating motion in the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 is as simple as a double-press on the lower steering wheel boss and selecting first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, silently gliding away on electric power unless prompted otherwise via the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors on the wheel. Provided the battery retains charge, gentle throttle inputs will keep the car running solely on electric power.
Drivers can also explicitly select ‘EV’ mode, overriding powertrain demands, or opt for ‘Performance’ and ‘Qualifying’ modes. In these aggressive settings, both power sources unite. ‘Performance’ aims to maintain battery charge while delivering exhilarating propulsion, whereas ‘Qualifying’ prioritizes ultimate performance, irrespective of the battery’s state of charge.
The unexpected serenity of gliding through urban landscapes is a revelation. The damping sophistication provides a remarkably comfortable ride, making it an adept cruiser. The ‘frunk’ even offers a practical luggage compartment, a welcome contrast to the SF90’s more limited storage. But the true exhilaration lies in unleashing the full potential of the combined powertrain.
Planting the throttle at low revs in a higher gear elicits an instantaneous, lag-free surge of acceleration that genuinely makes one question the necessity of gear changes, such is the powertrain’s potency. However, the eight gears and the engine’s 8500rpm redline provide ample opportunity for engagement. When the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 truly comes alive, the experience is nothing short of astonishing. The acceleration, as the 0-62mph figures suggest, is of the hold-on-tight, nervous-laughter variety – bordering on overwhelming, yet bizarrely addictive. This is a car of immense speed, its soundtrack a compelling blend of V6 rasp and intricate turbocharger acoustics.
Ride and Handling Prowess:
What truly distinguishes the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 is the extraordinary responsiveness of its chassis and Ferrari’s unwavering commitment to driver engagement – they truly delivered on their promise of making this car “fun to drive.” It feels agile without becoming nervous, a testament to its finely tuned dynamics. The steering is characteristically light and rapid, yet remarkably communicative, offering a level of feedback often missing in modern hypercars. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains delightfully throttle-adjustable, inspiring confidence and eliciting a visceral grin with every corner exit.
Despite its claimed dry weight of 1470kg, the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 feels significantly lighter. There’s an almost complete absence of inertia, encouraging intuitive inputs and a deep appreciation for its precision. The ‘CT Off’ mode provides a safety net of electronic intervention, assuring the driver that an exceptionally intelligent system is monitoring proceedings. However, even with all electronic aids deactivated, the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 exhibits such innate balance that it can be playfully coaxed into controllable oversteer, a feat almost unimaginable in a car with 819bhp.
On the track, the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 has the uncanny ability to dramatically compress even the longest straights. Its nature as a precision instrument becomes acutely apparent. While the power is readily available to break rear traction at numerous points around a lap, the car is exceptionally sensitive to braking and steering inputs. Mastering these controls unlocks the greatest rewards. The turn-in accuracy and responsiveness are phenomenal, drastically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing into turns and allowing loads to build, the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025, equipped with its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering, assumes its intended line instantaneously. The enhanced roll support from the Assetto Fiorano setup further complements this dynamic. Even for drivers accustomed to more mature sports cars, the speed, precision, and agility of the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 are simply astounding, delivering an exhilarating experience lap after lap.
Interior Ambiance and Ergonomics:
The cabin architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 inherits much of its interior design ethos. The all-digital interface, coupled with capacitive touch controls, presents a significant learning curve. These controls are liberally distributed across the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari stalks flanking it.
While the complexity is undeniable, it’s also a reflection of the sheer volume of information and functions at the driver’s disposal. The most frustrating aspect is the occasional need for a second press for inputs to register, or the ambiguity of whether an action has been successfully acknowledged. Nevertheless, the cabin exudes a distinct sense of occasion and exclusivity.
evo Car of the Year 2022 Verdict:
“Now it gets serious,” proclaimed the esteemed journalists at evo magazine. In their 2022 Car of the Year competition, the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 and the McLaren Artura were separated by the narrowest of margins, with the judges evenly divided. Three leaned towards the Ferrari, while three favored the McLaren by a whisker.
The proponents of the Ferrari, including myself, Jethro Bovingdon, and Henry Catchpole, were captivated. “What a spectacular car,” enthused Jethro. “Beautiful to behold, outrageously fast, astonishingly exploitable, and technically brilliant. Its V6 demonstrates to McLaren how to downsize while amplifying the drama. It matches the Artura in terms of sheer control but feels more playful and indulgent.”
Richard Meaden declared it “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. “The hybrid system is exceptionally well integrated and doesn’t fundamentally alter the driving experience as much as I had feared,” he continued. “Perhaps because we’ve already become accustomed to the torquey characteristics of turbocharged V8s in the 488 and F8. The Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 is stonkingly quick, but its appeal isn’t solely reliant on speed. The V6’s character, with its always-sweet soundtrack that evolves with throttle opening, adds another layer of engagement.”
While the Ferrari’s hybridisation was widely lauded for its seamless integration, a minor hiccup occurred on the final night when a drained battery left the car immobile. Ferrari had indeed cautioned about this possibility and provided guidance to mitigate it. However, the possibility of an owner finding themselves in a similar predicament is not inconceivable. As Stephen Gallagher observed, “The fact that the company which pioneered individual rear-wheel steering can’t engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this is a significant oversight.” Fortunately for the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025, this incident occurred after all cars had been scored.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake pedal feel didn’t quite match the very best in the group. The infotainment system also faced widespread criticism for its complexity. Despite these points, the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 remained irresistibly seductive. “I initially thought I wouldn’t be overly impressed with the Ferrari – too complex, with rather gratuitous points of difference,” admitted Vivian. “But I ended up somewhat bewitched by its spooky directional changes, its astonishing damping, looney-tunes grip levels, and the linearity of its seemingly endless power delivery.”
“The Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 represents a significant return to form for Ferrari, particularly after the SF90 left us somewhat underwhelmed last year,” stated Peter Tomalin, editor of evo. “The Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 is far more successful because its technical sophistication, especially the integration of its hybrid technology, feels far more natural and significantly less intrusive.” Gallagher concurred, “Ferrari has taken so much from the SF90, learned from that car, and distilled it into a series-production model that stands as one of its very finest.”
Price and The Competitive Horizon:
When a vehicle is so densely packed with advanced technology, there’s always a risk that it might become less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment we experienced with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power, proved somewhat unnerving in its less predictable driving characteristics.
However, the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 charts a different course. Its performance at the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards, securing a joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, highlighted its remarkable cohesion. It strikes an exceptional balance between sheer power and engaging dynamics, effectively redefining the £250,000-ish supercar segment. Rumors of a Versione Speciale variant, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity, are circulating for the coming year. The hope is that the standard Ferrari 296 GTB 2025’s inherently natural and intuitive feel will be preserved.
It is precisely this aspect of the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025’s character that we hope Lamborghini has meticulously addressed in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an astronomical figure for a series-production supercar, one that can easily overwhelm the chassis if not perfectly resolved. If Lamborghini has indeed achieved this delicate balance – and the sheer brilliance of the Revuelto offers strong grounds for optimism – then the automotive world is poised for an epic 1700bhp twin test.
Alternatively, we could witness a colossal 2400bhp triple threat, including the McLaren 750S. Describing the 740bhp McLaren as the “minnow” of this elite group now seems almost absurd. However, it compensates with a remarkably svelte 1389kg kerb weight, delivering a formidable power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw character, ergonomic perfection, razor-sharp steering, and sublime chassis control continue to set it apart from the comparatively more detached feel of the Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 Specifications:
Engine: 2992cc, twin-turbocharged V6, plus electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch, active E-diff
Combined Power: 819bhp @ 8000rpm
Combined Torque: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Price: Starting from £250,000+
The Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 isn’t just a car; it’s a statement. It represents the apex of hybrid supercar evolution, a machine that harmonizes raw power with surgical precision and an engaging driving experience. As the automotive world continues its electrifying trajectory, the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 stands as a beacon, challenging the status quo and inviting enthusiasts to experience the future of performance today.
Are you ready to experience the revolution? Explore the possibilities and discover how the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 can elevate your driving passion. Contact your local Ferrari dealership to learn more about test drives and exclusive ownership opportunities.
