2025 Ferrari 296 GTB Review: Why Maranello’s V6 Hybrid Still Rules the Road
In the constantly shifting landscape of high-performance automotive engineering, being “first” is often less important than
being “best.” However, with the Ferrari 296 GTB, the engineers at Maranello managed to be both early to the party and spectacularly effective. Having spent over a decade testing the world’s most capable machinery—from naturally aspirated V12s to silent electric hypercars—I have seen the industry undergo massive upheavals. Yet, few shifts have been as controversial, or as ultimately successful, as Ferrari’s pivot to the V6 hybrid architecture.
As we move deeper into 2025, the supercar segment is bracing for a seismic clash. The upcoming Lamborghini Temerario, boasting a screaming 10,000-rpm V8 hybrid setup, is poised to challenge Ferrari’s dominance. But after revisiting the Ferrari 296 GTB, it is clear that the “Prancing Horse” has set a dynamic benchmark so high that even its fiercest rivals from Sant’Agata will struggle to clear it. This isn’t just a review of a spec sheet; it is a deep dive into why this plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) remains the most engaging driver’s car of the modern era.
The Engineering Revolution: The “Piccolo V12”
To understand the brilliance of the Ferrari 296 GTB, you have to look past the cylinder count. When this car debuted, purists scoffed at the idea of a V6 replacing the award-winning twin-turbo V8 found in the F8 Tributo. Those concerns evaporated the moment the engine fired up.
This isn’t a borrowed Alfa Romeo unit or a Maserati engine; it is a bespoke, 120-degree “hot-vee” 3.0-liter V6. By widening the cylinder bank angle to 120 degrees, Ferrari lowered the center of gravity and created space to nest the turbochargers directly inside the V. This reduces plumbing length, sharpens throttle response, and creates a compact package that fundamentally alters the car’s balance.
But the real magic lies in the harmonics. Ferrari engineers dubbed this engine the “piccolo V12” (little V12) during development, and the moniker is earned. The exhaust note is less bass-heavy than the old V8s, singing with a high-frequency tenor that screams toward an 8,500-rpm redline. In a world where luxury car insurance rates are often dictated by safety tech, the 296 GTB reminds us that the primary safety feature of a Ferrari is the visceral connection between car and driver.
The internal combustion engine produces 654 hp on its own—a specific output record for a production car. However, sandwiched between the engine and the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission is an electric motor derived from Formula 1 tech, contributing an additional 165 hp. The total system output? A staggering 818 hp (830 cv).
Hybridization for Speed, Not Just Sustainability
The integration of the electric motor in the Ferrari 296 GTB is seamless, a feat that many manufacturers are still trying to replicate. Unlike the older SF90 Stradale, which uses front-mounted motors for all-wheel drive, the 296 GTB remains strictly rear-wheel drive. This decision was crucial for maintaining the car’s pure, agile handling characteristics.
The electric motor acts as a “torque fill” mechanism. Turbochargers, by nature, need a split second to spool up. In the 296, the electric motor slams instant torque into the drivetrain the millisecond you touch the pedal, bridging the gap until the turbos are singing. The result is zero lag. It feels naturally aspirated in its response but turbocharged in its mid-range punch.
While the car does offer an all-electric mode with a range of roughly 15 miles—perfect for sneaking out of your subdivision without waking the neighbors—the battery is small (7.45 kWh). It is designed for rapid deployment and regeneration of energy, not for cross-country EV touring. For those looking into exotic car financing, understanding that this is a performance hybrid, not an efficiency hybrid, is key to appreciating its value.
Dynamics and Handling: The “Fun to Drive” Philosophy
Ferrari’s marketing team explicitly stated that the goal of the Ferrari 296 GTB was to be “fun to drive.” That sounds like a cliché, but in the context of modern supercars chasing lap times at the expense of engagement, it was a necessary pivot.
The wheelbase is 50mm shorter than the F8 Tributo. Combined with the low center of gravity from the 120-degree V6, the car changes direction with telepathic immediacy. This agility is managed by the 6w-CDS (Chassis Dynamic Sensor), a six-way sensor that measures acceleration and rotation speed on three axes.
This sensor feeds data into the ABS-evo controller. If you are a track enthusiast, this is a game-changer. It allows you to trail brake deep into corners with the ABS system managing grip at the tire’s limit with imperceptible adjustments. You don’t feel the pedal pulsing; you just feel the car rotating and gripping. It inspires a level of confidence that tempts you to push harder than you ever thought possible in a rear-wheel-drive car with over 800 horsepower.
The steering is classic modern Ferrari: incredibly fast and light. While some journalists prefer the heavier hydraulic racks of the past (or McLaren’s current setup), the 296’s steering matches its hyper-agile chassis perfectly. Small inputs yield massive results, making the car feel like an extension of your nervous system.
The Assetto Fiorano Package: Necessary Upgrade or Overkill?
For buyers configuring their Ferrari 296 GTB, the biggest question is whether to tick the box for the Assetto Fiorano package. This track-oriented option sheds weight (roughly 26-33 lbs depending on options) through extensive use of carbon fiber and titanium. It also includes passive Multimatic dampers—derived from GT racing—and high-downforce carbon fiber appendages on the front bumper.
If you plan to track the car, the Assetto Fiorano pack is a must. The Multimatic dampers offer superior body control during high-G cornering. However, for a primarily street-driven car in the US, where road quality varies from glass-smooth Florida highways to potholed Northeast interstates, the standard adaptive magnetorheological dampers are the better choice. They offer a “Bumpy Road” mode that makes the Ferrari 296 GTB surprisingly compliant as a daily driver.
Furthermore, the Assetto Fiorano package allows for the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires. These are essentially qualifying slicks with grooves cut in them. They offer immense grip when warm but can be sketchy in the rain or cold. Most US drivers will be happier with the standard Pilot Sport 4S rubber, which offers incredible performance with much better longevity and wet-weather safety.
Interior and Technology: A Digital Cockpit
Stepping inside the Ferrari 296 GTB, you are greeted by a cabin that mirrors the SF90’s digital-first philosophy. The central tachometer is gone, replaced by a massive 16-inch curved digital display. While the graphics are crisp and the configurability is impressive, the reliance on capacitive touch buttons on the steering wheel remains a point of contention.
Operating the turn signals, lights, and wipers from the steering wheel is standard Ferrari practice, but the touch-sensitive pads for audio control and the start/stop button lack the tactile satisfaction of mechanical switches. It takes some muscle memory to operate them without looking down.
However, the passenger display continues to be a crowd-pleaser, allowing your co-pilot to view speed, RPM, and gear selection, terrorizing them in real-time. The seating position is perfect—low, centered, and offering excellent visibility over the low front fenders.
For those concerned about practicality, the “frunk” (front trunk) is capable of holding two carry-on bags, making the Ferrari 296 GTB a viable weekend getaway car. Just don’t expect to haul golf clubs; that’s what the Purosangue is for.
The Rivalry: 296 GTB vs. Lamborghini Temerario vs. McLaren Artura
The context of 2025 is vital. The Ferrari 296 GTB is no longer the new kid on the block. It faces stiff competition.
Lamborghini Temerario: The replacement for the Huracán is ditching the V10 for a twin-turbo V8 hybrid that revs to 10,000 RPM. On paper, it promises more drama. However, Lamborghini’s all-wheel-drive systems often result in a car that feels heavier and more “planted,” whereas the Ferrari feels light and playful on its toes. The rivalry will likely come down to preference: the surgical precision of the Ferrari or the brute force theatre of the Lamborghini.
McLaren Artura / 750S: The Artura was McLaren’s direct answer to the 296, utilizing a similar V6 hybrid layout. While the Artura is a fantastic chassis, the Ferrari 296 GTB simply outguns it in power and emotional engine character. The McLaren 750S, however, sticks to the V8 formula without hybridization. It is lighter and offers better steering feel, but it lacks the instant torque-fill punch that makes the Ferrari so explosive out of corners.
Ownership Costs and Market Analysis
Owning a Ferrari 296 GTB in the US is a significant financial commitment, extending beyond the MSRP which hovers around the $340,000 mark (before options). Speculating on supercars is always risky, but Ferrari’s move to hybrid V6s may actually preserve the value of this model long-term, as it represents the first successful execution of this architecture.
When considering supercar leasing or purchasing, factor in that Ferrari includes a seven-year maintenance program, which covers standard service. This is a massive value add compared to McLaren or Lamborghini. However, consumables like carbon ceramic brakes and tires are not covered. A set of replacement carbon rotors can cost upwards of $20,000, so track insurance and careful inspection of wear is vital.
Insurance premiums for the Ferrari 296 GTB will vary wildly based on location and driving history. Shopping around for specialized luxury auto insurance is mandatory; standard carriers often cap coverage below the replacement value of these vehicles.
Performance by the Numbers
For the data-obsessed, the Ferrari 296 GTB delivers numbers that were hypercar territory just five years ago:
0-60 mph: 2.9 seconds (conservative estimate; real-world testing often sees 2.7s).
Top Speed: >205 mph.
80-120 mph: This is where the hybrid system shines, delivering passing power that feels like being rear-ended by a freight train.
Braking: 124 mph to 0 in 351 feet.
Conclusion: The New Standard
The Ferrari 296 GTB is a masterpiece of integration. It takes disparate technologies—internal combustion, turbocharging, electrification, and brake-by-wire—and melds them into a cohesive experience that feels entirely organic. It doesn’t feel like a computer driving the car; it feels like the car is enhancing your natural abilities.
While the Lamborghini Temerario will undoubtedly be a spectacular machine, it has the unenviable task of trying to dethrone a car that many experts believe is the finest mid-engined road car Ferrari has produced since the 458 Italia. The 296 GTB isn’t just great “for a hybrid.” It is simply one of the greatest sports cars ever made.
Whether you are looking to invest in a future classic or want the ultimate canyon carving weapon, the 296 GTB delivers on every promise.
Ready to experience the pinnacle of Italian engineering? Contact your local Ferrari dealer today to schedule a consultation, or reach out to our recommended luxury financing partners to discuss how to put a 296 GTB in your garage this year.
