2025 Ferrari 296 GTB Review: The Hybrid Benchmark Facing the Lamborghini Temerario Storm
For decades, the formula was simple: if you wanted the quintessential mid-engine Ferrari experience, you bought
the V8. From the F355 to the 458 Italia and eventually the F8 Tributo, that lineage seemed unbreakable. But the automotive landscape in 2025 is a different beast entirely. We are deep in the era of electrification, and Maranello has responded not with hesitation, but with a technical knockout.
Welcome to our comprehensive Ferrari 296 GTB review, where we dissect a car that fundamentally rewrote the supercar rulebook upon its arrival and continues to set the pace today. However, the context has shifted. When the 296 GTB first landed, it was fighting aging rivals. Now, it faces a fresh nightmare from Sant’Agata: the 900+ horsepower, 10,000 RPM Lamborghini Temerario.
After spending extensive time with the 296 GTB on American highways and technical racetracks, one thing remains clear: Ferrari didn’t just build a hybrid to satisfy emissions; they built one to terrify physics.
The “Piccolo V12”: Engineering a Masterpiece
To understand this car, you have to look past the cylinder count. For years, purists worried that downsizing to a V6 would dilute the soul of the Prancing Horse. Those worries vanish the moment you press the starter button.
The heart of the 296 GTB is a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 with a massive 120-degree angle between the cylinder banks. This “hot-vee” configuration places the turbos inside the V, lowering the center of gravity and drastically reducing turbo lag. Ferrari engineers affectionately call this engine the “piccolo V12” (little V12), and it is not marketing fluff. Because of the firing order and the equal-length exhaust headers, the acoustic frequency mimics a naturally aspirated V12 as it screams toward its 8,500 RPM redline.
Alone, this internal combustion engine produces 654 horsepower—a record specific output for a production car. But the magic lies in the “sandwich” layer between the engine and the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission: the MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit-Kinetic).
This electric motor adds 165 horsepower, bringing the total system output to a staggering 819 horsepower. During our Ferrari 296 GTB review drives, the integration of these two power sources proved seamless. The electric motor fills the torque gaps at low RPMs, providing instant, neck-snapping throttle response while the turbos spool up. It is a powertrain that feels naturally aspirated in its linearity but turbocharged in its ferocity.
Design and Aerodynamics: The Cleanest Ferrari in Years
Visually, the 296 GTB is a triumph of reduction. Unlike the aggressive, vent-heavy design of the SF90 Stradale or the Honda-esque vents of the FK8 Civic Type R, the 296 returns to the purity of the 1960s. The design team clearly drew heavy inspiration from the legendary 250 LM, specifically in the rear haunches and the B-pillar buttresses.
The aero trickery is hidden. There are no massive fixed wings disrupting the silhouette. Instead, Ferrari employs an active rear spoiler tucked into the tail. Known as the “tea tray,” this element deploys primarily to generate downforce—up to 794 lbs at 155 mph when equipped with the Assetto Fiorano package—rather than just reducing drag.
Cooling is managed through “hot tube” ducting inside the engine bay and the sleek intakes on the flanks. The result is a car that looks elegant parked in front of a Beverly Hills hotel yet functions as a precision weapon on the track. For owners concerned about keeping this aesthetic pristine, investing in high-quality paint protection film (PPF) and ceramic coating services is practically mandatory given the low, vulnerable nose.
Interior and Technology: The Haptic Debate
If there is a contentious point in any modern Ferrari 296 GTB review, it is the cabin interface. Ferrari has gone all-in on digital controls, removing almost every physical button in favor of capacitive touch switches.
The driver’s binnacle is a fully digital, curved 16-inch HD screen. It is sharp, responsive, and highly configurable. You can view navigation, media, or a giant central tachometer. However, the steering wheel controls can be frustrating. The haptic touchpads for starting the engine, adjusting mirrors, and controlling audio lack the tactile reassurance of mechanical switchgear. While you eventually build muscle memory, accidentally skipping a track or struggling to activate the nose-lift system while maneuvering into a steep driveway remains a valid complaint.
On the positive side, the seating position is perfection. You sit low, creating a connection with the chassis that feels intimate. The cabin materials are exquisite, with options for carbon fiber, Alcantara, and Italian leather covering every surface. For those financing a supercar of this caliber, the ability to customize the interior stitching and materials is a significant part of the value proposition.
The Driving Experience: Electrified Sorcery
Starting the 296 GTB is a unique experience. By default, it starts in “eDrives” mode—silence. You can glide out of your neighborhood on pure electric power for up to 15 miles. For early morning departures, this keeps you in good standing with the HOA.
Switching the Manettino dial to “Hybrid” brings the V6 to life when needed. But the real personality of the car emerges in “Performance” and “Qualify” modes. This is where the 296 GTB cements its status as an industry icon.
The car’s wheelbase is 50mm shorter than the F8 Tributo, earning it the internal nickname “short wheelbase berlinetta.” On the road, this translates to agility that borders on telepathic. The steering is light—lighter than you might expect—but incredibly fast. The front end bites into corners with a ferocity that makes the McLaren Artura feel slightly hesitant by comparison.
Because the V6 engine is lighter and sits lower than the old V8, the center of gravity is rock bottom. The 296 pivots around your hips. When you push hard on a canyon road, the “brake-by-wire” system provides consistent pedal feel, blending regenerative braking with the massive carbon-ceramic rotors seamlessly.
Crucially, the electronic aids are smarter than ever. The new 6-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor (6w-CDS) talks to the ABS Evo controller. It estimates grip levels at all four corners instantly. This allows you to trail-brake deep into corners without the ABS intervening prematurely, a feature that will make amateur track day enthusiasts look like seasoned pros.
The Assetto Fiorano Package: Necessary or Overkill?
For buyers obsessed with track performance, Ferrari offers the Assetto Fiorano package. This is not just a trim level; it is a hardware transformation. It swaps the standard adaptive magnetorheological dampers for fixed-rate Multimatic spool-valve dampers—technology derived directly from GT racing.
The package also includes carbon fiber appendages on the front bumper for extra downforce, a Lexan rear window to save weight, and extensive use of titanium springs and carbon interior panels. All told, it shaves about 26 lbs off the car.
Is it worth the premium? If you plan to spend your weekends at Circuit of the Americas or Laguna Seca, absolutely. The Multimatic dampers offer body control that is simply unshakeable. However, for a primarily street-driven car, the standard setup is far more compliant over broken pavement and expansion joints. Furthermore, replacing the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires that come with this package can be a frequent and costly exercise, making the standard Pilot Sport 4S rubber a better choice for daily driving.
The Rivalry: Ferrari 296 GTB vs. Lamborghini Temerario
This is the question on every enthusiast’s mind. For the last two years, the Ferrari 296 GTB review verdict has been unanimous: it is the king of the segment. It effortlessly dispatched the McLaren Artura and held the high ground against the outgoing Lamborghini Huracán.
But the Lamborghini Temerario is a different animal. With a twin-turbo V8 revving to 10,000 RPM and three electric motors, the Temerario pushes north of 900 horsepower. It is Lamborghini’s direct answer to the 296.
The Lamborghini leans into theatricality—higher revs, more aggressive styling, and all-wheel drive traction. The Ferrari, by contrast, remains rear-wheel drive. This makes the 296 GTB feel more “pure” and playful at the limit. The Ferrari challenges you to manage traction, whereas the Lamborghini will likely aim to crush the tarmac into submission.
While the Temerario wins the horsepower war on paper, the Ferrari 296 GTB wins on agility and compactness. The short wheelbase and lighter front end of the Ferrari offer a delicacy that the heavier, AWD Lamborghini may struggle to replicate. We are looking at a battle of philosophies: Maranello’s precision versus Sant’Agata’s brute force.
Ownership Realities: Costs and Practicality
Let’s talk numbers. The base price of the 296 GTB hovers around $340,000 in the US market, but virtually no car leaves the dealer floor under $400,000 once options are added. When you factor in the Assetto Fiorano package and carbon fiber wheels, you are approaching the half-million-dollar mark.
For those looking into luxury car leasing or exotic car financing, the 296 GTB holds its value exceptionally well, a trait typical of modern Ferraris. The waitlists are long, keeping residuals high.
Maintenance is another strong point for Ferrari. The car comes with a 7-year genuine maintenance program, covering all standard services. This is a massive value add compared to McLaren or Lamborghini, where annual services can run into the thousands. However, consumables like tires and brake pads are on the owner. Given the performance, expect to budget for high-performance tire replacement every 3,000 to 5,000 miles if you drive spiritedly.
Insurance is another factor. Securing supercar insurance for a hybrid vehicle with this level of performance requires a specialized broker. Premiums will vary wildly based on location, age, and driving history, but expect costs to rival that of a small sedan’s purchase price annually.
Verdict: The New Standard
The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB is not just a great Ferrari; it is one of the greatest sports cars ever made. It successfully bridges the gap between the analog past and the digital future. It proves that a hybrid system can enhance, rather than dull, the driving experience.
While the infotainment can be irksome and the capacitive buttons frustrating, these flaws fade into the background the moment the V6 hits 8,000 RPM. The chassis balance is sublime, the power is overwhelming yet manageable, and the design will age gracefully.
The Lamborghini Temerario has arrived to challenge the throne, bringing more cylinders and more horsepower. But it will have to be a truly transcendental machine to unseat the 296. Ferrari has set the bar in the stratosphere.
Pros:
Powertrain integration is flawless.
Agility and steering response are best-in-class.
7-year maintenance program included.
Stunning, timeless design.
Cons:
Capacitive touch interior controls are finicky.
Brake pedal feel requires acclimation (due to regen).
Assetto Fiorano pack is too harsh for rough US roads.
Ready to Experience the Pinnacle?
Reading about the 296 GTB is one thing; feeling the 819-horsepower surge is another. If you are ready to explore the pinnacle of Italian engineering, or if you need to discuss exotic car financing options to make this dream a reality, the next step is behind the wheel.
Contact your local Ferrari dealer today to schedule a consultation and secure your allocation before the waitlist extends further.