2025 Ferrari 296 GTB Review: Can It Hold the Crown Against the Lamborghini Temerario?
The landscape of the exotic automotive world is shifting beneath our feet. For decades, the formula was simple: mo
re cylinders, more noise, more displacement. But as we move deeper into 2025, the rules of engagement have changed. Maranello’s pivot to the “piccolo V12″—their affectionate term for the 120-degree V6—wasn’t just a regulatory compliance move; it was a line in the sand. Having spent considerable time tracking the evolution of mid-engine supercars over the last decade, I can tell you that the Ferrari 296 GTB review process is no longer just about 0-60 times. It is about soul in the electric era.
The 296 GTB has been with us for a couple of years, redefining what a “baby Ferrari” can be. But the water is getting hotter. The V10 era at Sant’Agata is dead, and the incoming Lamborghini Temerario is bringing a 10,000-rpm, 900+ horsepower hybrid V8 to the fight. Does the V6 Ferrari still have the punch to reign supreme?
The Powertrain: Why 6 Cylinders Are Enough
Let’s address the elephant in the room immediately. When this car launched, purists wept over the loss of the award-winning twin-turbo V8 found in the F8 Tributo. They shouldn’t have.
The heart of the 296 GTB is a masterclass in packaging and thermal efficiency. It is the first Ferrari road car to feature a 120-degree “hot-vee” V6 turbo layout. By widening the angle of the cylinder banks, Ferrari’s engineers lowered the center of gravity and created space to nest the turbochargers directly inside the V. This reduces plumbing length to the intake, virtually eliminating turbo lag.
On its own, this internal combustion engine churns out 654 horsepower. That is a specific output of 218 hp per liter—a record-breaking figure for a production car. But the magic happens when you introduce the MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit-Kinetic) sandwiched between the engine and the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.
This electric motor adds 165 horsepower, bringing the total system output to a staggering 819 horsepower.
When you floor it, the electric motor provides “torque fill,” instant shove that bridges the gap while the turbos spool. The result is a power curve that feels naturally aspirated but hits like a sledgehammer. The soundtrack is surprisingly high-pitched and melodic, screaming toward an 8,500-rpm redline. It doesn’t rumble like an American V8; it sings like a banshee.
Hybrid Efficiency Meets Supercar Performance
We aren’t discussing Toyota Priuses here, but the plug-in hybrid aspect matters. The 7.45 kWh battery pack located behind the seats offers about 15 miles of all-electric range. It sounds trivial, but gliding silently out of your neighborhood or through a strict noise-ordinance zone in a bright red Ferrari is a unique flex.
However, prospective owners looking into exotic car leasing or financing should understand that this hybrid system is performance-first. The battery drains quickly during track use but recharges aggressively under braking.
Design and Aerodynamics: The 250 LM Reborn
Visually, the 296 GTB is a departure from the aggressive, slashed-vent styling of the previous decade. It is smooth, organic, and deeply indebted to the legendary 250 LM of the 1960s. The rear fenders swell voluptuously, the B-pillar design is a flying buttress masterpiece, and the “visor” style windshield wraps around the cabin.
But don’t let the beauty fool you; the aero is active and aggressive. The headline feature is the active rear spoiler inspired by the LaFerrari. Unlike most cars where the wing pops up to reduce drag, the 296’s spoiler deploys to increase downforce, generating up to 794 lbs of pressure at 155 mph when equipped with the Assetto Fiorano package.
Cooling is handled by two radiators in the nose and condensers for the high-voltage battery. The hot air is channeled underneath the car, keeping the airflow along the flanks cool for the intercoolers. It’s functional art.
The Drive: Handling and Dynamics
In my Ferrari 296 GTB review drives, one thing became crystal clear: this car shrinks around you.
The wheelbase is nearly 2 inches shorter than the F8 Tributo. Combined with the low center of gravity from that wide V6, the agility is borderline telepathic. Ferrari utilizes a six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor (6w-CDS) that measures acceleration and rotation on X, Y, and Z axes. It feeds data to the ABS Evo controller and the electronic differential.
What does that mean in English? It means you can trail-brake deep into a corner, and the car’s brain manages the grip at each tire individually to rotate the car without spinning it.
The steering is light—typical for modern Ferraris—but hyper-fast. The front end bites instantly. Because the V6 engine is lighter than the old V8, the nose feels less burdened. You think about the apex, and the car is already there.
The “Fun to Drive” Factor
Ferrari’s product presentation explicitly stated their goal was to make this car “fun to drive.” They succeeded. In ‘Race’ mode, the electronics allow a safe degree of slip. You can slide the tail out on exit, feeling like a hero, while the Side Slip Control system quietly ensures you don’t end up in a ditch.
Compared to the McLaren Artura, the Ferrari feels more manic, more alive. The McLaren is a precision scalpel; the Ferrari is a scalpel that’s on fire.
Interior and Technology: The Digital Cockpit
If there is a contentious point in this Ferrari 296 GTB review, it is the interior interface. Ferrari has gone all-in on capacitive touch controls, mirroring the flagship SF90 Stradale.
Gone is the iconic central analog tachometer, replaced by a massive 16-inch curved digital display. While the graphics are crisp and the configurability is high, the touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel are frustrating. You will accidentally change the radio station or view when trying to navigate a corner. The haptic feedback is there, but it lacks the tactile certainty of a physical button.
The passenger gets their own slim display to view speed and RPM (designed to terrify them), and the materials are, as expected, exquisite. Leather, Alcantara, and carbon fiber cover every surface.
For those in the US market, finding a Ferrari dealership that can help you spec the interior is crucial. The sheer number of options—from carbon bucket seats to colored stitching—can drastically change the comfort level and resale value of the vehicle.
The Assetto Fiorano Package: Is It Worth It?
For the hardcore enthusiasts, Ferrari offers the Assetto Fiorano package. This is not just a trim level; it is a hardware upgrade.
Key inclusions:
Multimatic adjustable dampers (derived from GT racing).
Carbon fiber appendages on the front bumper for extra downforce.
Lightweight Lexan rear window.
Carbon fiber interior door panels.
Optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires.
Overall weight saving of roughly 26-33 lbs.
The ride with the Multimatic dampers is stiffer. On smooth US highways or tracks like COTA or Laguna Seca, it is sublime. On broken city pavement in Los Angeles or New York, it can be punishing. If you plan to drive this car daily, skip the Assetto Fiorano. If you are chasing lap times and looking for maximum supercar financing value retention, the package is a must-have.
The Competition: The Lamborghini Temerario Threat
This is where the narrative for 2025 gets interesting. For two years, the 296 GTB’s main rival was the McLaren Artura (V6 Hybrid) and the Huracán (V10). The Ferrari walked away from the McLaren on power and drama, and simply out-teched the aging Huracán.
But the Lamborghini Temerario is a different beast. Lamborghini has opted for a twin-turbo V8 paired with three electric motors, pushing output over 900 horsepower and revving to 10,000 RPM.
The Ferrari 296 GTB review verdict has to account for this. The Ferrari makes 819 hp; the Lambo makes 907 hp. The Lambo has AWD; the Ferrari is RWD.
However, horsepower wars have diminishing returns. The Ferrari 296 GTB weighs in around 3,240 lbs (dry). The Lamborghini, with its extra motor and cylinders, is heavier. The Ferrari relies on chassis balance and that short wheelbase for agility. It is the sharper, more “driver-focused” tool, whereas the Temerario is shaping up to be a brute-force missile.
Ownership Costs and Market Reality
Let’s talk money. The base price sits around $340,000 in the US, but no one buys a base Ferrari. With options, most specs land between $400,000 and $500,000.
Exotic car insurance is a significant factor here. Insuring a half-million-dollar hybrid supercar requires specialized carriers. Premiums can range wildly based on location and driving history, often exceeding $10,000 annually.
Furthermore, maintenance on high-voltage hybrids is complex. While Ferrari offers a 7-year maintenance program (a massive selling point), out-of-warranty repairs on the hybrid system or the high-performance brake upgrades (carbon ceramics are standard) will be costly.
Those looking for luxury auto leasing deals might find the 296 GTB holds its residual value better than the McLaren Artura, largely due to the badge and the general acclaim for the V6 engine’s reliability thus far.
2025 Verdict: Still the King?
After living with the 296 GTB, driving it in anger on the track, and navigating traffic on the highway, my conclusion is steadfast.
Ferrari has achieved the impossible: they made a hybrid V6 feel more emotional than many V8s. The integration of the electric motor is seamless—it enhances the engine rather than masking it. The chassis balance is the best in its class, offering a playfulness that the clinical McLaren 750S lacks and a sophistication that the old Huracán couldn’t match.
The Lamborghini Temerario will undoubtedly be faster in a straight line. It will be louder. But will it be sweeter to drive? That remains to be seen.
For now, the Ferrari 296 GTB review stands as a testament to Maranello’s engineering prowess. It is not just a great hybrid; it is one of the greatest mid-engine sports cars of the last twenty years. It bridges the gap between the analog past and the electric future without losing the soul of the Prancing Horse.
Technical Specifications Breakdown
Engine: 3.0L Twin-Turbo 120-degree V6
Electric Motor: Rear-mounted MGU-K
Total Power: 819 hp @ 8,000 rpm
Total Torque: 546 lb-ft @ 6,250 rpm
Transmission: 8-Speed F1 Dual-Clutch
0-60 mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: >205 mph
Dry Weight: 3,241 lbs
EV Range: 15 miles
What’s Next?
The supercar market is volatile, and inventory for the 296 GTB is tight. If you are considering making the jump into Maranello’s finest V6, or if you want to compare it directly against the incoming Lamborghini, you need to act now.
Ready to experience the 819-horsepower rush for yourself? Contact your local luxury automotive group today to schedule a consultation or check availability for exotic car leasing options in your area.
