Ferrari 296 GTB Review: Can Maranello’s V6 Hybrid Hold Off the Lamborghini Temerario in 2025?
When the Ferrari 296 GTB first landed, it marked a seismic shift in the automotive landscape. We weren’t j
ust witnessing the downsizing of an engine; we were watching the recalibration of a legend. Moving from the beloved twin-turbo V8 to a V6 plug-in hybrid architecture seemed like a gamble to the purists. Yet, here we are in 2025, and the conversation has shifted entirely. The question is no longer whether a V6 is “Ferrari enough.” The question is whether the upcoming 903-horsepower Lamborghini Temerario has what it takes to dethrone the reigning king of the mid-engine hybrid supercar segment.
having spent the better part of a decade analyzing high-performance machinery, from the raw analog feel of the 458 Italia to the tech-heavy SF90 Stradale, I can tell you that the Ferrari 296 GTB is not just a stepping stone to electrification. It is, perhaps, the most cohesive driver’s car Maranello has produced in twenty years.
The Heart of the Matter: The “Piccolo V12”
To understand why the Ferrari 296 GTB commands such respect, you have to look past the cylinder count. This is the first Ferrari road car to carry a V6 badge (the Dino, famously, never wore the Prancing Horse), but this 120-degree “hot-vee” configuration is a masterpiece of engineering. By placing the turbochargers inside the V of the engine, Ferrari drastically reduced the center of gravity and eliminated turbo lag.
The internal combustion engine alone produces 654 horsepower—a record for specific output per liter upon its release. When paired with the rear-mounted electric motor, the total system output hits a staggering 819 horsepower. But numbers only tell part of the story.
The sound is what captivates you. Ferrari engineers dubbed this engine the “piccolo V12” (little V12) during development, and it wasn’t marketing fluff. As you chase the 8,500 rpm redline, the harmonics scream with a metallic, soulful wail that feels miles away from the muffled, bass-heavy thrum of competitors.
However, the shadow of the Lamborghini Temerario looms large. With Sant’Agata promising a 10,000 rpm redline from its new V8 hybrid, the Ferrari 296 GTB faces its stiffest competition yet. While the Lamborghini chases top-end hysteria, the Ferrari counters with immediate, electrified torque fill that makes the car feel weightless coming out of corners.
Design and Aerodynamics: Function Meets 250 LM Heritage
Visually, the Ferrari 296 GTB is a triumph of reduction. Unlike the aggressive, vented aesthetic of the track-focused 488 Pista, the 296 returns to cleaner, more sensual lines inspired by the 1960s 250 LM. The B-pillar design, the rear haunches, and the vertical rear window are pure automotive sculpture.
But don’t let the beauty fool you; the aero is active and aggressive. The “tea tray” front splitter channels air underneath the car, while the active rear spoiler—borrowed from the LaFerrari—deploys to generate high-downforce rather than just reducing drag. At 155 mph, the car generates nearly 800 lbs of downforce.
For owners in sunny climates like Florida or Southern California, preserving this aesthetic is paramount. We are seeing a massive uptick in owners investing in premium ceramic coating for supercars and Paint Protection Film (PPF) immediately upon delivery. Given the resale value of hybrid Ferraris, protecting that complex paintwork is a financial necessity as much as an aesthetic one.
The Driving Experience: Digital Brain, Analog Soul
The brilliance of the Ferrari 296 GTB lies in its wheelbase. By shortening the wheelbase by nearly 2 inches compared to the F8 Tributo, Ferrari created a car with “go-kart” agility. It rotates around your hips in a way that feels telepathic.
This agility is managed by the 6w-CDS (Six-Way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). In plain English, this is the car’s inner ear. It detects acceleration and rotation on three axes, feeding data to the ABS Evo and traction control systems.
I’ve driven this car on the tight technical sections of the Angeles Crest Highway and the sweeping straights of Circuit of the Americas (COTA). The brake-by-wire system, often a point of contention in hybrids, is indistinguishable from a hydraulic setup. The “ABS Evo” allows you to trail-brake deep into a hairpin with zero lock-up, letting the rear end pivot just enough to point the nose at the apex.
In “Qualifying” mode, the electric motor dumps everything it has, masking any hint of turbo lag. It’s a relentless shove that pins you to the carbon-fiber seats. Yet, flip the Manettino to “eDrive,” and you can glide silently through Beverly Hills or downtown Miami for up to 15 miles—a feature that not only future-proofs the car against emission zones but adds a layer of stealth to the exotic car ownership experience.
Assetto Fiorano: Is the Upgrade Necessary?
For the dedicated track enthusiast, Ferrari offers the Assetto Fiorano package. This sheds about 26 lbs via extensive use of carbon fiber and titanium springs. Crucially, it swaps the standard magnetorheological dampers for fixed-rate Multimatic spool-valve dampers, derived from GT racing.
The ride is stiffer, undeniably. On imperfect American highways, you will feel the difference. However, if you plan on attending track day experiences in the USA, the added control and the optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires transform the Ferrari 296 GTB into a lap-time weapon.
From an investment standpoint, Assetto Fiorano cars tend to hold value slightly better, a factor worth considering when looking at exotic car finance options. Speaking of finance, with interest rates fluctuating in 2025, securing a solid supercar leasing deal has become a popular route for enthusiasts who want to rotate into the next big thing—perhaps that incoming Lamborghini—without taking the full depreciation hit.
Interior and Technology: The Haptic Debate
If there is an Achilles heel to the Ferrari 296 GTB, it is the Human Machine Interface (HMI). Ferrari has gone all-in on capacitive touch controls on the steering wheel. While it looks sleek when the car is off, in practice, it lacks the tactile satisfaction of physical buttons. Trying to swipe through menus while bouncing over curbing at 100 mph can be frustrating.
However, the digital instrument cluster is razor-sharp, putting the rev counter front and center where it belongs. The passenger display (an option) keeps your co-pilot engaged, showing them exactly how fast you’re breaking the speed limit.
The cabin is intimate, utilizing high-quality Italian leather and Alcantara. It feels more modern than the Huracán and more “occasion” than the McLaren Artura. It’s a cockpit designed for serious work, even if the infotainment requires a learning curve.
The Rivalry: 296 GTB vs. Lamborghini Temerario vs. McLaren 750S
The supercar market in 2025 is a battlefield.
Lamborghini Temerario: The new challenger. It boasts a V8 hybrid with 903 horsepower and a 10,000 rpm redline. It is louder, more aggressive, and undeniably faster in a straight line. However, Lamborghini often prioritizes theater over precision. The Ferrari 296 GTB is likely to remain the sharper, more delicate instrument for the driver who values feedback over brute force.
McLaren 750S: The last guard of the non-hybrids. It’s lighter than the Ferrari and offers arguably better steering feel (hydraulic vs. electric). But it lacks the torque-fill of the hybrid system and feels a generation behind in tech.
McLaren Artura: The direct rival on paper, but in reality, it sits a tier below in terms of power and price. It’s a fantastic entry point, but it lacks the drama of the Ferrari engine.
Ownership Costs and Market Outlook
Owning a Ferrari 296 GTB is a significant financial commitment. Beyond the sticker price (often pushing $350,000 – $400,000 with options), prospective owners must consider supercar insurance costs, which have risen alongside vehicle values. Insuring a high-voltage hybrid supercar requires specialized policies, especially given the replacement cost of the battery packs.
Maintenance, thankfully, is aided by Ferrari’s 7-year genuine maintenance program, which covers standard servicing. This is a massive value add compared to McLaren or Lamborghini and helps stabilize the used Ferrari 296 GTB prices.
For those looking to enter the market, working with reputable exotic car dealers in Los Angeles, Miami, or New York is crucial. The allocation game is fierce, and building a relationship with a dealer is often the only way to secure a build slot for the upcoming “Versione Speciale” or spider variants.
Verdict: The Benchmark Remains
The Ferrari 296 GTB is a future classic. It bridged the gap between the combustion past and the electric future without losing the soul of the brand. It proves that a V6 can be exotic, that a hybrid can be light on its feet, and that technology can enhance, rather than dilute, the driving experience.
Lamborghini’s Temerario has a massive hill to climb. It may bring more power, and it may scream louder, but matching the organic, cohesive brilliance of the 296’s chassis will be its true test.
For now, the Ferrari 296 GTB remains the car to beat. It is a machine that begs to be driven hard, rewarding the skilled pilot with a level of intimacy that was previously the domain of analog classics.
Are you ready to experience the pinnacle of hybrid performance?
Whether you are looking to configure a new build, find a pristine pre-owned example, or simply want to get behind the wheel for a weekend, the time to act is now before the market shifts again.
[Contact your local Ferrari specialist today to schedule your consultation]
