Ferrari 296 GTB: The Hybrid Supercar Redefining Performance in 2025
As an industry veteran with a decade immersed in the high-octane world of supercars, I’ve witnessed firsthand the relentless evolution of automotive engineering. Few vehicles embody this progression as profoundly as the Ferrari 296 GTB. While it debuted a couple of years ago, its groundbreaking approach to hybrid performance and its sheer exhilarating capabilities continue to make waves, especially as we look towards 2025 and anticipate formidable rivals like the forthcoming Lamborghini Temerario. The Ferrari 296 GTB review continues to be a benchmark for what a modern supercar can achieve.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a pivotal moment for Maranello’s mid-engined marvel. It boldly eschewed the established twin-turbo V8 formula, opting instead for a sophisticated, electrically augmented twin-turbo V6. This wasn’t merely a powertrain swap; it was a strategic leap into a segment where hybridisation was just beginning to take root. At its launch, the 296 GTB faced established titans: the naturally aspirated V10-powered Lamborghini Huracán, celebrated for its auditory drama and raw charisma, and the potent McLaren 720S, a masterclass in V8 power-to-weight. While the McLaren 750S represents an evolution of that theme, the 903bhp 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid Temerario is unequivocally Lamborghini’s direct riposte to Ferrari’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta, setting the stage for an epic rivalry.
The Ferrari 296 GTB’s performance credentials are, frankly, mind-boggling. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6, seamlessly integrated with an electric motor, drives the rear wheels exclusively, a departure from the more complex AWD setup of the SF90. This potent combination delivers a staggering 819bhp, shattering conventional supercar paradigms and igniting conversations about the future of performance hybrid supercars. It’s easy to become fixated on such colossal power figures and ponder the limits of this escalation – a question that the Ferrari 296 GTB price certainly justifies exploring. But the true magic lies not just in the numbers, but in how this power is delivered and experienced.
This V6 hybrid Ferrari is more than just a technological showcase; it’s a significant milestone. It’s the first V6-powered road-going Ferrari, harkening back to the spirit of the iconic 246 GT Dino, though the Dino never bore the Prancing Horse badge in its era. The 296 GTB also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger layout and, crucially, its plug-in hybrid capability, offering an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles. This electric augmentation is more than just an eco-friendly add-on; it’s an integral part of the driving experience. The compact V6 engine is mounted low in a novel aluminum chassis, with a wheelbase reduced by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, pushing the occupants slightly further forward for a more visceral connection to the road.
The electric motor alone contributes an impressive 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 engine churns out a remarkable 654bhp and 546lb ft. Ferrari, with typical engineering finesse, doesn’t quote a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the electric motor and the internal combustion engine. However, it’s safe to assume this figure is substantial, contributing to the car’s astonishing acceleration. The V6 unit itself is approximately 30kg lighter than Ferrari’s V8 engines and is mated to an ultra-slick eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The battery pack, a long, slender unit, is strategically positioned behind the seats, optimizing weight distribution and enhancing the car’s dynamic balance.
No Ferrari is complete without an array of acronym-laden electronic chassis systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. It features the new six-axis sensor, dubbed 6w-CDS. This advanced system measures acceleration and rotational speeds across the X, Y, and Z planes, effectively replacing traditional yaw sensors. In conjunction with sensors on the steering rack, it provides an unprecedented understanding of driver inputs and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data feeds into systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, maximizing cornering speeds while maintaining exceptional stability and driver confidence. A particularly noteworthy innovation is ABS-evo, available in RACE mode and above. This system, working with the 296’s brake-by-wire setup, not only shortens braking distances but also refines braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers, allowing for a more precise entry into corners. For those seeking the ultimate track day supercars, these advanced dynamics are paramount.
For the first time, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics not to reduce drag, but to generate downforce. The system is quoted to produce 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a significant portion of this generated by a deployable rear wing. The thermal management is equally sophisticated. Two radiators in the front handle engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two condensers for the battery. Hot air is ducted underneath to avoid interfering with the intercoolers located along the car’s flanks. Small apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to brake cooling, while a roofline-integrated wing creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, effectively channeling air to the rear of the car. The majority of the 296’s downforce, however, is generated from beneath the car, with meticulous attention paid to the underbody design, rear diffuser, and ride height to optimize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The Ferrari 296 GTB Assetto Fiorano variant, which we sampled on track, comes equipped with Multimatic dampers derived from GT racing, along with additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements that boost front downforce. Further weight savings are achieved through increased use of carbon fiber in the cabin and exterior, and an optional Lexan rear engine cover shaves off an additional 3kg. For the ultimate grip, the Assetto Fiorano package can be optioned with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, a significant upgrade over the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Visually, the 296 GTB is a striking departure, with design cues that subtly echo the legendary 250LM of the 1960s, creating a machine that is as visually arresting as it is technologically advanced. The new Ferrari supercar aesthetic is undeniably captivating.
Initiating the drive in the Ferrari 296 GTB is a ritual in itself. A double press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by engaging first gear, brings the hybrid powertrain to life. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, utilizing electric power for initial propulsion unless otherwise instructed via the intuitive, albeit sometimes fiddly, haptic controls on the steering wheel boss. With gentle throttle inputs and sufficient battery charge, silent, emissions-free progress through urban landscapes is an unexpectedly serene experience. The damping sophistication ensures a comfortable ride, making it a surprisingly compliant companion for longer journeys, and the ‘frunk’ offers a respectable amount of luggage space, a welcome improvement over the SF90.
But, as we all know, the true allure of a supercar lies in unleashing its full potential. The moment you floor the throttle at low revs in a high gear, the Ferrari 296 GTB surges forward with astonishing immediacy, rendering the very concept of gear selection momentarily irrelevant. Still, the eight gears and the 8500rpm redline of the V6 offer a playground of performance. When fully unleashed, the effect is nothing short of spectacular. The acceleration is the kind that elicits nervous laughter and a firm grip on the wheel, a sensation that is both exhilarating and, dare I say, addictively intense. The soundtrack is equally compelling, a harmonious blend of V6 rasp overlaid with the distinct symphony of turbochargers. This is a truly fastest Ferrari experience.
The agility and responsiveness of the Ferrari 296 GTB’s chassis are truly remarkable. Ferrari’s commitment to making this car “fun to drive” is evident in every nuance. It feels incredibly agile without ever becoming skittish. The steering, typically light and rapid, also communicates crucial road texture and grip information. While the grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable, encouraging playful engagement and eliciting broad grins. Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels considerably lighter, exhibiting a fluidity and lack of inertia that invites the driver to work with it, making small, precise inputs. Engaging CT Off mode provides a thrilling sense of liberation, knowing that a sophisticated electronic safety net remains, but even with all aids deactivated, the inherent balance of the 296 allows for controlled, exhilarating oversteer – a feat almost unthinkable in a car with 819bhp.
On track, the Ferrari 296 GTB possesses an uncanny ability to shrink even the longest straights. It reveals itself as an incredibly sharp instrument. While the power is ample to break traction at numerous points around the lap, the 296 is exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. Precision is key to unlocking its full potential, rewarding the driver with razor-sharp turn-in accuracy and response. The car settles instantly into corners, aided by the Multimatic dampers and the hyper-quick steering, which are beautifully complemented by the increased roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more mature sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal, delivering a joyous experience lap after lap. This is what next-gen supercar technology looks and feels like.
The interior architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to those who have experienced the SF90. The all-digital interface, coupled with haptic touch controls scattered across the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari stalks, presents a learning curve. While comprehensive, offering a wealth of information, the system can occasionally be frustrating, requiring double presses for certain functions or leaving the driver uncertain if an input has been registered. Despite these usability quirks, the cabin undoubtedly exudes a special, focused atmosphere.
In the evo Car of the Year 2022 showdown, the Ferrari 296 GTB narrowly missed out on outright victory, tying for third place with the McLaren Artura. The judges were famously split, with three favouring the Ferrari and three leaning towards the McLaren. Those who championed the 296 lauded its spectacular nature, its breathtaking beauty, outrageous speed, exploitable performance, and technical brilliance. Jethro, one of the judges, enthusiastically noted how the V6 demonstrated “how to downsize but turn up the drama,” and how the Ferrari matched the Artura in control while offering a more playful and indulgent experience.
Dickie described it as “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. He praised the seamless integration of the hybrid system, noting that it didn’t drastically alter the driving experience, perhaps due to the familiarity of torque-rich turbocharged V8 characteristics. He emphasized the car’s stonking acceleration but highlighted that its appeal extends beyond mere speed, thanks to the characterful V6 and its ever-evolving soundtrack.
However, the hybrid system wasn’t without its teething issues. One notable incident involved the battery running flat, leaving a car stranded with no apparent means of revival. While Ferrari had provided guidance on preventing such an occurrence, the oversight of not engineering a simple fail-safe was a significant point of criticism. Fortunately, this happened after the cars had been scored. Despite this, the Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, brake feel wasn’t universally lauded as best-in-class, and the tech interface faced widespread criticism for its complexity. Nevertheless, the 296’s seductive charm was undeniable. Vivian, initially skeptical, found himself “bewitched” by its uncanny directional changes, astonishing damping, grip levels, and the linearity of its seemingly unending power.
Peter Tomalin, in his summation for ecoty 2022, declared the 296 GTB a “real return to form for Ferrari,” contrasting it favorably with the SF90, which had left them feeling “cold.” He noted the 296’s technical sophistication and the natural, unobtrusive integration of its hybrid technology. He concluded that Ferrari had learned valuable lessons from the SF90 and distilled them into a production model that stands as one of its very best.
In an era where advanced technology can sometimes lead to a collection of disparate parts rather than a cohesive whole – a critique leveled at the SF90 – the 296 GTB achieves a remarkable synthesis. It feels organic, striking a perfect balance between exhilarating power and engaging dynamics. This £250,000 supercar has redefined expectations for its price point. With a more potent Versione Speciale variant anticipated, the promise is even greater intensity, but the hope remains that the standard car’s beautifully natural feel will be preserved.
It is precisely this natural feel that I hope Lamborghini has prioritized with its forthcoming hybrid Temerario. Over 900bhp in a series production supercar is an obscene amount of power, capable of overwhelming a chassis that isn’t meticulously resolved. If Lamborghini has truly nailed the execution, much like they did with the Revuelto, we’re looking at a truly epic twin test. Or, perhaps, a breathtaking 2400bhp triple threat, including the McLaren 750S, which, by comparison, might seem like the “minnow” of the class with its “mere” 740bhp. However, its significantly lower kerb weight of 1389kg ensures a fiercely competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw engagement, ergonomic perfection, crisp steering, and deft chassis control continue to set it apart from the comparatively more detached Ferrari.
For enthusiasts seeking the pinnacle of current hybrid supercar technology, the Ferrari 296 GTB lease options are certainly worth exploring, alongside competitive Lamborghini supercar prices and McLaren sports car deals. The battle for supremacy in the hybrid supercar arena is more intense than ever, and the Ferrari 296 GTB has firmly established itself as a leading contender, setting a formidable benchmark for all to follow.
If you’re ready to experience the future of performance, or to discuss how these incredible machines fit into your automotive aspirations, we invite you to connect with our expert team today. Let’s explore the possibilities and find the supercar that perfectly matches your passion and driving desires.
