The Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Masterpiece Redefining Supercar Performance in 2025
For a decade now, the automotive landscape has been in a state of perpetual evolution, with electrification moving from a fringe concept to a dominant force. Within this paradigm shift, Ferrari, a marque synonymous with visceral emotion and unparalleled engineering, has navigated these changes with characteristic flair. The Ferrari 296 GTB, a car that has been gracing our roads for a few years, stands as a monumental testament to this evolution. Even with the tantalizing prospect of a 10,000rpm, 903bhp Lamborghini rival on the horizon – the much-anticipated Temerario – the 296 GTB continues to captivate and astound, solidifying its place as a benchmark in the hybrid supercar segment.
Ferrari’s mid-engined supercar lineage, a cornerstone of their illustrious history, experienced an unprecedented paradigm shift with the arrival of the 296 GTB in 2022. In a bold move that signaled a departure from the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 engines that had defined previous generations, Ferrari embraced a new twin-turbo V6 powerplant, significantly augmented by electric power. This strategic pivot positioned the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a high-tier supercar segment that, even now, is in the nascent stages of its transition to comprehensive hybrid power adoption.
At its debut, the 296 GTB’s most direct competitor was the Lamborghini Huracán, a V10-powered naturally aspirated icon. While the Huracán may have lagged in sheer horsepower compared to the new Ferrari, it offered an intoxicating blend of naturally aspirated V10 charisma and raw acoustic drama – a delightful proposition during its prime. The fierce McLaren 720S, with its own potent twin-turbo V8, also presented a formidable challenge, a theme that has evolved into the current McLaren 750S. While the 750S represents a refinement of an existing philosophy, prioritizing power-to-weight supremacy, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid Temerario emerges as Lamborghini’s direct riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp hybridised Berlinetta.
Indeed, the Ferrari 296 GTB commands a truly formidable arsenal of performance. Featuring an entirely new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine working in concert with an electric motor, driving the rear wheels exclusively (unlike the SF90 Stradale), the 819bhp 296 GTB audaciously shattered existing supercar conventions. This innovation in Ferrari hybrid supercar performance has set a new standard for what drivers can expect from electrified performance machines.
It’s almost impossible to overlook such an awe-inspiring power output, and it’s natural to ponder the eventual ceiling of such performance escalation – will it ever cease, Ferrari? And more pragmatically, where can one even begin to exploit such prodigious capability? These are questions that fuel the enthusiast’s imagination, but the immediate reality is the sheer thrill the 296 GTB delivers.
The 296 GTB holds the distinction of being the first V6-powered Ferrari road car to bear the Prancing Horse emblem (the charming 246 GT Dino, though exceptional, never officially carried the badge in its era). It also pioneers Ferrari’s “hot-vee” turbocharger configuration and embraces plug-in hybrid technology, offering an electric-only range of approximately 15 miles. This compact V6 is mounted low within a bespoke aluminum chassis, boasting a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, with occupants positioned slightly further forward. This engineering for hybrid supercar handling contributes significantly to its dynamic prowess.
The electric motor contributes a remarkable 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 engine alone unleashes a breathtaking 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined output culminates in the headline figure of 819bhp. Ferrari wisely refrains from quoting a definitive combined peak torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the engine and electric motor. However, it’s safe to surmise that the resultant torque is nothing short of immense, a crucial factor in its electrified supercar acceleration. The V6 unit itself is commendably lighter, shedding 30kg compared to Ferrari’s V8s, and is seamlessly mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The battery pack, a long, rectangular unit, is cleverly housed behind the seats, contributing to the car’s centralized mass.
No Ferrari would be complete without an intricate suite of acronym-laden electronic chassis management systems. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari has developed an advanced six-axis sensor array, dubbed the 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This sophisticated system meticulously measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes. It effectively supersedes traditional yaw sensors, and in conjunction with a sensor mounted on the steering rack, grants the car an unprecedented understanding of driver intent and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data is then leveraged by systems such as Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff to maximize cornering velocity while uncompromisingly maintaining stability and driver confidence. Furthermore, it enables the novel ABS-evo system (aptly named), which, in RACE mode and above, utilizes the 296’s brake-by-wire technology to not only shorten braking distances but also enhance braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners. This level of supercar traction control technology is truly industry-leading.
In a significant development, Ferrari is now employing its active aerodynamics not to reduce drag, but to actively generate downforce. The manufacturer quotes an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with the deployable rear wing contributing up to 100kg of this aerodynamic grip. This focus on Ferrari active aerodynamics ensures stability at extreme velocities.
The thermal management of the 296 GTB is a masterpiece of engineering. Two radiators are strategically positioned in the nose to manage engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two additional condensers dedicated to battery cooling. Hot air is expelled from the underbody, carefully routed to avoid interfering with the cooling air directed to the intercoolers along the flanks. The discreet apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to brake cooling, while a wing integrated into the roofline generates a “virtual” rear screen, effectively channeling airflow towards the rear of the car as if guided by a sculpted surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce is meticulously generated beneath the car, with particular attention paid to not only the airflow channeling and rear diffuser but also to the underbody’s ground clearance, thereby maximizing the effectiveness of the downforce-generating surfaces. This sophisticated approach to supercar underbody aerodynamics is critical for its track performance.
The 296 GTB models we sampled on the launch circuit were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units derived from GT racing technology, and incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the nose, contributing an extra 20kg of front downforce. The cabin also benefits from an increased use of carbon fiber, including the door panels, and further carbon fiber accents on the exterior, collectively contributing to an overall weight saving of 12kg. This figure can be further enhanced to 15kg with the optional Lexan rear engine cover. For the ultimate track-focused experience, Assetto Fiorano cars can be optioned with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the already formidable standard Pilot Sport 4S tires. Furthermore, Assetto Fiorano models can be specified with an exterior graphics package that draws inspiration from the iconic 250LM of the 1960s, a subtle nod to Ferrari’s rich heritage. These performance supercar upgrades are designed to elevate the driving experience to exhilarating new heights.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 GTB, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a unique and captivating presence, setting it apart from anything else on the road, echoing the legendary 250LM of the 1960s even without the more distinctive graphics package. This design ethos contributes to its exotic supercar styling.
Unleashing the Beast: Performance and Acceleration
Initiating motion in the 296 GTB is elegantly simple: a double press of the lower button on the steering wheel boss followed by engaging first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, enabling it to pull away using electric power alone, unless commanded otherwise through the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors located on the left side of the steering wheel boss. As long as throttle inputs are moderate, and the battery possesses sufficient charge, the 296 GTB will continue its silent progress on pure electric power, offering a serene contrast to its immense latent capability.
The driver has the option to deliberately engage EV mode, irrespective of throttle demands, or select from Performance and Qualifying modes. In both of these latter settings, both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor work in unison. Performance mode prioritizes a balance of power delivery while also ensuring the battery remains adequately charged. Qualifying mode, however, is dedicated to achieving the absolute pinnacle of performance, with no consideration for the battery’s state of charge, a true testament to its track-focused supercar capabilities.
The unexpected pleasure of gliding silently through urban landscapes is a revelation, and the damping sophistication renders it a surprisingly comfortable companion for covering long distances. There’s even a practical luggage compartment in the front ‘frunk’, a welcome addition absent in the SF90. But the question on everyone’s lips, the one that truly ignites the enthusiast’s soul, is: what does it feel like when both the engine and electric motor are unleashed to their full potential?
The answer is palpable when you plant the throttle at low revs in a high gear. The 296 GTB simply surges forward with an almost instantaneous response, eradicating any notion of turbo lag. For a fleeting moment, you question the very necessity of gears, such is its astonishing potency. However, with eight gears to exploit and an engine that happily spins to 8500rpm, the experience when truly unleashing the 296 is nothing short of spectacular.
As the figures suggest – a 0-62mph sprint in a mere 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 205mph – the rate of acceleration is of the “hold on tight and brace for impact” variety, bordering on intense, yet paradoxically addictive. This is a seriously rapid machine. The sound accompanying this velocity is equally captivating, a symphony of turbocharger effects harmonizing with the tuneful V6 rasp, creating an unforgettable supercar driving experience.
Handling Prowess and Chassis Dynamics
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is the extraordinary responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s promise of making this car “fun to drive” has been realized with astonishing success. It feels remarkably agile without ever becoming nervous or unpredictable. The steering, typically Ferrari-light and rapid, is also imbued with an exceptional level of tactile feedback. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable in a manner that invariably elicits a broad smile.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a remarkable lack of inertia throughout the entire vehicle, encouraging the driver to work with it, making minute inputs and reveling in its pinpoint accuracy and precision. The CT Off mode provides a reassuring safety net, allowing for audacious liberties with the knowledge that an electronic guardian far more intelligent than oneself is vigilantly overseeing proceedings. Yet, even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows it to be teased into oversteer in a way that one might never have thought possible in a car producing 819bhp. This mastery of supercar agility and balance is a key differentiator.
On the circuit, the 296 has the uncanny ability to make even the longest start-finish straight feel remarkably short. What becomes even more apparent is its razor-sharp precision. While the power is readily available to break rear-wheel traction at numerous points around the lap, the 296 is also acutely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. It quickly becomes evident that precision with the controls yields the greatest rewards. The astonishing turn-in accuracy and immediate response dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing the car into turns and allowing load to build progressively, the 296 settles instantly onto its Multimatic dampers. The hyper-quick steering harmonizes beautifully with the enhanced body control offered by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for a driver accustomed to more mature sports cars, the speed, precision, and agility of the 296 are nothing short of phenomenal, providing an addictive joy lap after lap. This is what driving dynamics in a modern supercar truly means.
Interior Design and Technological Integration
The cabin architecture will be instantly recognizable to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the 296 GTB borrows heavily from its larger sibling. The fully digital interface, coupled with its accompanying haptic switchgear, presents a learning curve. These controls are liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it. While undoubtedly complex, it’s important to acknowledge the sheer volume of information that needs to be conveyed. However, the most significant challenge arises when simple operations occasionally require a second press after the initial attempt fails to register, or when uncertainty exists about whether a press has been successful at all. Despite these minor ergonomic quibbles, the cabin undeniably exudes a sense of occasion and specialness, a fitting environment for an exclusive supercar interior.
evo Car of the Year 2022 Verdict: A Return to Form
“Now, it gets serious. When the scores were tallied, there was barely a hair’s breadth separating the McLaren Artura and the Ferrari 296 GTB. The judges were almost perfectly split: three of us marginally favored the Ferrari over the McLaren; three scored the McLaren ahead by a whisker.
The three who placed the 296 GTB ahead were myself, Meaden, and Bovingdon. ‘What a spectacular car,’ enthused Jethro. ‘Beautiful to look at, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable, and so technically clever. Its V6 demonstrates to McLaren how to downsize while amplifying the drama, and it matches the Artura in terms of sheer control but feels a touch more playful and indulgent.’
‘The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,’ was Dickie’s verdict, a sentiment echoed by many of us. ‘The hybrid system works exceptionally well,’ he continued, ‘and doesn’t alter the driving experience as much as I had feared. This is likely because we’ve already grown accustomed to the torquey characteristics of the turbocharged V8 in the 488 and F8. The 296 is stonkingly quick, but it doesn’t solely rely on speed, thanks to the character of the V6, which offers a soundtrack that is always sweet and evolves with throttle opening.’
‘The Ferrari’s hybridization was widely lauded for its seamless integration. However, on the final night, we found ourselves stranded after the battery depleted with no apparent means of reviving the car. To be fair, Ferrari had forewarned us of this possibility and detailed the various measures to prevent it. Yet, it’s not inconceivable that an owner could find themselves in a similar predicament. As Gallagher observed, ‘the fact that the company that pioneered individual rear-wheel steering in its cars cannot engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this is a significant oversight.’ Fortunately for the 296, this incident occurred after all cars had been scored.
‘Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, the brake feel didn’t quite match the very best in the group, and the tech interface was widely criticized for its excessive complexity. However, aside from these points, the 296 was irresistibly seductive. ‘I initially thought I wouldn’t like the Fezza very much – too complex, rather gratuitous points of difference,’ admitted Vivian, ‘but I ended up somewhat bewitched: the spooky way it changes direction; its astonishing damping and loony-tunes levels of grip; the linearity of its seemingly endless power…’
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‘It’s a genuine return to form for Ferrari, after the SF90 left us feeling somewhat cold last year. As Sutcliffe remarked: ‘The 296 is far more successful because its technical sophistication, and the integration of its hybrid technology in particular, feels much more natural and significantly less intrusive.’ Gallagher concurred: ‘Ferrari has taken so much from the SF90, learned from that car, and distilled it into a series production model that stands as one of its very best.” – Peter Tomalin, ecoty 2022. This acclaim solidifies the 296 GTB’s position as a benchmark electric supercar.
Pricing, Rivals, and the Future of Performance
When a vehicle is as heavily laden with advanced technology as the 296 GTB, there’s always an inherent risk that it might become less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment we encountered with the SF90, which, while dazzling with its power output, left us somewhat unsettled by its challenging driving characteristics.
However, the 296 GTB is a profoundly different proposition. As evidenced by its strong showing in the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards, where it secured a joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, it feels far more organic. Its potent blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect sweet spot, effectively redefining what a supercar costing in the region of £250,000 can achieve. A ‘Versione Speciale’ variant of the 296 is anticipated this year, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity. One can only hope that the standard 296’s inexplicably natural feel is retained throughout these enhancements. This ongoing development highlights the future of supercar technology.
It is precisely this aspect of the 296 GTB’s constitution that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized when honing its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an almost obscene amount of power to wield in a series-production supercar, a figure that could easily become unruly if the rest of the car is not meticulously resolved to complement it. If Lamborghini has indeed achieved this balance – and the sheer brilliance of the Revuelto provides ample reason for optimism – then we are poised for a truly epic twin test, potentially featuring a staggering 1700bhp!
Alternatively, we could expand this to a 2400bhp triple threat by including the McLaren 750S, which, in this context, must now be absurdly described as the ‘minnow’ of the class with ‘only’ 740bhp. However, as previously noted, it brings a relatively petite 1389kg kerb weight to the table, thus delivering a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s inherent rawness, ergonomic perfection, the crispness of its steering, and the deftness of its chassis certainly mark it out against the comparatively remote-feeling Ferrari. This dynamic interplay of supercar comparisons is what keeps the automotive world so exciting.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications:
Engine: V6, 2992cc, twin-turbo, plus electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, active E-diff
Power: 819bhp (combined) @ 8000rpm
Torque: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Price: £250,000+
The Ferrari 296 GTB represents more than just a new model; it is a profound statement about the direction of performance automotive engineering. It masterfully blends the visceral thrill of internal combustion with the silent efficiency of electrification, creating an experience that is both exhilarating and remarkably sophisticated.
For those seeking to experience this unparalleled fusion of power, technology, and Italian artistry firsthand, the journey begins with understanding the nuances of these exceptional machines. We invite you to explore our curated selection of new Ferrari for sale and luxury sports cars or contact our expert team to arrange a personalized consultation and discover how the Ferrari 296 GTB, or its equally compelling contemporaries, can become a part of your driving legacy.
