The Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Masterpiece Redefining Supercar Performance in 2025
For over a decade, the automotive landscape has been dramatically reshaped by the relentless pursuit of performance, efficiency, and technological innovation. As an industry veteran with ten years navigating the exhilarating, and often complex, world of high-performance vehicles, I’ve witnessed firsthand the evolution from raw, naturally aspirated powerhouses to the sophisticated, electrified marvels that define today’s supercar segment. The Ferrari 296 GTB, introduced in 2022 and still a beacon of this transformation in 2025, represents a pivotal moment in this journey, boldly challenging conventions and setting a new benchmark for what a hybrid supercar can achieve.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB was no mere update; it was a seismic shift. Ferrari, a marque synonymous with the thunderous roar of naturally aspirated V8 and V12 engines, made a bold departure by embracing a compact, yet incredibly potent, twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by an electric motor. This radical rethinking eschewed the V8 that had powered so many of its celebrated predecessors, including the multi-award-winning configurations that graced models like the 488 and F8. In doing so, Ferrari proactively embraced the impending era of electrification within the supercar domain, a segment still largely grappling with the complexities and appeal of hybrid integration.
In its initial iteration, the 296 GTB found itself facing a more traditional adversary in the Lamborghini Huracán, a car celebrated for its charismatic, naturally aspirated V10 engine. While the Huracán offered an intoxicating symphony of sound and raw driving engagement, it was outgunned in terms of sheer power. Competing on a different plane was the formidable McLaren 720S, a masterclass in twin-turbo V8 engineering, later evolved into the 750S. These cars, while potent, represented the established order. The new Lamborghini Temerario, however, with its audacious claim of 903bhp and a 10,000rpm redline powered by a hybrid V8 powertrain, emerges as Lamborghini’s direct riposte, a clear and unambiguous challenge to Maranello’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta. This forthcoming competitor underscores the escalating arms race in the hybrid supercar arena, with figures like the Ferrari 296 GTB price and Lamborghini Temerario price becoming points of intense interest for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The sheer potency of the 296 GTB is undeniable. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, paired with an integrated electric motor, channels its colossal output exclusively to the rear wheels – a distinct departure from the four-wheel-drive system found in the flagship SF90 Stradale. This configuration, delivering a staggering combined 819 horsepower, wasn’t just an incremental improvement; it was a reinvention of the supercar formula. The resulting acceleration is, to put it mildly, breathtaking, leaving one to ponder not only the ultimate ceiling of this power escalation but also the practical application of such velocity on public roads.
The Ferrari 296 GTB holds the distinction of being the first V6-powered road-legal Ferrari (excluding the iconic, yet unbadged, 246 GT Dino). It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger layout, where the exhaust manifolds and turbochargers are mounted within the V of the engine, optimizing packaging and heat management. Furthermore, its plug-in hybrid architecture grants it an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles, offering a glimpse into silent, emission-free driving. This compact V6 is nestled low within a newly engineered aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase reduced by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, with occupants positioned slightly further forward to optimize weight distribution and chassis feel.
The electric motor itself contributes an impressive 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 alone churns out a remarkable 654bhp and 546lb ft. While Ferrari judiciously refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the electric motor and internal combustion engine, it’s safe to infer that the total figure is nothing short of prodigious. Crucially, this V6 unit is approximately 30kg lighter than its V8 counterparts, and it is mated to a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a slender, oblong structure, is ingeniously housed behind the seats, further contributing to the car’s optimized weight distribution.
No modern Ferrari would be complete without an array of sophisticated electronic chassis control systems. The 296 GTB introduces the six-axis sensor known as 6w-CDS (Six-Way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This groundbreaking system measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes, effectively replacing traditional yaw sensors. In conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, it provides the car with an unprecedented understanding of driver input and available grip at the tire contact patch. This data feeds into systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, working in tandem to maximize cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability. It also enables the new ABS-evo system, operative in RACE mode and above. Utilizing the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also significantly enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners, a testament to the Ferrari 296 GTB handling capabilities.
For the first time, Ferrari has harnessed its active aerodynamics not merely to reduce drag, but to generate significant downforce. The company claims a remarkable 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with an impressive 100kg of that figure being contributed by the active rear wing. The cooling architecture is equally sophisticated. Two radiators in the front are dedicated to engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two additional condensers for the battery pack. Hot air is efficiently expelled from beneath the car, ensuring it does not disrupt the airflow directed to the intercoolers located along the flanks. Small apertures beneath the headlamps channel air to the brakes, while a roofline-integrated rear wing creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, guiding air towards the car’s rear end as if it were flowing over a contiguous surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce, however, is generated from beneath the car, with meticulous attention paid to the underbody channeling, the rear diffuser, and crucially, the ride height, all designed to maximize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
Our initial experience with the 296 GTB on a dedicated circuit was exclusively with cars equipped with the Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units derived from GT racing, and incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the front splitter, contributing an extra 20kg of front downforce. The package also introduces more carbon fiber within the cabin, including the door panels, and on the exterior, collectively shaving off 12kg. This weight saving can be further enhanced to 15kg by specifying the optional Lexan rear engine cover. For those seeking the ultimate track-focused setup, the Assetto Fiorano package can be paired with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the already capable standard Pilot Sport 4S. Furthermore, Fiorano-equipped cars can be adorned with an exterior graphics package inspired by the legendary 250LM of the 1960s, a nod to Ferrari’s rich racing heritage.
Having spent considerable time with the Ferrari 296 GTB in various environments, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a unique visual identity, eschewing conventional supercar styling cues and even without the evocative graphics package, it subtly echoes the iconic silhouette of the 1960s 250LM. The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB review consistently highlights its visual presence as a significant departure from previous models.
Initiating forward motion in the 296 GTB is as simple as a double press of the lower button on the steering wheel boss and engaging first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, meaning it will depart silently on electric power alone, unless driver input dictates otherwise via the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors on the left side of the steering wheel boss. With judicious throttle application, the 296 can glide through urban landscapes on electric power alone, provided sufficient battery charge is available. The driver can also manually engage full EV mode, irrespective of powertrain demands, or select Performance and Qualifying modes. In these modes, both the V6 engine and electric motor operate in tandem. Performance mode prioritizes an optimal balance between power delivery and battery replenishment, while Qualifying mode unleashes the full, unadulterated fury of the hybrid powertrain, with the battery’s state of charge becoming a secondary concern.
The serene glide through villages is a surprisingly civilized and unexpectedly pleasant experience. The damping system is so exquisitely calibrated that it renders the 296 an exceptionally comfortable companion for long journeys. Even the ‘frunk’ offers a respectable amount of luggage space, a welcome convenience absent in the SF90. However, the true question on everyone’s mind, the electrifying prospect that drives the desire for such a machine, is the sensation of unleashing both the V6 engine and the electric motor at their full potential.
The immediate response when planting the throttle at low revs in a high gear is startling. The 296 surges forward with a complete absence of lag, prompting a fleeting moment of contemplation about the very necessity of gears, such is its instantaneous potency. Yet, with eight gears at its disposal and an engine that eagerly spins to an 8,500rpm redline, the experience of truly uncorking the 296 is nothing short of spectacular. The acceleration figures – a claimed 0-62mph in just 2.9 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205mph – translate into a relentless surge of power that elicits a potent blend of hold-on-tight exhilaration and nervous laughter. It’s a sensation that verges on the uncomfortable, yet it is undeniably addictive. This is a seriously rapid machine, and its soundtrack is equally captivating, with a harmonious blend of V6 rasp overlaid with the evocative warble of its twin turbochargers. The Ferrari 296 GTB performance is truly in a league of its own.
The responsiveness of the 296 GTB’s chassis is nothing short of remarkable. Ferrari’s claim of making this car ‘fun to drive’ is not an exaggeration; it’s a deeply ingrained characteristic. The agility is exceptional, yet it avoids any hint of nervousness. The steering, as is typical of Ferrari, is light and incredibly quick, but it is also imbued with a wealth of tactile feedback, allowing the driver to feel intimately connected to the road. While grip levels are, as expected, stratospheric, the car’s adjustability on the throttle is a constant invitation to explore its dynamic limits, eliciting an irrepressible grin with every precisely executed maneuver.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter, possessing an inherent nimbleness that encourages intuitive, small inputs and rewards the driver with astonishing accuracy and precision. Engaging the CT Off mode allows for audacious liberties, knowing that an exceptionally intelligent electronic guardian is still actively monitoring and safeguarding the vehicle. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows it to be teased into controllable oversteer in a manner one might never have imagined possible in a car boasting 819 horsepower.
On the track, the 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to make even the longest start-finish straight feel dramatically shorter. What becomes even more apparent is its razor-sharp precision. While the power is readily available to break rear traction at numerous points around the lap, the 296 is also acutely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. It quickly becomes clear that precision in control application yields the greatest rewards. The turn-in accuracy and response are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Instead of gradually easing the car into turns and building load, the 296 settles instantaneously, aided by its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering, which perfectly complements the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 are a joy to experience lap after lap. This is where the Ferrari 296 GTB vs Lamborghini Temerario debate will truly ignite, as both will undoubtedly push the boundaries of supercar handling.
The interior architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as it borrows heavily from its larger sibling. The fully digital interface, coupled with its complimentary haptic switchgear, presents a unique, albeit initially challenging, user experience. These controls are liberally integrated into the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it. While the complexity is undeniable, it’s important to acknowledge the sheer volume of information the system needs to convey. The primary frustration arises when simple operations sometimes require a second press to register, or when the user is uncertain whether a press has been successfully acknowledged. Nevertheless, the cabin undeniably exudes a sense of occasion and exclusivity, making it a truly special place to inhabit. This is an area where the new Lamborghini Temerario interior will be closely scrutinized.
In the final analysis, the Ferrari 296 GTB represents a significant leap forward, earning its place as a contender for top honors in the supercar hierarchy. When the scores were tallied for the evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, the 296 GTB and the McLaren Artura were separated by mere fractions, with the judges evenly split between the two. Those who favored the Ferrari lauded its spectacular nature, its breathtaking beauty, outrageous speed, astounding exploitability, and remarkable technical sophistication. The V6 engine, in particular, was seen as a masterclass in downsizing, delivering drama and excitement comparable to its V8 predecessors, while matching the McLaren in control yet feeling decidedly more playful and indulgent.
One judge aptly described the 296 as “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. The seamless integration of the hybrid system was widely praised, its impact on the driving experience less intrusive than anticipated, perhaps due to the growing familiarity with the torquey characteristics of turbocharged V8s. The 296’s blistering pace is complemented by the inherent character of the V6, which delivers a consistently sweet soundtrack that evolves with throttle input.
While the Ferrari 296 GTB hybrid integration was a triumph, a minor hiccup occurred when a test car was left stranded after the battery depleted with no apparent means of revival. Ferrari had preemptively warned of this possibility and provided guidance on prevention. However, the incident highlighted a potential oversight: the absence of a simple fail-safe mechanism from a company renowned for technological innovation. Fortunately, this occurred after the scoring was completed. Despite this, Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinions, and the brake feel, while competent, did not quite match the absolute best in class. The tech interface also faced criticism for its complexity. Nevertheless, the 296’s overall allure proved irresistible, with one tester admitting to being “somewhat bewitched” by its spooky directional changes, phenomenal damping, and “looney-tunes levels of grip,” all underpinned by a seemingly unending linear power delivery.
The 296 GTB is widely regarded as a triumphant return to form for Ferrari, particularly in contrast to the SF90 Stradale, which left some feeling underwhelmed. The 296’s technical sophistication and the natural, unobtrusive integration of its hybrid technology have been celebrated. Ferrari has clearly learned valuable lessons from the SF90, distilling that knowledge into a series production model that stands as one of its finest creations.
The inherent risk with such heavily technology-laden vehicles is that they can become less than the sum of their parts. This was a critique leveled at the SF90, which, despite its dazzling power, could feel somewhat inscrutable to drive. The 296 GTB, however, charts a different course. Its organic feel and its exquisite blend of power and engaging dynamics strike a perfect balance, effectively redefining what a supercar in the £250,000-plus bracket can be. A more extreme Ferrari 296 Versione Speciale is anticipated, promising even greater levels of power and intensity, with the hope that the standard 296’s remarkably natural feel is preserved.
It is this very aspect – the natural feel and dynamic coherence – that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario. Over 900 horsepower in a series production supercar is an obscene amount of power, and if not meticulously integrated with the rest of the vehicle, it can easily corrupt the driving experience. Given the company’s demonstrable prowess with the Revuelto, there is ample reason to be optimistic that Lamborghini has indeed struck the right chord. If so, we could be on the cusp of a truly epic twin test, potentially escalating to a 2400bhp triple threat with the inclusion of the McLaren 750S, which, with its ‘mere’ 740bhp, now paradoxically feels like the minnow of the group. However, the McLaren’s comparatively lithe 1389kg kerb weight ensures a fiercely competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw engagement, ergonomic perfection, razor-sharp steering, and deft chassis dynamics offer a compelling counterpoint to the Ferrari’s comparatively more isolated, albeit technologically advanced, experience.
As the supercar market continues its inexorable march towards electrification, the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a testament to what is possible when cutting-edge technology meets timeless driving passion. It’s a car that challenges perceptions, delights the senses, and firmly establishes Ferrari’s vision for the future of high-performance motoring. The competition, as evidenced by the looming arrival of the Temerario, is fiercer than ever, promising an exhilarating future for enthusiasts and a continued evolution of the hybrid supercar.
With its blend of astonishing performance, sophisticated engineering, and undeniable Italian flair, the Ferrari 296 GTB has set a new standard. If you’re ready to experience the pinnacle of hybrid supercar technology and explore the exhilarating possibilities it unlocks, we invite you to connect with our team of specialists to discuss how you can experience the 296 GTB firsthand.
