Ferrari 296 GTB 2025: The Hybrid Supercar Evolving the Prancing Horse Legacy
For a decade, I’ve been immersed in the exhilarating world of performance automobiles, witnessing firsthand the relentless evolution of supercar engineering. In that time, few machines have captured the imagination quite like the Ferrari 296 GTB. Since its 2022 debut, this mid-engined marvel has been rewriting the script for high-performance hybrids, a fact that remains astoundingly relevant even with the rumblings of a 10,000rpm, 903bhp Lamborghini rival on the horizon.
The 296 GTB marked a seismic shift in Ferrari’s mid-engined philosophy. Abandoning the acclaimed twin-turbo V8 that powered its predecessors, it embraced a radical new twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by an electric motor. This bold move placed the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a segment that was, and in many ways still is, navigating the complex transition to electrification.
In its early days, the 296 GTB’s most direct competitor was the Lamborghini Huracán, a car that celebrated the soulful charisma and raw auditory drama of its naturally aspirated V10. The Huracán, while less potent on paper, offered a purity of experience that resonated deeply with enthusiasts. The other contemporary titan was the McLaren 720S, a machine built around the formidable power-to-weight ratio of its twin-turbo V8. While the subsequent McLaren 750S represents a refinement of that core ethos, the impending arrival of the 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid Lamborghini Temerario is unequivocally Sant’Agata Bolognese’s direct riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp hybrid Berlinetta.
Make no mistake, the Ferrari 296 GTB is a formidable force. Its all-new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, paired with an electric motor driving exclusively the rear wheels (a departure from the SF90’s all-wheel-drive architecture), produces a staggering 819bhp. This powertrain configuration shattered established supercar conventions upon its release.
It’s easy to become fixated on such stratospheric power figures, leading to questions about the ultimate limit of this performance escalation – and, more pragmatically, where one might realistically deploy such prodigious capability. However, the 296 GTB’s significance extends far beyond its headline numbers.
This remarkable machine represents Ferrari’s first V6-powered road car – let’s not forget the iconic 246 GT Dino, which, despite its brilliance, never bore the Prancing Horse emblem in its era. It’s also the first Ferrari to feature a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger arrangement, where the turbos are nestled within the engine’s cylinder banks for optimal responsiveness. Furthermore, it’s a plug-in hybrid, boasting an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles. The compact V6, mounted low in a newly developed aluminum chassis, contributes to a wheelbase that’s 50mm shorter than its V8 predecessors, with occupants positioned slightly further forward.
The electric motor alone contributes a potent 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque. The V6, in isolation, churns out an astonishing 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined output reaches that headline 819bhp figure. Ferrari, wisely, refrains from quoting a peak combined torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. Nevertheless, it’s safe to surmise that the total torque figure is nothing short of immense. Critically, the V6 engine itself is approximately 30kg lighter than Ferrari’s V8s and is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a long, rectangular unit, is strategically located behind the seats, contributing to the car’s balanced weight distribution.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of sophisticated electronic chassis control systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has developed an advanced six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor), capable of precisely measuring rotational and acceleration data across the X, Y, and Z planes. This innovative system supersedes traditional yaw sensors. In conjunction with a sensor mounted on the steering rack, it provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of driver inputs and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data is then used to optimize systems like the Side Slip Control and the active Electronic Differential (E-Diff) to maximize cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and driver confidence. Moreover, the 6w-CDS enables a new feature called ABS-evo. Activated in RACE mode and above, this system, leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, not only reduces braking distances but also enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners, a testament to Ferrari’s commitment to cutting-edge driving dynamics.
For the first time in its history, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics not to minimize drag, but to actively generate downforce. The company quotes an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a significant portion, up to 100kg, being contributed by the deployable rear wing.
The thermal management system is equally ingenious. The front of the car houses two radiators for engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two condensers dedicated to battery cooling. Hot air is expertly ducted underneath the car, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with the airflow directed to the intercoolers located along the car’s flanks. Small apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to brake cooling, while a cleverly integrated wing at the rear of the roofline creates a “virtual rear screen,” effectively guiding airflow to the rear of the vehicle as if it were following a sculpted surface. The bulk of the 296’s downforce is generated from beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid to the underbody channeling, the rear diffuser, and crucially, the ground clearance, all designed to amplify the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The limited production 296 GTBs we experienced at the launch circuit were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-enhancing upgrade replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units, akin to those employed in GT racing. It also adds carbon fiber aerodynamic enhancements to the front end, increasing front downforce by an additional 20kg.
Further weight savings are achieved through increased use of carbon fiber in the cabin, including the door panels, and on the exterior. These modifications contribute to an overall weight reduction of 12kg, which can be further increased to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For those seeking the ultimate track-focused setup, the Assetto Fiorano package also offers the option of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the already capable standard Pilot Sport 4S. Visually, Assetto Fiorano cars can be personalized with an exterior graphics package that pays homage to the iconic 250LM from the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time scrutinizing the 296 GTB, it’s clear that its design is a triumph. It’s an undeniably beautiful machine, distinct from anything else on the road, and even without the more overt graphic treatments, it evokes a strong connection to the legendary 250LM.
Performance Dynamics and Electrifying Acceleration
Initiating a drive in the 296 GTB is an intuitive process. A double press on the lower portion of the steering wheel boss awakens the powertrain, and a simple selection of first gear is all that’s required. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, utilizing electric power for initial propulsion unless otherwise commanded. Gentle throttle application allows the 296 to glide silently on electric power alone, provided the battery retains sufficient charge.
Drivers can also explicitly select EV mode, overriding any powertrain demands, or opt for the more spirited Performance and Qualifying modes. In these settings, both the V6 engine and the electric motor work in concert. Performance mode prioritizes power delivery while also seeking to maintain battery charge, whereas Qualifying mode unleashes the full, unadulterated potential of the powertrain, irrespective of the battery’s state.
The experience of gliding silently through urban landscapes is a surprisingly serene pleasure, and the sophisticated damping system ensures a remarkably comfortable ride, even over long distances. The front trunk, or ‘frunk,’ offers a practical, albeit modest, luggage space, a welcome improvement over the SF90. But the true thrill, the experience that captivates enthusiasts, lies in unleashing both power sources in their full glory.
Observe what happens when you apply substantial throttle at low revs in a higher gear: the 296 surges forward with an immediate, relentless surge, devoid of any discernible turbo lag. For a fleeting moment, you question the very necessity of gears, such is the overwhelming potency. Yet, with eight gears at your disposal and an engine that willingly spins to 8,500rpm, the full unleashing of the 296’s capabilities is nothing short of astonishing.
As the performance figures suggest – a blistering 0-62mph time of just 2.9 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205mph – the rate of acceleration is a visceral, heart-pounding experience that verges on the intense, yet is undeniably addictive. This is a car that redefines rapid. And the sound? It’s a delightful symphony of turbocharger whooshes blending with the tuneful V6 rasp, creating an auditory spectacle that is as engaging as the performance itself.
Ride and Handling: A Masterclass in Agile Precision
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is its astonishing chassis responsiveness. Ferrari’s stated goal of making this car “fun to drive” is not merely marketing rhetoric; it’s a tangible reality. The 296 feels incredibly agile without ever becoming overly nervous. The steering, characteristic of Ferrari, is light and rapid, yet it also conveys an impressive level of road feel and detail. While the grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains delightfully throttle-adjustable, eliciting an irrepressible grin with every precise application of power.
Despite its 1470kg (dry) weight, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a remarkable absence of inertia that encourages the driver to work with the car, making minute inputs and reveling in its pinpoint accuracy and precision. Engaging CT Off mode allows for exhilarating levels of playfulness, all while a sophisticated electronic guardian ensures unwavering stability. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows for a degree of controllable oversteer that one might never anticipate in a car boasting 819bhp.
On the racetrack, the 296 GTB possesses the remarkable ability to compress even the longest straights, transforming the circuit into a playground. What becomes even more apparent is its razor-sharp precision. While the power is certainly sufficient to break rear-end traction at numerous points around the lap, the 296 is exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. It quickly becomes clear that meticulous control yields the greatest rewards. The turn-in accuracy and immediate response dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Instead of gradually loading the suspension, the 296 settles instantly, its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering perfectly complementing the enhanced body control offered by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal and endlessly rewarding.
The Interior Environment: A Fusion of Form and Functionality
The cabin architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale. The 296 inherits much of its interior design ethos from its more powerful sibling, featuring a fully digital interface and a complex array of haptic switchgear integrated into the steering wheel and surrounding pods.
Undoubtedly, this system presents a steep learning curve. However, it’s essential to acknowledge the sheer volume of information and functionality being presented. The primary challenge lies in the occasional need for a second press for commands to register, or the uncertainty of whether an input has been successfully acknowledged. Despite these ergonomic complexities, the cabin undeniably exudes a sense of occasion and specialness.
evo Car of the Year 2022: A Verdict on Excellence
“Now, things get serious,” declared the evo test team during their Car of the Year competition. “When the scores were tallied, there was barely a hair’s breadth between the McLaren Artura and the Ferrari 296 GTB.” The judging panel was remarkably divided, with three testers narrowly favoring the Ferrari and three leaning towards the McLaren.
The trio who placed the 296 GTB ahead – comprising Jethro Bovingdon, Henry Catchpole, and I – were captivated by its sheer brilliance. Jethro enthused, “What a spectacular car. Beautiful to look at, outrageously fast, astonishingly exploitable, and technically ingenious. Its V6 engine demonstrates to McLaren how to downsize while amplifying the drama, and it matches the Artura in terms of pure control but feels more playful and indulgent.”
Richard Meaden echoed this sentiment, calling it, “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment shared by many. He continued, “The hybrid system is exceptionally well integrated and doesn’t alter the driving experience as much as I had initially feared, perhaps because we’ve become accustomed to the torque-rich characteristics of turbocharged V8s in cars like the 488 and F8. The 296 is stonkingly quick, but its appeal isn’t solely derived from outright speed, thanks to the character of the V6, which delivers a consistently sweet soundtrack that evolves with throttle opening.”
The seamless integration of the Ferrari’s hybrid system drew widespread praise. However, a notable incident occurred on the final night of testing where a fully depleted battery left the car immobile, with no apparent means of recovery. To their credit, Ferrari had forewarned the team of this possibility and provided detailed procedures to prevent such an occurrence. Nevertheless, it’s not inconceivable that an owner could find themselves in a similar predicament. As Gallagher pointed out, “For a company that pioneered individual rear-wheel steering, the inability to engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this scenario is a significant oversight.” Fortunately for the 296 GTB, this incident transpired after all cars had been scored.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering proved to be a point of contention among the testers, and the brake pedal feel didn’t quite reach the benchmark set by the very best in the group. The technology interface also faced widespread criticism for its excessive complexity. Despite these criticisms, the 296 GTB proved to be irresistibly seductive. Vivian admitted, “I initially thought I wouldn’t like the Fezza all that much – too complicated, with rather gratuitous points of difference. But I ended up somewhat bewitched: the uncanny way it changes direction; its astonishing damping and looney-tunes levels of grip; the linearity of its seemingly endless power…”
“The 296 GTB represents a genuine return to form for Ferrari,” stated Peter Tomalin, concluding the evo Car of the Year 2022 review. “Following the SF90’s somewhat cold reception last year, the 296 is far more successful. Its technical sophistication, particularly the integration of its hybrid technology, feels much more natural and far less intrusive. Gallagher concurred, adding, “Ferrari has taken so much from the SF90, learned from that car, and distilled it into a series production model that is now one of its very best.”
The Price of Innovation and Future Rivals
When a vehicle is so densely packed with cutting-edge technology, there’s always an inherent risk that it might become less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment we experienced with the SF90, which, despite its dazzling power, left us somewhat unnerved by its challenging driving characteristics.
However, the 296 GTB is a fundamentally different proposition. As demonstrated at the 2022 evo Car of the Year competition, where it secured a joint third-place finish alongside the McLaren Artura, it feels far more organic. Its potent blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect chord, effectively redefining what a supercar in the £250,000-plus bracket can achieve. A more extreme variant, codenamed “Versione Speciale,” is anticipated to arrive this year, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity. Our hope is that this enhanced model retains the fundamentally natural feel that makes the standard 296 so captivating.
It is this very aspect of the 296 GTB’s inherent character that we hope Lamborghini has meticulously scrutinized while honing its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an almost obscene amount of power to manage in a series production supercar, and it could easily overwhelm the chassis if the rest of the vehicle isn’t perfectly resolved to meet that challenge. If Lamborghini has indeed achieved this delicate balance – and their mastery of the Revuelto provides ample reason for optimism – then we are poised for an epic twin test, pitting two hybrid titans against each other.
Alternatively, we could expand this to a 2400bhp triple threat, including the McLaren 750S, which, by comparison, might now be described as the ‘minnow’ of the class with its “mere” 740bhp. However, as previously noted, the McLaren brings a relatively petite kerb weight of 1389kg to the table, ensuring a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw engagement, ergonomic perfection, crisp steering, and deft chassis control continue to distinguish it against the comparatively more detached feel of the Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications:
Engine: 2992cc, twin-turbocharged V6, plus electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, active E-diff
Combined Power: 819bhp @ 8000rpm
Combined Torque: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Price: From £250,000+
The Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a testament to relentless innovation, a hybrid supercar that masterfully blends breathtaking performance with an engaging and rewarding driving experience. It’s a car that demands attention, inspires passion, and sets a formidable benchmark for the future of high-performance automobiles.
If the allure of cutting-edge hybrid supercar technology and the promise of unparalleled driving exhilaration calls to you, the Ferrari 296 GTB, or its potential future evolutions, represents a compelling next step. Explore the possibilities further and discover what it truly means to experience the pinnacle of automotive engineering.
