Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 Review: A Mid-Engine V6 Hybrid Masterpiece Poised to Define the Next Era of Supercar Performance
Introduction: The Dawn of a New Generation
The landscape of the modern supercar is undergoing a seismic shift. As manufacturers navigate the twin demands of electrifying their fleets and pushing performance to its absolute zenith, the engineering philosophies guiding these apex predators are evolving rapidly. In this dynamic arena, the Ferrari 296 GTB—a vehicle that arrived on the scene as a harbinger of change—remains a benchmark. Even as we anticipate the arrival of rivals like the Lamborghini Temerario, the 296 GTB continues to captivate with its revolutionary 10,000rpm V6 hybrid powertrain, challenging the very definition of what constitutes a road-going supercar.
The introduction of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a paradigm shift for Maranello’s iconic mid-engined V8 lineup. Abandoning the multi-award-winning V8 in favor of a completely reimagined 120-degree twin-turbo V6, coupled with electric augmentation, the 296 GTB positioned itself at the forefront of a segment still transitioning toward hybrid propulsion. It was a bold move, one that eschewed the familiar visceral thump of a V8 for a high-revving symphony of electrification and combustion.
Initially, the 296 GTB faced a well-established rival in the Lamborghini Huracán, a naturally-aspirated V10 offering a raw, analog driving experience. However, the automotive world was holding its breath for Lamborghini’s response. With the introduction of the McLaren 750S—a more potent evolution of the 720S, trading on power-to-weight supremacy—and the impending arrival of the 903bhp 10,000rpm Lamborghini Temerario, the 296 GTB found itself positioned as the benchmark that a new breed of plug-in hybrid supercars would have to beat. This is not merely a debate about horsepower; it is a conversation about the future of performance, efficiency, and the very soul of the supercar.
Design and Aerodynamics: Engineering Beauty and Downforce
At first glance, the Ferrari 296 GTB possesses a breathtaking aesthetic that diverges from the muscular aggression of its V8 predecessors. Its design is more fluid, organic, and almost ethereal, drawing inspiration from the iconic 1960s Ferrari 250 LM. The silhouette is sculpted by aerodynamics, with a low-slung cabin that sits closer to the front axle, reducing the wheelbase by 50mm compared to V8 models, and creating a more compact, agile appearance.
Underneath the sculpted bodywork lies an aluminum chassis engineered for maximum rigidity and lightweight performance. The engineers at Ferrari have achieved an almost paradoxical feat: delivering a car with the rigidity of a race car while maintaining a level of ride comfort that makes the 296 GTB a surprisingly compliant long-distance cruiser. This balance is often elusive in the supercar world, where the pursuit of downforce and lap times typically leads to a harsh, unforgiving ride.
The aerodynamic strategy of the 296 GTB is multifaceted and intelligent. Ferrari has successfully integrated active aero not just for drag reduction, but crucially for downforce generation. The rear wing is a standout feature, capable of generating up to 100kg of downforce at 155mph, contributing significantly to the total 360kg of aerodynamic downforce achieved at that speed. This active wing adjusts its angle dynamically based on driving demands, ensuring maximum stability during high-speed cornering and braking.
Efficient thermal management is paramount for any hybrid supercar. The 296 GTB features two radiators in the nose to manage the V6 and gearbox temperatures, along with two additional condensers for cooling the hybrid battery. Hot air is expelled beneath the car to prevent interference with the intercoolers located along the flanks. The small apertures below the headlights serve as air intakes for brake cooling, while the roofline-integrated wing acts as a ‘virtual’ rear screen, guiding airflow to the rear diffuser.
The underside of the car is where the most significant downforce is generated. Ferrari has dedicated considerable attention to the underbody, refining channels and the height of the floor to maximize the efficiency of the downforce-generating surfaces. The rear diffuser, in particular, plays a critical role in managing the airflow beneath the car, contributing to the overall high-speed stability and grip.
The Assetto Fiorano Package: Unleashing Maximum Performance
For driving purists seeking the ultimate expression of the 296 GTB, the Assetto Fiorano package represents the pinnacle of the car’s performance potential. This optional upgrade replaces the standard dampers with race-derived Multimatic units, derived from Ferrari’s GT racing program. These dampers provide significantly improved body control and responsiveness, particularly during track driving.
Furthermore, the Assetto Fiorano package adds further carbon aerodynamic devices to the front fascia, increasing front downforce by 20kg. The weight savings continue inside, with more carbon fiber utilized for the door panels and other interior elements, contributing to an overall weight reduction of 12kg. This can be further enhanced by opting for the Lexan rear engine cover, which sheds an additional 3kg.
For those who demand maximum grip and track-focused performance, the Assetto Fiorano package can be combined with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the standard Pilot Sport 4S tires. These track-focused tires provide unparalleled levels of mechanical grip, allowing drivers to push the 296 GTB to its limits with confidence. The package also offers an exterior graphics option inspired by the 250 LM of the 1960s, adding a touch of vintage racing heritage to the modern masterpiece.
The Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid Powertrain: A Symphony of Power
The heart of the Ferrari 296 GTB is its revolutionary 120-degree twin-turbo V6 engine, coupled with an electric motor to produce a staggering combined output of 819bhp. This engine is a technical marvel, producing a specific output of 221bhp per liter—a world record for a road-going production car. The compact 2,992cc V6 is mounted low in the chassis, contributing to the car’s low center of gravity and agile handling.
The electric motor provides an instant surge of torque and 165bhp, complementing the V6’s 654bhp. This combination creates a linear, relentless power delivery that is unlike anything experienced in a traditional internal combustion engine. Ferrari refrains from quoting combined peak torque figures due to the complexities of how the engine and electric motor work together, but rest assured, the total torque is substantial.
The V6 engine is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission that provides seamless, lightning-fast gear changes. The car defaults to Hybrid mode for its initial startup, allowing drivers to move away silently on electric power alone. This ability to run solely on electric power—for around 15 miles—adds a surprising layer of practicality to this supercar, allowing for discrete departures from residential areas.
However, the true magic happens when both power sources are deployed simultaneously. The 296 GTB offers several driving modes, including Performance and Qualifying modes, where the V6 and electric motor work in perfect harmony. In these modes, the car accelerates with a ferocious intensity that is both addictive and slightly unsettling. The 0-62mph time of 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 205mph are staggering figures that truly reflect the car’s raw performance capabilities.
The sound of the 296 GTB is also a critical element of the driving experience. The compact V6 produces a high-pitched, exotic howl that crescendos as it approaches its 8,500rpm redline. The turbos add a unique whistling sound, creating a thrilling symphony of mechanical noise that is both visceral and refined. It is a sound that commands attention, but in a way that feels modern, sophisticated, and distinctly Ferrari.
Ride and Handling: Precision, Balance, and Emotional Connection
Perhaps the most significant achievement of the 296 GTB is the way it marries immense power with communicative, engaging handling. Ferrari’s goal was to create a car that is ‘fun to drive’, and they have succeeded spectacularly. The car feels significantly lighter than its 1470kg (dry) weight figure would suggest, with a remarkable lack of inertia that encourages drivers to work with the car, making small inputs and revelling in its accuracy.
The steering is light, direct, and offers a level of detail that surprises even seasoned drivers. While the grip levels are incredibly high, the 296 GTB remains throttle-adjustable, allowing drivers to play at the limit without feeling intimidated. The optional CT Off mode provides a safety net, allowing drivers to explore the car’s limits with the reassurance of an electronic safety net. However, even with all electronic aids switched off, the natural balance of the 296 means it can be coaxed into oversteer in a way that feels both achievable and confidence-inspiring.
On the track, the 296 GTB’s ability to shrink even the longest straights is awe-inspiring. The power is available to break traction at almost any point around the lap, but the car remains highly sensitive to braking and steering inputs. Drivers quickly learn that precision with the controls yields the greatest rewards. The accuracy and responsiveness of the steering dramatically shorten the corner entry phase
