Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 Review: Defining the Mid-Engined Hybrid Era
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked an unprecedented evolutionary leap for Maranello’s iconic mid-engined supercar line. Dispensing with the multi-award-winning, naturally aspirated V8 in favour of a pioneering twin-turbocharged V6 engine supplemented by electric augmentation, the 296 GTB seized the initiative in a hypercar segment that had previously been slow to fully transition to hybrid power. This radical departure cemented the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 review as essential reading for enthusiasts, marking a definitive shift in powertrain philosophy for the legendary manufacturer.
For over two decades, Ferrari has dominated the mid-engined V8 segment, establishing a benchmark for visceral performance and auditory drama. The outgoing V8s were celebrated for their explosive torque delivery, razor-sharp throttle response, and intoxicating soundtracks. However, in the face of increasingly stringent global emissions regulations and the pursuit of pure performance, Maranello recognized the need for a paradigm shift. The 296 GTB represents the culmination of Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of innovation, combining cutting-edge hybrid technology with the timeless DNA of a high-performance sports car.
While the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB commands attention for its groundbreaking V6 hybrid powertrain, it also stands at the intersection of fierce technological competition. Its debut was met with a landscape populated by established rivals that challenged the established order in their own unique ways. The Lamborghini Huracán, with its glorious, naturally aspirated V10, offered a purist’s alternative, prioritizing sonic charisma and traditional, mechanical engagement. Competing in the same echelon was the McLaren 720S, which retained its twin-turbo V8 and razor-sharp focus on power-to-weight supremacy.
However, the most direct threat emerged from within the Maranello’s own extended family. Lamborghini’s unveiling of the Temerario, a 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid V8, served as a bold declaration of intent. The Temerario represented Lamborghini’s aggressive push into hybrid technology, directly challenging Ferrari’s dominance in the hypercar arena. While the McLaren 750S, a refinement of its predecessor, continued to champion the V8 cause, the Temerario forced a critical examination of Ferrari’s technical superiority, prompting a Ferrari 296 GTB vs Temerario comparison that reverberated throughout the supercar community.
The V6 Revolution: Engineering the Future
The Ferrari 296 GTB is more than just a new model; it represents a complete technological revolution. At the heart of this masterpiece lies a new 120-degree, twin-turbocharged V6 engine, a significant departure from Ferrari’s established V8 lineage. This engine is coupled with an electric motor to drive the rear wheels exclusively, offering a revolutionary driving experience that redefines the concept of a supercar.
Ferrari’s engineers have achieved a remarkable feat by seamlessly integrating the electric motor into the powertrain. The electric motor alone provides an impressive 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, complementing the V6’s already formidable 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined output reaches a staggering 819bhp, a figure that astounds even in the age of hypercars. While Ferrari has elected not to quote a combined torque figure, likely due to the intricate interplay between the engine and electric motor, it is safe to say that the total torque output is nothing short of breathtaking.
The weight savings are equally impressive. The V6 unit is 30kg lighter than a traditional V8, contributing to the 296 GTB’s remarkably low kerb weight of 1,470kg. This weight advantage, combined with the electric motor’s instantaneous torque delivery, results in a level of performance that is both exhilarating and addictive. The V6 is coupled to an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, providing seamless and lightning-fast shifts that maintain momentum through corners. The battery pack, a long oblong structure, is strategically placed behind the seats, ensuring optimal weight distribution and contributing to the car’s superb handling.
A Symphony of Aerodynamics and Dynamics
No Ferrari would be complete without a suite of advanced electronic chassis systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. The car features a six-axis sensor known as 6w-CDS, which measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. This innovative sensor replaces the traditional yaw sensor and, when combined with the steering rack sensor, provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of grip levels and driver inputs.
The 6w-CDS system works in tandem with Ferrari’s Side Slip Control (SSC) and active E-Diff to maximize cornering speed while maintaining stability. The system also enables ABS-evo, a new braking system that shortens braking distances and improves performance during trail braking, providing drivers with the confidence to push the car to its limits.
Ferrari has also revolutionized aerodynamic design with the 296 GTB. For the first time, the company has employed active aerodynamics not to reduce drag, but to increase downforce. The rear wing, which deploys from the rear of the car, generates up to 100kg of downforce at 155mph, while the underbody aerodynamics contribute to the remaining 260kg. This advanced aero package ensures exceptional grip and stability through corners, providing drivers with a level of control that is both exhilarating and confidence-inspiring.
The Assetto Fiorano Experience
For those seeking the ultimate track-focused experience, the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB Assetto Fiorano offers a suite of enhancements that elevate performance to new heights. This optional pack replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic items derived from GT racing, and adds further carbon aerodynamic devices to the front that increase downforce by 20kg.
The cabin also benefits from a significant diet of carbon fiber, with door panels and other interior components contributing to an overall weight saving of 12kg. This saving increases to 15kg with the optional Lexan rear engine cover. For the most demanding enthusiasts, the Fiorano package can also be specified with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres, replacing the standard Pilot Sport 4S tires.
Beyond the performance upgrades, the Fiorano package offers a distinct aesthetic identity with an exterior graphics package inspired by the 250LM of the 1960s. This homage to Ferrari’s racing heritage adds a unique touch of historical flair to the modern masterpiece.
Performance That Defies Convention
Getting underway in the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 is an event in itself. A double press on the bottom of the steering wheel boss and a click of the first gear paddle initiates the experience. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing for silent, electric-only propulsion. Drivers can switch to EV mode at any time or select Performance and Qualifying modes for ultimate power delivery.
The true magic happens when both the V6 and electric motor are engaged. The 296 GTB simply bolts forward with no perceptible lag, delivering a surge of acceleration that leaves drivers questioning the necessity of traditional gears. The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission delivers flawless shifts, keeping the engine in its optimal power band throughout the rev range.
The acceleration is relentless, with 0-62mph achieved in just 2.9 seconds. The top speed exceeds 205mph, but it is the relentless surge of acceleration that truly defines the 296 GTB’s performance profile. The car sounds spectacular, with a symphony of turbo whistles and the tuneful rasp of the V6 creating an unforgettable auditory experience.
Ride and Handling: A Masterclass in Balance
What sets the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB apart is its remarkable ride and handling characteristics. The car is remarkably agile without ever feeling nervous, with light and fast steering that provides exceptional detail and feedback. Grip levels are immense, allowing drivers to push the car hard through corners with confidence.
Despite its 1,470kg dry weight, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter than its specifications would suggest. The lack of inertia encourages drivers to work with the car, making small inputs and revelling in its accuracy and precision. The CT Off mode allows for incredible freedom, with the reassurance that an intelligent electronic brain is always looking out for the driver. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the natural balance of the 296 GTB allows for teasing oversteer in a way that seems impossible for a car with 819bhp.
On the track, the 296 GTB shrinks even the longest straights. The power is enough to break traction at the rear at numerous points around the lap, but the 296 is also highly sensitive to braking and steering inputs, rewarding precision with incredible accuracy. The turn-in response is spectacular, shortening corner entry phases dramatically. Rather than easing the car into turns, the 296 takes set immediately, with the Multimatic dampers providing exceptional roll support and the hyper-quick steering matching perfectly with the car’s responsiveness. Even for those accustomed to high-performance sports cars, the speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal and a joy to experience lap after lap.
An Interior of Italian Sophistication
The interior of the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 shares a strong family resemblance with the SF90,
