Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 Review: A New Standard for Hybrid Supercars
The Evolution of Ferrari’s V6 Hybrid Legend
The Ferrari 296 GTB has been the benchmark in the premium supercar segment since its 2022 debut. This revolutionary machine shed the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 for a new, cutting-edge twin-turbo V6 engine paired with electric augmentation. Even with rivals like Lamborghini’s 903bhp 10,000rpm Temerario on the horizon, the 296 GTB continues to redefine performance and driving dynamics.
For years, Ferrari’s core rivals were a predictable lineup of naturally aspirated V10s and twin-turbo V8s. The Lamborghini Huracán, while thrilling with its V10 roar, was an aging titan. Facing it was the McLaren 720S, a benchmark in power-to-weight supremacy. But Ferrari’s entry into the hybrid supercar space, the 296 GTB, was more than just a power boost; it was a strategic shift. Its successor, the Lamborghini Temerario, is poised to challenge Ferrari’s dominance with 903bhp from its 10,000rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid setup.
Engineering Ingenuity: The Ferrari 296 GTB Powerplant
The 296 GTB packs some serious horsepower. With an all-new 120-degree twin-turbo V6 and an electric motor powering the rear wheels (unlike the all-wheel-drive SF90), the 819bhp 296 GTB tore up the supercar rulebook.
Power figures alone, like the headline 819bhp figure, are staggering, making you question where such power escalation will end and where one could possibly utilize such performance. The 296 GTB is Ferrari’s first V6-powered road car (the 246 GT Dino never wore the Prancing Horse emblem in its era), the first to feature a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger installation, and a plug-in hybrid with an EV-only range of around 15 miles.
The V6 is mounted low in a new aluminum chassis, with a 50mm shorter wheelbase than its V8 predecessors, placing the occupants slightly further forward. The electric motor contributes a substantial 165bhp and 232lb ft, while the V6 alone produces a jaw-dropping 654bhp and 546lb ft. While Ferrari doesn’t quote the combined peak torque—presumably due to the complexities of integrating the engine and electric motor—it’s safe to assume it’s colossal. Overall, the V6 saves 30kg compared to Ferrari’s V8s and is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The battery pack, a long rectangular structure, resides behind the seats, balancing the vehicle’s weight distribution.
Aerodynamics and Downforce: Harnessing Airflow for Speed
For Ferrari, engineering sophistication goes hand-in-hand with electronic precision. The 296 utilizes a six-axis sensor known as 6w-CDS, capable of measuring acceleration and rotational speed in the X, Y, and Z planes.
Replacing traditional yaw sensors, the 6w-CDS works in tandem with steering rack sensors to monitor not just driver input but also the grip levels at the contact patch. This synergy maximizes cornering speed without compromising stability. The system also enables the new ABS-evo (a brilliant name choice) in RACE mode. Activated via the brake-by-wire system, ABS-evo shortens braking distances and enhances stability during trail braking, a critical factor in high-performance driving.
For the first time in its history, Ferrari is using active aerodynamics not to reduce drag, but to increase downforce. The 296 achieves a quoted 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with the rear wing—which deploys from the rear of the car—contributing up to 100kg of that figure.
Engine and gearbox cooling are managed by two radiators in the nose, supplemented by two additional condensers for the battery. Hot air is expelled underneath to avoid interfering with the intercooler airflow along the sides. The small apertures below the headlights draw in air to cool the brakes, while a wing integrated at the rear roofline creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, guiding air to the back of the car. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid to air channeling, the rear diffuser, and the ride height to maximize the effectiveness of downforce-generating surfaces.
The Assetto Fiorano Package: Track-Focused Enhancements
The 296 GTBs we tested at the launch were all equipped with the Assetto Fiorano pack. This package replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic items derived from GT racing and adds further carbon aerodynamic devices on the nose, boosting front downforce by 20kg.
Inside, the Assetto Fiorano trim features more carbon fiber (including door panels) and exterior carbon components, reducing overall weight by 12kg. This weight saving extends to 15kg with the optional Lexan rear engine cover. Customers who choose the Fiorano package can also opt for Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the standard Pilot Sport 4S tires. Fiorano cars can also be ordered with an exterior graphics package inspired by the iconic 250LM of the 1960s.
Spending time with the 296 GTB in the flesh reveals a truly stunning design, unlike anything else on the road. It echoes the 250LM of the 1960s, even without the divisive graphics package. The Ferrari 296 GTB performance metrics are where it truly shines, making it a leader in the hybrid supercar category.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: A Seamless Fusion of Power and Precision
To get moving, simply press the bottom of the steering wheel boss twice and engage first gear. The 296 always starts in Hybrid mode, moving off on electric power unless instructed otherwise via the haptic driver mode ‘buttons’ on the left side of the wheel. As long as the battery has charge and throttle input is moderate, the car stays in EV mode, offering a silent, refined experience.
You can force the car into EV mode regardless of powertrain demands, or utilize the Performance and Qualifying modes. In these modes, both power sources work together. Performance mode focuses on ultimate power delivery while also keeping the battery topped up, whereas Qualifying mode prioritizes maximum performance, ignoring battery charge levels.
Gliding through villages silently is an unexpected delight, and the damping is so sophisticated that the 296 GTB makes a surprisingly comfortable touring car. There’s even a reasonable luggage area in the ‘frunk’ (unlike the SF90). But what you really want to know is how it feels when both the engine and electric motor are pushed to their limits.
The clue lies in throttle response at low revs in a high gear: the 296 accelerates forward with no lag, making you question the necessity of gears given its potency. Nevertheless, there are eight gears to play with, and an engine that revs to 8500rpm. When you really uncork the 296, the effect is absolutely startling.
As the numbers suggest (0-62mph in 2.9sec, top speed of 205mph), the acceleration is exhilarating, bordering on the uncomfortable, yet strangely addictive. This is a seriously fast car. It sounds spectacular, too, with plenty of turbo sound effects complementing the tuneful V6 rasp. The Ferrari 296 GTB price makes it a highly sought-after high-performance supercar.
Handling Characteristics: Agile Yet Intuitive
The true marvel of the 296 GTB lies in its responsive chassis. Ferrari wasn’t exaggerating when they claimed the goal was to make the car ‘fun to drive’. It feels agile without being nervous; the steering is typically light and fast, but with added detail. While grip levels are very high, the car is also throttle-adjustable in a way that cannot fail to make you grin.
It feels far lighter than its 1470kg (dry) weight suggests, with a distinct lack of inertia that encourages the driver to work with the car, utilizing small inputs and revelling in its accuracy and precision. The CT Off mode allows for incredible liberties with the confidence of an electronic safety net far more intelligent than your own. Yet, even with everything switched off, the natural balance of the 296 enables teasing oversteer in a way you wouldn’t expect from a 819bhp supercar.
On track, the 296 shrinks even long straights, but its sharpness is even more apparent. The power is enough to break traction at the rear at many points around the lap, but the 296 is also highly sensitive to braking and steering inputs. Precision with the controls brings the greatest rewards.
The incredible turn-in accuracy and response dramatically shortens the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing into turns and building load, the 296 takes its line immediately on the Multimatic dampers, the hyper-quick steering beautifully matching the extra roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even if you’ve just stepped out of a standard sports car, the speed, precision, and agility of the 296 are phenomenal and a joy to experience lap after lap. The Ferrari 2
