Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 Review: The Benchmark for the Next Generation of Supercars
For over a decade, I’ve lived and breathed the automotive world—from track days in the U.S. to global auto shows. Yet, even with the relentless pace of innovation, few cars have shifted the paradigm quite like the Ferrari 296 GTB. When this twin-turbo V6 hybrid arrived in 2022, it didn’t just refine the supercar formula; it rewrote the rulebook for the modern era.
We’re now in 2025, and the landscape has changed dramatically. The Lamborghini Revuelto has arrived with its breathtaking 1,001 horsepower output, and we’re eagerly awaiting the Lamborghini Temerario, rumored to boast a staggering 903 horsepower. But while the competition scrambles to catch up with hybrid V12 and twin-turbo V8 powertrains, the Ferrari 296 GTB remains the benchmark. It’s the car these rivals must beat.
This in-depth review will dive into the nuances of the 296 GTB, exploring why its V6 hybrid architecture is so revolutionary, how its chassis dynamics redefine ‘fun,’ and whether it can truly compete with the most powerful hybrid supercars in the world today.
The Evolution of an Icon: From V8 to V6 Power
Ferrari’s mid-engined supercar lineage has always been defined by its legendary V8 engines. The 458 Italia set the standard for naturally aspirated noise and feel, while the 488 GTB and F8 Tributo brought twin-turbocharging into the performance mainstream. These cars were characterized by raw power, visceral feedback, and a sound that could send shivers down your spine.
A Radical Departure: The Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid
However, the Ferrari 296 GTB marked a radical departure from this tradition. For the first time in a production road car bearing the Prancing Horse emblem, Ferrari replaced the V8 with a high-revving, 120-degree twin-turbo V6 engine. This wasn’t just a downsizing exercise; it was a fundamental rethinking of what a supercar could be.
Paired with an electric motor, the 296 GTB produces a combined output of 819 horsepower. While this figure might seem modest compared to the hybrid V12 hypercars, the magic lies in the delivery. This V6 is paired with a sophisticated hybrid system that provides instant torque, seamless acceleration, and an unprecedented level of control.
It’s worth noting that the 296 GTB is also the first Ferrari to feature a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration, where the turbos are mounted within the V of the engine. This design enhances efficiency and response, a hallmark of modern turbocharged Ferrari performance.
Technical Sophistication Meets Elegant Design
Beyond the engine, the Ferrari 296 GTB is a masterpiece of engineering and design. The chassis architecture has been thoroughly revised to accommodate the hybrid components. The wheelbase has been shortened by 50mm, and the occupants are positioned slightly further forward, creating a more compact and agile feel.
The electric motor produces a substantial 165 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 delivers a staggering 654 horsepower and 546 lb-ft. Ferrari famously refrains from quoting the combined peak torque, likely due to the complex interplay between the engine and the electric motor.
All told, the V6 unit is approximately 30kg lighter than its V8 predecessor. This weight saving is crucial for performance, as it allows the 296 GTB to feel agile and nimble despite its hybrid powertrain. The car is coupled to an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and the battery pack is neatly packaged behind the seats.
Chassis Dynamics: The Art of the Drive
In the world of supercars, raw power often comes at the expense of handling. Many high-horsepower cars feel unwieldy, unpredictable, and difficult to manage at the limit. However, Ferrari has engineered the Ferrari 296 GTB to defy these expectations.
The Six-Axis Sensor: Redefining Control
One of the most significant advancements in the 296 GTB is the integration of Ferrari’s 6w-CDS (six-axis sensor). This revolutionary system measures acceleration and rotational velocity in all three dimensions (X, Y, and Z). It replaces the conventional yaw sensor and works in tandem with sensors on the steering rack to monitor grip levels in real-time.
This sensor data feeds into Ferrari’s Side Slip Control (SSC) and active E-Diff, maximizing cornering speed while maintaining stability. It also enables ABS-evo in RACE mode and above, which utilizes brake-by-wire to shorten braking distances and improve trail braking performance.
Pushing the Boundaries: Active Aerodynamics
Ferrari has also pioneered the use of active aerodynamics in the 296 GTB. Unlike traditional designs that prioritize drag reduction, this car uses active aero to generate downforce. The rear wing can deploy up to 100kg of downforce, contributing to the total of 360kg at 155mph. This is a crucial development in the pursuit of supercar handling and grip.
Engineering Excellence: Cooling and Airflow
From a technical standpoint, the Ferrari 296 GTB is a masterclass in airflow management. The car features two radiators in the nose for engine and gearbox cooling, along with two condensers for the battery. Hot air is exhausted underneath, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with the intake air cooling in the intercoolers along the flanks. Small apertures below the headlights draw air to cool the brakes, while the wing integrated at the roofline channels air to the rear of the car.
The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated underbody, where particular attention has been paid to the height of the underbody to maximize the effectiveness of the diffuser. This meticulous attention to detail is what sets the Ferrari 296 GTB apart from its competitors.
Performance and Track Capabilities: The True Test
When a car is packed with this much technology, there’s always a risk that the driving experience will feel synthetic or disconnected. Early turbocharged Ferrari models sometimes struggled with lag and heavy steering, but the Ferrari 296 GTB breaks from this mold entirely.
Zero Lag, Instant Torque
From the moment you pull away, the 296 GTB feels alive. Starting in Hybrid mode, the car moves off on electric power alone, offering silent, smooth propulsion. However, the real performance arrives when you deploy the V6.
The 0-62mph time is blisteringly fast, with acceleration that feels almost uncomfortable in its intensity. Yet, somehow, it’s also addictive. The power delivery is seamless, with no discernible lag as the turbos spool up. You can feel the electric motor filling in the gaps, providing a constant wave of torque that pushes you forward with relentless force.
The Sound of the Hybrid
One of the most striking aspects of the Ferrari 296 GTB is its soundtrack. While it might not possess the raw, unfiltered scream of a naturally aspirated V10, the twin-turbo V6 offers a unique and thrilling experience. Turbo whine is overlaid with the tuneful rasp of the V6, creating a soundtrack that perfectly complements the car’s hybrid nature.
Ride Quality and Driver Feedback: Comfort Meets Agility
Many supercars prioritize speed over comfort, forcing drivers to choose between thrilling performance and a plush ride. However, the Ferrari 296 GTB strikes a remarkable balance between the two.
Surprisingly Comfortable
Despite its supercar credentials, the 296 GTB is surprisingly comfortable for daily driving. The damping is sophisticated, and the cabin is refined and luxurious. The ‘frunk’ provides reasonable luggage space, making the 296 a viable option for road trips as well as track days.
Unrivaled Agility
But what really sets the 296 GTB apart is its chassis agility. The steering is light and precise, and the car feels much lighter than its 1470kg (dry) weight suggests. There’s a distinct lack of inertia, allowing you to make small inputs and feel the car respond immediately.
The CT Off mode allows for incredible performance with confidence, thanks to the electronic stability control and the active E-Diff. Even with all traction control systems disabled, the 296 GTB feels balanced and predictable, making it easy to tease into oversteer even at high speeds.
Interior and Technology: A Digital Revolution
The cabin architecture of the Ferrari 296 GTB is heavily influenced by the SF90, featuring a purely digital interface and haptic switchgear. While this design is undoubtedly sophisticated, it also represents a departure from traditional Ferrari interiors.
The Struggle for Usability
Navigating the digital interface can be challenging, and some simple operations require a second press of the button. However, Ferrari has improved usability in the 296 GTB, and the interior still feels special despite its complexity.
Comfort Meets Craftsmanship
The interior is appointed with high-quality materials, including carbon fiber trim, leather upholstery, and Alcantara accents. The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on long drives. The design is modern and minimalist, reflecting Ferrari’s commitment to cutting-edge technology and sophisticated luxury.
The Assetto Fiorano Pack: Track-Focused Performance
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