Ferrari 296 GTB Review: The Benchmark Every Supercar Must Beat
For over a decade, I’ve tracked the evolution of the mid-engine supercar, from the raw, mechanical simplicity of naturally aspirated V10s to the current era of complex hybridization. If there is one vehicle that defines the shift toward 2025 performance standards, it is the Ferrari 296 GTB. While the automotive world buzzes with news of the 903bhp Lamborghini Temerario, the 296 GTB remains the gold standard of precision engineering. It is not merely a car; it is a masterclass in how to integrate electric power without sacrificing the soul of a Prancing Horse.
The Hybrid Paradigm Shift
When the Ferrari 296 GTB first broke cover, it faced skepticism. Purists lamented the departure from the legendary V8 platform, yet the Maranello engineers delivered something more compelling: a 120-degree twin-turbo V6 paired with a sophisticated electric motor. This hybrid setup produces a combined 819bhp, propelling the car into a stratosphere of performance that once belonged to hypercars.
Unlike the all-wheel-drive SF90, the 296 GTB retains a rear-wheel-drive architecture. This choice is deliberate. It keeps the car focused, agile, and refreshingly communicative. When you are behind the wheel, the Ferrari 296 GTB feels significantly lighter than its 1470kg dry weight suggests, a testament to the masterful chassis tuning and compact packaging of the battery pack behind the seats.
Engineering Excellence and Downforce
The technical depth of this vehicle is staggering. Ferrari utilizes a six-axis sensor (6w-CDS) that tracks vehicle motion across X, Y, and Z planes. This data feeds into the Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, allowing for a level of cornering precision that borders on telepathic.
Aerodynamically, the 296 GTB is a revelation. For the first time, Ferrari utilized active aero not just to reduce drag, but to actively increase downforce. The rear wing, deploying as needed, helps generate up to 360kg of downforce at 155mph. This ensures that the Ferrari 296 GTB stays glued to the tarmac, providing the driver with unshakable confidence, whether navigating a tight hairpin or powering through a high-speed sweeper.
Performance: Beyond the Numbers
You might ask if 819bhp is excessive for a road car. While the 0-62mph time of 2.9 seconds is headline-grabbing, the true experience lies in the linearity of the power delivery. The electric motor fills the gap where turbochargers would traditionally lag, providing an instant torque surge.
If you choose the Ferrari 296 GTB with the Assetto Fiorano package, the experience intensifies. The inclusion of Multimatic dampers—derived from GT racing—and carbon fiber body components reduces weight by an additional 12kg. When equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, the car transforms from a grand tourer into a track-day weapon. It is sharp, responsive, and rewards precise inputs with surgical accuracy.
The Interior and Daily Usability
Transitioning to the cabin, the 296 GTB borrows heavily from the SF90’s digital-first philosophy. The haptic steering wheel controls remain a point of contention among some enthusiasts, as they require a level of familiarity that standard tactile buttons do not. However, once you adapt to the interface, the cockpit feels like a fighter jet—modern, focused, and purposeful.
Crucially, the 296 GTB offers a level of comfort that makes it genuinely usable. Whether you are driving through city streets in near-silent EV mode (with roughly 15 miles of range) or attacking a B-road, the damping is remarkably supple. It has successfully bridged the gap between a daily supercar and a performance monster.
Competition: The Battle for Supremacy
The market for high-performance exotics is currently heating up. With the Lamborghini Temerario promising over 900bhp and an astonishing 10,000rpm redline, the pressure is on Ferrari to maintain its lead. However, the Ferrari 296 GTB doesn’t just rely on raw power; it relies on balance and integration. While others may chase higher output, Ferrari has focused on the “driving fun” factor.
Investing in a vehicle of this caliber requires careful consideration of the current market. High-net-worth buyers looking for luxury automotive investment opportunities are keeping a close eye on the 296 GTB’s depreciation curves and brand heritage. As the industry pivots toward electrification, the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a landmark, representing the perfect marriage of internal combustion emotion and electric efficiency.
Why the 296 GTB Reigns Supreme
In my decade of evaluating supercars, few vehicles have felt as “right” as the 296 GTB. It is a car that makes you feel like a better driver than you are. Its ability to manage its immense power while remaining predictable and playful is what separates it from the competition.
If you are currently debating which supercar should occupy your garage, the Ferrari 296 GTB is the vehicle that sets the standard. It manages to be complex, yet intuitive; aggressive, yet refined. It is the yardstick by which we must now measure every incoming competitor.
Are you ready to experience the pinnacle of modern performance? Whether you are interested in a test drive at your local authorized dealership or looking for specific configuration advice to maximize your resale value, now is the time to act. Reach out to your local Ferrari representative today to schedule a consultation and see why the 296 GTB continues to dominate the conversation in the supercar world.
