Ferrari 296 GTB Review: The Benchmark the Lamborghini Temerario Must Surpass
In the high-stakes theater of modern supercars, the Ferrari 296 GTB stands not merely as a successor to the V8 era, but as a watershed moment in automotive engineering. Having spent over a decade testing the world’s most potent performance machines, I can state with conviction that the transition to hybrid power is rarely handled with such surgical precision. While the industry fixates on the impending arrival of the 903bhp Lamborghini Temerario, the Maranello-born 296 GTB remains the definitive yardstick for how a mid-engined powerhouse should behave in the year 2025.
Redefining the Hybrid Paradigm
When Ferrari pulled the wraps off the Ferrari 296 GTB, it signaled a fundamental shift. By moving from the celebrated twin-turbo V8 to a sophisticated 120-degree twin-turbo V6 augmented by an electric motor, Maranello risked alienating purists. However, the result is an 819bhp masterpiece that manages to feel lighter and more agile than its predecessor. This isn’t just about the raw power; it is about the integration. The electric motor, providing 165bhp and 232lb-ft of torque, fills the gaps in the torque curve with zero latency, creating a driving experience that feels more natural than many naturally aspirated classics.
The Ferrari 296 GTB is the first road-legal Ferrari to utilize this “hot-vee” V6 configuration, mounted low within a shortened aluminum chassis. By shaving 50mm off the wheelbase compared to previous V8 models, Ferrari has achieved a level of mid-corner rotation that is, frankly, addicting.
Cutting-Edge Dynamics and Active Aerodynamics
One of the most critical aspects of the Ferrari 296 GTB experience is the “6w-CDS” six-axis sensor. This piece of tech is a game-changer; it monitors yaw, pitch, and roll in real-time, feeding data into the E-Diff and Side Slip Control to ensure the car remains planted even when you are exploring the outer limits of grip.
For those who prioritize track performance, the Assetto Fiorano package is non-negotiable. With Multimatic dampers derived from GT racing and weight-saving carbon fiber components, the Fiorano-equipped Ferrari 296 GTB transforms into an apex-hunting weapon. The active aerodynamics are equally impressive—rather than just minimizing drag, the car generates an astounding 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a substantial portion handled by the subtle, deployable rear wing.
Performance: The “Hold-on-Tight” Experience
Acceleration is a word often thrown around in supercar circles, but in this car, it feels like a physical event. With a 0-62mph time of just 2.9 seconds, the Ferrari 296 GTB is relentless. Whether you are in Hybrid mode—gliding through city streets in near silence—or Qualifying mode, where the combustion engine and electric motor work in perfect, high-revving harmony, the car never feels overwhelmed.
The sound profile deserves a special mention. While V6 engines have historically struggled with acoustic character, this 120-degree unit provides a raspy, exotic wail that sits comfortably alongside the legendary V8s of the past. It’s a sensory feast, complemented by steering that is quick, communicative, and refreshingly precise.
The Competition: Lamborghini Temerario and Beyond
The looming threat from the Lamborghini Temerario, with its high-revving, 10,000rpm hybrid V8, is the main event for 2025. Lamborghini has a history of building “shouty,” dramatic machines, but they have a steep hill to climb if they want to match the Ferrari 296 GTB for mechanical finesse.
While the McLaren 750S remains a formidable competitor, offering a visceral, analog-style connection at a lighter kerb weight, it lacks the technical cohesion of the Ferrari. The Ferrari 296 GTB succeeds because it hides its complexity. It utilizes high-CPC technology like brake-by-wire and ABS-evo to shorten stopping distances and improve corner-entry confidence without the driver ever feeling like they are fighting a computer.
Interior and Ergonomics
If there is a flaw, it lies in the human-machine interface. Borrowing the heavily digital, haptic-button-laden steering wheel from the SF90, the cabin of the Ferrari 296 GTB can be frustrating. Adjusting settings while driving at speed requires more concentration than is ideal. However, the seating position is perfect, and the cabin materials—despite the reliance on digital displays—feel every bit as luxurious as the £250,000+ price tag suggests.
The Expert Verdict
After years of driving the industry’s best, I find that the Ferrari 296 GTB remains a rare gem. It is a car that refuses to be boring, regardless of how much safety-tech is operating behind the scenes. It handles with the poise of a purebred racer yet retains the daily usability of a grand tourer.
While we wait to see if the Lamborghini Temerario can provide a more emotional driving experience, the Ferrari 296 GTB stands tall as the definitive hybrid supercar. It is, quite simply, the car to beat.
Ready to experience the pinnacle of Italian engineering for yourself? Visit your local authorized Ferrari dealer today to schedule a private consultation and discover the unparalleled performance of the 296 GTB.
