Ferrari 296 GTB Review: The Hybrid Benchmark Setting the Pace for 2025
The landscape of high-performance automotive engineering has shifted seismically over the last three years. When the Ferrari 296 GTB first hit the pavement in 2022, it wasn’t just launching a new model; it was rewriting the manifesto for the modern supercar. Now, as we look toward 2025, the Ferrari 296 GTB remains the definitive yardstick by which industry disruptors—most notably the upcoming Lamborghini Temerario—must be measured.
Having spent a decade testing the limits of Maranello’s finest, I can confirm that the 296 GTB is not merely a technical exercise in electrification. It is a masterclass in how to retain the soul of a Prancing Horse while embracing a future defined by hybridization and downsizing.
A New Era of Power: The V6 Hybrid Architecture
The decision to pivot from the celebrated, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 to an all-new 120-degree V6 with electrical augmentation was a gamble that paid dividends. Producing a combined 819bhp, the Ferrari 296 GTB delivers performance that makes traditional internal combustion feel suddenly vintage.
The engine itself, a 2,992cc unit, is the first Ferrari road car to feature a “hot-vee” turbocharger configuration. This setup optimizes thermal efficiency and responsiveness by placing the turbos within the V of the engine. When paired with the 165bhp electric motor mounted behind the seats, the result is a powertrain that offers instant, torque-rich acceleration without the lag traditionally associated with forced induction. It is a high-CPC, high-performance masterpiece that manages to be both a docile cruiser and a track-day weapon.
Handling Dynamics and the 6w-CDS Sensor
What separates the 296 GTB from the average hybrid supercar is its intelligence. Ferrari has integrated a six-axis sensor system known as 6w-CDS. By monitoring acceleration and rotation across three planes simultaneously, the system communicates with the Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff to provide a level of cornering precision that borders on the telepathic.
For those tracking their vehicle in Los Angeles or Miami, the ABS-evo system is a game-changer. Integrated into the brake-by-wire setup, it allows for deeper trail-braking into corners, ensuring that even when you are pushing the limits of grip, the chassis remains balanced and incredibly communicative.
The Assetto Fiorano Advantage
If you are ordering a 296 GTB, the Assetto Fiorano package is the definitive upgrade for track enthusiasts. By replacing standard dampers with Multimatic items derived from GT racing and shedding additional weight through carbon-fiber components, the car transforms. With the optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, the turn-in response is sharpened, making the vehicle feel significantly lighter than its 1,470kg dry weight would suggest. It is this dedication to mechanical sympathy that keeps the 296 GTB at the top of the luxury car market.
The Lamborghini Temerario Challenge
The elephant in the room for 2025 is the Lamborghini Temerario. With rumors of a 903bhp output and a 10,000rpm redline, Lamborghini is clearly aiming to out-gun the Ferrari. However, in my experience, the supercar segment is rarely won on raw specs alone.
While the Temerario promises raw, visceral noise and astronomical power figures, the Ferrari 296 GTB has already proven that it can blend technical sophistication with a playful, organic driving experience. The Ferrari isn’t just fast; it is usable. It features a genuine, albeit small, luggage area in the front—a practicality often abandoned in high-CPC performance machines.
Interior Ergonomics and Tech Interface
If there is a point of contention, it lies in the digital interface. The cabin, inspired heavily by the SF90, relies on haptic feedback switches on the steering wheel. While sleek and modern, it can be fiddly during spirited driving. However, once you move past the complex UI and focus on the driving position and the theater of the V6 behind you, the minor annoyances fade into the background.
Is the 296 GTB the King of the Supercars?
In 2025, the market is flooded with high-performance hybrid options, yet the Ferrari 296 GTB manages to avoid the “soulless” tag that often haunts electrified vehicles. It is remarkably efficient, capable of about 15 miles of EV-only range for city driving, yet it remains a true Ferrari at heart.
When you factor in the high-CPC nature of these vehicles, depreciation curves, and the prestige of the brand, the 296 GTB represents a secure investment for collectors and a thrill for drivers. It is a rare car that can be driven to a gala in downtown New York and then taken to a track day without a single mechanical change.
Final Verdict
The Ferrari 296 GTB remains the benchmark. It has taken the complex hybrid platform and distilled it into something natural, manageable, and deeply rewarding. While the Lamborghini Temerario and the McLaren 750S offer incredible competition, they are fighting for the second spot on the podium. Ferrari has successfully transitioned into the hybrid era without losing its competitive edge.
If you are looking to experience the absolute pinnacle of modern Italian engineering, there has never been a better time to get behind the wheel of a 296 GTB. Contact your local Ferrari dealer today to schedule a test drive and witness the evolution of the modern supercar firsthand.
