Ferrari 296 GTB Review: The Benchmark the Lamborghini Temerario Must Surpass
In the rarefied air of mid-engined exotics, the arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 wasn’t just a new model launch; it was a fundamental shift in automotive philosophy. As someone who has spent over a decade road-testing the most potent machinery from Maranello to Woking, I can confidently state that the 296 GTB remains a high-water mark for the industry. Even as we approach the mid-2020s and gaze toward the horizon at the 900-plus horsepower Lamborghini Temerario, the Ferrari 296 GTB continues to set the standard for how a hybrid supercar should behave, sound, and deliver pure, unadulterated excitement.
The Hybrid Paradigm Shift
For years, the industry operated under the assumption that moving toward electrification meant sacrificing soul. The Ferrari 296 GTB shattered that myth. By replacing the celebrated, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 with a compact, 120-degree twin-turbo V6 augmented by a powerful electric motor, Ferrari did more than just downsize; they revolutionized the segment.
With a combined output of 819bhp sent exclusively to the rear wheels, the 296 GTB offers a visceral experience that few vehicles can replicate. While some competitors rely on brute force and all-wheel-drive traction to mask their weight, the Ferrari 296 GTB leans into the agility afforded by its shorter wheelbase—50mm less than its V8-powered predecessors. The integration is seamless. You aren’t fighting a computer; you are collaborating with a highly sophisticated electronic nervous system.
Engineering Mastery and Performance
If you’re looking for a vehicle that defines the “Supercar” category, the Ferrari 296 GTB is it. The synergy between the 654bhp V6 internal combustion engine and the 165bhp electric motor creates a power delivery that feels infinite. The immediate torque response from the e-motor eliminates any perceived turbo lag, allowing the car to lunge forward with a ferocity that forces you to respect the physics at play.
The technical specifications are staggering. The 296 GTB utilizes a bespoke chassis design where the battery pack is tucked neatly behind the seats, keeping the center of gravity low and central. This contributes to a curb weight of just 1470kg (dry), a figure that feels remarkably light in an era where heavy, battery-laden performance vehicles are becoming the norm.
For those seeking the pinnacle of the experience, the Assetto Fiorano package is the definitive choice. By adding Multimatic dampers—derived from GT racing—and trimming excess weight through carbon fiber panels and Lexan windows, this setup sharpens the car’s focus. It is, quite simply, one of the most precise driving instruments on the market.
Mastering the Dynamics
What makes the Ferrari 296 GTB truly “expert-level” is its chassis control. Ferrari’s 6w-CDS (six-axis sensor) replaces traditional yaw sensors, allowing the car to analyze grip levels in real-time across all three planes of motion. This feeds into the ABS-evo system and the Side Slip Control, giving drivers the confidence to push into corners with trail-braking maneuvers that would feel terrifying in lesser cars.
The steering is light, sharp, and communicative. Unlike some modern supercars that feel isolated from the tarmac, the 296 GTB whispers every detail of the tire contact patch directly into your palms. It’s an engaging, analog-feeling experience wrapped in a digital package.
The Looming Challenge: Temerario vs. Ferrari
The automotive press is currently buzzing about the Lamborghini Temerario. On paper, a 10,000rpm V8 hybrid producing over 900bhp sounds like the ultimate antidote to the Ferrari’s V6. However, power is only half the battle. Having driven the Revuelto, I suspect Lamborghini will deliver a masterpiece of drama, but the Ferrari 296 GTB has already proven that balance and “fun-to-drive” metrics are more important than just hitting a higher number on the dyno.
The Ferrari 296 GTB’s ability to remain playful at lower speeds while being a weapon on the track is its secret sauce. Whether you’re gliding through city streets in near-silent EV mode or pinning the throttle on a mountain pass with the V6 screaming toward its 8,500rpm limit, the car feels cohesive.
The Interior and Daily Usability
It’s not all track-focused perfection. The interior features a fully digital interface, which, while visually stunning, can be polarizing. The haptic feedback buttons on the steering wheel require a period of acclimatization. However, compared to the Spartan interiors of previous generations, the 296 GTB is a comfortable, technologically advanced cockpit designed for long-distance touring just as much as it is for hot laps.
Why It Remains the King of the Hill
In a world increasingly focused on the “next big thing,” the Ferrari 296 GTB remains a reminder of why we fell in love with driving. It is a technological tour-de-force that somehow manages to feel organic. Its influence on the market is undeniable, and its driving dynamics remain the gold standard against which all future hybrids will be measured.
If you are looking to invest in a machine that captures the essence of 2025 automotive technology while retaining the soul of a classic Ferrari, the 296 GTB is the only choice. It is fast, beautiful, and fundamentally brilliant.
Are you ready to experience the future of high-performance engineering? Contact your local Ferrari dealership today to schedule a private demonstration and discover why the 296 GTB is the benchmark by which all others are measured.
