The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB: A New Era of Electrified Supercar Dynamics Against the Looming Lamborghini Temerario Threat
In the hyper-competitive landscape of modern supercars, where evolution often feels more
like iteration, the arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a seismic shift. For a decade, the Italian marque had perfected the art of the twin-turbo V8, a formula that had garnered numerous accolades. Yet, with the 296 GTB, Ferrari boldly embraced a new path, eschewing its established V8 powerhouse for a revolutionary twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by potent electric assistance. This daring pivot positioned the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a supercar segment still in the nascent stages of its hybrid transformation.
When the 296 GTB first graced our streets, its primary adversary was the Lamborghini Huracán, a titan of the naturally aspirated V10 era. While the Huracán offered an intoxicating symphony of engine notes and a visceral, analogue driving experience, it was ultimately outgunned in the raw horsepower figures that define the upper echelons of supercar performance. The other formidable competitor of the time was the McLaren 720S, a masterclass in twin-turbo V8 efficiency and power-to-weight dominance. While its successor, the 750S, represents a refined continuation of that philosophy, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid powerhouse known as the Lamborghini Temerario looms large on the horizon. This impending hybrid marvel from Sant’Agata Bolognese is poised to be Lamborghini’s definitive riposte to Maranello’s 819bhp hybridized Berlinetta, setting the stage for an electrifying rivalry that will redefine supercar benchmarks.
The sheer audacity of the 296 GTB’s performance credentials is, frankly, breathtaking. Its all-new 120-degree, twin-turbocharged V6 engine, working in concert with an electric motor, exclusively propels the rear wheels – a distinction from the all-wheel-drive SF90 Stradale. This potent combination delivers a headline-grabbing 819bhp, a figure that unequivocally shattered established supercar conventions. The question inevitably arises: where does such an escalation of power ultimately lead, and perhaps more pertinently, where can one truly unleash such prodigious performance? These are profound inquiries that extend beyond the immediate purview of this assessment, but they underscore the extraordinary leap forward the 296 GTB represents.
This groundbreaking machine holds the distinction of being the first V6-powered Ferrari road car (a lineage notably absent from the original Dino 246 GT, which never bore the Prancing Horse emblem during its production run). It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration, a design that optimizes packaging and airflow. Furthermore, as a plug-in hybrid, it offers an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles, providing a tantalizing glimpse into the duality of modern supercar capability. The compact V6 is nestled low within an entirely new aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase reduced by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors. This packaging optimization also results in the occupants being seated slightly further forward, contributing to a more concentrated and engaging driving position.
The electric motor itself contributes a formidable 165bhp and 232 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine, operating independently, produces a staggering 654bhp and 546 lb-ft. The combined output, as mentioned, reaches 819bhp. Ferrari, in its characteristic discretion, refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. However, it is safe to assume that the cumulative torque is, to put it mildly, considerable. The V6 unit itself boasts a weight saving of 30kg over its V8 counterparts. This powerplant is seamlessly mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, while the battery pack – a long, slender structure – is strategically located behind the seats, contributing to the car’s optimal weight distribution.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of sophisticated electronic chassis management systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has developed a cutting-edge six-axis sensor system, dubbed 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This intricate network meticulously measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. By replacing traditional yaw sensors and integrating with a sensor mounted on the steering rack, the 6w-CDS provides the car with an unprecedented understanding of the driver’s intentions and the instantaneous grip levels at the tire contact patches. This data is then utilized by systems such as Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff to maximize cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and driver confidence. Moreover, this advanced sensor array enables the introduction of ABS-evo, a novel anti-lock braking system that, in RACE mode and above, leverages the car’s brake-by-wire technology to not only shorten stopping distances but also enhance braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners.
For the first time in its history, Ferrari is employing its active aerodynamics not to reduce drag, but to actively generate downforce. The company claims a remarkable 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with the deployable rear wing contributing up to 100kg of this aerodynamic advantage. The cooling system is equally ingenious. Two radiators located in the front fascia manage engine and gearbox temperatures, while two additional condensers are dedicated to cooling the battery pack. Hot air is strategically expelled underneath the vehicle, preventing any interference with the flow of cool air directed to the intercoolers positioned along the car’s flanks. The discreet apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to brake cooling, while a roofline-integrated rear wing element aids in creating a ‘virtual’ rear screen, effectively channeling airflow towards the rear of the car as if guided by a solid surface. The lion’s share of the 296’s downforce is generated from beneath the chassis. Here, Ferrari’s engineers have paid meticulous attention not only to the airflow management and the sophisticated rear diffuser but also to the underbody’s ground clearance, thereby maximizing the effectiveness of the downforce-generating surfaces.
The 296 GTB models we sampled on track during their launch were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance enhancement replaces the standard dampers with sophisticated Multimatic units, directly derived from GT racing technology. It also incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements at the front, contributing an extra 20kg of downforce. Further weight savings are achieved through the increased use of carbon fiber in the cabin (such as the door panels) and exterior components, resulting in a total reduction of 12kg. This figure can be extended to 15kg with the optional Lexan rear engine cover. For the ultimate track-focused specification, the Assetto Fiorano package also permits the fitment of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, supplanting the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Owners can also opt for an exterior graphics package inspired by the iconic 250LM from the 1960s, adding a touch of historical racing pedigree.
Having experienced the 296 GTB firsthand, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a truly captivating presence, distinct from anything else on the road, subtly referencing the legendary 250LM of the 1960s even without the more overtly stylistic graphics pack. This is a car that commands attention and admiration.
Performance and Acceleration Dynamics:
Initiating propulsion is as simple as a double-press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by engaging first gear. The 296 GTB defaults to Hybrid mode, commencing its journey on electric power alone, unless prompted otherwise by the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors on the left side of the steering wheel boss. As long as the accelerator input remains measured and the battery possesses sufficient charge, the car will continue its silent progression in pure electric mode.
Drivers can also elect to ‘force’ the car into full EV mode, irrespective of powertrain demands. Alternatively, ‘Performance’ and ‘Qualifying’ modes offer distinct driving experiences. In Performance mode, both power sources operate in tandem, with a secondary objective of maintaining battery charge. Qualifying mode, however, unleashes the full, unadulterated performance potential, with no regard for the battery’s state of charge.
The serene experience of gliding through urban landscapes on electric power is an unexpected delight. The adaptive damping system is so sophisticated that it renders the car a remarkably comfortable companion for long journeys. Furthermore, the ‘frunk’ offers a surprisingly practical luggage compartment, a welcome improvement over the SF90. However, the true allure lies in the intoxicating sensation of unleashing both the electric motor and the V6 engine in unison.
Plant the throttle at low revs in a high gear, and the 296 GTB simply surges forward with an immediate, lag-free response that momentarily makes you question the necessity of gear changes, such is its sheer potency. Yet, with eight gears at its disposal and an engine that eagerly revs to 8,500rpm, the full deployment of the 296’s capabilities is nothing short of astonishing. The acceleration figures – a blistering 0-62mph in under 3 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205mph – translate into a sensation that is both intensely exhilarating and verging on overwhelming. It’s a visceral experience characterized by tight-grip-and-nervous-laughter moments, yet paradoxically, it’s also intensely addictive. This is, without question, a seriously rapid automobile. And its auditory character is equally compelling, with a captivating V6 rasp expertly overlaid with a symphony of turbocharger effects.
Ride and Handling Prowess:
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is the extraordinary responsiveness of its chassis and Ferrari’s unwavering commitment to making it a supremely ‘fun to drive’ machine. The car exhibits remarkable agility without ever feeling precariously nervous. The steering, a hallmark of Ferrari’s engineering, is typically light and exceptionally quick, yet it also conveys a remarkable level of tactility and feedback. While the grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains remarkably throttle-adjustable, providing a level of driver engagement that inevitably elicits a broad grin.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s an absence of inertia throughout the entire vehicle, encouraging the driver to work in harmony with its capabilities, making minute inputs and reveling in its precision. The CT Off mode offers an extraordinary degree of freedom, with the reassuring knowledge that an incredibly sophisticated electronic safety net remains in place. However, even with all electronic aids deactivated, the inherent balance of the 296 GTB allows for playful oversteer, a feat one might scarcely believe possible in a car boasting 819bhp.
On the track, the 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to compress even the longest straights. Its prowess as a razor-sharp instrument becomes abundantly clear. The power is readily available to break rear-wheel traction at numerous points around the circuit, yet the 296 GTB is also exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. This inherent trait rewards precision with the greatest satisfaction. The turn-in accuracy and responsiveness are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase into every corner. Instead of gently easing the car into turns and gradually building load, the 296 GTB settles instantly, its newfound composure amplified by the Multimatic dampers and the hyper-quick steering, which perfectly complements the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for a driver transitioning from a more conventional sports car, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are nothing short of phenomenal and an absolute joy to experience lap after lap.
The Driver’s Cockpit:
The interior architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to those who have experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the two models share a significant design lineage. The fully digital interface, coupled with its accompanying haptic switchgear, presents a considerable learning curve. These controls are liberally distributed across the steering wheel and the traditional Ferrari pods flanking it.
Undoubtedly, the system is complex. However, it’s important to acknowledge the sheer volume of information and functionality it is designed to manage. The primary frustration arises from the fact that simple operations sometimes require a second, deliberate press to register, or one is left uncertain whether an input has been successfully acknowledged at all. Nevertheless, the overall ambiance of the cabin evokes a sense of occasion and exclusivity, making it a truly special place to inhabit.
Verdict: A Return to Form and a Benchmark Setter
In the highly competitive field of supercar awards, the 2022 evo Car of the Year competition saw the McLaren Artura and the 296 GTB separated by the narrowest of margins, with the judges’ votes perfectly split. The three testers who favored the Ferrari – myself, Meaden, and Bovingdon – lauded its spectacular nature. “Beautiful to behold, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable, and so technically clever,” enthused Jethro. “Its V6 demonstrates how McLaren should downsize while amplifying the drama, and it matches the Artura in sheer control but feels more playful and indulgent.”
Dickie offered a sentiment echoed by many: “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355.” He continued, “The hybrid system is exceptionally well integrated and doesn’t alter the driving experience as much as I had feared, likely because we’ve become accustomed to the torquey characteristics of turbocharged V8s in the 488 and F8. The 296 is stonkingly quick but doesn’t rely solely on brute force, thanks to the character of the V6, which delivers a consistently sweet soundtrack that evolves with throttle application.”
While the Ferrari’s hybrid system received widespread praise for its seamless integration, a cautionary note emerged on the final night of testing when a depleted battery left one of the cars stranded. Ferrari had previously warned of this possibility and outlined preventative measures. However, the scenario of an owner finding themselves in a similar predicament is not inconceivable, prompting Gallagher to remark, “It’s a significant oversight that the company that pioneered individual rear-wheel steering cannot engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this.” Fortunately for the 296 GTB, this incident occurred after all scoring was complete.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake pedal feel didn’t quite match the very best in the group. The technology interface also faced widespread criticism for its excessive complexity. Despite these points, the 296 GTB proved irresistibly seductive. Vivian confessed, “I initially thought I wouldn’t appreciate the Ferrari as much – too complex, with rather gratuitous points of difference. But I ended up somewhat bewitched by its uncanny directional changes, its astonishing damping, and its looney-tunes levels of grip, coupled with the linearity of its seemingly unending power.”
Peter Tomalin, reflecting on the 2022 awards, concluded: “This is a significant return to form for Ferrari, particularly after the SF90 left us feeling somewhat underwhelmed last year. The 296 GTB is far more successful because its technical sophistication, and the integration of its hybrid technology in particular, feels far more natural and considerably less intrusive.” Gallagher concurred, stating, “Ferrari has taken a great deal from the SF90, learned from that car, and distilled it into a series-production model that ranks among its very best.”
Pricing and the Evolving Competitive Arena:
The inherent risk with any vehicle heavily laden with advanced technology is that it may ultimately prove to be less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment we encountered with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power output, left us unnerved by its challenging driving characteristics.
The 296 GTB, however, represents a fundamentally different proposition. As our evaluation at eCoty 2022 (where it shared joint third place with the McLaren Artura) revealed, it feels significantly more organic. Its harmonious blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect chord, effectively redefining what a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket can achieve. A more potent Versione Speciale variant of the 296 GTB is anticipated this year, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity. The hope is that the standard 296’s remarkably natural feel will be retained.
It is precisely this crucial aspect of the 296 GTB’s character that we fervently hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an obscene amount of power to manage in a series-production supercar, and without a comprehensively resolved chassis to match, such potency can easily become detrimental. If Lamborghini has truly mastered this challenge – and the astonishing capability demonstrated in the Revuelto provides ample reason for optimism – then we are poised for an epic twin-test, potentially featuring a combined 1700bhp of hybrid hypercar might!
Alternatively, we could elevate the stakes to a 2400bhp triple threat by including the McLaren 750S. This car, now almost comically described as the ‘minnow’ of the class with its comparatively modest 740bhp, brings a relatively petite kerb weight of 1389kg to the table, resulting in a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw, ergonomically sound design, the crispness of its steering, and the deftness of its chassis clearly differentiate it from the comparatively remote feel of the Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Key Specifications:
Engine: 2992cc, twin-turbocharged V6, plus electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, active E-diff
Combined Power: 819bhp @ 8000rpm
Combined Torque: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm (Engine)
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Estimated Price: £250,000+
The landscape of automotive excellence is constantly shifting, and the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a testament to bold innovation and unparalleled engineering. If you’re captivated by the future of performance motoring and the electrifying fusion of tradition and technology, we invite you to explore the latest offerings from Ferrari and its contemporaries. Discover how these automotive masterpieces are pushing boundaries and defining the next generation of driving exhilaration.
