The Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Masterpiece Redefining Supercar Performance in 2025
As a seasoned observer of the automotive landscape for over a decade, I’ve witnessed tectonic shifts in how we perceive and
define a “supercar.” The once-unassailable reign of naturally aspirated V10s and V8s has been steadily challenged, not just by brute force, but by intelligent integration of electric propulsion. The Ferrari 296 GTB, arriving a few years ago, was a bold statement in this evolving paradigm. Even with the horizon promising a 900+ horsepower, 10,000 rpm Lamborghini rival, the 296 GTB remains a mind-blowing, benchmark-setting machine. This isn’t just another Ferrari; it’s a profound reinterpretation of what Maranello’s mid-engined supercar can and should be in the electrified era.
For decades, the archetypal Ferrari mid-engined supercar was synonymous with a roaring V8. The 296 GTB, however, marked an unprecedented departure in 2022. It bid farewell to the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 and embraced a revolutionary twin-turbo V6, augmented by a potent electric motor. This strategic pivot propelled the 296 GTB to the forefront of a higher-tier supercar segment that is still in the nascent stages of its hybrid transition.
At its initial launch, the 296 GTB’s most direct competitor was the Lamborghini Huracán, a car celebrated for its naturally aspirated V10 charisma and raw acoustic appeal. While lower in comparative horsepower, the Huracán offered an intoxicating V10 symphony that defined its era. Then there was the ferocious McLaren 720S, which clung to its twin-turbo V8. While the subsequent McLaren 750S represents an evolution of that theme, emphasizing power-to-weight supremacy, the impending 900-plus horsepower, 10,000 rpm hybrid V8 Temerario from Lamborghini is a clear, direct riposte to Maranello’s 819-horsepower electrified Berlinetta.
Make no mistake, the Ferrari 296 GTB packs formidable firepower. Its all-new, 120-degree twin-turbo V6 engine, paired with an electric motor powering the rear wheels exclusively (a distinction from the V12-hybrid SF90), delivers a combined 819 horsepower. This configuration shattered conventional supercar blueprints, establishing a new benchmark for hybridized performance. The sheer audacity of this power output is staggering, leading one to ponder the ultimate limits of power escalation in road cars – a question the 296 GTB certainly answers emphatically. But more importantly, it raises the pertinent question of where one can truly exploit such prodigious performance.
The 296 GTB is more than just a powerhouse; it’s a collection of firsts for Ferrari. It marks the first V6-powered Ferrari road car (the exquisite 246 GT Dino never bore the Prancing Horse emblem in its time). It features the first “hot-vee” turbocharger installation, where the turbos are mounted within the cylinder banks, optimizing packaging and responsiveness. Crucially, it’s a plug-in hybrid, offering an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles – a testament to its dual-purpose capability. The compact V6 is mounted low in a newly designed aluminum chassis. Ferrari strategically reduced the wheelbase by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, and the occupants are positioned slightly further forward, enhancing weight distribution and driver engagement.
The electric motor contributes an impressive 165 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. The V6 alone churns out a remarkable 654 horsepower and 546 lb-ft of torque. The combined figure of 819 horsepower is the headline, but Ferrari judiciously avoids quoting a combined peak torque figure. This is likely due to the intricate interplay and management between the V6 and the electric motor, a complex ballet of power delivery. However, it’s safe to assume the resultant torque is nothing short of monumental. In terms of weight, the V6 unit is approximately 30kg lighter than Ferrari’s V8 engines. It’s mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and the compact, long-oblong battery pack is strategically located behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without a suite of acronyms denoting its cutting-edge electronic chassis management systems. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari has developed its six-axis sensor, the 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This sophisticated system precisely measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes. It effectively replaces conventional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, provides the car with an unparalleled understanding of driver input and available grip at the tire contact patch. This intelligence allows for the optimization of systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-diff, maximizing cornering speeds while maintaining unwavering stability and security. Furthermore, it enables the novel ABS-evo system in RACE mode and above. Integrated with the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners.
In a significant technological leap, Ferrari is leveraging its active aerodynamics not to reduce drag, but to generate downforce. The marque quotes an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155 mph. Of this, up to 100kg is generated by the deployable rear wing, which elegantly emerges from the rear decklid. The thermal management system is equally intricate. Two radiators in the front handle engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two additional condensers dedicated to battery cooling. Hot air is expelled beneath the car to prevent interference with the cooling air directed to the intercoolers along the flanks. The discreet apertures below the headlamps are designed to draw air for brake cooling, while the roofline-integrated rear wing assists in creating a “virtual” rear screen, channeling airflow efficiently to the car’s rear. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated from beneath the car, with meticulous attention paid to the underbody design, the rear diffuser, and the crucial ground clearance to optimize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The 296 GTBs we experienced during the launch, all equipped with the Assetto Fiorano package, represent the pinnacle of this supercar’s performance potential. This optional upgrade replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units, derived from GT racing applications. It also adds carbon-fiber aerodynamic elements to the front, increasing front downforce by an additional 20kg. Further weight savings are achieved through increased carbon fiber usage in the cabin (such as the door panels) and exterior components, contributing to a total weight reduction of 12kg. This figure can climb to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For those seeking ultimate grip, the Assetto Fiorano package also offers the option of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the already exceptional standard Pilot Sport 4S. Visually, Assetto Fiorano cars can be further personalized with an exterior graphics package inspired by the iconic 250LM from the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time evaluating the 296 GTB “in the metal,” it’s clear that this is a visually striking machine. Its design language is unlike anything else on the road, with subtle nods to the legendary 250LM, even without the more overt graphics package. It possesses a timeless elegance that transcends fleeting trends.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: A Hybrid Symphony Unleashed
Initiating a drive in the 296 GTB is a seamless process. A double-press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss and selecting first gear are all that’s required. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing for silent departure on electric power alone, unless the driver explicitly overrides this via the haptic driver mode selectors on the left side of the steering wheel boss. With judicious throttle application, the 296 GTB will continue its journey purely on electric power, provided sufficient battery charge is available.
The driver can also opt to manually engage full EV mode, irrespective of other powertrain demands. Alternatively, the Performance and Qualifying modes offer escalating levels of engagement. In Performance mode, both power sources work in concert, with a focus on maintaining battery charge. Qualifying mode, however, unleashes the full, unadulterated performance potential, disregarding the battery’s state of charge.
The experience of gliding silently through urban landscapes is an unexpected delight. The damping calibration is so sophisticated that it transforms the 296 GTB into a surprisingly comfortable grand tourer, capable of consuming long distances with ease. Even the luggage capacity in the front ‘frunk’ is surprisingly practical, a welcome contrast to the SF90. But what truly ignites the enthusiast’s spirit is the sensation of unleashing both the V6 engine and the electric motor in unison.
The initial surge of acceleration is nothing short of astonishing. A firm application of the throttle at low revs in a high gear results in an immediate, lag-free surge forward. It’s a sensation so potent that for a fleeting moment, one might question the very necessity of gears. Yet, there are eight of them to exploit, and an engine that eagerly revs to 8,500 rpm. When the 296 GTB is truly unleashed, the effect is utterly spectacular.
As the specifications suggest (0-62mph in a scant 2.9 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 205 mph), the rate of acceleration is of the “hold-on-tight, nervous laughter” variety. It verges on the overwhelming, yet is simultaneously, and inexplicably, addictive. This is a seriously rapid automobile. And the soundtrack? It’s equally captivating, with a delightful blend of turbocharger whines and the tuneful rasp of the V6 engine.
Ride and Handling: The Art of Agile Precision
What truly distinguishes the 296 GTB is the extraordinary responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s assertion that the car’s primary objective was to be “fun to drive” is unequivocally validated. It exhibits remarkable agility without ever feeling nervous or unpredictable. The steering is characteristically light and telepathic, yet it conveys a wealth of information about the road surface and tire grip. While the grip levels are predictably immense, the car also offers a remarkable degree of throttle adjustability, a characteristic that invariably elicits grins from behind the wheel.
Despite its reported dry weight of 1,470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a palpable lack of inertia that encourages the driver to work with the car, making subtle inputs and reveling in its pinpoint accuracy and precision. Engaging CT Off mode provides a reassuring safety net, knowing that an advanced electronic brain is still overseeing proceedings, even when allowing for significant driver latitude. However, even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows for tantalizing moments of controlled oversteer, a feat one might not expect from a car producing 819 horsepower.
On a circuit, the 296 GTB possesses the remarkable ability to seemingly shrink even the longest straights. What becomes even more apparent is its surgical precision as a track instrument. While the power is readily available to break rear traction at numerous points around the lap, the 296 GTB is exceptionally sensitive to braking and steering inputs. It quickly becomes evident that precise control of the inputs yields the greatest rewards. The turn-in accuracy and responsiveness are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing into turns and allowing loads to build gradually, the 296 GTB adopts its line instantaneously, aided by the adaptive Multimatic dampers and the hyper-quick steering that perfectly complements the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for a driver accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal and deliver a joyous experience lap after lap.
Interior: A Digital Realm of Sophistication
The cabin architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90. The 296 largely adopts its technological interface, featuring a purely digital display and an accompanying array of haptic switchgear. These controls are liberally applied across the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it.
Undeniably, the system can be complex. However, it’s important to acknowledge the sheer volume of information and functions that need to be conveyed. The primary frustration lies in the occasional need for a second press for simple operations that fail to register on the first attempt, or the uncertainty of whether a press has been successfully registered. Despite these ergonomic quirks, the cabin exudes a palpable sense of occasion and specialness, befitting a Ferrari.
Verdict: A New Era for the Supercar
The 296 GTB represents a pivotal moment for Ferrari. In the 2022 evo Car of the Year awards, it achieved a joint third-place finish alongside the McLaren Artura, a testament to its exceptional abilities. The judges were finely balanced, with a split decision reflecting the nuanced strengths of each contender. Those who narrowly favored the Ferrari lauded its spectacular design, outrageous speed, astonishing tractability, and profound technical sophistication. They highlighted how its V6 demonstrated to competitors how to downsize while amplifying drama, matching the Artura in outright control yet feeling more playful and indulgent.
One judge described it as “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. The hybrid system was praised for its seamless integration, proving far less intrusive than initially feared, perhaps due to the familiarity with the torquey characteristics of turbocharged V8s in previous models. The 296 GTB’s stonking acceleration is tempered by the character of its V6, which provides a consistently sweet soundtrack that evolves with throttle input.
While the hybridisation was widely lauded, a critical incident during the testing involved the car being stranded after the battery depleted with no apparent means of revival. Although Ferrari had proactively warned of this possibility and detailed preventative measures, it highlighted a potential oversight. One judge pointedly remarked, “that the company which introduced individual rear-wheel steering to its cars can’t engineer a simple fail-safe to prevent this happening is a huge oversight.” Fortunately, this occurred after scoring was complete.
Ferrari’s signature hyper-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake feel didn’t quite match the very best in its class. The tech interface also drew criticism for its complexity. Despite these points, the 296 GTB remained irresistibly seductive. One tester confessed to initially being skeptical, deeming it “too complex, rather gratuitous points of difference,” but ultimately found himself “somewhat bewitched” by its uncanny directional changes, remarkable damping, astonishing grip levels, and the “looney-tunes” linearity of its seemingly endless power delivery.
The 296 GTB is seen as a significant return to form for Ferrari, particularly after the SF90 left some feeling underwhelmed. Its technical sophistication and the integration of its hybrid technology feel far more natural and less intrusive. Ferrari appears to have learned invaluable lessons from the SF90, distilling that knowledge into a production model that stands as one of its very best.
Price, Rivals, and the Future of Supercars
The risk with any vehicle heavily laden with technology is that it can become less than the sum of its parts. This was a concern with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power, could feel somewhat unnerving due to its challenging driving characteristics. However, the 296 GTB is a fundamentally different proposition. Its organic feel, combined with a potent mix of power and engaging dynamics, strikes a perfect chord, redefining the expectations for a £250,000-ish supercar. A forthcoming Versione Speciale variant promises even greater power, performance, and intensity, with the hopeful retention of the standard 296’s exceptionally natural feel.
It is this very aspect of the 296 GTB’s constitution – its inherent, natural driving engagement – that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized with its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900 horsepower is an obscene amount of power to wield in a production supercar; it can easily overwhelm the chassis if not meticulously resolved. If Lamborghini has indeed nailed it, particularly given their success with the Revuelto, we are poised for an epic twin-test showdown. Add the McLaren 750S, now quaintly referred to as the “minnow” of the pack with its mere 740 horsepower, and we have the potential for a 2,400-horsepower triple threat. While the McLaren’s 1,389kg kerb weight and corresponding power-to-weight ratio are competitive, its rawness, ergonomic excellence, sharp steering, and deft chassis provide a distinct contrast to the comparatively remote feel of the Ferrari.
The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB isn’t just a car; it’s a statement. It demonstrates that hybridization doesn’t necessitate a compromise in driving pleasure or emotional connection. It’s a meticulously engineered symphony of internal combustion and electric power, wrapped in a visually stunning package. For enthusiasts seeking the pinnacle of modern supercar performance and innovation, the 296 GTB offers an experience that is both thrilling and deeply rewarding.
Are you ready to experience the future of the supercar? Discover the Ferrari 296 GTB and explore financing options or book a test drive at your nearest authorized Ferrari dealership today.
