The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Masterpiece Redefining Supercar Performance
For a decade now, I’ve navigated the intricate landscape of automotive engineering and performance, witnessing firsthand the re
lentless evolution of the supercar. In that time, few machines have commanded attention quite like the Ferrari 296 GTB. It arrived not merely as an update, but as a seismic shift from the established norms of Maranello. Stripping away the celebrated twin-turbo V8 that had powered so many iconic Prancing Horse models, the 296 GTB embraced a revolutionary twin-turbo V6, augmented by an electric heart. This bold move positioned Ferrari at the vanguard of a segment that, even now, is only beginning to fully embrace the electrified future.
When the 296 GTB first broke cover in 2022, its most direct contemporary was the Lamborghini Huracán, a car that championed the soul-stirring charisma and raw auditory drama of a naturally aspirated V10. The Huracán, while potent, lived in a different power bracket. On the other side of the arena stood the formidable McLaren 720S, a marvel of lightweight engineering and twin-turbo V8 prowess. While the subsequent McLaren 750S refines that established formula, emphasizing its class-leading power-to-weight ratio, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid behemoth that is the anticipated Lamborghini Temerario represents a direct, electrifying challenge to Ferrari’s electrified Berlinetta, which outputs a formidable 819bhp.
Make no mistake, the 296 GTB is a formidable force, armed with significant firepower. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, when paired with its electric motor, delivers a staggering 819bhp. Unlike the range-topping SF90 Stradale, which distributes power across all four wheels, the 296 GTB channels its considerable might exclusively to the rear, a decision that amplifies the purity of its driving experience and truly shattered conventional supercar expectations.
It’s impossible not to be captivated by such an astronomical power output. The question naturally arises: where does this escalation of performance ultimately lead? And more pragmatically, where can one truly unleash such prodigious capability? These are profound inquiries, but they steer us away from the immediate brilliance of the 296 GTB itself.
The 296 GTB holds a significant place in Ferrari’s lineage. It marks the first V6-powered road-going Ferrari, a nod to the spirit of the delectable 246 GT Dino, though the Dino never bore the iconic Prancing Horse emblem in its era. It also pioneers Ferrari’s “hot-vee” turbocharger installation, a design that tucks the turbos within the engine’s V-angle for optimal packaging and response. Furthermore, it’s a plug-in hybrid, offering a surprisingly practical EV-only range of approximately 15 miles – a feature that adds a layer of everyday usability often absent in the hypercar realm. The compact V6 is nestled low within a newly engineered aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, subtly shifting the occupants forward for improved weight distribution and a more intimate connection with the driving dynamics.
The electric motor alone contributes a potent 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 engine independently churns out an astonishing 654bhp and 546lb ft. When combined, we arrive at the headline 819bhp figure. Ferrari, with characteristic discretion, refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the electric motor and internal combustion engine. However, it’s safe to infer that this figure is, to put it mildly, substantial. The V6 package shaves a remarkable 30kg off the weight of Ferrari’s V8 engines and is mated to a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a sleek, oblong unit, is strategically located behind the seats.
A Ferrari would be incomplete without an arsenal of acronyms denoting its sophisticated electronic chassis management systems. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari has introduced its innovative six-axis sensor, dubbed 6w-CDS (Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This advanced system meticulously measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes. Replacing traditional yaw sensors, and working in concert with a sensor on the steering rack, it grants the car an unparalleled understanding of both driver input and instantaneous grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data is then fed to systems like the Side Slip Control and the active E-diff, working in unison to maximize cornering velocity while safeguarding stability and driver confidence. A significant advancement is the integration of ABS-evo, activated in RACE mode and above. Coupled with the 296’s brake-by-wire system, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners, a testament to Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of driving precision.
For the first time in its history, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics not solely to reduce drag, but to actively generate downforce. The manufacturer quotes a remarkable figure of 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with an impressive 100kg of that generated by the deployable rear wing. The thermal management of this potent hybrid powertrain is equally sophisticated. Two radiators are strategically placed in the front fascia to cool the engine and gearbox, supplemented by two additional condensers dedicated to the battery’s thermal regulation. Hot air is expelled from the underbody to avoid disrupting the airflow directed to the intercoolers flanking the car’s sides. Small apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to cooling the brakes, while a cleverly integrated wing at the rear of the roofline creates a “virtual” rear screen, meticulously channeling air towards the rear of the car as if guided by a precisely sculpted surface. The majority of the 296’s substantial downforce is generated from beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid not only to airflow management and the rear diffuser but also to the underbody’s ground clearance, thereby maximizing the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The 296 GTB variants we had the privilege of sampling on track during their introduction were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with race-derived Multimatic units, mirroring those found in GT racing applications. It also incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic elements on the front end, contributing an extra 20kg of downforce. Further weight savings are achieved through the extensive use of carbon fiber in the cabin, such as the door panels, and on the exterior, resulting in an overall weight reduction of 12kg. This figure can be further enhanced to 15kg by opting for the Lexan rear engine cover. A further enticing option for Assetto Fiorano equipped cars is the fitment of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, supplanting the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Visually, Fiorano cars can also be specified with a distinctive exterior graphics package, artfully inspired by the legendary 250LM from the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time with the 296 GTB in person, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a distinct visual identity, unlike anything else on the road, with subtle cues that echo the iconic 250LM of the 1960s, even without the more pronounced graphic treatments.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Initiating movement in the 296 GTB is a simple affair: a double press of the lower section of the steering wheel boss, followed by selecting first gear. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, utilizing electric power for initial propulsion unless deliberately overridden. As long as throttle inputs remain measured and the battery retains sufficient charge, silent, emissions-free progress through urban environments is not only possible but surprisingly serene.
The driver can actively select “eDrive” mode, forcing pure electric propulsion regardless of powertrain demands. Beyond this, two distinct performance modes are available: Performance and Qualifying. In Performance mode, both the V6 engine and electric motor work in concert, with a secondary objective of maintaining battery charge. Qualifying mode, however, prioritizes absolute peak performance, with no regard for the battery’s state of depletion.
The experience of gliding silently through picturesque villages is an unexpected delight. The damping sophistication ensures a remarkably comfortable ride, making it a surprisingly competent touring machine. Even luggage capacity is addressed, with a reasonably sized “frunk” at the front – a welcome departure from the SF90’s more constrained storage. But, as we all truly yearn to know, what transpires when both the V6 engine and the electric motor are unleashed in their full, unadulterated glory?
The answer becomes immediately apparent when you plant the throttle from low revs in a higher gear: the 296 GTB simply erupts forward, utterly devoid of turbo lag. It’s a surge of acceleration so potent it makes you question the very necessity of gears, such is its immediate and overwhelming efficacy. And yet, there are eight of them to exploit, paired with an engine that willingly revs to a searing 8500rpm. When the 296 GTB truly finds its voice, the resultant sensation is nothing short of astonishing.
As the performance figures suggest – a blistering 0-62mph sprint in under 3 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205mph – the rate of acceleration is akin to a controlled ejection seat launch. It verges on the overwhelming, yet possesses a peculiar, almost addictive quality. This is, without question, a seriously rapid automobile. And the sound! A symphony of turbocharger induction effects overlays a tuneful, aggressive V6 rasp, creating an aural experience that is as thrilling as the acceleration itself.
Ride and Handling: The Art of Engagement
What truly elevates the 296 GTB is the astonishing responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s commitment to making this car “fun to drive” is evident in every aspect of its dynamic character. It exhibits a high degree of agility without succumbing to nervousness. The steering, characteristically precise and rapid, also conveys an exceptional level of road feel and feedback. While grip levels are predictably immense, the car remains delightfully throttle-adjustable, inviting playful engagement that is guaranteed to elicit a grin.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a remarkable lack of inertia throughout the entire car, encouraging the driver to work with its dynamic capabilities, making minute inputs and reveling in its exquisite accuracy and precision. Engaging “CT Off” mode allows for breathtaking liberties, yet the omnipresent electronic guardian, far more intelligent than any human, ensures an underlying safety net. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows it to be coaxed into oversteer in a manner that seems almost impossible for a car boasting 819bhp.
On the racetrack, the 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to compress even the longest straights. What becomes even more apparent is its razor-sharp precision. The power is readily available to break rear-wheel traction at numerous points around the circuit, but the 296 is also acutely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. It quickly becomes apparent that an exacting approach to control inputs yields the most profound rewards. The turn-in accuracy and response are nothing short of phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase of every corner. Rather than easing into turns and allowing load to build progressively, the 296 tucks in instantaneously, its newfound agility amplified by the supportive Multimatic dampers and the hyper-quick steering, perfectly complementing the enhanced roll control of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for an experienced driver transitioning from a more conventional sports car, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal, offering an exhilarating experience lap after lap.
Interior: A Digital Realm
The cabin architecture of the 296 GTB will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90 Stradale, as the two cars share significant design elements. The fully digital interface, coupled with its accompanying haptic switchgear, presents a unique, albeit sometimes challenging, user experience. This array of controls is liberally applied across the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari stalks flanking it.
While undoubtedly complex, it’s crucial to acknowledge the sheer volume of information the system needs to convey. The most persistent niggle arises when simple operations occasionally require a second press to register, or when the driver is uncertain if an input has been successfully acknowledged. Despite these minor frustrations, the cabin undeniably exudes a sense of occasion and luxury, making it a special place to inhabit.
Evo Car of the Year 2022 Verdict: A New Benchmark
The 2022 Evo Car of the Year competition underscored the profound impact of the 296 GTB. The judges were in near-unanimous agreement: “Now it gets serious.” The scores were incredibly close, with the McLaren Artura and the 296 GTB separated by the narrowest of margins. The judging panel was evenly divided, with three favoring the Ferrari and three narrowly placing the McLaren ahead.
Those who championed the 296 GTB, including myself, praised its “spectacular” nature. “Beautiful to look at, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable, and so technically clever,” was the sentiment. The V6 was seen as a masterclass in downsizing, injecting drama where competitors might falter, and its sheer control matched the Artura’s, while offering a more playful and indulgent character.
One verdict described it as “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment widely echoed. The hybrid system, far from being intrusive, was lauded for its seamless integration, a testament to Ferrari’s ability to manage complexity without compromising the driving experience. The torquey characteristics of modern turbocharged engines, already familiar from the 488 and F8, likely contributed to this harmonious integration. The 296’s stonking acceleration was not its sole virtue; the characterful V6 delivered a soundtrack that remained consistently sweet and dynamically evolved with throttle input.
While the Ferrari’s hybridisation was widely praised, a single instance of the battery depleting without an apparent means of recovery left the team stranded. Ferrari had, of course, provided warnings and outlined preventative measures. Nevertheless, the incident highlighted a potential oversight: the inability of a company renowned for sophisticated engineering innovations, such as individual rear-wheel steering, to implement a simple fail-safe to prevent such a scenario was a notable concern. Fortunately for the 296 GTB, this incident occurred after the final scoring.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering proved divisive, and the brake feel, while competent, didn’t quite match the absolute best in class. The tech interface also drew widespread criticism for its perceived overcomplexity. Yet, despite these criticisms, the 296 GTB remained irresistibly seductive. One judge admitted to being “bewitched” by its uncanny directional changes, its phenomenal damping, and its “looney-tunes levels of grip,” coupled with a seemingly unending linearity of power.
Ultimately, the 296 GTB represented a significant return to form for Ferrari, a stark contrast to the SF90 Stradale’s more detached impression. The technical sophistication and hybrid integration felt far more natural and less intrusive. Ferrari had demonstrably learned from the SF90, distilling that experience into a series production model that stands as one of its very finest creations.
Price, Rivals, and the Future of Supercar Supremacy
The inherent risk with any vehicle so heavily laden with cutting-edge technology is that it may become less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment we experienced with the SF90, which, while dazzling with its power, could sometimes feel unapproachable in its driving characteristics.
The 296 GTB, however, charts a different course. Its organic integration of power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect balance, effectively redefining what a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket can achieve. The imminent arrival of a Versione Speciale variant, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity, is eagerly anticipated. The key will be retaining the standard 296’s remarkably natural and communicative feel.
It is precisely this aspect of the 296 GTB’s dynamic constitution that we hope Lamborghini has meticulously honed in their forthcoming hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an almost obscene amount of power to harness in a series production supercar, and it has the potential to overwhelm the chassis if not impeccably resolved. If Lamborghini has truly succeeded – and the breathtaking capability of the Revuelto provides ample reason for optimism – then we are poised for an epic twin-test on our hands, featuring a staggering 1700bhp combined output.
Alternatively, we could expand that to a monumental 2400bhp triple threat by including the McLaren 750S. Now almost comically referred to as the “minnow” of this elite class with “only” 740bhp, it counters with a relatively svelte 1389kg kerb weight, ensuring a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw engagement, ergonomic perfection, crisp steering, and deft chassis balance continue to set a benchmark against the sometimes more remote feel of its Ferrari counterpart.
For those seeking the pinnacle of hybrid supercar performance and driving engagement, the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a testament to innovation and passion. Whether you’re contemplating a purchase or simply an admirer of automotive excellence, understanding the 296 GTB’s place in this evolving landscape is essential. Explore financing options, connect with authorized dealers, or delve deeper into the technical specifications to fully appreciate this modern marvel. Your journey into the future of performance begins now.
