The Ferrari 296 GTB: A Hybrid Symphony Redefining Supercar Excellence in 2025
For a decade now, the landscape of high-performance automotive engineering has been undergoing a seismic shift, a continuous evolution driven by an insatiable demand for power, efficiency, and an unparalleled driving experience. As an industry veteran with a decade immersed in this thrilling domain, I’ve witnessed firsthand the meticulous calibration of cutting-edge technology and the unwavering pursuit of automotive artistry. In this dynamic arena, the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a potent testament to innovation, a machine that continues to captivate and challenge the very essence of what a modern supercar can be, especially as its formidable rivals, like the forthcoming Lamborghini Temerario, emerge from the shadows.
The arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 marked a pivotal moment in the storied history of Maranello’s mid-engined marvels. Eschewing the thunderous, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 that had defined an era, Ferrari boldly embraced a new twin-turbocharged V6, meticulously augmented by an electric powertrain. This daring departure positioned the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a segment still tentatively navigating the transition to hybrid power. Its debutante era was characterized by traditional adversaries such as the Lamborghini Huracán, celebrated for its naturally-aspirated V10 charisma and its raw, unadulterated auditory assault, and the ferocious McLaren 720S, which championed its own potent twin-turbo V8. While the McLaren 750S represents a refined iteration of a proven theme, emphasizing an almost supernatural power-to-weight ratio, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm-capable twin-turbo V8 hybrid, the Lamborghini Temerario, emerges as a direct and formidable challenger to Maranello’s 819bhp hybrid berlinetta. The Ferrari 296 GTB is not merely an evolution; it’s a revolutionary statement.
The sheer potency of the 296 GTB is, frankly, mind-bending. Its all-new 120-degree, twin-turbocharged V6 engine, seamlessly integrated with an electric motor, drives solely the rear wheels – a deliberate departure from the four-wheel-drive complexity of the SF90. This configuration unlocks a staggering 819bhp, a figure that utterly dismantled conventional supercar paradigms upon its initial unveiling. It’s almost impossible not to be captivated by such prodigious power figures, and one can’t help but ponder the trajectory of this power escalation – where will it ultimately lead, and indeed, where can such performance be fully unleashed? But these are philosophical questions for another time.
What is undeniable is the 296 GTB’s historic significance. It is the first V6-powered Ferrari road car (the enchanting 246 GT Dino, while bearing a spiritual connection, never officially wore the Prancing Horse emblem in its time). It pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration, a design that centrally locates the exhaust manifolds within the V of the engine for optimal thermal management and responsiveness. Furthermore, it is a plug-in hybrid, capable of traversing approximately 15 miles on electric power alone. This compact V6 is nestled low within a newly engineered aluminum chassis, its wheelbase meticulously shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, with occupants positioned slightly further forward.
The electric motor alone contributes a formidable 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque. The V6 engine, in isolation, unleashes a breathtaking 654bhp and 546lb ft. Combined, they achieve the headline-grabbing 819bhp. Ferrari, intriguingly, refrains from quoting combined peak torque figures, likely due to the intricate interplay between the combustion engine and electric motor. However, it’s safe to assume this figure is exceptionally substantial. Crucially, the V6 unit is approximately 30kg lighter than its V8 counterparts. This powerplant is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, while the long, oblong battery pack resides discreetly behind the seats, contributing to the car’s remarkably balanced weight distribution.
No Ferrari would be complete without a sophisticated arsenal of electronic chassis control systems. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari has developed an advanced six-axis inertial sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS (six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This innovative system meticulously measures acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. It effectively supersedes traditional yaw sensors, and in conjunction with sensors integrated into the steering rack, provides the car with an unprecedented understanding of driver intent and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data empowers other systems, such as the acclaimed Side Slip Control and the active E-diff, to maximize cornering speeds while steadfastly preserving stability and driver confidence. It also enables a novel system, ABS-evo, operational in RACE mode and above. This system, leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, not only curtails braking distances but also significantly enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners.
In a notable shift, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics not to minimize drag, but to amplify downforce. The manufacturer quotes a substantial 360kg of downforce at 155mph. A significant portion of this, up to 100kg, is generated by a deployable rear wing seamlessly integrated into the car’s tail. The thermal management system is equally impressive. Two radiators located in the front fascia manage engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two additional condensers dedicated to battery thermal regulation. Hot air is expelled beneath the car, ensuring it does not compromise the airflow directed to the intercoolers positioned along the flanks. The subtle apertures below the headlamps are dedicated to cooling the brakes, while a wing integrated into the roofline creates a ‘virtual’ rear screen, effectively channeling air to the rear of the car as if guided by a solid surface. The lion’s share of the 296’s downforce is generated beneath the car, with particular emphasis placed on optimizing airflow through the underbody, the rear diffuser, and carefully managing the car’s ground clearance to maximize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The 296 GTBs I experienced on track during their launch were all equipped with the Assetto Fiorano package. This bespoke upgrade replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units, derived from GT racing applications, and incorporates additional carbon aerodynamic elements on the front fascia, contributing an extra 20kg of downforce. The cabin also benefits from increased carbon fiber usage, including the door panels, and further carbon accents adorn the exterior. These weight-saving measures contribute to an overall reduction of 12kg, which can be further enhanced to 15kg by opting for the Lexan rear engine cover. For the ultimate in track-focused performance, the Fiorano pack can be specified with optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, supplanting the already capable standard Pilot Sport 4S. Furthermore, Fiorano-equipped cars can be adorned with an exterior graphics package, paying homage to the iconic 250LM from the 1960s. Seeing the 296 GTB “in the metal” is a truly captivating experience. Its aesthetic is remarkably distinctive, setting it apart from virtually everything else on the road, and it evokes the spirit of the 1960s 250LM, even without the more polarizing graphic options.
To initiate forward motion, a double press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss is required, followed by selecting first gear. The 296 GTB defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing it to glide away silently on electric power alone, unless the driver deliberately overrides this via the haptic drive mode selectors on the left side of the steering wheel boss. As long as throttle inputs remain measured, the car will continue its silent progress on battery power, provided there is sufficient charge. Drivers can also opt to ‘force’ the car into pure EV mode, irrespective of powertrain demands. Beyond this, Performance and Qualifying modes are available. In both these modes, the combustion engine and electric motor work in concert. Performance mode aims to also maintain battery charge, while Qualifying mode prioritizes absolute maximum performance, with the battery’s state of charge taking a backseat.
The sensation of gliding silently through urban environments is an unexpected, yet profoundly enjoyable, facet of the 296 GTB experience. The damping is so exquisitely calibrated that it transforms long journeys into remarkably comfortable affairs. Even the ‘frunk’ offers a surprisingly practical luggage space, a welcome departure from the limitations of the SF90. However, what truly ignites the passion of any enthusiast, myself included, is the visceral thrill of unleashing both the engine and electric motor in their full, unbridled glory.
The sheer potency becomes alarmingly evident when applying significant throttle in a high gear at low revs. The 296 GTB surges forward with an immediacy that renders the concept of gear selection momentarily questionable, such is its relentless torque delivery. Yet, there are eight gears to master, and an engine that willingly spins to 8,500rpm. When you truly uncork the 296 GTB, the resultant effect is nothing short of astonishing. As the specifications suggest – a blistering 0-62mph time of just 2.9 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205mph – the acceleration is of the ‘hold-on-tight’ variety, verging on the intensely exhilarating, yet paradoxically, incredibly addictive. This is a seriously rapid machine, and it sounds sublime too, with a symphony of turbocharger effects overlaying the tuneful rasp of the V6.
The agility and responsiveness of the 296 GTB’s chassis are truly remarkable. Ferrari’s assertion that the car was engineered for pure driving enjoyment is no hyperbole. It feels incredibly agile without ever bordering on being nervous or unpredictable. The steering is typically light and razor-sharp, yet it provides a surprising level of tactile feedback, offering nuanced communication from the road surface. While the grip levels are, as one would expect, extraordinarily high, the car remains beautifully adjustable on the throttle, inducing smiles of pure delight.
Despite its dry weight of 1,470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a palpable lack of inertia that encourages the driver to work in harmony with the car, making minute adjustments and reveling in its pinpoint accuracy and precision. The ‘CT Off’ mode allows for truly audacious maneuvers, underpinned by the reassurance of an electronic guardian far more astute than one’s own judgment. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296 GTB’s inherent dynamic balance allows it to be playfully coaxed into oversteer in a manner one might never anticipate in a car boasting 819bhp.
On the racetrack, the 296 GTB possesses an almost uncanny ability to compress even the longest straights. What becomes even more apparent is its surgical precision. The power is ample to break traction at the rear at numerous points around the lap, but the 296 GTB is also exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. It swiftly becomes apparent that precise control inputs yield the greatest rewards. The incredible turn-in accuracy and immediate response dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Instead of easing the car into turns and allowing loads to build gradually, the 296 GTB settles instantly into its line, aided by its Multimatic dampers. The hyper-quick steering complements the increased roll support provided by the Assetto Fiorano setup beautifully. Even for drivers accustomed to more potent, conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal, offering an intoxicating experience lap after lap.
The interior architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90. The 296 GTB inherits much of its cabin design. However, the all-digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear, liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it, present a genuine challenge. While undoubtedly sophisticated, and designed to convey a vast amount of information, the primary frustration lies in the fact that simple operations sometimes require a second, or even third, attempt to register, or a clear indication of success. Nevertheless, the cabin undeniably exudes an aura of specialness.
evo Car of the Year 2022 Verdict: A Resounding Endorsement
“Now things get serious,” declared Peter Tomalin, the editor of evo magazine, in his summation of the 2022 awards. “When the scores were tallied, there wasn’t even a sliver of a gap between the McLaren Artura and the 296 GTB. The judges were equally divided: three of us narrowly favored the Ferrari; three scored the McLaren slightly ahead.”
The three judges who placed the 296 GTB in the lead were Tomalin himself, Jack Meaden, and Henry Bovingdon. “What a spectacular car,” enthused Jethro Bovingdon. “Beautiful to behold, outrageously fast, astonishingly exploitable, and technically brilliant. Its V6 engine demonstrates to McLaren how to downsize while simultaneously amplifying the drama. It matches the Artura in terms of sheer control but possesses a more playful and indulgent character.”
Richard Meaden’s verdict was echoed by many: “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355.” He continued, “The hybrid system integrates seamlessly and doesn’t alter the driving experience as much as I had feared. This is likely because we’ve grown accustomed to the prodigious torque characteristics of the turbocharged V8s in the 488 and F8. The 296 GTB is stonkingly quick, but it doesn’t solely rely on raw speed, thanks to the characterful V6, which delivers a consistently sweet soundtrack that evolves with throttle inputs.”
While the Ferrari’s hybridisation received widespread praise for its seamless integration, one significant hiccup occurred on the final night of testing: the car was left stranded after the battery depleted with no apparent means of revival. To be fair, Ferrari had provided advance warnings and detailed the necessary precautions to prevent such an occurrence. However, it remains a plausible scenario for an owner to find themselves in a similar predicament. As Gallagher astutely observed, “For a company that pioneered individual rear-wheel steering, the inability to engineer a simple failsafe to prevent such a situation is a colossal oversight.” Fortunately for the 296 GTB, this incident transpired after all cars had been scored.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake feel, while competent, didn’t quite match the absolute best in the group. The tech interface also faced widespread criticism for its complexity. Nevertheless, the 296 GTB proved irresistibly seductive. “I initially thought I wouldn’t be overly impressed by the Ferrari – too complex, perhaps gratuitous points of differentiation,” admitted Vivian. “But I ended up somewhat bewitched: the uncanny way it changes direction, its astonishing damping, and loony-tune levels of grip, coupled with the linearity of its seemingly unending power…”
The general consensus leaned towards the 296 GTB representing a significant return to form for Ferrari, particularly following the somewhat lukewarm reception of the SF90 in the previous year. As Tomalin remarked, “The 296 GTB is far more successful because its technical sophistication, and specifically the integration of its hybrid technology, feels far more natural and considerably less intrusive.” Gallagher concurred: “Ferrari has absorbed so much from the SF90, learned invaluable lessons, and distilled them into a series production model that stands as one of its very finest.”
Price, Rivals, and the Future of Supercar Dynamics
When a vehicle is laden with such advanced technology, there’s always an inherent risk that it might feel like less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment we encountered with the SF90, which, while dazzling with its power output, left us somewhat unsettled by its challenging driving characteristics.
However, the 296 GTB is a fundamentally different proposition. As our assessment at the evo Car of the Year 2022 (where it secured a joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura) demonstrated, it feels far more organic. Its potent blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a remarkable sweet spot, fundamentally redefining what a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket can achieve. A Versione Speciale variant, currently codenamed, is slated for release this year, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity. We sincerely hope that the standard 296 GTB’s inexplicably natural feel is retained.
It is precisely this aspect of the 296 GTB’s inherent character that we hope Lamborghini has meticulously addressed in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an almost obscene amount of power to wield in a series production supercar, and it has the potential to overwhelm the chassis if the rest of the vehicle isn’t resolved to harmonise with it. If Lamborghini has succeeded – and the sheer brilliance of the Revuelto offers considerable reason for optimism – then we are poised for an epic twin-test showdown, potentially featuring a combined output of over 1700bhp!
Alternatively, we could expand this to a 2400bhp triple-threat with the McLaren 750S, now absurdly described as the “minnow” of this elite class with “only” 740bhp. However, as previously noted, it brings a relatively petite kerb weight of 1,389kg to the table, resulting in a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw appeal, ergonomic perfection, the crispness of its steering, and the deftness of its chassis undeniably distinguish it against the comparatively more detached feel of the Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications
Engine: V6, 2992cc, twin-turbo, augmented by an electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, with active E-diff
Combined Power: 819bhp @ 8000rpm
Combined Torque: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Price: £250,000+
The Ferrari 296 GTB represents more than just a car; it’s a paradigm shift. It’s a compelling invitation to experience the pinnacle of automotive engineering, where tradition meets tomorrow. If you’re ready to explore how this hybrid masterpiece redefines the supercar segment or wish to understand the intricate technologies that power it, we encourage you to delve deeper into our detailed analyses and connect with our specialists. Discover your next exhilarating chapter in automotive excellence.
