The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB: Electrifying the Supercar Apex
For a decade now, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing and experiencing the relentless evolution of the supercar. From the raw, analog thrills of yes
teryear to the sophisticated, technologically infused machines of today, the landscape is a constantly shifting testament to human ingenuity and automotive passion. And few vehicles embody this transition as profoundly as the Ferrari 296 GTB. Even as whispers of a formidable Lamborghini Temerario gain traction, the 2025 iteration of this hybrid marvel continues to set a breathtaking benchmark, proving that electrification doesn’t equate to a dilution of the supercar soul, but rather an audacious reimagining of it.
The arrival of the 296 GTB in 2022 marked a seismic shift for Ferrari’s mid-engined supercar lineage. It was a bold departure from the celebrated, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8, embracing a new twin-turbo V6 architecture augmented by an electric motor. This strategic pivot placed the 296 GTB squarely at the vanguard of a segment that, while increasingly exploring hybrid powertrains, still grapples with fully transitioning its core identity. In its debut, the 296 GTB found itself in a traditional supercar arena dominated by the naturally aspirated V10 symphony of the Lamborghini Huracán and the ferocious twin-turbo V8 might of the McLaren 720S. While the Huracán offered an intoxicating blend of V10 charisma and raucous auditory drama, and the McLaren 750S (a development of the 720S) championed a philosophy of power-to-weight supremacy, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid Lamborghini Temerario represents Maranello’s most direct and formidable competitor yet. It’s a battle of hybridized might, a true testament to the escalating performance metrics in the luxury hybrid supercar arena.
Make no mistake, the 296 GTB packs an astonishing punch. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, paired seamlessly with an electric motor driving exclusively the rear wheels (a distinction from the SF90), delivers a staggering 819bhp. This configuration doesn’t just elevate performance; it fundamentally reshapes the very definition of a supercar. The sheer force generated by this powertrain prompts reflection: where will this power escalation ultimately lead? And, more practically, where can one truly unleash such prodigious capabilities? These are questions that linger, but the immediate sensation of driving the 296 GTB transcends such philosophical ponderings.
This model holds a significant place in Ferrari’s history. It is the first V6-powered Ferrari road car to bear the Prancing Horse emblem, a lineage that subtly nods to the revered, though never officially badged, 246 GT Dino. Furthermore, it pioneers Ferrari’s “hot-vee” turbocharger installation and embraces plug-in hybrid technology, offering an impressive EV-only range of approximately 15 miles. The compact V6 unit is nestled low within a newly developed aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors. This packaging innovation also positions the occupants slightly further forward, contributing to a more engaging driving posture.
The electric motor contributes a potent 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 alone unleashes a remarkable 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined headline figure of 819bhp is impressive, but Ferrari judiciously refrains from quoting a peak combined torque figure. This is likely due to the complex interplay and optimization between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, ensuring peak power delivery rather than a simple sum of individual outputs. However, it’s safe to assume the resultant torque is nothing short of colossal. Overall, the V6 unit itself offers a 30kg weight saving over Ferrari’s V8 engines and is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a long, rectangular structure, is discreetly housed behind the seats, a testament to intelligent packaging in this performance hybrid sports car.
No Ferrari would be complete without a sophisticated suite of electronic chassis management systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has developed its proprietary six-axis sensor, the 6w-CDS, capable of precisely measuring acceleration and rotational velocity across the X, Y, and Z planes. This advanced sensor replaces conventional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, provides the car with an intimate understanding of driver input and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data is then meticulously processed by systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, working in concert to maximize cornering speeds while upholding unwavering stability and driver confidence. This technological prowess also enables the new ABS-evo system, active in RACE mode and above. This innovative system, leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, not only shortens braking distances but also significantly enhances braking performance during trail-braking maneuvers into corners, a critical technique for maximizing lap times on circuits like those found at the Nürburgring or for track day enthusiasts.
For the first time, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics not to reduce drag, but to actively generate downforce. The manufacturer quotes an impressive figure of 360kg at 155mph, with an additional 100kg attributed to the active rear wing that deploys from the car’s tail. The cooling system is equally intricate. Two radiators in the front manage engine and gearbox temperatures, complemented by two condensers dedicated to cooling the battery pack. Hot air is efficiently expelled from beneath the car, preventing any interference with the airflow directed to the intercoolers located along the flanks. Smaller apertures below the headlamps are dedicated to brake cooling, while a rear roofline-integrated wing contributes to a “virtual” rear screen, expertly channeling air towards the rear of the vehicle as if guided by a sculpted surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated from beneath the car, where significant engineering effort has been dedicated to optimizing airflow, the rear diffuser, and crucially, the underbody’s ground clearance to maximize the effectiveness of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The pre-production 296 GTBs we sampled on a closed circuit were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with Multimatic units, derived from GT racing technology, and adds further carbon-fiber aerodynamic elements to the front fascia, increasing front downforce by an additional 20kg. The package also incorporates more carbon fiber in the cabin (such as the door panels) and on the exterior, contributing to a substantial 12kg weight saving. This can be further enhanced to 15kg with the optional Lexan rear engine cover. For those seeking ultimate grip, the Fiorano package also offers Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires as an upgrade from the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Visually, Fiorano-equipped cars can be further personalized with an exterior graphics package, inspired by the iconic 250LM from the 1960s, adding a layer of historical reverence to this modern marvel. Having experienced the 296 GTB up close, its design is undeniably captivating, a unique aesthetic that pays homage to automotive legends without succumbing to overt retro styling.
Getting the 296 GTB underway is a straightforward yet deliberate process. A double press on the lower portion of the steering wheel boss and engaging first gear initiate movement. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, silently pulling away on electric power alone unless prompted otherwise via the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors on the left side of the steering wheel boss. With judicious throttle application, it can maintain purely electric propulsion, provided the battery charge is sufficient. For those who wish to prioritize silence, the ‘eDrive’ mode can be manually engaged, overriding powertrain demands for complete electric autonomy. Beyond this, the ‘Performance’ and ‘Qualifying’ modes unlock the full collaborative potential of both power sources. Performance mode aims to maintain battery charge while delivering exhilarating acceleration, while Qualifying mode dedicates all resources to achieving absolute maximum performance, regardless of the battery’s state of charge.
The experience of gliding silently through urban landscapes is an unexpected and surprisingly refined pleasure. The damping calibration is remarkably sophisticated, rendering the cabin a remarkably comfortable sanctuary for covering long distances. Even the luggage capacity in the front trunk, a welcome departure from the SF90’s spatial limitations, is surprisingly practical. However, the true allure, the question that undoubtedly occupies the minds of enthusiasts, lies in the sensation of unleashing both the V6 engine and the electric motor to their fullest potential.
The answer becomes undeniably clear when you firmly plant the throttle at low revs in a high gear. The 296 GTB surges forward with an astonishing immediacy, a complete absence of turbo lag that momentarily makes you question the very necessity of gears, such is its unadulterated potency. Yet, with eight gears at your disposal and an engine that eagerly spins to 8500rpm, the experience of truly uncorking the 296 is nothing short of electrifying. The acceleration figures, consistently hovering around 2.9 seconds for the 0-62mph sprint and a top speed exceeding 205mph, translate into a sensation of relentless forward momentum that elicits a mix of nervous laughter and an almost primal urge to grip the steering wheel tighter. It is a seriously rapid machine, and its auditory accompaniment is equally captivating. The V6 rasp is tuneful and sonorous, beautifully overlaid with the distinct symphony of turbocharger spool and wastegate flutter, creating a soundscape that is both modern and deeply satisfying. This is the essence of high-performance V6 supercars redefined.
The agility and responsiveness of the 296 GTB’s chassis are truly remarkable. Ferrari’s assertion that the car’s primary objective was to be “fun to drive” rings resoundingly true. It exhibits an uncanny agility without ever feeling overly nervous. The steering, characteristically light and incredibly quick, also delivers a surprising level of tactile feedback, allowing the driver to feel connected to the road. While grip levels are exceptionally high, as one would expect from a Ferrari, the car remains wonderfully throttle-adjustable. This inherent trait, the ability to subtly modulate grip and balance with the accelerator pedal, is the source of immense driving pleasure and a guaranteed smile.
Despite its (dry weight) of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a palpable lack of inertia, encouraging the driver to work with the car, making minute inputs and reveling in its laser-like accuracy and precision. Engaging the CT Off mode allows for exhilarating performance with the underlying reassurance of an intelligent electronic safety net, while even with all aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent dynamic balance allows for playful teasing into oversteer, a feat one might not typically associate with a car producing 819bhp.
On the track, the 296 possesses the uncanny ability to seemingly shrink even the longest straights. What becomes even more apparent is its surgical precision. While the power is readily available to break traction at numerous points around a lap, the 296 is exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. This demands and rewards precision from the driver; accurate inputs translate directly into amplified rewards. The turn-in accuracy and response are phenomenal, dramatically shortening the entry phase into every corner. Instead of easing the car into turns and allowing loads to build gradually, the 296 settles instantly, aided by the Multimatic dampers and the hyper-quick steering that perfectly complements the enhanced roll support of the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers accustomed to more mature sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are breathtaking, offering a consistently exhilarating experience lap after lap.
The interior architecture will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90, as the 296 adopts much of its cabin design. The fully digital interface and its associated haptic switchgear, liberally applied to the steering wheel and the traditional Ferrari pods flanking it, can present a steep learning curve. While the sheer volume of information to be conveyed is substantial, leading to inherent complexity, the primary frustration lies in the occasional need for a second press for commands to register, or the uncertainty of whether an input has been successfully received. Nevertheless, the cabin undeniably exudes a special, focused atmosphere, befitting a supercar interior of this caliber.
In our 2022 evo Car of the Year awards, the competition was fiercely contested, with the 296 GTB drawing incredibly close scores with its rivals. Judges were nearly unanimous in their admiration. “What a spectacular car,” enthused one tester. “Beautiful to look at, outrageously fast, amazingly exploitable, and so technically clever. Its V6 shows McLaren how to downsize but turn up the drama, and it matches the Artura in terms of sheer control but feels a bit more playful and indulgent.” Another lauded it as “the first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” praising the seamless integration of the hybrid system. While acknowledging the torquey characteristics inherited from turbocharged V8s, the V6’s character and its evolving soundtrack were highlighted as key strengths.
Despite the universal praise for its hybrid integration, a cautionary note was raised regarding the battery’s propensity to drain unexpectedly, leaving the car stranded. While Ferrari had pre-emptively warned of this possibility and outlined preventative measures, the oversight of not engineering a simple fail-safe mechanism for such a scenario was deemed a significant flaw. Fortunately, this incident occurred after scoring was complete. Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and brake feel, while good, didn’t quite match the absolute best in class. The tech interface also faced criticism for its complexity. Yet, despite these points, the 296’s allure proved irresistible. “I thought I wouldn’t like the Fezza all that much – too complex, rather gratuitous points of difference,” admitted one judge, “but I ended up somewhat bewitched: the spooky way it changes direction; its amazing damping and looney-tunes levels of grip; the linearity of seemingly never-ending power…”
The 296 GTB represents a triumphant return to form for Ferrari, a stark contrast to the somewhat colder reception of the SF90 in previous years. As one tester aptly put it, “The 296 is way more successful because its technical sophistication, and the integration of its hybrid technology in particular, feels much more natural, and far less intrusive.” This sentiment was echoed by others, highlighting how Ferrari had distilled the lessons learned from the SF90 into a series-production model that stands as one of its finest achievements.
When a vehicle is so profoundly laden with cutting-edge technology, there’s always an inherent risk that it may become less than the sum of its parts. This was a sentiment echoed in our assessment of the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power output, could be somewhat unnerving due to its challenging driving characteristics.
However, the 296 GTB is a different proposition entirely. As evidenced by its strong showing at the evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, where it secured a joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, the 296 feels far more organic. Its masterful blend of exhilarating power and deeply engaging dynamics strikes a remarkable sweet spot, effectively redefining the expectations for a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket. Whispers of a “Versione Speciale” variant, promising even more power, performance, and intensity, are already circulating for future release. The crucial hope is that this enhanced iteration retains the standard 296’s inexplicably natural and intuitive feel.
It is precisely this aspect of the 296 GTB’s constitution that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized in the development of its hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an almost obscene amount of power for a series-production supercar, and it has the potential to overwhelm the chassis if the rest of the vehicle isn’t meticulously engineered to complement it. If Lamborghini has indeed achieved the perfect balance – and the sheer brilliance of the Revuelto offers significant reason for optimism – then we are on the cusp of an epic twin test, potentially featuring a combined 1700bhp!
Alternatively, we could pit these titans against the McLaren 750S, a machine that, by comparison, now seems almost diminutive with its 740bhp. However, the McLaren counters with a remarkably lithe kerb weight of 1389kg, resulting in a highly competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw character, ergonomic perfection, the crispness of its steering, and the sheer deftness of its chassis arguably set it apart from the comparatively more remote feel of the Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB Specifications:
Engine: 2992cc, twin-turbocharged V6, plus electric motor
Transmission: Eight-speed, dual-clutch, active E-diff
Combined Power Output: 819bhp @ 8000rpm
Combined Torque Output: 546lb ft @ 6250rpm
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Estimated Price: £250,000+
The automotive world is witnessing a paradigm shift, with electrification rapidly becoming an integral part of high-performance driving. The Ferrari 296 GTB stands as a compelling testament to this evolution, offering an experience that is both technologically advanced and deeply exhilarating. If you’re captivated by the future of supercars and eager to explore the pinnacle of hybrid performance, now is the opportune moment to connect with us. Discover how this extraordinary machine can elevate your driving passion and redefine your understanding of automotive excellence. Contact us today to arrange a private viewing or to discuss bespoke ownership options.
