The Ferrari 296 GTB 2025: A New Era of Hybrid Supercar Dominance
The automotive landscape is in constant flux, and for over a decade, I’ve had a front-row seat to the exhilarating evolution of the supercar.
My experience, spanning a decade of hands-on testing and industry analysis, has shown me that true innovation isn’t just about raw power, but about the intelligent fusion of technology and visceral driving pleasure. This brings us to the remarkable Ferrari 296 GTB 2025, a machine that has not only redefined the mid-engined supercar segment but has firmly established itself as the benchmark against which its rivals must now be measured. Even with the much-anticipated Lamborghini Temerario on the horizon, the 296 GTB continues to command respect and awe.
For years, Ferrari’s mid-engined flagship has been synonymous with the thunderous roar of a naturally aspirated V8. However, with the arrival of the 296 GTB in 2022, Maranello made a bold, paradigm-shifting decision. They embraced a revolutionary twin-turbocharged V6 engine, augmented by a sophisticated electric powertrain, to create a hybrid supercar that punched far above its weight class. This transition was significant, as the higher echelons of the supercar market were only beginning their journey into electrification.
At its debut, the 296 GTB’s primary adversary was the Lamborghini Huracán, a purveyor of naturally aspirated V10 theatre. While the Huracán offered a compelling, albeit lower-powered, symphony of engine notes and raw sensory engagement, the McLaren 720S, with its potent twin-turbo V8, represented a different kind of threat. Now, as the McLaren 750S refines an already proven formula, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid V8-powered Temerario from Lamborghini emerges as a direct, audacious challenge to Ferrari’s electrified Berlinetta. The Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 review must now consider this formidable competitor.
Make no mistake, the 296 GTB is a force to be reckoned with. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbocharged V6, paired with an electric motor, drives exclusively the rear wheels – a distinction from the four-wheel-drive SF90. The combined output of 819bhp shattered established norms for supercars and demonstrated Ferrari’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance electrification. It’s easy to get lost in the sheer numbers, to ponder the ultimate ceiling of this power escalation and where, in the real world, such performance can be fully unleashed.
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is its groundbreaking nature. It marks the first V6-powered road-going Ferrari (barring the iconic 246 GT Dino, which predated the official Ferrari badge), the first to employ a ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger layout, and crucially, it’s a plug-in hybrid with an impressive EV-only range of approximately 15 miles. This compact V6 is mounted low within a novel aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase 50mm shorter than its V8 predecessors, subtly repositioning the occupants slightly forward.
The electric motor contributes a potent 165bhp and 232 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 itself produces a staggering 654bhp and 546 lb-ft. The headline figure of 819bhp combined output is awe-inspiring, though Ferrari remains discreet about the peak combined torque. This discretion likely stems from the complex interplay between the V6 and electric motor. However, it’s safe to assume the total torque is, to put it mildly, considerable. Furthermore, the V6 unit is approximately 30kg lighter than Ferrari’s V8 engines and is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The compact battery pack, a long rectangular structure, is cleverly housed behind the seats.
No Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of acronyms detailing its sophisticated electronic chassis management systems. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari has engineered a state-of-the-art six-axis sensor system, dubbed 6w-CDS. This advanced unit precisely measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes, offering a comprehensive understanding of the car’s dynamics. It replaces traditional yaw sensors and, in conjunction with a steering rack sensor, provides unparalleled insight into driver inputs and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data allows systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff to work in harmony, maximizing cornering speeds while ensuring unwavering stability. A notable advancement is the new ABS-evo system, activated in RACE mode and above. Leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire technology, it demonstrably shortens braking distances and significantly enhances braking performance during trail-braking into corners.
A significant innovation for Ferrari is the application of its active aerodynamics technology not to reduce drag, but to generate downforce. The company claims a remarkable 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a substantial 100kg of this generated by a deployable rear wing.
Cooling is paramount in a hybrid supercar of this caliber. The 296 GTB features two radiators in the front for engine and gearbox cooling, complemented by two additional condensers for battery thermal management. Hot air is expelled from the underbody to avoid interfering with the airflow directed to the intercoolers along the flanks. The subtle apertures below the headlamps are dedicated to cooling the brakes, while a roofline-integrated wing channels air towards the rear, creating a ‘virtual’ rear screen effect. The majority of the car’s downforce is sculpted from beneath, with meticulous attention paid to air channeling, the rear diffuser, and crucially, the underbody’s ground clearance to optimize the performance of these downforce-generating surfaces.
The examples of the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 we experienced on the track during its launch were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This enhancement swaps the standard dampers for race-derived Multimatic units and adds carbon-fiber aerodynamic elements to the front splitter, boosting front downforce by an additional 20kg. The package also incorporates more carbon fiber within the cabin (such as the door panels) and on the exterior, contributing to a total weight saving of 12kg, which can increase to 15kg with the optional Lexan rear engine cover. Further optimizing the Assetto Fiorano experience are the optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the standard Pilot Sport 4S. These track-focused models can also be personalized with an exterior graphics package, drawing inspiration from the legendary 250LM of the 1960s.
Having had extensive time with the 296 GTB “in the metal,” its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. It possesses a distinct and captivating presence, drawing clear inspiration from the 1960s 250LM, even without the more polarizing graphic options.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: A Hybrid Symphony
Initiating movement in the 296 GTB is a deliberate, almost ritualistic act. A double-press on the lower portion of the steering wheel boss, followed by engaging first gear, sets the stage. The car defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing it to glide away silently on electric power alone, unless otherwise commanded via the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors on the wheel. Gentle throttle application will maintain purely electric propulsion, provided the battery has sufficient charge.
Drivers can also manually select ‘e-Drive’ mode, forcing the car into electric-only operation regardless of throttle demand. Alternatively, ‘Performance’ and ‘Qualifying’ modes offer escalating levels of hybrid engagement. In Performance mode, both power sources work in concert, with the system also focusing on maintaining battery charge. Qualifying mode unleashes the full, unadulterated fury of the hybrid powertrain, prioritizing ultimate performance above all else, even battery depletion.
The serene glide through urban environments is an unexpected delight, and the damping sophistication makes it a remarkably comfortable grand tourer. The ‘frunk’ offers a surprisingly practical luggage area, a welcome contrast to the SF90. But the question that truly ignites curiosity is: what does it feel like when both the V6 and electric motor are unleashed in their full glory?
The answer is immediate and profound. Prod the throttle at low revs in a high gear, and the 296 GTB surges forward with astonishing immediacy. The absence of any discernible turbo lag prompts a fleeting contemplation of the necessity of gear changes, such is its sheer potency. Yet, there are eight gears to exploit, and an engine that willingly spins to 8,500rpm. When the 296 GTB is truly uncorked, the experience is nothing short of electrifying.
The acceleration figures – a sub-3-second 0-62mph sprint and a top speed exceeding 205mph – translate into a sensation of relentless, almost overwhelming velocity. It’s a thrilling, nerve-tingling surge that borders on the intense, yet it’s also undeniably addictive. This is a seriously rapid automobile, and its acoustic accompaniment is equally captivating. The V6 emits a tuneful rasp, beautifully overlaid with satisfying turbocharger effects.
Ride and Handling: The Art of Agile Exhilaration
What truly elevates the 296 GTB is the extraordinary responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s commitment to creating a “fun to drive” experience is unequivocally realized here. The car feels incredibly agile without ever becoming nervous. The steering is typically light and rapid, yet it conveys a remarkable level of road feel and detail. Grip levels are, as expected, exceptionally high, but what truly impresses is the car’s throttle adjustability. This allows for nuanced manipulation of its attitude, eliciting an irrepressible grin from the driver.
Despite its claimed dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a remarkable lack of inertia that encourages the driver to work with the car, making subtle inputs and reveling in its pinpoint accuracy and precision. Engaging the ‘CT Off’ mode allows for extraordinary freedom, underpinned by the reassurance of an intelligent electronic safety net. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296 GTB’s inherent balance allows for a degree of playful oversteer that one might not anticipate in an 819bhp machine.
On a racetrack, the 296 GTB possesses the uncanny ability to compress even the longest straights. Its nature as a sharp, precision instrument becomes profoundly apparent. While the power is readily available to break traction at the rear in numerous corners, the 296 GTB is acutely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. It swiftly teaches the driver that precision with the controls yields the greatest rewards. The turn-in accuracy and responsiveness dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Rather than easing into turns and allowing loads to build, the 296 GTB assumes its line instantly, aided by the Multimatic dampers and the hyper-quick steering, which harmonizes beautifully with the increased roll support provided by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for those accustomed to more conventional sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are simply phenomenal, offering an exhilarating experience lap after lap.
Interior: A Digital Frontier
The cabin architecture will feel familiar to occupants of the SF90, as the 296 GTB inherits much from its larger sibling. The fully digital interface and its accompanying haptic switchgear can present a steep learning curve. These controls are liberally distributed across the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari stalks flanking it.
While undeniably complex, there’s a wealth of information to process. The most frustrating aspect is how seemingly simple operations can require a second, sometimes unsuccessful, attempt, or leave the driver uncertain if an input has even registered. Nevertheless, the cabin exudes a sense of occasion and exclusivity.
Industry Verdict: A Benchmark Redefined
The 2022 evo Car of the Year awards highlighted the intense competition, with the McLaren Artura and the 296 GTB separated by a razor-thin margin. Judges were evenly split, with three favoring the Ferrari and three the McLaren. Those who championed the Ferrari cited its spectacular design, outrageous speed, exploitable performance, and technical brilliance. Jethro Bovingdon remarked, “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.”
Dickie Meaden declared it, “The first genuinely beautiful Ferrari since the F355,” a sentiment echoed by many. He further elaborated, “The hybrid system works very well and doesn’t change the driving experience as much as I’d feared. Probably because we’ve already got used to the torquey characteristics of the turbocharged V8 in the 488 and F8. The 296 is stonkingly quick, but doesn’t rely solely on speed thanks to the character of the V6, which has a soundtrack that’s always sweet and changes with throttle opening.”
The seamless integration of the Ferrari’s hybrid system garnered widespread praise. However, a significant concern arose when one car was left stranded after its battery depleted with no obvious means of revival. While Ferrari had provided warnings and mitigation strategies, the possibility of an owner finding themselves in a similar predicament is not inconceivable. As Gallagher noted, “that the company who 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 incident occurred after scoring, mitigating its impact on the final results.
Ferrari’s signature ultra-quick steering divided opinion, and the brake pedal feel didn’t quite match the absolute best in class. The touch-sensitive interface was also widely criticized for its complexity. Yet, despite these points, the 296 GTB proved irresistibly seductive. Vivian admitted, “I thought I wouldn’t like the Fezza all that much – too complex, rather gratuitous points of difference. 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…”
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Peter Tomalin concluded, “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. Ferrari has taken so much from the SF90, learnt from that car and distilled it into a series production model that’s one of its very best.”
Price and the Competitive Landscape
The inherent risk with such technologically advanced vehicles is the potential for them to become less than the sum of their parts. This was a sentiment we experienced with the SF90, which, while dazzling in its power, felt somewhat detached in its driving characteristics.
The 296 GTB, however, charts a different course. As evidenced by its strong performance in the evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, where it secured joint third place with the McLaren Artura, the 296 GTB feels remarkably organic. Its potent blend of power and engaging dynamics strikes a perfect chord, redefining expectations for a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket. A more potent Versione Speciale variant is anticipated, promising even greater performance and intensity. The hope remains that the standard 296’s incredibly natural feel will be preserved.
It is precisely this aspect – the natural, intuitive driving experience – that we hope Lamborghini has prioritized when developing its hybrid Temerario supercar. A figure exceeding 900bhp is an almost obscene amount of power in a series production supercar, and without a perfectly resolved chassis to match, it can easily become overwhelming. If Lamborghini has truly mastered this balance, as their Revuelto suggests they might, then we are on the cusp of an epic twin-test battle.
Alternatively, one could envision a 2400bhp triple-threat showdown, including the McLaren 750S, which, with its 740bhp, now seems almost diminutive by comparison. However, the McLaren’s compact 1389kg kerb weight ensures a competitive power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw character, ergonomic excellence, crisp steering, and deft chassis control continue to offer a compelling, more immediate experience against the comparatively remote Ferrari.
Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 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
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Price: Starting from approximately £250,000
The Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 is more than just a new model; it’s a statement of intent, a testament to Ferrari’s engineering prowess, and a thrilling glimpse into the future of the hybrid supercar. If you’re seeking a driving experience that is both profoundly potent and beautifully nuanced, the 296 GTB demands your attention.
Ready to experience the future of supercar performance firsthand? Explore our curated selection of Ferrari models or schedule your exclusive test drive today and feel the electrifying blend of tradition and innovation that defines the Ferrari legacy.