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Ferrari 296 GTB: A New Era of Hybrid Supercar Performance, Meeting the Lamborghini Temerario Challenge
For a decade, I’ve been immersed in the intoxicating world of high-performance automobiles, witnessing firsthand the relentless evolution of automotive engineering. In that time, few advancements have been as profound or as exhilarating as the shift towards electrification within the supercar segment. Ferrari, a marque synonymous with raw power and visceral emotion, has boldly embraced this transformation with the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB. This isn’t just another supercar; it’s a statement, a meticulously crafted machine that redefines what a hybrid performance vehicle can be, and it arrives as the Lamborghini Temerario looms on the horizon, presenting a compelling benchmark for this electrifying rivalry.
The arrival of the 296 GTB in 2022 marked a significant departure from Ferrari’s established formula. Forgoing the much-lauded, multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 that powered its predecessors, Maranello opted for a revolutionary twin-turbocharged V6, augmented by an electric motor. This strategic pivot propelled the 296 GTB into a higher echelon of supercar competition, precisely at a moment when many rivals were still tentatively exploring the waters of hybrid power.
In its early days, the 296 GTB’s most direct contemporary was the Lamborghini Huracán, a car celebrated for its naturally aspirated V10 symphony and an analogue charm that captivated enthusiasts. While it may have been outgunned in raw horsepower, the Huracán offered an intoxicating blend of V10 charisma and unadulterated auditory aggression, holding its own during its peak years. Equally formidable was the McLaren 720S, a masterclass in twin-turbo V8 performance, prioritizing an unparalleled power-to-weight ratio. While the subsequent McLaren 750S represents an evolution of that potent theme, the 903bhp, 10,000rpm capable Lamborghini Temerario, with its hybrid heart, stands as a direct and audacious riposte to Ferrari’s 819bhp electrified Berlinetta.
Make no mistake, the 296 GTB possesses genuine firepower. Its all-new, 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, working in concert with an electric motor, drives exclusively the rear wheels – a distinction from the all-wheel-drive SF90. This configuration, delivering a staggering 819bhp, shattered conventional supercar paradigms.
It’s difficult not to be awestruck by such colossal power figures, and one can’t help but ponder the trajectory of this power escalation – is it boundless? And where, in the real world, can one truly exploit such performance? These are profound questions, yet they momentarily distract from the sheer brilliance of the engineering at hand.
The 296 GTB holds a unique place in Ferrari’s lineage. It is the first V6-powered road car to bear the Prancing Horse emblem, a lineage that, in period, was graced by the exquisite 246 GT Dino (though it never officially wore the badge). It also pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration, where the turbos are mounted within the engine’s V-angle for optimal 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. This compact V6 is nestled low within a new aluminum chassis, featuring a wheelbase 50mm shorter than its V8 predecessors, with occupants positioned slightly further forward, contributing to an agile stance.
The electric motor contributes a significant 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 engine alone churns out a breathtaking 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined output culminates in the headline-grabbing 819bhp. Ferrari, perhaps due to the nuanced interplay between the V6 and electric motor, refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, but it’s safe to assume it is astronomically potent. This V6 powerplant, weighing 30kg less than its V8 counterparts, is mated to an imperious eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a sleek, elongated unit, resides discreetly behind the seats.
No modern Ferrari would be complete without an arsenal of sophisticated electronic chassis control systems. For the 296 GTB, Ferrari has introduced its six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS (Six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This advanced unit measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes, effectively replacing traditional yaw sensors. In tandem with a sensor on the steering rack, it grants the car an intimate understanding of driver inputs and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data is then utilized by systems like Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff to maximize cornering speed while steadfastly maintaining stability and driver confidence. Furthermore, it enables the novel ABS-evo system, available 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, a testament to its precision-engineered dynamics.
In a significant shift, Ferrari is deploying its active aerodynamics not to minimize drag, but to aggressively generate downforce. The marque quotes an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a substantial 100kg of this figure attributed to the deployable rear wing.
Cooling is a paramount concern in a vehicle of this caliber. The 296 features two radiators at the front for engine and gearbox cooling, supplemented by two condensers dedicated to battery thermal management. Hot air is expelled from beneath the car, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the flow of cool air directed towards the intercoolers situated along the flanks. The subtle apertures below the headlamps are dedicated to brake cooling, while the aerodynamically integrated roofline spoiler ingeniously creates a “virtual” rear screen, guiding air towards the rear of the car as if guided by a sculpted surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce is meticulously generated beneath the car, with particular emphasis placed on the intricate channeling of air, the rear diffuser, and critically, the underbody’s ground clearance, all working in harmony to amplify the effectiveness of these downforce-generating elements.
The pre-production examples of the 296 GTB that I had the privilege to sample on a demanding circuit were all equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This performance-oriented upgrade swaps the standard dampers for Multimatic units derived from GT racing, and integrates additional carbon-fiber aerodynamic elements on the front fascia, boosting front-end downforce by an additional 20kg. The package also introduces further carbon fiber applications within the cabin, such as the door panels, and on the exterior, contributing to an overall weight reduction of 12kg. This saving can be extended to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For the ultimate track-focused experience, Fiorano pack customers can opt for Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, a significant step up from the standard Pilot Sport 4S. Aesthetic enhancements include an optional exterior graphics package, artfully inspired by the iconic 250LM from the 1960s.
Having spent considerable time observing and interacting with the 296 GTB “in the metal,” I can attest to its striking beauty. It possesses a distinct aesthetic, unlike anything else on the road, subtly evoking the spirit of the 1960s 250LM, even without the more overt graphic treatments.
Performance and Acceleration: A Hybrid Symphony Unleashed
Initiating forward motion is elegantly simple: a double press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss and engaging first gear. The 296 GTB defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing for silent departure on electric power alone, unless specific driver inputs dictate otherwise via the intuitive haptic driver mode selectors on the left side of the steering wheel boss. With judicious throttle application, the car will continue its silent progress purely on electric power, provided the battery retains sufficient charge.
Owners can also elect to “force” the car into EV mode, irrespective of powertrain demands. Beyond this, the Performance and Qualifying modes offer escalating levels of engagement. In Performance mode, both the V6 and electric motor collaborate, with a strategic aim to maintain battery charge. Qualifying mode, however, prioritizes unadulterated performance, disregarding the battery’s state of charge entirely.
The serene experience of gliding through tranquil villages is an unexpected delight, and the sophisticated damping imbues the cabin with remarkable comfort for extended journeys. Furthermore, the “frunk” offers a surprisingly practical luggage area, a welcome improvement over the SF90. But the true question on everyone’s mind, including mine, is the visceral sensation when both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor are fully unleashed.
The answer lies in the car’s explosive response when the throttle is mashed at low revs in a high gear. The 296 GTB simply surges forward with imperious potency, rendering the concept of gear changes momentarily irrelevant. Yet, with eight gears at its disposal and an engine that enthusiastically revs to 8,500rpm, the full unleashing of the 296 is nothing short of astonishing.
As the performance figures suggest – a 0-62mph sprint in just 2.9 seconds and a top speed exceeding 205mph – the rate of acceleration is intense, bordering on overwhelming, eliciting a mixture of exhilaration and a touch of nervous laughter. It’s an experience that is simultaneously unnerving and undeniably addictive. This is a seriously rapid machine, and its auditory signature is equally captivating, with the V6’s tuneful rasp artfully complemented by a rich tapestry of turbocharger sound effects.
Ride and Handling: A Dance of Precision and Agility
What truly sets the 296 GTB apart is the astonishing responsiveness of its chassis. Ferrari’s commitment to making this car “fun to drive” is not mere marketing hyperbole; it’s a palpable reality. The car feels remarkably agile without ever becoming nervous. The steering is typically light and quick, yet it teems with detailed feedback, providing a profound connection to the road. While grip levels are, as expected, exceptionally high, the car remains delightfully throttle-adjustable, eliciting a primal grin with every input.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 GTB feels significantly lighter. There’s a tangible lack of inertia throughout the entire vehicle, encouraging a symbiotic relationship where small, precise inputs yield immense rewards. Engaging CT Off mode allows for daring exploits, with the reassuring presence of an incredibly intelligent electronic guardian monitoring your every move. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the inherent balance of the 296 GTB allows for a level of playful oversteer that one would never anticipate in a 819bhp machine.
On the racetrack, the 296 has the remarkable ability to seemingly shrink even the longest start-finish straight. What becomes even more apparent is its surgical precision. While the power is readily available to break traction at the rear at numerous points around the lap, the 296 is also exquisitely sensitive to braking and steering inputs. This finely tuned feedback loop quickly teaches the driver that precision with every control translates directly into amplified performance. The astonishing turn-in accuracy and instantaneous response dramatically shorten the entry phase of every corner. Instead of gradually easing the car into turns and allowing loads to build, the 296 settles into its line immediately, its Multimatic dampers and hyper-quick steering working in perfect synergy with the enhanced roll support offered by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for those accustomed to more mature sports cars, the sheer speed, precision, and agility of the 296 GTB are phenomenal and consistently joyous to experience.
Interior: A Digital Frontier, Embraced with Caution
The cabin architecture will feel immediately familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90, as the 296 inherits much of its interior design philosophy. However, the purely digital interface, coupled with its complimentary haptic switchgear liberally applied across the steering wheel and the traditional Ferrari pods flanking it, presents a significant learning curve.
While undeniably complex, it’s important to acknowledge the sheer volume of information and functionality being conveyed. The most persistent frustration, however, 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 at all. Despite these usability quirks, the cabin unequivocally exudes a special, purposeful atmosphere.
The Verdict: A Return to Form, Facing a Fierce Future
In the highly competitive arena of supercar innovation, there’s always the inherent risk that an abundance of technology can detract from the overall driving experience. This was a sentiment echoed in our evaluation of the SF90, which, while dazzling with its sheer power, sometimes unnerved with its less discernible driving characteristics.
However, the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB represents a significant evolution. As demonstrated during its participation in the evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, where it secured a joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura, the 296 GTB feels remarkably organic. Its seamless blend of immense power and deeply engaging dynamics strikes a perfect chord, effectively redefining what a supercar in the £250,000 price bracket can achieve. A Versione Speciale variant, codenamed internally, is anticipated soon, promising even greater power, performance, and intensity. The hope remains that the standard 296’s inexplicably natural feel will be preserved.
It is this very aspect of the 296 GTB’s character – its profound driver engagement and sophisticated balance – that we hope Lamborghini has meticulously honed in its forthcoming hybrid Temerario supercar. Over 900bhp is an almost obscene amount of power for a production supercar, and it possesses the potential to overwhelm if the rest of the vehicle isn’t perfectly resolved to manage it. If Lamborghini has achieved this delicate balance – and the sheer brilliance of the Revuelto provides ample reason for optimism – then we are poised for a truly epic twin test, potentially featuring a combined output exceeding 1700bhp.
Alternatively, we could envisage a 2400bhp triple threat, incorporating the McLaren 750S, which, in this context, must now be amusingly described as the “minnow” of the class with its comparatively modest 740bhp. Yet, the McLaren counters with a relatively petite 1389kg kerb weight, offering a formidable power-to-weight ratio. The McLaren’s raw, ergonomic perfection, its surgically precise steering, and its exquisitely deft chassis provide a distinct counterpoint to the Ferrari’s comparatively more remote, albeit technologically advanced, persona.
Ferrari 296 GTB 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 (engine output)
Weight: 1470kg (dry) (566bhp/ton)
0-62mph: 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 205mph
Price: £250,000+
The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB represents a paradigm shift, a masterful fusion of visceral V6 performance and intelligent electrification. It stands as a compelling testament to Ferrari’s enduring commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive excellence. As the automotive landscape continues its rapid transformation, the 296 GTB serves as a beacon, inviting enthusiasts to experience the exhilarating future of the supercar, today.
If the promise of this groundbreaking hybrid performance resonates with your passion for driving, we invite you to explore further. Connect with your local Ferrari dealership or a trusted automotive consultant to discuss how the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB can redefine your driving horizons.