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The Ferrari 296 GTB: Electrifying Performance Meets Timeless Driving Prowess
For a decade now, the supercar landscape has been undergoing a profound transformation, with electrification moving from a mere whisper to a dominant roar. At the forefront of this revolution, consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, stands Ferrari. The Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 review signifies a pivotal moment, representing not just an evolution, but a paradigm shift for the Prancing Horse. While established titans like Lamborghini prepare their heavyweight contenders, such as the much-anticipated Lamborghini Temerario, the 296 GTB arrives as a testament to Ferrari’s unwavering commitment to delivering exhilarating driving experiences, even in an era of hybrid powertrains. My ten years immersed in the automotive industry, particularly within the high-performance segment, have shown me that true innovation isn’t just about raw power, but about the nuanced integration of technology to amplify the joy of driving. The Ferrari 296 GTB embodies this philosophy.
A New Breed of Ferrari: The V6 Hybrid Revolution
The arrival of the 296 GTB in 2022 marked an unprecedented departure for Ferrari’s mid-engined supercar lineage. Eschewing the multi-award-winning twin-turbo V8 that defined previous generations, the engineers in Maranello opted for a groundbreaking twin-turbo V6, augmented by an electric motor. This bold decision positioned the 296 GTB at the vanguard of a supercar segment still navigating the intricate transition to hybrid power. Its predecessor faced a more traditional adversary in the Lamborghini Huracán, celebrated for its naturally aspirated V10’s visceral charm and raw auditory symphony. The McLaren 720S, with its potent twin-turbo V8, also presented a formidable challenge, a theme further developed in the 750S, which champions power-to-weight supremacy. However, the 2025 landscape is set to witness the arrival of the Lamborghini Temerario, a 903bhp, 10,000rpm hybrid V8 supercar that represents a direct, formidable riposte to Ferrari’s electrically-assisted Berlinetta.
The Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 boasts an almost unbelievable power output, a headline figure that redefines expectations. With its entirely new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine working in concert with an electric motor, exclusively powering the rear wheels (unlike the all-wheel-drive SF90), the 819bhp output is not just impressive; it’s a seismic event in the supercar world. This is the first V6-powered Ferrari road car to wear the iconic Prancing Horse badge – the enchanting 246 GT Dino, while a V6 masterpiece, never bore the emblem during its production run. Furthermore, it pioneers Ferrari’s ‘hot-vee’ turbocharger configuration and functions as a plug-in hybrid, offering an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles. This compact V6 engine is strategically positioned low within a new aluminum chassis. The wheelbase has been judiciously shortened by 50mm compared to its V8 predecessors, and the occupants are seated slightly further forward, contributing to a more centralized and engaging driving position.
The electric motor itself contributes a substantial 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, while the V6 engine alone unleashes a staggering 654bhp and 546lb ft. The combined output, as previously mentioned, reaches a remarkable 819bhp. Ferrari, astutely, refrains from quoting a combined peak torque figure, likely due to the complex interplay between the V6 and the electric motor. However, it’s safe to surmise that the resulting torque delivery is nothing short of prodigious. The V6 unit itself offers a weight saving of 30kg over Ferrari’s V8 engines and is mated to an advanced eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The battery pack, a sleek, elongated structure, is cleverly housed behind the seats, ensuring optimal weight distribution and minimal intrusion into the cabin.
Underpinning Brilliance: Chassis and Aerodynamics
No Ferrari is complete without an arsenal of sophisticated electronic chassis control systems, and the 296 GTB is no exception. Ferrari has developed a revolutionary six-axis sensor, dubbed the 6w-CDS (Chassis Dynamic Sensor). This advanced system meticulously measures acceleration and rotational speed across the X, Y, and Z planes. It effectively replaces traditional yaw sensors, and in conjunction with a sensor on the steering rack, grants the car an unparalleled understanding of driver input and real-time grip levels at the tire contact patch. This data empowers other integrated systems, such as the Side Slip Control and the active E-Diff, to orchestrate maximum cornering speed while rigorously upholding stability and driver confidence. A groundbreaking new feature enabled by this system is ABS-evo, available in RACE mode and above. Leveraging the 296’s brake-by-wire system, ABS-evo not only shortens braking distances but also significantly enhances braking performance during trail-braking into corners, a crucial technique for maximizing corner entry speeds.
For the first time in its history, Ferrari is employing its active aerodynamics technology not to reduce drag, but specifically to generate downforce. The manufacturer quotes an impressive 360kg of downforce at 155mph, with a substantial portion of this – up to 100kg – being produced by the active rear wing that elegantly deploys from the rear of the car. The thermal management system is equally impressive. Two radiators are strategically placed in the nose to manage engine and gearbox temperatures, supplemented by two additional condensers dedicated to cooling the battery pack. Hot air is expertly expelled underneath the car, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with the airflow directed to the intercoolers situated along the flanks. The discreet apertures beneath the headlamps are dedicated to channeling air for brake cooling, while the aerodynamically integrated wing at the rear of the roofline functions as a ‘virtual’ rear screen, guiding air towards the rear of the car as if it were flowing over a sculpted surface. The majority of the 296’s downforce is generated from beneath the car, where meticulous attention has been paid not only to air channeling and the rear diffuser but also to the precise height of the underbody relative to the ground, thereby maximizing the effectiveness of these downforce-generating elements.
On the circuit, the cars we experienced were fitted with the optional Assetto Fiorano pack. This performance-oriented upgrade replaces the standard dampers with advanced Multimatic units, derived from GT racing technology. It also incorporates additional carbon fiber aerodynamic enhancements on the front end, boosting front downforce by a further 20kg. The cabin also benefits from an increased use of carbon fiber, including door panels, and further exterior carbon fiber components contribute to an overall weight saving of 12kg. This saving can be extended to 15kg if the optional Lexan rear engine cover is specified. For enthusiasts seeking the ultimate track-focused experience, the Fiorano pack can also be augmented with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, replacing the already capable standard Pilot Sport 4S tires. Furthermore, cars equipped with the Fiorano pack can be personalized with an exterior graphics package, inspired by the iconic 250LM of the 1960s. Visually, the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 is a stunning machine. Having seen it extensively in person, it’s undeniably beautiful and refreshingly distinct from anything else on the road, elegantly echoing the spirit of the 250LM, even without the more polarizing graphic treatments.
Driving Dynamics: A Symphony of Power and Precision
Engaging the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 is an intuitive process. A double press on the lower section of the steering wheel boss primes the powertrain, followed by selecting first gear. The 296 invariably commences its journey in Hybrid mode, utilizing electric power for initial propulsion unless directed otherwise via the haptic driver mode selectors located on the left side of the steering wheel boss. As long as throttle inputs remain measured, the car will continue to operate solely on electric power, provided the battery retains sufficient charge. For those desiring an exclusive electric experience, a dedicated EV mode can be engaged, irrespective of the demands placed on the powertrain. Beyond this, distinct Performance and Qualifying modes are available. In both these settings, the internal combustion engine and electric motor work in tandem. Performance mode aims to maintain battery charge while delivering significant power, whereas Qualifying mode prioritizes absolute maximum performance, with the battery’s state of charge taking a secondary role.
The experience of gliding silently through urban landscapes is surprisingly enjoyable. The damping system is remarkably sophisticated, rendering the cabin a remarkably comfortable environment for covering long distances. Even luggage capacity is considered, with a surprisingly practical ‘frunk’ offering usable storage space, a welcome contrast to the SF90. However, the true allure lies in unleashing the combined might of the V6 engine and electric motor. The instant surge of acceleration when planting the throttle from low revs in a high gear is astonishing. The 296 simply bolts forward, with absolutely no perceptible lag, leading one to momentarily question the very necessity of gear changes given its immediate potency. Yet, with eight gears to exploit and an engine that revs harmoniously to 8500rpm, the experience of fully uncorking the 296 is nothing short of spectacular.
The acceleration figures, hinting at a sub-3-second 0-62mph time and a top speed exceeding 200mph, translate into a truly visceral sensation. The rate of acceleration is the kind that induces a firm grip on the steering wheel and a nervous laugh, bordering on intense, yet it’s paradoxically addictive. This is a car that operates at a profoundly rapid pace. The auditory experience is equally captivating, with a delightful blend of turbocharger effects harmonizing with the tuneful rasp of the V6.
The responsiveness of the 296 GTB’s chassis is truly remarkable. Ferrari’s assertion that the car was engineered to be “fun to drive” is not an understatement. It exhibits exceptional agility without ever feeling overtly nervous. The steering, typically light and swift, also communicates a surprising level of road feel and detail. While grip levels are exceptionally high, as one would expect, the car remains remarkably adjustable on the throttle, a characteristic that inevitably brings a wide smile to the driver’s face.
Despite its dry weight of 1470kg, the 296 feels significantly lighter. There’s a tangible lack of inertia that encourages an intuitive and collaborative driving style, rewarding precise, small inputs with remarkable accuracy and finesse. Engaging the CT Off mode allows for considerable liberties with the drivetrain, while simultaneously providing the reassurance of an incredibly intelligent electronic safety net. Even with all electronic aids deactivated, the 296’s inherent balance allows for controlled drifts and playful oversteer, a feat one might not expect from a car producing 819bhp.
On a circuit, the 296 has the uncanny ability to make even lengthy straights feel condensed. What becomes even more apparent is its precision as a surgical instrument. While ample power is available to break traction at the rear at numerous points around the lap, the 296 is exceptionally sensitive to braking and steering inputs. It quickly becomes apparent that meticulous control yields the greatest rewards. The astonishing turn-in accuracy and immediate response dramatically shorten the corner entry phase. Instead of easing the car into turns and gradually building load, the 296 settles instantly, aided by its Multimatic dampers. The hyper-quick steering perfectly complements the enhanced body control offered by the Assetto Fiorano setup. Even for drivers transitioning from more conventional sports cars, the speed, precision, and agility of the 296 are phenomenal, offering an exhilarating experience lap after lap.
The Digital Realm: Interior Design and Interface
The cabin architecture of the 296 will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced the SF90, as the 296 draws heavily from its larger sibling. However, the fully digital interface, coupled with its accompanying haptic switchgear, presents a genuine challenge. These controls are liberally applied to the steering wheel and traditional Ferrari pods flanking it. While undeniably complex, it’s important to acknowledge the sheer volume of information being conveyed. The most significant critique, however, lies in the occasional need for a second press for simple operations that may not register on the first attempt, and the inherent uncertainty of whether a press has been successfully registered at all. Despite these usability hurdles, the cabin undeniably exudes an aura of exclusivity and specialness.
Industry Recognition and The Road Ahead
The Ferrari 296 GTB has garnered significant acclaim, notably achieving joint third place alongside the McLaren Artura in evo’s Car of the Year 2022 awards. This accolade underscores the car’s ability to transcend its technological complexity and deliver a profoundly engaging driving experience. Judges were captivated by its spectacular design, outrageous speed, and remarkable exploitability, praising its technical sophistication and the way its V6 powertrain demonstrated how downsizing can be achieved without sacrificing drama. Many echoed the sentiment that it represents the first truly beautiful Ferrari since the F355, with its hybrid system seamlessly integrated, enhancing rather than detracting from the driving experience. This seamless integration, a departure from the more intrusive hybridization found in some rivals, was widely praised.
However, the 296 GTB is not without its learning curve. One notable incident involved the battery depleting, leaving the car stranded, a situation Ferrari had warned could occur. This highlighted a perceived oversight in engineering a fail-safe mechanism to prevent such occurrences. Despite this, the 296’s signature ultra-quick steering, while divisive, and less-than-perfect brake feel were noted criticisms. Nevertheless, the overwhelmingly positive sentiment centered on the car’s seductive qualities, its uncanny ability to change direction, its astonishing damping, and its seemingly limitless, linear power delivery. It represents a significant return to form for Ferrari, offering a more natural and less intrusive integration of hybrid technology compared to the SF90. Ferrari has demonstrably learned from the SF90, distilling its innovations into a series production model that stands as one of its finest achievements.
The Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 price point places it firmly in the realm of ultra-premium supercars, with a starting price exceeding £250,000. Its primary rivals, the Lamborghini Temerario and the McLaren 750S, offer distinct propositions. The Temerario, with its anticipated 900bhp+ output, represents a direct and potent competitor, and if Lamborghini has replicated the success of the Revuelto, we are in for an epic showdown. The McLaren 750S, while the “minnow” in terms of power at “only” 740bhp, compensates with a significantly lower kerb weight of 1389kg, offering a competitive power-to-weight ratio. Its raw, ergonomic design, crisp steering, and deft chassis control present a more analogue and focused driving experience compared to the Ferrari’s more technologically advanced, albeit more remote, feel.
As the supercar segment continues its rapid electrification, the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 stands as a beacon of what is achievable when cutting-edge technology meets a deep understanding of driving dynamics. It’s a car that doesn’t just perform; it inspires.
The Verdict: A New Benchmark
The Ferrari 296 GTB achieves something truly special: it seamlessly integrates a complex hybrid powertrain without compromising the visceral, engaging, and ultimately enjoyable driving experience that defines the Ferrari marque. While new hybrids like the Lamborghini Temerario 2025 promise immense power, the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 has already set a remarkably high standard for how electrification can enhance, rather than dilute, the soul of a supercar.
For those seeking the pinnacle of contemporary supercar engineering, where electrifying performance meets timeless driving pleasure, the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 is an unmissable proposition. To truly understand the future of performance, experiencing the Ferrari 296 GTB 2025 firsthand is not just recommended – it’s essential. Discover the future of automotive excellence and schedule your personalized consultation with our Ferrari specialists today to explore the unparalleled world of the 296 GTB.