The Ferrari 296 GTB: The Benchmark for Hybrid Supercars in 2025
In the highly competitive supercar market, the Ferrari 296 GTB has redefined the era of hybrid performance. Since its debut, it has set a new standard for driver engagement, engineering innovation, and overall performance. In 2025, as the landscape of high-performance vehicles continues to evolve, the 296 GTB remains one of the most sought-after and capable machines available today, holding its ground against new rivals like the Lamborghini Temerario.
Having spent years analyzing and experiencing cutting-edge performance cars, it is clear that the Ferrari 296 GTB has perfected the integration of internal combustion and electric power. This unique combination offers a driving experience that is both powerful and intuitive, making it a benchmark for the modern hybrid supercar.
This article explores the engineering, performance, and market position of the Ferrari 296 GTB, detailing what makes it a significant achievement in automotive history.
The Heart of the Beast: A Revolutionary V6 Hybrid Powertrain
The Ferrari 296 GTB introduces a groundbreaking powertrain featuring a new twin-turbo V6 engine combined with a powerful electric motor. This engine is a significant departure from the V8 used in previous models, marking a new direction for Ferrari’s mid-engined road cars. The 120-degree V6 has a “hot-vee” turbo configuration, where the turbos are placed inside the engine’s V-angle. This design minimizes turbo lag and provides immediate throttle response.
The V6 produces 654 bhp and 546 lb-ft of torque. When combined with the rear-mounted electric motor, which adds 165 bhp and 232 lb-ft, the total output reaches an impressive 819 bhp. While Ferrari does not typically state a combined torque figure due to the complex interaction of the two power sources, the performance on the road confirms it is monumental.
This hybrid powertrain offers blistering acceleration and the ability to drive up to 15 miles in pure electric mode, making it a true plug-in hybrid supercar. This “e-Manettino” functionality allows for silent, emissions-free city driving before unleashing the full performance of the car on the open road or track. The V6 engine is also lighter than its V8 predecessors, contributing to the car’s agility, and is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox for seamless shifting and precise control.
Sculpted for Speed: Aerodynamics and Chassis Innovation
Beyond its revolutionary powertrain, the Ferrari 296 GTB features a completely new aluminum chassis designed for optimal dynamic performance. With a shorter wheelbase than previous V8 models and a slightly advanced seating position for the occupants, the car feels more compact and responsive from the driver’s seat.
Ferrari’s expertise in active aerodynamics is evident in the 296 GTB. The car uses active aero to generate significant downforce. A deployable rear wing, integrated into the rear of the car, adds up to 100 kg of downforce at 155 mph. The underbody is meticulously designed to channel air and generate downforce through a sophisticated diffuser and optimized ground clearance, providing excellent stability at high speeds.
Cooling is critical for a hybrid supercar of this size, and Ferrari has managed it expertly. Twin radiators in the front handle engine and gearbox cooling, while two additional condensers cool the battery pack. Hot air is directed out from underneath the car to prevent interference with the intercoolers, and small openings near the headlights cool the brakes. Even the roofline includes an integrated wing that creates a “virtual” rear screen, guiding air to the car’s rear.
Ferrari’s electronic chassis systems are among the best in the industry. The new six-axis sensor, 6w-CDS, replaces traditional yaw sensors, providing a comprehensive understanding of the car’s movements. Combined with a sensor mounted on the steering rack, this system precisely measures driver input and tire grip. This data feeds into systems like Side Slip Control (SSC) and the active E-Diff, maximizing cornering speed while maintaining stability and driver confidence. A new ABS-evo system, integrated into the brake-by-wire system, significantly reduces braking distances and improves trail braking performance.
The Assetto Fiorano Advantage: Unleashing Track Dominance
For enthusiasts seeking maximum performance, the optional Assetto Fiorano package is an essential upgrade. This track-focused package replaces the standard dampers with high-performance Multimatic items, similar to those used in GT racing. The dynamic driving experience is significantly improved, offering a tighter and more controlled ride ideal for track use.
The Assetto Fiorano package also adds carbon aerodynamic devices to the nose, increasing front downforce by an additional 20 kg. Weight reduction is achieved through more carbon fiber in the cabin and exterior, saving 12 kg. The Lexan rear engine cover further reduces weight by 3 kg. The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires are available for maximum grip, replacing the excellent standard Pilot Sport 4S tires. The Assetto Fiorano cars can also be distinguished by an optional exterior graphics package, inspired by the iconic 250LM from the 1960s. These enhancements solidify the Ferrari 296 GTB’s position as a formidable track weapon while maintaining its excellent road manners.
Behind the Wheel: A Driving Revelation
The Ferrari 296 GTB delivers an unforgettable driving experience. When the engine is started, the car defaults to Hybrid mode, allowing silent electric driving. The damping is surprisingly comfortable for a supercar, making long journeys enjoyable. The front luggage compartment, or “frunk,” provides a reasonable amount of storage space.
However, the true excitement begins when both the engine and electric motor are fully engaged. The instant and relentless surge of power at low revs is addictive, making you momentarily question the need for an eight-speed gearbox. Working through the eight gears, allowing the V6 to reach its 8500 rpm redline, is a symphony of sound. The acceleration figures—0-62 mph in 2.9 seconds, a top speed of 205 mph—only tell part of the story; the sheer sensation is exhilarating and makes you want more. The V6 soundtrack, with its turbo whooshes and tuneful rasp, adds to the drama.
What truly sets the Ferrari 296 GTB apart is its chassis responsiveness. Ferrari has succeeded in creating a car that is incredibly agile without ever feeling nervous. The steering, light and precise, provides impressive feedback. While grip levels are incredibly high, the car’s throttle-adjustability is sublime, allowing for playful oversteer that builds driver confidence and large smiles. Despite weighing 1470 kg (dry), the car feels significantly lighter, fostering a genuine connection between driver and machine. Even with stability controls completely disengaged, the natural balance of the 296 GTB makes controlled oversteer surprisingly accessible for a car with 819 bhp.
On the track, the 296 GTB is a surgical instrument. It handles long straights with ease, but its cornering prowess truly defines it. Turn-in accuracy is phenomenal, shortening the entry phase of corners. The car takes an immediate set on its dampers (with the Assetto Fiorano pack), the hyper-quick steering perfectly complementing the enhanced body control. The speed, precision, and agility of this machine are phenomenal, offering a joy that persists lap after lap, solidifying its position among the best hybrid supercars.
Interior and Ergonomics: The Digital Cockpit
The interior of the Ferrari 296 GTB is similar to the SF90, designed for performance with a premium feel. The digital interface and haptic controls on the steering wheel and flanking pods require a bit of getting used to.
The complexity arises from the vast amount of information and extensive functionality offered. While visually stunning, some controls occasionally require a second press to register, leaving the driver momentarily unsure if an input has been successful. This criticism, shared by many automotive experts, highlights an area where tactile feedback could be improved for more intuitive use. Nonetheless, the quality of materials, exquisite craftsmanship, and overall sense of occasion make the Ferrari 296 GTB a truly special place to be, offering an immersive environment for the discerning supercar owner.
The Competitive Landscape: Rivals and Market Position
In the 2025 supercar market, the Ferrari 296 GTB continues to hold a formidable position even as new, powerful rivals emerge. It challenged the Lamborghini Huracán and McLaren 720S upon its debut, and today the landscape is even more competitive, with the McLaren 750S and the impending Lamborghini Temerario vying for supremacy.
The McLaren 750S, with 740 bhp and a low 1389 kg kerb weight, offers a compelling power-to-weight ratio and a raw, analog driving experience that enthusiasts appreciate. Its ergonomic brilliance and crisp chassis dynamics make it a formidable competitor. However, the Lamborghini Temerario, which promises a staggering 903 bhp from its 10,000 rpm twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain, has set a new benchmark for power. This massive power output raises questions about usability and whether a car can remain manageable if not perfectly resolved.
This is where the Ferrari 296 GTB excels. It tied with the McLaren Artura at the prestigious evo Car of the Year 2022 awards, testament to its exceptional blend of power and engaging dynamics. While some rivals chase raw power figures, the 296 GTB offers a more organic, balanced, and communicative driving experience. Its hybrid system is praised for
