Ferrari 296 GTB Review: The Benchmark Every Supercar Must Chase in 2025
For over a decade, I have sat behind the wheel of everything from analog classics to the most complex electrified beasts to grace the tarmac. Yet, few vehicles have managed to recalibrate my expectations quite like the Ferrari 296 GTB. As we move deeper into 2025, the automotive landscape is shifting toward extreme hybridization. While competitors like the Lamborghini Temerario are arriving with staggering 10,000rpm redlines and 903bhp headlines, the 296 GTB remains the high-water mark for integrated performance. It is the car that redefined the mid-engined supercar segment, and today, it serves as the ultimate yardstick for excellence.
A New Era of Maranello Engineering
When Ferrari debuted the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022, it signaled a departure from the multi-award-winning V8 architecture that defined the previous decade. By transitioning to a 120-degree twin-turbo V6 coupled with an electric motor, Maranello didn’t just meet environmental regulations; they expanded the definition of what a supercar can achieve.
The Ferrari 296 GTB manages a combined output of 819bhp, delivering a driving experience that is as visceral as it is technologically advanced. Unlike the all-wheel-drive SF90, this platform focuses the power solely to the rear wheels, keeping the driving dynamics pure. This is a crucial distinction for purists; it forces the chassis to work in harmony with the driver, creating an emotional connection that high-output AWD systems often dilute.
Performance and Technical Sophistication
Underneath the sculpted bodywork lies a masterclass in modern physics. The Ferrari 296 GTB utilizes a 165bhp electric motor paired with a 654bhp internal combustion engine. Because the electric motor assists at low revs, it eliminates the traditional “lag” associated with turbochargers. When you plant your foot, the torque delivery is instantaneous.
The engineering brilliance extends to the chassis. Ferrari introduced the 6w-CDS (six-axis sensor), a piece of technology that monitors vehicle behavior on every plane. This system talks directly to the active E-Diff and the “ABS-evo” system, ensuring that whether you are trail-braking into a tight corner or accelerating out of an apex, the car remains perfectly balanced. For those considering luxury vehicle financing or exploring the best high-performance supercars 2025, it is important to note that this level of sensor-based stability is a game-changer for track-day enthusiasts.
The Assetto Fiorano Edge
My time with the Assetto Fiorano-equipped models cemented my belief in the car’s versatility. By incorporating Multimatic dampers—the same type used in GT racing—and shedding weight through carbon fiber door panels and optional Lexan covers, the car becomes a precision instrument. Front downforce is increased by 20kg, which, when combined with the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, allows for cornering speeds that border on the supernatural. If you are seeking the best exotic car investment or planning a custom build, the Assetto Fiorano package is non-negotiable for those prioritizing track performance.
Driving Dynamics: The Human Element
The brilliance of the Ferrari 296 GTB isn’t just in the numbers; it’s in the lack of inertia. It feels lighter than its 1470kg dry weight, responding to the slightest inputs with an agility that many heavier hybrids lack. On the road, the car provides a dual personality. In EV mode, it is a whisper-quiet cruiser perfect for urban environments, while in Qualifying mode, it transforms into a relentless hunter.
However, the cabin interface remains a point of contention. The digital, haptic-heavy dashboard can be frustrating, especially when you need to make quick adjustments mid-corner. While it looks futuristic, it lacks the tactile satisfaction of physical buttons. Yet, once you are pushing through a series of sweeping bends, the steering feel and the linearity of the power delivery make you quickly forget about the minor UI gripes.
The Rivalry: Preparing for the Temerario
The industry is currently holding its breath for the arrival of the Lamborghini Temerario. With a hybrid V8 powertrain and a 10,000rpm ceiling, the Temerario is designed specifically to dismantle the lead held by the Ferrari 296 GTB. But raw numbers aren’t everything. Over the last ten years, I’ve seen many cars with higher peak power figures fail to translate that into an engaging, coherent driving experience. Ferrari’s success lies in the balance. Even with 819bhp, the car never feels like it is trying to kill you; it invites you to explore its limits.
For buyers currently looking at high-end sports car insurance or researching the best supercar deals 2025, the 296 GTB offers a level of brand heritage and residual value security that newer, less proven rivals will struggle to match in the short term. It is a mature, well-resolved machine that has passed the test of time since its inception.
Final Verdict
The Ferrari 296 GTB is more than just a bridge to the future of electrification—it is an destination in its own right. It manages to balance the raw, untamed spirit of a mid-engined Ferrari with the sophisticated, seamless integration of a modern hybrid system. Whether you are navigating a winding canyon road or pushing hard on a circuit, the car provides a sense of confidence and thrill that is rarely found in the current market.
As you look toward your next garage addition, consider whether you want the loudest, highest-revving car on the market, or if you prefer the most balanced, intelligent, and communicative driving partner available. For me, the choice remains clear.
Are you ready to experience the pinnacle of modern Italian engineering for yourself? Contact your local Ferrari dealer today to schedule a private test drive and discover why the 296 GTB continues to set the standard for the entire supercar world.
