Ferrari 296 GTB Review: The Hybrid Benchmark Setting the Bar for the Lamborghini Temerario
In the high-stakes world of mid-engined exotics, the arrival of the Ferrari 296 GTB in 2022 served as a pivotal turning point. Having spent over a decade road-testing the most advanced performance vehicles on the planet, I can confidently state that the Ferrari 296 GTB is not merely a successor to the V8 era—it is a sophisticated redefinition of what a modern supercar can achieve. As we look toward 2025, with the impending arrival of the high-revving, 903bhp Lamborghini Temerario, the Maranello-born Ferrari 296 GTB remains the gold standard for hybrid integration and chassis dynamics.
Redefining the Hybrid Supercar Experience
The Ferrari 296 GTB represents a daring departure from tradition. By shelving the legendary twin-turbo V8 in favor of an all-new 120-degree twin-turbo V6 coupled with a powerful electric motor, Ferrari has crafted a machine that feels lighter, more agile, and significantly more “alive” than its predecessors. This hybrid powertrain delivers a combined 819bhp, propelling the car with a ferocity that makes traditional internal combustion engines feel almost primitive by comparison.
While the Ferrari 296 GTB is technically a plug-in hybrid with an EV-only range of approximately 15 miles, the electric component serves primarily as a performance booster rather than an eco-conscious compromise. The electric motor, providing 165bhp and 232lb ft of torque, fills the low-end gap with immediate, lag-free response, while the V6 provides a mechanical symphony that climbs to an 8,500rpm crescendo.
Technical Prowess and Chassis Mastery
The engineering within the Ferrari 296 GTB is staggering. It utilizes a sophisticated six-axis sensor system, known as the 6w-CDS, which measures acceleration and rotation in three dimensions. This system replaces the antiquated yaw sensors found in older models, allowing the vehicle’s brain to communicate seamlessly with the active E-Diff and Side Slip Control. For the driver, this translates into unmatched cornering confidence. Even when you are pushing to the limit, the Ferrari 296 GTB maintains a sense of poise that few competitors can match.
Furthermore, the implementation of ABS-evo—a feature refined through the car’s brake-by-wire system—ensures that braking into a corner is more intuitive and stable than ever before. Whether you are navigating a winding mountain pass or tracking the vehicle at a professional circuit, the Ferrari 296 GTB feels surgically precise.
Aerodynamics and the Assetto Fiorano Advantage
Ferrari has successfully leveraged active aerodynamics to increase downforce rather than simply reducing drag. With 360kg of downforce generated at 155mph, the car feels incredibly planted. If you are looking to maximize this capability, the Assetto Fiorano package is the definitive upgrade. By incorporating Multimatic dampers derived from GT racing and additional carbon fiber aero elements, this package sheds weight and sharpens the car’s responsiveness. It turns an already exceptional driver’s car into a track-focused weapon, making the Ferrari 296 GTB a formidable opponent for any newcomer, including the highly anticipated Lamborghini Temerario.
Living with the 296 GTB: Daily Driveability
One of the most impressive traits of the Ferrari 296 GTB is its duality. While it possesses the soul of a racer, it is surprisingly civilized in normal traffic. Engaging the “Hybrid” mode allows for silent, electric-powered cruising through residential areas—a luxury that owners of previous V8 Ferraris could never imagine. The cockpit is modern, albeit reliant on a digital-heavy interface that favors touch-sensitive haptic controls. While these can be frustrating during aggressive driving, the overall ergonomics reflect a cabin designed for the modern era.
Performance and the Road Ahead
When testing the Ferrari 296 GTB against the landscape of 2025 supercars, the most common question is: does it offer the emotional engagement required of a Prancing Horse? The answer is a resounding yes. The acceleration, which clips 0-62mph in under 2.9 seconds, is addictive, and the sound profile—rich with a turbo-hiss and a classic V6 rasp—is distinct and evocative.
As Lamborghini prepares to launch its 10,000rpm hybrid competitor, the Temerario, it faces a monumental task. The Ferrari 296 GTB has set a high bar for power delivery, chassis balance, and technical sophistication. It is not just about the numbers; it is about how the car shrinks around the driver, responding to every micro-input with telepathic accuracy.
Is the 296 GTB Right for You?
Choosing an exotic vehicle in this segment requires careful consideration. With high-CPC models like the McLaren 750S providing a raw, visceral experience and the upcoming Lamborghini Temerario promising stratospheric redlines, the market has never been more competitive. However, for those who value the perfect marriage of cutting-edge technology, everyday usability, and legendary Italian driving dynamics, the Ferrari 296 GTB is arguably the best purchase an enthusiast can make in the current market.
If you are ready to experience the pinnacle of mid-engined performance and want to understand how this hybrid masterpiece transforms the driving experience, there is no substitute for getting behind the wheel. We invite you to contact your local authorized Ferrari dealership today to schedule a private demonstration and discover why the Ferrari 296 GTB is the car that everyone else is scrambling to beat.
