Ferrari 296 GTB Review: The Hybrid Benchmark Setting the Pace for 2025
For the past decade, I have sat behind the wheel of everything from track-focused specials to grand tourers, but few vehicles have shifted the paradigm of the supercar quite like the Ferrari 296 GTB. As we move deeper into 2025, the automotive landscape is dominated by the shadow of the upcoming Lamborghini Temerario. Yet, even with the promise of a 10,000rpm V8 hybrid looming on the horizon, the Ferrari 296 GTB remains the definitive standard in a segment struggling to balance electrification with visceral driver engagement.
When Ferrari moved away from the celebrated twin-turbo V8 to this innovative V6 plug-in hybrid architecture in 2022, skeptics were vocal. However, after logging significant time in the driver’s seat, it is clear that this move wasn’t just a concession to emissions; it was a masterclass in performance engineering.
Engineering the Hybrid Revolution
The heart of the Ferrari 296 GTB is its 120-degree twin-turbocharged V6. Producing 654bhp on its own, it is mated to a potent electric motor, pushing the total output to a staggering 819bhp. Unlike the all-wheel-drive SF90, the 296 sends that power exclusively to the rear wheels, a decision that preserves the purity of a mid-engined, driver-centric machine.
The integration is seamless. The electric motor provides instant torque—the “fill” that eliminates any hint of turbo lag—while the 2.9-liter engine provides the high-revving drama we expect from Maranello. With a combined power figure that rivals historic hypercars, the Ferrari 296 GTB manages to feel surprisingly light on its feet. The battery is nestled behind the cabin, keeping the center of gravity low and the chassis balance remarkably neutral.
High-Tech Precision: The 6w-CDS Sensor
One of the most significant upgrades for the modern supercar enthusiast is the inclusion of the 6w-CDS (six-axis chassis dynamic sensor). In my ten years of evaluating vehicles, I have rarely seen a system that communicates with the tarmac as effectively as this one. By measuring rotation on the X, Y, and Z planes, the car doesn’t just react to driver inputs; it anticipates the state of the tire contact patch.
Coupled with the high-CPC potential of the brake-by-wire system and ABS-evo, the stopping power is truly world-class. If you are looking to invest in a vehicle that bridges the gap between daily usability and track-day dominance, the 296 GTB’s ability to “shrink” the road under aggressive driving is unmatched.
Aerodynamics and the Assetto Fiorano Edge
Ferrari has moved toward active aerodynamics that prioritize downforce over pure drag reduction. Generating up to 360kg of downforce at 155mph, the 296 GTB is glued to the pavement. If you opt for the Assetto Fiorano pack, you are essentially buying a street-legal racing machine. With Multimatic dampers and carbon-fiber aero additions, the front-end grip is sharpened to a surgical degree.
For buyers considering this as an investment or a performance tool, the Fiorano package is the “must-have” configuration. It removes 12kg of weight and adds a level of turn-in precision that makes other supercars in this price range feel sluggish by comparison.
Real-World Performance vs. The Rivalry
The elephant in the room is the Lamborghini Temerario. While that car promises a high-revving 903bhp output, the Ferrari 296 GTB has already proven itself in the wild. Its ability to navigate quiet villages in silent EV mode, only to transform into a roaring, 819bhp monster on a backroad, is the definition of versatility.
Whether you are looking at the standard model or the upcoming Versione Speciale, the 296 GTB offers:
0-62mph in 2.9 seconds
Top speed exceeding 205mph
Unrivaled chassis agility
While the interior relies on a haptic-heavy digital interface that can be polarizing, the driving experience is transcendent. It is a car that rewards precision. If you are sloppy with your inputs, the car lets you know; if you are smooth, it rewards you with a balletic level of balance that is rarely found in hybrid vehicles.
Is the Ferrari 296 GTB the Right Choice?
As a professional in this industry, I’ve seen many cars chase the latest tech only to lose their soul. The Ferrari 296 GTB is the exception. It has successfully integrated the complexity of a plug-in hybrid system without diluting the raw, analog sensation of driving a Ferrari.
If you are a collector or a track enthusiast looking for the definitive supercar of this generation, the 296 GTB is currently the vehicle to beat. It is powerful, technically brilliant, and—most importantly—profoundly fun. The competition is catching up, but for now, the prancing horse remains the king of the hybrid era.
Ready to experience the pinnacle of hybrid performance? Contact your local authorized Ferrari dealership today to schedule a private consultation and discover the exhilarating capabilities of the 296 GTB for yourself.
