Ferrari 296 GTB: Redefining the Hybrid Supercar in 2025
Having spent a decade immersed in the ever-evolving world of high-performance automobiles, I’ve witnessed countless shifts, from the peak of naturally aspirated giants to the seismic rumble of electrification. By 2025, the automotive landscape is undeniably electric-centric, yet the internal combustion engine refuses to exit the stage quietly, especially when it’s integrated with the brilliance of a hybrid system that doesn’t just comply, but excels. Enter the Ferrari 296 GTB – a machine that, three years after its groundbreaking debut, continues to stand as the definitive masterclass in how to execute a hybrid supercar, not merely as a transitional step, but as a pure, unadulterated performance enhancer.
The initial skepticism surrounding plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) in the early 2020s was palpable. Many perceived them as heavy, compromised vehicles, their electric range often an afterthought, their combustion engines overworked. My own experience echoed this sentiment; the promise of seamless electric driving intertwined with gasoline power often fell short in real-world application. Then Maranello unveiled the 296 GTB, and it rewrote the narrative entirely. This wasn’t Ferrari’s first foray into hybrid technology—the legendary LaFerrari and the formidable SF90 Stradale paved the way—but the 296 GTB, positioned as the foundational sports car in their lineup, demonstrated a new vision for everyday supercar electrification. It wasn’t just a hybrid; it was “Hybrid Done Right,” a philosophy that remains profoundly relevant in 2025.
The Birth of a New Prancing Horse Powerplant
At the core of the 296 GTB’s enduring appeal is its revolutionary powertrain. While Ferrari built its legend on V12s and perfected its mid-engine berlinettas with iconic V8s, the 296 GTB courageously embraced a compact, twin-turbocharged V6 engine, complemented by a Formula 1-derived electric motor. This wasn’t a mere downsizing; it was a re-engineering marvel. In 2025, when the automotive industry is grappling with increasingly stringent emissions regulations and the pursuit of efficiency without sacrificing exhilaration, the 296 GTB’s approach feels prescient.
The all-new 3.0-liter V6 is a testament to Ferrari’s unwavering commitment to innovation. Pumping out a staggering 663 horsepower on its own – a remarkable 221 hp/liter, significantly outperforming its V8 predecessors – it’s already a powerhouse. But it’s the seamless integration of the electric motor that truly transforms this machine. The MGU-K unit, drawing directly from Ferrari’s F1 expertise, contributes an additional 167 hp, culminating in a jaw-dropping combined output of 830 horsepower. This figure, identical to the limited-production 812 Competizione, places the 296 GTB in truly elite company, reinforcing its position as a performance benchmark in the 2025 supercar market. This isn’t just power; it’s intelligent power, delivered with an immediacy that only electrification can provide.
Engineering Prowess: The ‘Hot Vee’ and Beyond
Ferrari’s engineers, under the leadership that defined the early 2020s vision, pushed boundaries with the V6’s architecture. By increasing the angle between the cylinder banks to 120 degrees, they achieved what’s known as a “hot vee” configuration, repositioning the twin IHI turbochargers within the engine’s ‘vee’. This seemingly subtle change has profound implications. In 2025, with automakers striving for ever-more compact and efficient engine designs, the hot-vee layout, first explored by Ferrari in its 1981 F1 car, is recognized as a masterstroke. It not only optimizes packaging but dramatically improves fluid dynamics and volumetric efficiency, leading to enhanced performance and, crucially in today’s climate, reduced emissions. This meticulous attention to detail highlights Ferrari’s ability to extract maximum performance from every cubic centimeter while adhering to evolving environmental mandates.
Further bolstering the V6’s performance are innovations borrowed from the SF90 Stradale, including a highly sophisticated combustion chamber with a centrally mounted fuel injector operating at an immense 350 bar (5,076 psi) pressure. The bespoke IHI turbochargers, smaller and faster-spinning than those on the SF90, contribute to a throttle response that belies forced induction. As an expert who has driven countless turbocharged machines, the 296 GTB’s V6 feels remarkably akin to a naturally aspirated engine from a bygone era – an achievement that, even in 2025, sets it apart. The peak power at 8,000 rpm and a redline at 8,500 rpm aren’t just numbers; they’re an invitation to explore the upper echelons of the rev range.
And then there’s the sound. The flat-plane crank V8s of Ferrari lore had a distinct sonic signature, but the 296 GTB’s V6, with its 120-degree connecting rod separation, delivers something entirely new. At low revs, it possesses a deep, potent rumble. Push the pedal, however, and that bass transforms into a soaring, high-frequency soprano. Despite the omnipresence of gasoline particulate filters that have muted many modern supercars, the 296 GTB’s engine sings. It’s no wonder Ferrari’s engineers affectionately dubbed it the “piccolo V12″—a small V12. This acoustic mastery, further enhanced by the ‘tubo caldo’ (hot tube) system that channels the most captivating exhaust notes directly into the cabin, ensures an immersive auditory experience, especially poignant in an era where engine sounds are increasingly digitally synthesized or simply absent.
The Hybrid Heartbeat: Power and Precision
Sandwiched between the potent V6 and the sublime 8-speed dual-clutch F1 transmission (a collaborative triumph with Magna, also found in the SF90 and Roma) is the compact, British-engineered YASA axial flux electric motor. This disc-shaped unit, no larger than a frying pan, adds a significant 167 hp and 232 lb-ft of instant torque. While Ferrari doesn’t officially disclose the combined torque figure—a clever move to keep competitors guessing about the intricate power delivery algorithms—the synergy between the ICE and electric motor is nothing short of breathtaking.
Powering this electric component is a 7.45 kWh battery, tucked discreetly behind the seats. In 2025, some might view this as a modest capacity, especially when compared to larger PHEV batteries aimed at maximizing electric-only range (for instance, the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid offers nearly double the capacity for a claimed 30 miles). However, Ferrari’s philosophy here is distinct: this battery is engineered for performance deployment, not extended EV commuting. Its primary role is to deliver rapid bursts of power and contribute to the overall 830 hp, not necessarily to provide long-distance, emission-free travel. The 296 GTB’s modest 15 miles of electric-only range, while sufficient for silent neighborhood departures or urban crawls, underscores its true intent: a hybrid that uses electrification to elevate dynamic prowess above all else. Recharging, while possible via a 6kW wall charger, is often handled more efficiently by the V6 engine itself, demonstrating a pragmatic, performance-first approach to energy management.
Crucially, despite the added hybrid components, which weigh a not-insignificant 287 lbs. over the F8’s V8, the 296 GTB maintains an astonishingly lean profile. Tipping the scales at 3,241 lbs. dry, it’s only 77 lbs. heavier than the F8 and, remarkably, the same weight as its predecessor, the 488 GTB. This weight containment is a monumental engineering feat, achieved through obsessive use of lightweight materials and clever packaging, ensuring that the additional power isn’t diluted by excessive mass. Unlike the all-wheel-drive SF90, the 296 GTB channels all its formidable power to the rear wheels, a clear statement of its driver-focused, purist intentions.
Track Dominance: The Assetto Fiorano Experience
My initial encounter with the 296 GTB, particularly an Assetto Fiorano-equipped example finished in a vibrant Giallo Modena, provided an immediate, visceral understanding of its capabilities. This track-focused package, identifiable by its external aerodynamic enhancements, bespoke GT-class passive Multimatic suspension, competition-grade Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2R tires, Lexan rear screen, and extensive carbon fiber, shaves an additional 26 lbs. It’s an option that adds a substantial sum to the base price, but for the discerning enthusiast, it unlocks the 296 GTB’s ultimate potential.
Slipping into the cockpit, even in 2025, the interior remains unmistakably raw and racy. The traditional analog gauges have yielded to a sweeping, curved digital display, while the steering wheel bristles with haptic controls. While Ferrari positions its new wave of PHEVs for “the young,” I confess, at my age, the HMI (Human Machine Interface) on the steering wheel can still feel a bit counter-intuitive. Ferrari’s ongoing commitment to turn-signal buttons on the wheel and the stylistic, but functionally awkward, imitation of a 1950s open shift gate for the automatic gearbox are minor quibbles that, three years on, still polarize opinion. However, these are minor considerations when faced with the car’s dynamic brilliance.
The steering wheel hosts not one, but two manettinos. The familiar right-hand dial governs the dynamic modes (Wet, Sport, Race, CT-Off, ESC-Off), while the innovative “eManettino” on the left dictates electric power deployment. From eDrive for silent electric cruising to Hybrid (the default), Performance (favoring ICE and battery charging), and finally, Qualify (unleashing all available power), these modes offer a spectrum of driving experiences.
Selecting Race and Qualify, then heading onto the Circuito Monteblanco, the complexity of the powertrain instantly dissolves into pure, unadulterated performance. The 296 GTB is breathtakingly fast, impossibly agile, and profoundly capable. Despite the dual power sources, driver aids, and considerable power, the car exhibits a directness and purity that is genuinely astonishing. The grip is tenacious, the cornering forces immense. When the opportunity arises to unleash the full 830 hp, the car catapults forward with relentless, immediate force, hitting 62 mph in under three seconds and 124 mph in just over seven. On Monteblanco’s main straight, even a short one, it easily exceeds 180 mph.
One expert insight from my years of track driving: the hybrid system, while delivering explosive power, does see a slight reduction (around 40-50 hp) after multiple full-attack laps as the battery depletes. However, for most track day enthusiasts, the sheer intensity and physical demands of driving the 296 GTB at its limit mean few will sustain such consecutive laps to notice this marginal drop. The car’s engagement and demands on the driver are so profound that it often dictates the pace itself.
The 296 GTB also redefines alertness and eagerness to change direction within Ferrari’s mid-engine berlinetta lineage. The compact V6 allowed for a two-inch shorter wheelbase compared to the F8 Tributo, a geometrical advantage that significantly enhances both handling and chassis stiffness. On the track, the 296 GTB performs with the precision of a finely tuned race car, yet with a level of forgiveness that real competition machines rarely offer. With the CT-Off setting engaged, the rear axle comes alive, allowing for easily controlled power slides, aided by the perfected electronic differential and Side Slip Control. It’s an intoxicating dance, empowering the driver to explore the limits with both confidence and exhilaration.
Braking performance is another standout. Ferrari’s new ABS Evo system, integrated with the advanced 6w-CDS sensor, provides stopping power and stability that rivals, and in many ways surpasses, the best in the business. My extensive experience rarely finds a comparable rival in this specific domain, perhaps only the 2021 Porsche 911 GT3 offering a similar flair. But while the GT3 is a phenomenal track weapon, the 296 GTB layers on an extra dimension of pure, unadulterated fun.
Road Manners and Timeless Design
Stepping away from the track, the 296 GTB reveals another facet of its personality. In a beautiful Rosso Imola hue, sans Assetto Fiorano, its inherent elegance shines through. In 2025, after three years on the market, the design by Flavio Manzoni’s team is now widely recognized as a masterpiece. It’s fresh, undeniably creative, yet 100-percent Ferrari. Maranello has historically resisted overt retro design, but the 296 GTB subtly, yet directly, references the iconic 250 LM, particularly in its sensual rear fenders and dramatically clean surfaces.
This Prancing Horse marries state-of-the-art details with its sweeping lines. The seemingly simple surfaces belie an extremely complex aerodynamic design, meticulously crafted to cool the braking system and two heat-generating powerplants while simultaneously generating downforce without increasing drag. Ferrari’s preference for minimal active aerodynamic devices is evident here, with only an active rear spoiler (similar to the LaFerrari’s, often hidden for elegance) and diffuser flaps at play.
On public roads, with the eManettino set to eDrive, the 296 GTB glides with a hushed, almost otherworldly quietness. The claimed 15-mile electric range is genuinely useful for navigating urban areas or enjoying quiet drives through scenic routes. This non-Assetto Fiorano car, with its luxurious leather-rich interior, offers a surprisingly cozy and comfortable experience, complemented by a practical front trunk and a very forgiving magnetorheological suspension. It’s a testament to its dual nature: a daily usable supercar.
Yet, a quick flick of the manettinos instantly unleashes the full beast. On an empty mountain road, the 830 hp feels even more terrifying, the brakes even more aggressive, and the steering intimidatingly direct. It’s a wonderfully untamed creature, capable of evoking emotions ranging from a nervous smile to genuine awe.
The Enduring Legacy of a Hybrid Pioneer
Handing back the keys, my initial misgivings about hybrid supercars, born from a decade of mixed experiences, have long been shattered. Even in 2025, the Ferrari 296 GTB stands as arguably one of Ferrari’s greatest achievements in recent decades. It’s a critically important car for the brand’s future, a bold statement crafted with radically new ingredients, yet executed with Maranello’s inimitable flair and precision. They hit the bull’s eye on their first swing into this foundational hybrid sports car segment. For the first time in my extensive career, a plug-in hybrid system isn’t just a means to an end; it’s a means to unlock an entirely new dimension of a car’s character, enhancing rather than compromising.
This is spectacular news for Ferrari and its legion of fans. As the automotive world accelerates towards full electrification, the 296 GTB proves that Ferrari can not only adapt but continue to lead the pack in this thrilling, interim new world of performance hybrids. It allows enthusiasts like myself to still get genuinely excited about new models, to dream about their capabilities, and to marvel at the ingenious blend of power, technology, and sheer driving pleasure – even if they are plug-in hybrids.
Ready to experience the future of high-performance driving? Explore the unparalleled innovation and exhilarating performance of the Ferrari 296 GTB and discover what a true hybrid supercar can be. Visit your authorized Ferrari dealership or our online configurator to begin your journey with Maranello’s electrifying masterpiece today.
