The 296 GTB: Reimagining Performance for the Electrified Era
For over a decade, my journey through the automotive industry has granted me a front-row seat to an accelerating, paradigm-shifting transformation. We stand at the precipice of a fully electric future, a reality that by 2035, will likely see fossil fuel-only vehicles relegated to history’s archives. Yet, as the industry charges towards this horizon, there’s a vital, often misunderstood, bridge being constructed: the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or PHEV. While theoretical elegance suggests PHEVs offer a seamless transition, allowing for electric-only commutes before the internal combustion engine (ICE) seamlessly kicks in, real-world execution has frequently fallen short. Too often, I’ve encountered PHEVs that feel compromised—heavy, underpowered, or simply lacking the engaging spirit demanded by true driving enthusiasts. They promise the best of both worlds but deliver a diluted experience.
That was, until the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB rolled into view.
This isn’t Ferrari’s first foray into electrification; the groundbreaking LaFerrari and the potent SF90 Stradale cemented Maranello’s commitment years ago. However, the 296 GTB represents something fundamentally different. It’s not a limited-production hypercar or an all-out technology demonstrator. Instead, the 296 GTB is poised to become the cornerstone of Ferrari’s sports car future, charting a daring course for its core offerings. This vehicle isn’t just a nod to changing regulations; it’s a profound statement that hybridization, when executed with uncompromised vision, can elevate the driving experience to astonishing new heights. It redefines high-performance hybrid vehicles and sets a new benchmark for sustainable luxury performance.
A V6 Revolution: The Heart of the Beast
For decades, the symphonic roar of Ferrari’s V8 engines, particularly in its mid-engined berlinettas, defined the brand’s exhilarating core. Models like the F8 Tributo, in my expert opinion, represented the zenith of turbocharged V8 sports cars. So, when Ferrari announced a hybridized 3-liter V6 would power the 296 GTB, replacing the revered V8, skeptics, myself included, raised an eyebrow. Could a V6 truly fill those colossal shoes? The answer, unequivocally, is yes—and then some.
The new Tipo F163 engine is a masterpiece of modern engineering. Ferrari’s engineers, demonstrating their prowess in cutting-edge automotive engineering, adopted a 120-degree angle between the cylinder banks, a configuration that cleverly allows the twin IHI turbochargers to nestle within the “hot vee” of the engine. This “hot vee” layout, while gaining traction across the industry for high-performance applications, is a concept Ferrari pioneered in its 1981 Formula 1 car, the 126 CK. This isn’t just about improved packaging; it dramatically enhances fluid dynamics, optimizing intake and exhaust flow for superior performance and, crucially in 2025, significantly reduced emissions. The ingenuity of placing intake plenums outside the cylinder heads further showcases Ferrari’s commitment to maximizing every cubic inch.
This compact, twin-turbo V6 alone delivers a staggering 663 hp, translating to an incredible 221 hp/liter—a substantial leap over the F8’s 185 hp/liter. The combustion chamber, derived from the SF90 Stradale, features centrally mounted fuel injectors operating at an immense 350 bar (over 5,000 psi) of pressure, ensuring ultra-efficient combustion. The Japanese-sourced IHI turbos are symmetrical, counter-rotating, and purpose-built for the V6, featuring 11-percent smaller turbine rotors. This allows them to spool faster, reaching up to 180,000 rpm, and react with a spontaneity that almost defies the inherent lag often associated with forced induction. The result is a turbocharged engine that, through sheer responsiveness, feels uncannily like a naturally aspirated jewel from a bygone era of motor racing.
The Electrified Boost: Seamless Power Integration
But the V6 isn’t working alone. Sandwiched between the engine and the sublime 8-speed dual-clutch F1 transmission—a unit co-developed with Magna and shared with the SF90 and Roma—lies a state-of-the-art axial flux electric motor from British firm YASA. This compact, disc-shaped unit contributes an additional 167 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque. The combined output? A colossal 830 hp, mirroring the output of the limited-production 812 Competizione. This potent collaboration positions the 296 GTB firmly in the realm of luxury electric supercars.
The electric power is supplied by a modest 7.45-kWh battery, tucked behind the seats alongside the AC/DC converter. While its 15 miles of electric-only range might seem conservative by 2025 PHEV standards (where some family SUVs boast double that), it’s perfectly calibrated for the 296’s mission. This isn’t about lengthy commutes on pure electric power; it’s about instantaneous torque fill, silent departures, and supplementary bursts of power that enhance the supercar experience without adding unnecessary weight. The system prioritizes rapid deployment of stored energy over fast charging from an external source, which takes over two hours from a 6-kW wall charger. More often than not, the V6 efficiently recharges the battery on the fly, a testament to its intelligent hybrid drivetrain management.
Despite the addition of a significant 287 lbs. for the hybrid powertrain, Ferrari’s relentless focus on weight savings elsewhere means the 296 GTB remains remarkably agile. Tipping the scales at 3,241 lbs. dry, it’s a mere 77 lbs. heavier than the F8 and matches its predecessor, the 488 GTB. This judicious weight management is critical for a car that channels all 830 of its horses exclusively to the rear wheels, a characteristic that speaks volumes about its intended dynamic purity.
The Symphony of Speed: More Than Just Numbers
One might look at the spec sheet—peak power at a high 8,000 rpm, redline at 8,500 rpm—and anticipate a familiar Ferrari shriek. But the V6 brings an entirely new aural dimension. The dramatically different crankshaft, with its connecting rods 120 degrees apart, necessitated a balance shaft and introduced a distinct sound profile. At low revs, there’s a deep, satisfying rumble, reminiscent of recent turbocharged V8s. But as the accelerator is pressed, the bass quickly recedes, giving way to an immersive, high-frequency soprano. It’s utterly captivating, especially considering the constraints of modern gasoline particulate filters (GPFs) that have muted so many contemporary supercars. It’s no surprise that Ferrari’s engineers, not just the marketing team, affectionately dubbed this engine a “piccolo V12″—a little V12.
Inside the cabin, this exquisite soundtrack isn’t faked by digital trickery. Ferrari employs its “tubo caldo” (hot tube) solution, a physical pipe that channels the most appealing exhaust notes directly to the occupants’ ears. It’s an ingenious, accepted “gimmick” given the car’s capability to glide silently in eDrive mode, offering a truly Jekyll-and-Hyde audio experience.
Track Unleashed: The Assetto Fiorano Experience
To truly comprehend Ferrari’s intent with the 296 GTB, the track is the ultimate crucible. My initial test in a vibrant yellow example, equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package, confirmed its savage capabilities. This track-focused upgrade is comprehensive: bespoke aerodynamic addenda, GT-class passive Multimatic suspension, competition-ready Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2R tires, a Lexan rear screen, and extensive carbon fiber. These enhancements save 26 lbs. but come at a steep price, adding nearly $40,000 to the base $322,000 (2025 estimated pricing, given inflation and market position) price tag. This positions the 296 GTB well above the F8 Tributo’s initial sticker, clearly articulating its distinct market segment and emphasizing Ferrari’s bold move away from direct “successor” narratives.
Slipping into the cockpit, the impression is one of pure athleticism, a raw and racy environment. The traditional analog gauges have given way to a sweeping, curved digital screen—a modern interpretation of Ferrari’s Human-Machine Interface (HMI). While Ferrari aims this new wave of digital integration at “the young,” my decade of experience often makes me appreciate tactile simplicity. The haptic switchgear on the steering wheel, while visually striking, can feel unintuitive in the heat of the moment, a minor quibble in an otherwise brilliant package. Even the automatic gearbox’s ’50s-inspired open shift gate, also seen in the SF90, feels a touch anachronistic and awkward. These are small points, but crucial from an expert’s perspective on user experience.
The steering wheel, a hub of control, features two Manettinos. The familiar right-hand dial governs driving dynamics (Wet, Sport, Race, CT-Off, ESC-Off), while the new “eManettino” on the left dictates electric power deployment: eDrive (pure electric, 84 mph limit), Hybrid (default, balancing power sources), Performance (favors ICE, keeps battery charged), and Qualify (full power).
Selecting Race and Qualify, I ventured onto Spain’s Circuito Monteblanco. Within the first straight, braking zone, and corner, any complexity evaporated. The 296 GTB, irrespective of its advanced powertrain, is as thrilling, fast, and capable as any supercar I’ve ever driven. Its directness and purity are astounding, especially considering the additional weight, the suite of driver aids, and the dichotomy of its power sources. The grip is phenomenal, capable of tearing rubber and challenging cranial blood flow. Emerging from a corner, the instantaneous, relentless 830 hp surge catapults the car to 62 mph in under three seconds and 124 mph in just over seven, easily exceeding 180 mph on Monteblanco’s relatively short main straight.
A crucial, expert insight: during full-attack track driving, Ferrari engineers confirmed the hybrid system delivers its peak 830 hp for only the initial several laps before tapering off by around 40-50 hp as the battery depletes. This might be an “unpleasant surprise” to some, but it’s a realistic concession to thermal management and battery longevity in such extreme conditions. However, the sheer physical and mental effort required to maintain pace means most drivers won’t sustain such consecutive full-throttle laps anyway.
The 296 GTB pushes responsiveness to new frontiers among Ferrari’s mid-engined berlinettas. The shorter wheelbase (two inches less than the F8 Tributo), a direct benefit of the more compact V6, enhances handling and chassis stiffness, making the car incredibly eager to change direction. It dances with the precision of a finely tuned race car, yet, unlike a pure competition machine, it’s remarkably forgiving. Unless you’re truly ambitious with CT-Off, the rear axle remains planted, even during aggressive trail braking, a maneuver usually demanding profound skill and bravery.
Braking performance, aided by the new ABS Evo system and 6w-CDS sensor (measuring forces on six axes), is a standout feature. I’ve only encountered similar brilliance in the 2021 Porsche 911 GT3. But where the GT3 is a surgical track tool, the 296 GTB delivers something more visceral, more engaging: unadulterated fun. With the Manettino turned to CT-Off, the rear axle feels liberated, yet still tethered by Ferrari’s perfected electronic differential and Side Slip Control. These systems provide a virtual leash, allowing exhilarating power slides to be initiated, controlled, and recovered instinctively. It’s driving nirvana, interrupted only by former F1 racer Marc Gené’s radio call to return to the pits. Worth every second.
Road Refinement: The Elegant Grand Tourer
After my track exploits, I was presented with a different 296 GTB, sans Assetto Fiorano, finished in a stunning Rosso Imola. This offered a chance to appreciate its broader personality on public roads. It’s a moment to step back and recognize the subtle elegance of the design. While initial press photos sparked debate, seeing it in the metal confirms it as another triumph for Flavio Manzoni’s design team. The 296 GTB brings a fresh, creative aesthetic to the supercar segment while remaining unequivocally Ferrari.
Maranello rarely revisits past glories directly, yet the 296 GTB carries a surprising, undeniable homage to one of the most beautiful Ferraris ever: the 250 LM. The sensual rear fenders, the dramatically clean surfaces—it’s a modern interpretation infused with historical gravitas. Yet, beneath this elegance lies profound, state-of-the-art detailing. The seemingly clean surfaces conceal an incredibly complex design, intricately managing airflow for braking, engine cooling (temperatures behind the driver can reach 1,600° F), and generating downforce without increasing drag. Ferrari’s designers, averse to excessive moveable aero, employ just two elements: an active rear spoiler that deploys at higher speeds, similar to the LaFerrari, and discreet flaps within the diffuser.
On public roads, these high-fidelity details recede, allowing the 296 GTB’s dual nature to shine. Switching the eManettino to eDrive, I glided through the mountain roads with a hushed, almost futuristic serenity. The 15-mile electric range felt perfectly viable for quiet town driving or serene scenic routes. In this non-Assetto Fiorano specification, the leather-rich interior felt cozy and comfortable, the front trunk offered practical storage, and the magnetorheological suspension proved remarkably forgiving.
Yet, with a quick flick of the Manettinos, the transformation is instantaneous and profound. On an empty mountain pass, the 830 hp feels even more potent, inducing a spectrum of emotions from a nervous smile to jaw-dropping awe. The brakes become fiercely aggressive, the steering intimidatingly direct. It’s a beast, yes, but a wonderfully controlled one, offering an experience that transcends mere transportation.
The Future, Redefined
As I handed back the keys, I felt both exhilarated and profoundly impressed. My initial misgivings about the future of Ferrari electrification strategy and the perceived compromises of a PHEV had been utterly dismantled. The 296 GTB isn’t just a crucial car for Ferrari’s future; it’s a bold, radically new accomplishment that redefines what a hybrid supercar can be. Maranello has hit the bullseye, proving that hybridization can be a powerful means to inject an entirely new dimension into a car’s character, enhancing rather than diluting the driving experience. This Ferrari isn’t merely adapting to the future; it’s leading it, demonstrating that even in an increasingly electrified world, the Prancing Horse can continue to excite, innovate, and stir the soul. The 296 GTB is a masterclass in advanced hybrid powertrain technology and a compelling answer to the challenge of creating the best hybrid supercars 2025 has to offer.
The era of compromise in next-generation Ferrari models is over. The era of hybrid performance done right has arrived.
Experience the future of exhilaration. Discover the 296 GTB and witness Ferrari’s masterful blend of tradition and innovation. Your journey into electrified performance begins now. Visit your nearest Ferrari dealer or explore the 296 GTB on Ferrari.com.
