The 296 GTB: Redefining Electrified Performance for 2025
The year is 2025, and the automotive industry stands at a pivotal crossroads. A decade ago, the notion of a hybrid Ferrari, especially one not reserved for a hypercar halo, was met with skepticism, if not outright disbelief. Yet, having spent the better part of ten years immersed in the evolution of high-performance vehicles, witnessing the seismic shifts from fossil fuels to electrified powertrains, I can confidently state that Ferrari’s 296 GTB isn’t just a car – it’s a profound declaration. It’s Maranello’s definitive answer to a question many deemed unanswerable: can a plug-in hybrid truly deliver the unadulterated passion and visceral thrill synonymous with the Prancing Horse, all while navigating the increasingly stringent demands of modern motoring? My experience with the 296 GTB unequivocally confirms it can, and in doing so, it rewrites the rulebook for luxury hybrid performance.
For years, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) concept has been a source of both promise and frustration. In theory, it presents the ideal bridge to an all-electric future: a useful electric range for daily commutes coupled with the reassurance of a powerful internal combustion engine for longer journeys or spirited driving. The reality, however, often fell short. Many early PHEVs were burdened by excessive weight, compromised packaging, and a disjointed driving experience, their tiny electric motors often struggling to haul the heavy chassis, leading to the internal combustion engine kicking in prematurely and frequently. They felt like a reluctant compromise, a checkbox ticked rather than an integrated solution.
Then came the 296 GTB. While not Ferrari’s first foray into electrification – that lineage proudly began with the LaFerrari in 2013 and saw its first PHEV iteration with the SF90 Stradale in 2019 – the 296 GTB marks a crucial turning point. Unlike its hypercar predecessors, the 296 is destined to form the bedrock of Ferrari’s core sports car offerings, signaling a fundamental shift in the brand’s approach to supercar innovation. It’s the model that brings advanced hybrid technology to a broader, albeit still exclusive, segment, forcing a reconsideration of what a “mainstream” Ferrari can be in an electrified world.
Ferrari, for much of its storied history, built its reputation on two pillars: the grand touring front-engine V12s and the nimble, mid-engine V8 berlinettas. The latter, arguably the soul of the brand for many enthusiasts, appeared to be reaching its zenith with the F8 Tributo. The arrival of the 296 GTB, with its revolutionary V6, undoubtedly raised eyebrows and sparked fervent debate within the tifosi. Ferrari has been careful to position the 296 not as a direct successor to the F8, but the writing on the wall is clear: the era of the pure V8 mid-engine berlinetta, at least for the time being, has transitioned. The challenge for the 296 was immense: to not just fill those shoes, but to redefine them entirely. The F8, with its transcendent turbocharged V8, set an incredibly high bar. How, then, does a hybridized 3-liter V6, even one from Maranello, improve upon such an automotive engineering excellence? The answer, as I discovered, is through a symphony of power, precision, and pioneering technology.
The Heart of the Beast: A “Piccolo V12” for the Modern Era
At the core of the 296 GTB’s astonishing performance lies its all-new 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, designated Tipo F163. This isn’t just any V6; it’s a masterpiece of cutting-edge powertrain design, producing an astounding 663 horsepower on its own – a remarkable 221 hp/liter, surpassing the F8’s V8 by a significant margin. But this is only part of the story. Married to a Formula 1-derived Motor Generator Unit, Kinetic (MGU-K), the combined hybrid system unleashes a breathtaking 830 horsepower. To put that in perspective, this is the same output as the limited-production, V12-powered 812 Competizione, demonstrating Ferrari’s absolute commitment to pushing performance boundaries.
The engineering brilliance of this V6 lies in its “hot vee” configuration. By widening the angle between the cylinder banks from 90 to 120 degrees, Ferrari’s engineers created enough space to nestle the twin IHI turbochargers within the engine’s vee. This setup offers multiple advantages: significantly improved packaging, reducing the engine’s overall size and weight; optimized fluid dynamics for both intake and exhaust, enhancing performance; and, critically for 2025, a substantial reduction in emissions. This is a design philosophy Ferrari explored decades ago in Formula 1, a testament to their continuous pursuit of innovation and the practical application of Formula 1 technology transfer to road cars.
Further enhancing the V6’s capabilities is the adoption of the sophisticated combustion chamber technology first seen in the SF90 Stradale, featuring a centrally mounted fuel injector operating at an immense 350 bar (5,076 psi) pressure. The bespoke IHI turbos, smaller and faster-spooling than those on the SF90, allow the V6 to rev higher and react with an immediacy that belies its forced induction. The result is an engine that feels less like a typical turbocharged unit and more like a naturally aspirated gem from a bygone era, delivering peak power at a thrilling 8,000 rpm, with a redline at 8,500 rpm.
And then there’s the sound. This is where the 296 GTB truly captivated me. Ferrari’s flat-plane crank V8s have an iconic shriek, but the V6, with its unique 120-degree crank and careful acoustic tuning, produces something entirely new and equally intoxicating. At lower revs, it’s a deep, resonant rumble reminiscent of its V8 brethren. But prod the throttle, and the bass quickly gives way to a soaring, high-frequency soprano, an urgent, almost frenetic wail that rises with astonishing speed. This “piccolo V12” moniker, originally coined by the engineering team during development, is no marketing gimmick; it perfectly encapsulates the engine’s character. Even with the presence of gasoline particulate filters – a necessary evil in 2025 that often mutes modern supercars – the 296 GTB’s soundtrack remains raw, engaging, and utterly Ferrari, amplified in the cabin not through digital trickery, but via Ferrari’s “tubo caldo” (hot tube) system, channeling the most desirable exhaust notes directly to the occupants.
The Electric Embrace: A Seamless Partnership
Sandwiched between this magnificent V6 and Ferrari’s sublime 8-speed dual-clutch F1 transmission (co-developed with Magna) is the MGU-K – a compact, axial flux motor supplied by YASA. This disc-shaped unit provides an additional 167 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of instant torque. Ferrari’s decision not to quote a combined torque figure speaks volumes, hinting at a complex and highly optimized interplay between the electric motor and the combustion engine, meticulously orchestrated to deliver maximum thrust without overwhelming the driver or revealing proprietary control strategies to competitors in the premium hybrid vehicles segment.
The electric side of the powertrain is fed by a 7.45 kWh battery, small by general PHEV standards, offering a modest 15 miles of electric-only range. While a Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid boasts more, Ferrari’s philosophy here is clear: the electric component is primarily a performance enhancer, a source of instant torque fill and auxiliary power, not an attempt to rival dedicated EVs in range. The battery pack, weighing 154 pounds, is neatly tucked behind the seats alongside the AC/DC converter. While charging from a 6 kW wall charger takes over two hours, the V6 engine proves incredibly efficient at replenishing the battery on the fly, demonstrating an advanced hybrid system designed for dynamic scenarios rather than prolonged plug-in convenience.
The Art of Balance: Lightweight Prowess in an Electrified World
The introduction of a hybrid powertrain inevitably adds weight. The 296 GTB’s hybrid components alone account for an additional 287 lbs compared to the F8’s V8. Yet, remarkably, the 296 GTB tips the scales at 3,241 lbs dry – a mere 77 lbs heavier than the F8 and precisely the same weight as its predecessor, the 488 GTB. This feat of carbon fiber construction and clever lightweighting is critical, ensuring the car retains the agility and responsiveness expected of a Ferrari berlinetta.
Crucially, unlike the all-wheel-drive SF90, the 296 GTB sends all of its prodigious 830 horsepower exclusively to the rear wheels. This decision speaks volumes about Ferrari’s intent: to preserve the pure, unadulterated driving experience that has always defined their mid-engine sports cars. It’s a testament to their confidence in the chassis and driver aid systems that such immense power can be delivered with precision and control to just two contact patches.
Track Dominance: The Assetto Fiorano Revelation
My initial encounter with the 296 GTB on the Spanish Circuito Monteblanco, in an Assetto Fiorano-equipped model, was nothing short of revelatory. The Assetto Fiorano package is a serious proposition for track enthusiasts, comprising specific aerodynamic addenda, a GT-class passive Multimatic suspension, competition-ready Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2R tires, a Lexan rear screen, and extensive use of extra carbon fiber, shaving off another 26 lbs. While adding a significant premium to the $322,000 base price – a clear indication of its unique market positioning beyond a direct F8 successor – the package transforms the 296 into an even more formidable weapon.
Sliding into the cockpit, the atmosphere is raw and purposeful. The traditional analog gauges have given way to a sweeping, curved digital screen, providing a wealth of information through sci-fi-esque graphics. The steering wheel, a hub of haptic switchgear, houses two manettinos. The right one is familiar territory, cycling through Wet, Sport, Race, CT-Off, and ESC-Off modes. The left, the new “eManettino,” dictates electric power deployment: eDrive (full electric up to 84 mph), Hybrid (default, balancing sources), Performance (favors ICE, keeps battery charged), and Qualify (all available power).
Selecting Race and Qualify, I unleashed the 296 onto the track. Despite the perceived complexity of its powertrain, the car’s intentions become instantly clear. This is a Ferrari engineered for engagement. The grip is simply ferocious, cornering forces intense enough to literally tug at your senses. Exiting a turn, the instant, relentless surge of 830 horsepower catapults the car forward with breathtaking speed – 0-62 mph in under three seconds, 0-124 mph in just over seven. On Monteblanco’s main straight, the car effortlessly surged past 180 mph, a testament to its immense power.
It’s important to note, as Ferrari’s engineers later explained, that the full 830 horsepower is available for the first few full-attack laps before the battery begins to deplete, resulting in a slight reduction of 40-50 hp. For most track day enthusiasts, this won’t be a critical limitation, as the sheer intensity of driving the 296 at its limit is physically and mentally demanding for consecutive laps.
The 296 GTB’s agility is phenomenal, pushing the boundaries of responsiveness for a mid-engine berlinetta. The shorter wheelbase – two inches less than the F8 Tributo, a direct benefit of the more compact V6 – contributes significantly to its newfound eagerness to change direction and enhanced chassis stiffness. It dances on the edge of adhesion with a grace that belies its power. The new ABS Evo system, working in conjunction with a 6w-CDS sensor, provides braking performance that is simply astounding, inspiring immense confidence even under extreme trail braking. Few cars can match its flair in this department, perhaps only the Porsche 911 GT3.
With the manettino switched to CT-Off, the rear axle loosens its virtual leash, allowing for controlled power slides and delectable oversteer. The finely tuned electronic differential and Side Slip Control systems enable a driver to exploit all 830 ponies, initiating and managing slides with a level of intuition and precision that feels almost telepathic. This is the Ferrari driving experience elevated, a nuanced dialogue between man and machine where the electronics enhance, rather than interfere with, the pure joy of driving.
Road Manners & Design Prowess: An Elegant Beast
Transitioning from the track to public roads, in a stunning Rosso Imola example without the Assetto Fiorano package, revealed another facet of the 296 GTB’s broad personality. Away from the glare of competition, the car’s design truly shines. Flavio Manzoni’s team has crafted an aesthetic that is both fresh and utterly Ferrari, a masterclass in Italian supercar design. There’s a surprisingly direct, yet elegant, homage to the legendary 250 LM in its sensual rear fenders and dramatically clean surfaces. Yet, it’s also undeniably modern, with state-of-the-art details that speak to its advanced engineering.
The complex interplay of air flowing around the 296’s body is a testament to functional design. It’s not just about aesthetics; every sculpted surface, every vent, serves a purpose – cooling the braking system and the two engines, which can generate immense heat, and generating significant downforce without increasing drag. Ferrari’s designers, famously judicious with active aerodynamic devices, employ only two: an active rear spoiler that deploys at higher speeds, similar to the LaFerrari, and a set of flaps integrated into the diffuser.
On the road, with the eManettino set to eDrive, the 296 GTB transforms into a surprisingly docile cruiser. It glides silently through mountain passes, its 15-mile electric range proving genuinely useful for discreet urban excursions. The non-Assetto Fiorano car, with its magnetorheological suspension, offers a remarkably forgiving ride for a supercar, while the leather-rich interior provides a comfortable, albeit focused, environment. The front trunk even offers a practical amount of cargo space.
However, a quick flick of the manettinos and the full supercar experience is instantly unleashed. On an empty mountain road, the 830 horsepower feels even more potent, the brakes more aggressive, and the steering intimidatingly direct. It’s a beast, yes, but a wonderfully civilized one, capable of delivering spine-tingling thrills on demand.
My only real critique, as highlighted in earlier assessments, remains the Human Machine Interface (HMI). While Ferrari positions its new wave of PHEVs for “the young,” my decade of experience with constantly evolving automotive technology makes me expect more. The extensive haptic switchgear on the steering wheel, combined with the lack of intuitive layout, can be frustrating. In an era where automotive HMI evolution sees seamless integration and highly intuitive interfaces becoming standard even in less expensive vehicles, Ferrari’s approach here feels a step behind, a minor blemish on an otherwise near-perfect canvas. Even the imitation of a 1950s open shift gate, while a nod to heritage, feels awkward and a bit cheap in a car of this caliber.
The Verdict: A New Horizon for High-Performance
Returning the keys, I felt a familiar cocktail of exhilaration and respect. The Ferrari 296 GTB, despite my initial reservations about its hybridization and V6 engine, is arguably Maranello’s most significant achievement in decades. It’s a critical vehicle for the brand’s future, boldly embracing radically new ingredients while staying true to the core Ferrari ethos. The Italians have hit the bull’s eye, proving that a plug-in hybrid system can be more than just a regulatory necessity; it can be a means to unlock an entirely new dimension of a car’s character, offering enhanced performance and unprecedented versatility.
For the first time in my career, I’ve experienced a PHEV that doesn’t feel like a compromise, but a genuine enhancement. The 296 GTB is a benchmark, a testament to Ferrari’s unwavering commitment to innovation and their ability to lead the charge even as the automotive world pivots towards electrification. It shows that the future of exotic car investment and collectible supercars will undoubtedly include these advanced hybrid machines.
As the automotive landscape hurtles towards an electrified future, models like the 296 GTB prove that exhilarating performance and sustainable innovation can coexist, even thrive. We invite you to experience this paradigm shift firsthand, explore the technical marvels within, or join the conversation as we navigate the evolving frontier of next-gen supercar technology and high-performance motoring. The future is here, and it screams with 830 hybrid horsepower.
