The 296 GTB: Ferrari’s Electrified Masterstroke Redefines Performance in 2025
The automotive landscape of 2025 is starkly different from just a few years ago. The inexorable march towards electrification is no longer a distant prophecy but an undeniable reality shaping every segment, from urban commuters to the most exotic hypercars. While the ultimate destination for many seems to be pure battery-electric vehicles, the journey for high-performance marques, particularly those steeped in the rich tradition of internal combustion, is a nuanced one. Enter the plug-in hybrid (PHEV), a technological bridge that, for years, promised an ideal blend of efficiency and power but often delivered a compromise. Until now. Ferrari, with its groundbreaking 296 GTB, has not merely embraced hybridization; it has redefined it, forging a new paradigm for what a performance hybrid can truly be, shattering preconceptions with an astonishing blend of power, agility, and a soul-stirring soundtrack.
For years, many of us in the industry, myself included, approached plug-in hybrids with a healthy dose of skepticism. The theory was always compelling: an electric motor for silent, emission-free urban commutes, backed by a potent internal combustion engine (ICE) for longer journeys or bursts of exhilarating performance. In practice, however, the execution often fell short. Early PHEVs frequently felt heavy, their electric range disappointingly limited, and their smaller ICE units often overworked and uninspiring when called upon. The seamless integration of two fundamentally different power sources, each with its own characteristics, proved an immense engineering challenge. This often resulted in a driving experience that lacked cohesion, feeling more like two separate systems uneasily coexisting rather than a unified, optimized powertrain. The promise of “electric done right” often remained just that – a promise.
But Maranello operates on a different plane, driven by an unyielding pursuit of automotive perfection. The 296 GTB isn’t Ferrari’s first foray into electrification; that lineage began with the revolutionary LaFerrari in 2013 and continued with the formidable SF90 Stradale in 2019, both hypercars pushing the boundaries of what was conceivable. The 296 GTB, however, marks a pivotal moment. Unlike its hypercar predecessors, the 296 is poised to become the cornerstone of Ferrari’s core sports car offerings, replacing the venerated V8 Berlinetta line that has defined the brand for decades. This is not merely an addition to the range; it is a profound philosophical shift, indicating Ferrari’s strategic direction for the mainstream (if any Ferrari can be called “mainstream”) of its future performance vehicles. The industry has been abuzz since its debut, eagerly anticipating how a V6-powered, hybrid Ferrari would truly stack up against the legendary F8 Tributo and its ilk. The answer, as I’ve discovered after extensive time behind the wheel in 2025, is nothing short of sensational.
The Heart of the Beast: A “Piccolo V12” with an Electric Soul
The decision to transition from the iconic Ferrari V8 to a V6, even a hybridized one, was met with understandable apprehension by purists. The F8’s turbocharged 3.9-liter V8 was, to many, the benchmark of its class—a masterpiece of power delivery and visceral sound. How could a 3.0-liter V6, regardless of its electrification, possibly improve upon that? With an audacity that only Ferrari can muster: through raw, unadulterated power and revolutionary engineering. The 296 GTB’s powertrain is a symphonic collaboration between its all-new internal combustion engine and a Formula 1-derived Motor Generator Unit – Kinetic (MGU-K), culminating in a staggering 830 horsepower. To put this in perspective for 2025, that’s precisely the same output as the limited-production 812 Competizione, a naturally aspirated V12 beast. The message is clear: hybridization in a Ferrari is about amplifying performance, not merely supplementing it.
The bulk of this immense power still flows from the twin-turbo V6, which produces an astounding 221 horsepower per liter, bringing its standalone output to 663 horsepower. This represents a significant leap from the 185 hp/liter of the F8’s engine, showcasing remarkable advancements in combustion technology. Ferrari engineers achieved this by increasing the angle between the cylinder banks from 90 to 120 degrees, a configuration known as a “hot vee.” This innovative design allows the twin IHI turbochargers to be nestled within the engine’s vee, minimizing the exhaust path for quicker spooling and reduced turbo lag. This isn’t a new concept for Ferrari; they pioneered it in their 1981 Formula 1 car, the 126 CK, demonstrating a deep-rooted understanding of its advantages. In 2025, the hot-vee layout is the gold standard for high-performance engines, not only for its packaging efficiency and improved fluid dynamics but also for its crucial role in reducing emissions—a formidable challenge for all automakers today.
The V6’s combustion chambers are directly derived from the SF90 Stradale, featuring centrally mounted fuel injectors and spark plugs operating under immense pressure—up to 350 bar (5,076 psi). Complementing this advanced combustion are smaller, more efficient symmetrical, counter-rotating mono-scroll turbochargers from IHI. These units feature 11-percent smaller turbine rotors, enabling them to spin faster (up to 180,000 rpm) and react with incredible immediacy. The result is a turbocharged engine that behaves remarkably like a naturally aspirated unit, delivering power with a linear progression and an absence of lag that belies its forced induction. Peak power arrives at a lofty 8,000 rpm, with a redline stretching to 8,500 rpm—figures more akin to a high-revving naturally aspirated engine than a typical turbocharged V6.
And then there’s the sound. Oh, the sound. This was perhaps the greatest concern for enthusiasts: could a V6 Ferrari truly sing? The answer is a resounding, spine-tingtingling yes. The V6’s unique crankshaft, with connecting rods spaced 120 degrees apart, combined with a balance shaft, orchestrates an auditory experience unlike any other. At low revs, it emits a deep, guttural rumble that hints at its immense power. But as the revs climb, that bass melts away, transforming into a glorious, high-frequency soprano wail that Ferrari engineers affectionately dubbed a “piccolo V12.” It’s an immersive, surprisingly loud soundtrack, especially considering the constraints imposed by gasoline particulate filters that have muted so many modern supercars. Inside the cabin, Ferrari’s ingenious “tubo caldo” (hot tube) system, a direct pipe channeling the most captivating exhaust notes to the occupants, ensures this sonic spectacle is always at the forefront.
Sandwiched between this magnificent V6 and the lightning-fast 8-speed dual-clutch F1 transmission (co-developed with Magna, also seen in the SF90 and Roma) is the compact, British-made YASA axial flux electric motor. This disc-shaped unit provides an additional 167 hp and 232 lb-ft of instant torque, seamlessly integrating with the ICE. While Ferrari doesn’t officially quote combined torque figures, the synergy between the two power sources is palpable, delivering an instantaneous thrust that traditional ICEs simply cannot match. The electric power is supplied by a compact 7.45-kWh battery, discreetly tucked behind the seats with the AC/DC converter. While its 15-mile electric-only range might seem modest by 2025 PHEV standards (where some family SUVs offer double that), it’s perfectly suited for a supercar – allowing for quiet neighborhood exits or short, emission-free cruises. More importantly, this setup prioritizes rapid energy deployment for performance bursts over extended electric range, and the V6 is exceptionally efficient at recharging the battery on the fly. Despite the hybrid powertrain adding a considerable 287 lbs, Ferrari’s relentless focus on lightweight materials and design means the 296 GTB tips the scales at a dry weight of 3,241 lbs—only 77 lbs heavier than the F8 and remarkably, the same as its predecessor, the 488 GTB. This is a testament to Maranello’s engineering prowess, demonstrating that electrification doesn’t necessarily equate to excessive weight penalties in the hands of experts.
Unleashing the Prancing Horse: On Track Domination
My first encounter with the 296 GTB was at a private track in southern Spain, the Circuito Monteblanco, an ideal canvas to exploit its prodigious capabilities. The car I piloted was finished in a searing Giallo Modena, equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. In 2025, this track-focused upgrade remains a significant investment, adding nearly $40,000 to the base price, pushing the total well north of $370,000 (adjusting for market inflation since its debut). But for the true enthusiast, it’s money well spent. The Assetto Fiorano includes bespoke aerodynamic enhancements, a GT-class passive suspension system from the legendary Canadian racing specialists Multimatic, competition-ready Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2R tires, a Lexan rear screen, and extensive carbon fiber components, collectively shedding 26 lbs.
Sliding into the cockpit, the 296 GTB presents a familiar yet modernized Ferrari environment. The traditional analog gauges have given way to a sweeping, curved digital screen, delivering information with crisp, almost sci-fi graphics. The steering wheel, a veritable command center, is adorned with haptic switchgear. While Ferrari aims for a “younger” demographic with this digital interface, my decade of experience with various automotive HMI systems leads me to acknowledge a slight learning curve. It’s certainly a departure from the tactile simplicity of older models, and some operations require a moment more thought than immediate intuition. However, given the pace of technological integration across the industry, it’s a future-forward approach that, once mastered, becomes a powerful tool. The dual manettinos on the steering wheel, a Ferrari staple, are crucial here: the right one for traditional drive modes (Wet, Sport, Race, CT-Off, ESC-Off), and the new “eManettino” on the left for managing the hybrid system (eDrive, Hybrid, Performance, Qualify).
Selecting a combination of Race and Qualify, I unleashed the 296 GTB onto the tarmac. Any lingering doubts about its complexity vanished within the first straight, the first aggressive braking zone, and the first corner. This new Ferrari is, quite simply, an utterly thrilling, devastatingly fast, and supremely capable supercar. Despite the added mass of the hybrid system and the complexity of two distinct power sources, the 296 GTB is admirably direct, pure, and communicative in its driving dynamics. The grip provided by the Assetto Fiorano’s setup and the Cup2R tires is phenomenal, generating lateral forces that literally make your head swim. When the corner opens onto a straight, the instantaneous, relentless surge of 830 horsepower propels the Ferrari to 60 mph in under 2.9 seconds and 124 mph in just over 7 seconds. On Monteblanco’s main straight, which is by no means exceptionally long, the 296 GTB easily crested 180 mph.
An expert observation here: during sustained, flat-out track laps, the battery can deplete rapidly. Ferrari engineers later confirmed that the full 830 hp is delivered consistently for the initial several “full attack” laps, after which the system might shed around 40-50 hp as the battery manages its state of charge. Realistically, for the vast majority of drivers on track days, this isn’t a significant limitation, as the sheer physical and mental exertion required to pilot the 296 at its limit means few will manage more consecutive laps without a break.
The 296 GTB pushes the boundaries of alertness and eagerness to change direction for a mid-engine Ferrari. The compact V6 allowed for a two-inch shorter wheelbase compared to the F8 Tributo, a seemingly minor adjustment that yields massive dividends in both handling agility and chassis stiffness. It’s tempting to compare its track behavior to a dedicated race car, but the truth is, few competition vehicles are as forgiving or safe. The new ABS Evo system, integrated with a sophisticated 6w-CDS sensor measuring forces across six axes, delivers braking performance that is truly astonishing, arguably on par with the best track weapons of 2025, like the Porsche 911 GT3. Yet, where the GT3 is clinical and precise, the 296 GTB injects an intoxicating dose of pure, unadulterated fun.
With a few laps under my belt, confidence soared, and I dared to select CT-Off mode. Instantly, the rear axle felt liberated, yet still under a sophisticated, virtual leash. This is where Ferrari’s electronic differential and Side Slip Control (SSC) truly shine. These systems have been refined over generations, reaching a point where I could initiate power slides with remarkable ease, control the slip angle with extravagant steering inputs, and instinctively bring the car back into line. It’s a ballet of controlled chaos, an expert-level dynamic playground that allows drivers to explore the limits of adhesion with thrilling reassurance. I was having such a blast that former F1 racer Marc Gené, driving ahead, had to radio me to rein it in and head to the pits. Worth it.
Elegance and Versatility: The 296 GTB on Public Roads
After the track exhilaration, I traded the Assetto Fiorano monster for a standard 296 GTB, cloaked in a stunning Rosso Imola burgundy, destined for public roads. This provided a crucial perspective on the car’s dual personality. Visually, the 296 GTB is a triumph. While initial press photos didn’t fully capture its essence, seeing it in person reveals a design of incredible subtlety and elegance. Flavio Manzoni’s team has achieved something fresh and creative, yet undeniably 100-percent Ferrari. There’s a surprising, direct visual homage to the timeless 250 LM in its sensual rear fenders, combined with dramatically clean surfaces that belie an extreme level of aerodynamic and cooling complexity. Airflow is ingeniously managed not just to cool the twin engines and braking system (which can generate up to 1,600°F behind the driver) but also to generate significant downforce without incurring drag, thanks to elements like the active rear spoiler and diffuser flaps.
On public roads, the 296 GTB’s broad personality truly comes to the fore. In eDrive mode, it transforms into a hushed, sophisticated cruiser. I traversed winding mountain passes in serene silence, the 15-mile electric range proving perfectly viable for civilized travel. The non-Assetto Fiorano car’s leather-rich interior is cozy and comfortable, offering a surprising degree of refinement for a supercar. The magnetorheological suspension, a masterclass in adaptive damping, soaks up imperfections with remarkable compliance, making the 296 a surprisingly usable daily driver—a far cry from the bone-shaking rides of supercars past.
Yet, with a flick of the manettinos, the transformation is instant and profound. The gentle hum of the electric motor gives way to the piccolo V12’s howl, and the relaxed cruiser becomes an apex predator. On empty, serpentine roads, the 830 hp feels even more terrifyingly potent, the brakes even more aggressive in their bite, and the steering intimidatingly direct. It’s a beast, yes, but a wonderfully disciplined one, delivering a level of engagement and thrills that few cars in 2025 can match.
As I handed back the keys, I felt a familiar blend of exhilaration and relief. My initial reservations about the “hybrid compromise” were not just dispelled; they were obliterated. The 296 GTB is not just Ferrari’s greatest achievement in decades; it’s a blueprint for the future of high-performance vehicles. It courageously embraces radical new ingredients, integrating hybridization not as a concession, but as a means to unlock entirely new dimensions of character and performance. Maranello has hit the bullseye on its first truly mainstream plug-in hybrid sports car.
This is monumental news for Ferrari, its legions of fans, and indeed, the entire automotive industry. Even as the future undeniably belongs to electrified cars, Ferrari has proven it can still lead the charge, crafting vehicles that stir the soul and push the boundaries of engineering excellence. The 296 GTB offers an intoxicating glimpse into a future where sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing passion, where technological advancement enhances, rather than diminishes, the driving experience.
Are you ready to experience the future of Ferrari? Explore the groundbreaking 296 GTB and discover how Maranello is redefining performance for the electrified era.
