Ferrari 296 GTB: Redefining the Hybrid Supercar Landscape for 2025
As an automotive expert with a decade spent immersed in the world of high-performance vehicles, I’ve witnessed countless shifts in engineering philosophy and market direction. But few have been as impactful, or as eagerly anticipated, as the industry’s accelerating pivot towards electrification. By 2025, the conversation isn’t just about if performance cars will electrify, but how they will do it without sacrificing the visceral thrill that defines their existence. In this evolving landscape, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) stands as a crucial, sophisticated bridge—and nowhere is its potential more brilliantly realized than in the Ferrari 296 GTB.
For years, I approached the concept of a performance PHEV with a healthy dose of skepticism. The promise was always compelling: electric-only range for urban commutes, combined with the raw power of a traditional internal combustion engine for spirited driving. In practice, however, many early iterations felt compromised—laden with excess weight, often lumbering, and struggling to seamlessly blend their disparate power sources into a cohesive, engaging experience. They rarely delivered on the “best of both worlds” pledge. That was, until I encountered the Ferrari 296 GTB.
This isn’t just another limited-production hypercar from Maranello, like the legendary LaFerrari or the groundbreaking SF90 Stradale. While those served as electrifying precursors, the 296 GTB marks a foundational shift, a bold statement about the future of Ferrari’s core sports car offerings. It’s a vision of luxury hybrid sports car engineering that doesn’t just adapt to the future; it defines it.
The Audacity of the “Piccolo V12”: A New Engine Era
Ferrari has built its legend on a symphony of V8s and V12s. The F8 Tributo, with its phenomenal turbocharged V8, set an incredibly high bar—a benchmark I considered one of the finest performance engines ever created. So, when news broke that the 296 GTB would feature an all-new 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, many, myself included, raised an eyebrow. Could a V6 truly replace the emotional connection and brutal efficiency of its predecessors? The answer, as I’ve discovered, is a resounding yes, thanks to advanced hybrid powertrain technology and a complete reimagining of the internal combustion engine.
This V6, dubbed the “piccolo V12” by Ferrari’s engineers during its development, is a masterpiece. It punches out a staggering 663 horsepower on its own, delivering an unheard-of 221 hp/liter—a significant leap from the F8’s 185 hp/liter. The secret lies in its audacious “hot vee” configuration. By widening the angle between the cylinder banks to 120 degrees, Ferrari’s team ingeniously nestled the twin IHI turbochargers within the V. This not only optimizes packaging, reducing the engine’s footprint, but critically enhances fluid dynamics and volumetric efficiency. Exhaust gases have a shorter, more direct path to the turbos, minimizing lag and maximizing responsiveness, while intake plenums are repositioned to the outside of the cylinder heads. This design choice, though historically found in F1 cars like the 1981 126 CK, is a modern marvel, simultaneously boosting performance and crucial in 2025, slashing emissions.
The V6 benefits from a highly sophisticated combustion chamber, inherited from the SF90 Stradale, featuring centrally mounted fuel injectors operating at an immense 350 bar (5,076 psi). The bespoke, smaller turbo units, designed for the V6, spin faster (up to 180,000 rpm) and react with incredible immediacy. The result is an engine that transcends the typical turbocharged feel, delivering power with the linearity and eagerness of a naturally aspirated unit from a bygone era of motor racing.
And the sound? Oh, the sound! This was a major concern for enthusiasts, myself included. Modern emissions regulations, particularly gasoline particulate filters, have muted many supercars. Yet, the 296 GTB’s V6 sings. At lower revs, it possesses a deep, potent rumble reminiscent of a turbocharged V8. But push the right pedal, and that bass quickly transforms into an immersive, high-frequency soprano that climbs to an 8,500 rpm redline. Ferrari’s “tubo caldo” (hot tube) system, a direct pipe channeling the most captivating exhaust notes into the cabin, isn’t digital wizardry; it’s an analog connection to the engine’s soul, a gimmick I wholeheartedly endorse when the alternative is silence. This is automotive engineering excellence focused on preserving the emotional core of driving.
The Electrified Dimension: Integration Perfected
The hybrid component of the 296 GTB isn’t an afterthought; it’s intricately woven into the car’s identity. Sandwiched between the V6 and Ferrari’s sublime 8-speed dual-clutch F1 transmission (a unit co-developed with Magna, also found in the SF90 and Roma), lies a compact, axial flux electric motor from British firm YASA. This disc-shaped motor, roughly the size of a frying pan, adds a substantial 167 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. The combined system output of a colossal 830 hp is a figure that puts it in the rarefied company of the limited-production 812 Competizione, demonstrating Ferrari’s commitment to delivering unparalleled power in its next-gen Ferrari performance.
Powering this electric motor is a 7.45 kWh battery, tucked neatly behind the seats with the AC/DC converter. On paper, 15 miles of electric-only range might seem modest compared to some mass-market PHEVs. However, this is a strategic choice. The focus here isn’t maximizing electric range at the expense of performance or weight. Instead, the battery’s design prioritizes rapid energy deployment, allowing the hybrid system to instantaneously unleash its full potential when called upon. While charging from a 6-kW wall charger takes over two hours, the V6 is remarkably efficient at regenerating the battery on the fly, ensuring that electric boost is almost always available for those critical moments of acceleration.
Despite the added complexity and componentry, the entire hybrid powertrain adds a “mere” 287 lbs compared to the F8’s V8. Yet, the 296 GTB, with a dry weight of 3,241 lbs, manages to be only 77 lbs heavier than the F8 and exactly the same weight as its predecessor, the 488 GTB. This achievement in weight management, thanks to extensive use of lightweight materials and clever packaging, speaks volumes about Ferrari’s engineering prowess, maintaining the nimble agility expected of a mid-engined berlinetta. This isn’t just a hybrid; it’s a meticulously balanced high-performance plug-in hybrid.
Unleashing the Prancing Horse: A Dual Personality Masterclass
To truly understand the 296 GTB, you must drive it. My first encounter was with a vibrant yellow model, kitted out with the optional Assetto Fiorano package—a track-focused upgrade that instantly signals serious intent. This package includes bespoke external aerodynamic elements, a passive GT-class suspension from racing specialists Multimatic, competition-ready Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2R tires, a Lexan rear screen, and additional carbon fiber, saving 26 lbs. While adding nearly $40,000 to the base price of over $320,000, it transforms the 296 into a genuine track-focused hybrid, a weapon honed for the circuit.
Slipping into the cockpit, I’m met with a blend of raw athleticism and futuristic tech. The traditional analog gauges have given way to a sweeping, curved digital display, and the steering wheel bristles with haptic switchgear. While some aspects of Ferrari’s Human Machine Interface (HMI) – particularly the turn signal buttons and the somewhat retro auto-gearbox gate imitation – still challenge my “mentally old” sensibilities, the core experience remains unequivocally Ferrari.
The 296 offers dual manettinos on the steering wheel: the familiar right-hand dial for driving modes (Wet, Sport, Race, CT-Off, ESC-Off) and the new “eManettino” on the left, dictating electric power delivery. Modes range from eDrive (full-electric up to 84 mph) to Hybrid (default, intelligent power blending), Performance (combustion engine prioritized, battery charged), and finally, Qualify (all available power unleashed).
My first few laps on the Circuito Monteblanco were a revelation. In Race and Qualify modes, the 296 GTB shed any perceived complexity. Regardless of its advanced powertrain, this car is ferociously fast, thrilling, and capable—a genuine supercar in every sense. The additional weight, the suite of driver aids, and the dual power sources vanish into a driving experience that is remarkably direct and pure.
The grip, especially with the Assetto Fiorano’s Cup2R tires, is phenomenal. Through hard corners, the g-forces are intense, blurring my vision as the car claws at the asphalt. Then, as the apex gives way to a straight, the instant, relentless surge of 830 horsepower catapults the Ferrari to 62 mph in under three seconds and 124 mph in just over seven. On Monteblanco’s main straight, the 296 effortlessly topped 180 mph, a testament to its brutal acceleration. Ferrari engineers confirmed that over extended, full-attack laps, the hybrid system might see a slight dip in peak power (around 40-50 hp) as the battery depletes. Realistically, few owners will subject their cars to such sustained track punishment, and even with a slight reduction, the experience remains utterly exhausting and engaging—a true testament to driving dynamics hybrid excellence.
Beyond raw speed, the 296 GTB redefines agility for Ferrari’s mid-engine berlinettas. The V6’s compact dimensions allowed for a two-inch shorter wheelbase compared to the F8 Tributo, dramatically enhancing responsiveness and chassis stiffness. The car’s eagerness to change direction is unparalleled. Crucially, its new ABS Evo system, working in conjunction with a sophisticated 6w-CDS sensor, delivers braking performance that is simply astounding, forgiving yet brutally effective. While a Porsche 911 GT3 is a formidable track weapon, the 296 GTB adds an element of unadulterated fun that is truly intoxicating.
With the manettino dialed to CT-Off, the rear axle comes alive, yet still operates under a “virtual leash” managed by Ferrari’s perfected electronic differential and Side Slip Control. This allows for effortless, controllable power slides, turning even a novice into a drift artist, without ever feeling truly out of control. It’s an exercise in pure exhilaration, allowing you to exploit the full potential of those 830 ponies.
Later, on public roads, in a stunning Rosso Imola car without the Assetto Fiorano package, the 296 GTB showcased its other personality. In eDrive mode, it becomes a hushed, comfortable cruiser, quietly navigating mountain roads. The 15-mile electric range proved perfectly viable for relaxed touring. The leather-rich interior of the standard GTB is inviting and comfortable, the front trunk surprisingly capacious, and the magnetorheological suspension supple and forgiving. Yet, a quick flick of the manettinos instantly unleashes the beast. On an empty mountain pass, the acceleration vacillates between “nervous smile” and “jaw on the floor.” The brakes feel even more aggressive, the steering intimidatively direct. It’s a remarkable duality, demonstrating that Ferrari has mastered the art of balancing serenity with savagery.
Design: A Vision for the Future, Rooted in the Past
Flavio Manzoni’s design team has once again outdone themselves. The 296 GTB, while undeniably fresh and creative, is unmistakably Ferrari. Maranello has historically resisted overt retro design, yet here, there’s a surprisingly direct, elegant reference to one of the most beautiful Ferraris ever made: the 250 LM, particularly in the sensual sweep of its rear fenders and dramatically clean surfaces. This is an exclusive sports car market leader in aesthetic innovation.
Beneath the sleek lines lies an immensely complex design, a masterclass in functional aesthetics. The air flowing around the 296 GTB’s body isn’t just for show; it’s cleverly orchestrated to cool the braking system and the twin engines (which can generate temperatures up to 1,600° F behind the driver’s back), and to generate downforce without increasing drag. Ferrari’s designers, known for their aversion to overly complex movable aerodynamic devices, employ only two: an active rear spoiler, hidden elegantly between the taillights until higher speeds necessitate its deployment, and a set of active flaps within the diffuser. This commitment to integrated, subtle aerodynamics speaks to the purity of the design ethos.
The Dawn of a New Era
Handing back the keys, I felt a mix of exhilaration and genuine awe. My initial reservations about plug-in hybrids, and even the V6 engine, were utterly shattered. The Ferrari 296 GTB isn’t just a bridge; it’s a triumphant leap into Ferrari’s electrified future. It’s a crucial car for the brand, executed with radical new ingredients, yet retaining every ounce of the Prancing Horse’s soul. For the first time in my career, a plug-in hybrid system isn’t just a compromise or a regulatory necessity; it’s a means to bring an extra dimension to a car’s character, enriching the driving experience in ways I hadn’t imagined possible.
This is incredible news for Ferrari and its legion of fans. Even as the automotive world charges towards an all-electric horizon, Ferrari has proven it can lead the pack, delivering unparalleled excitement and innovation in this interim, new world. The 296 GTB is more than just a car; it’s a declaration that the future of performance is bright, exhilarating, and still intensely passionate. It stands as a testament to premium automotive innovation and a sound supercar investment for those seeking cutting-edge technology without compromise.
Don’t just read about the revolution; experience it. We invite you to explore the official Ferrari 296 GTB configurator, speak with a certified Ferrari specialist, or better yet, arrange an exclusive viewing. Discover firsthand how Ferrari is not just adapting to the future, but actively shaping the future of supercars. The electrified era has truly begun, and Maranello is at its glorious forefront.
