Ferrari 296 GTB: Masterpiece Redefined for the 2025 Hybrid Supercar Horizon
In 2025, the automotive landscape has transformed dramatically. The once-whispered future of electrification is now an undeniable reality, with stringent emissions regulations and evolving consumer demands pushing virtually every automaker towards hybrid and all-electric powertrains. Ten years ago, the notion of a Ferrari, the quintessential purveyor of naturally aspirated V12 and V8 symphonies, fully embracing electrification seemed almost heretical. Yet, here we stand, firmly entrenched in a world where the Prancing Horse has not just adapted but has, with the 296 GTB, arguably perfected the performance plug-in hybrid (PHEV) formula for the mainstream supercar segment.
From my vantage point, with a decade deeply immersed in the nuances of high-performance machinery, I’ve witnessed countless attempts to blend raw power with sustainable technology. Early plug-in hybrids, particularly those venturing into the performance realm, often felt like compromises – heavy, complex, and rarely delivering on the promise of seamless electric-only capability alongside visceral internal combustion thrill. They were often admirable first steps, yet left enthusiasts yearning for the purity of a dedicated performance machine or the unadulterated efficiency of a full EV. It was a challenging tightrope walk, and for a long time, no one truly managed to stick the landing with Ferrari’s characteristic flair.
That was, of course, until Ferrari unleashed the 296 GTB a few years back. It wasn’t Maranello’s first foray into hybrid technology; the legendary LaFerrari hypercar (2013) had already demonstrated the potential of electrification in an extreme context, followed by the SF90 Stradale (2019) as their first series production PHEV. But the 296 GTB was different. It wasn’t a halo hypercar or a technology demonstrator. It was engineered to become the very foundation of Ferrari’s core sports car offerings, signaling a profound shift in philosophy and proving that a smaller, hybridized powertrain could not only compete with but potentially surpass its V8 predecessors. This move, in hindsight, was nothing short of revolutionary for the brand and the segment.
The “Piccolo V12”: A V6 Engine of Unprecedented Character
Ferrari has long been celebrated for its exquisite V8 berlinettas, vehicles renowned for their agility and spine-tingling engines. The F8 Tributo, in my opinion, stood as the zenith of this lineage, its turbocharged V8 an engineering masterpiece. Replacing such a revered powerplant with a 3-liter V6, albeit hybridized, was a bold gamble. But Maranello, with characteristic audacity, didn’t just meet expectations; they shattered them.
The heart of the 296 GTB is its all-new Tipo F163 engine, an engineering marvel that churns out an astonishing 663 hp from its compact 3-liter V6 alone, boasting an incredible 221 hp/liter—a significant leap from the F8’s 185 hp/liter. This twin-turbocharged V6 is nestled within a “hot vee” configuration, a design now widely adopted across high-performance engines but pioneered by Ferrari in Formula 1 back in the early 80s with the 126 CK. This layout positions the IHI turbochargers inside the 120-degree cylinder bank angle, not only optimizing packaging and reducing emissions but dramatically enhancing fluid dynamics and volumetric efficiency. Fuel injectors operating at a colossal 350 bar (over 5,000 psi) further refine combustion, borrowed from the SF90 Stradale’s cutting-edge technology. The smaller, faster-spinning turbos (up to 180,000 rpm) also contribute to a throttle response so immediate, it almost defies the very notion of forced induction, mimicking the directness of a naturally aspirated engine.
And then there’s the sound. This V6 is no ordinary six-cylinder. Ferrari’s engineers, not the marketing department, affectionately dubbed it the “piccolo V12” during its development, and for good reason. The unique 120-degree crankshaft configuration, necessitated by the V6 design, delivers an auditory experience unlike anything heard before. At low RPMs, a deep, resonant rumble, reminiscent of recent turbocharged V8s, hints at its power. But as the revs climb towards the stratospheric 8,500 rpm redline, that bass rapidly transforms into a high-pitched, exhilarating soprano. It’s an immersive, almost intoxicating shriek that cuts through the mandated gasoline particulate filters, a true testament to Ferrari’s unwavering commitment to emotional engagement. Inside the cabin, the “tubo caldo” (hot tube) system, a clever acoustic channel, pipes the most attractive exhaust notes directly to the occupants, enhancing the experience without relying on digital trickery. This meticulous attention to auditory detail ensures the Ferrari V6 twin-turbo hybrid engine delivers a sensory feast, a critical component of any premium sports car review.
The Integrated Powerhouse: Plug-in Hybrid Performance Perfected
The 296 GTB’s true genius lies in its seamlessly integrated high-performance PHEV technology. Sandwiched between the V6 engine and the lightning-quick 8-speed dual-clutch F1 transmission (co-developed with Magna) is a YASA-sourced axial flux electric motor. This compact, disc-shaped unit contributes an additional 167 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a staggering combined output of 830 hp—matching the limited-production 812 Competizione. While Ferrari remains coy about the combined torque figures to keep competitors guessing, the sheer, relentless shove is undeniable.
Powering this electric motor is a 7.45-kWh battery, strategically placed behind the seats. While modest by some plug-in hybrid standards, offering around 15 miles of electric-only range, its purpose is not primarily extended EV travel. Instead, it’s designed for rapid energy deployment and regeneration, allowing the hybrid system to instantaneously augment the V6’s power for explosive acceleration and seamless torque infill. Charging from a 6-kW wall charger takes over two hours, but the internal combustion engine is far more efficient at replenishing the battery on the go, ensuring peak performance is always at the driver’s disposal.
Despite the addition of a significant 287 lbs. for the hybrid powertrain components, Ferrari’s engineers performed miracles in weight management. The 296 GTB tips the scales at 3,241 lbs. dry, making it a mere 77 lbs. heavier than the F8 Tributo and essentially matching its predecessor, the 488 GTB. This achievement underscores the advanced material science and design philosophies employed, ensuring that the car’s sustainable performance doesn’t come at the cost of agility. Unlike the AWD SF90, the 296 GTB channels all its mighty 830 hp to the rear wheels, a clear statement of intent for the driving enthusiast. This luxury hybrid sports car is built for engagement.
On the Limit: A Track Weapon with Unparalleled Forgiveness
My initial track experience with the 296 GTB, particularly an Assetto Fiorano-equipped model, remains etched in my memory. This track-focused package, adding nearly $40,000 to the base price, transforms the car with Multimatic GT-class passive dampers, competition-ready Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2R tires, a Lexan rear screen, and extensive carbon fiber, shedding another 26 lbs.
Sliding into the cockpit, the atmosphere is pure racing focus. The traditional analog gauges have given way to a sweeping, curved digital display with futuristic graphics. The steering wheel, a central command center, is packed with haptic controls. While Ferrari aimed for a “younger” demographic with this automotive engineering innovation, my decade of experience often makes me yearn for tactile buttons. The Human Machine Interface (HMI) here, with its turn-signal buttons and imitation 1950s open shift gate, can be a point of contention for some, including myself, feeling occasionally unintuitive or even a touch out of place in such an otherwise exquisite machine. However, it’s a minor quibble against the overwhelming brilliance of the drive.
The steering wheel also houses not one, but two manettinos. The familiar right-side dial offers Wet, Sport, Race, CT-Off, and ESC-Off modes. The left-side “eManettino” governs the electric power delivery: eDrive for electric-only motoring (up to 84 mph), Hybrid as the default, Performance to prioritize the V6 and maintain battery charge, and Qualify for maximum combined power.
Engaging Race and Qualify modes and hitting the Circuito Monteblanco, the complexity of the powertrain instantly melts away. The 296 GTB is exhilaratingly fast, immensely capable, and profoundly direct. The shorter wheelbase, a direct benefit of the more compact V6, enhances agility and chassis stiffness, pushing alertness and eagerness to change direction to new heights among Ferrari’s mid-engine berlinettas. The grip is phenomenal, capable of tearing rubber from the tires and blood from your head in hard cornering. Then, as the corner opens, the instant, relentless surge of 830 horsepower catapults the Ferrari to 62 mph in under three seconds and 124 mph in just over seven, effortlessly topping 180 mph on a relatively short straight.
It’s important to note, as Ferrari engineers themselves confirmed, that the full 830 hp is delivered primarily during the initial laps of full-attack driving, with a slight drop of 40-50 hp in sustained, flat-out track sessions. However, given the sheer physical and mental intensity required to pilot this machine at its limit, few drivers will push it for more than a handful of consecutive laps anyway.
Braking performance, aided by the new ABS Evo system and 6w-CDS sensor, is simply outstanding, comparable only to a select few, like the Porsche 911 GT3. But where the GT3 offers clinical precision, the 296 GTB delivers an intoxicating sense of fun. With the manettino set to CT-Off, the rear axle comes alive, but not in an uncontrollable manner. Ferrari’s refined electronic differential and Side Slip Control (SSC) create a virtual leash, allowing for easily initiated, controlled power slides and instinctive recovery—a symphony of power and precision that makes even a seasoned driver like myself push the boundaries (and sometimes incur a gentle reminder from former F1 drivers). This level of control and driver confidence is a hallmark of Ferrari driving experience, even with a complex automotive electrification system.
Elegance on the Open Road: A Dual Personality
Away from the unforgiving demands of the track, the 296 GTB reveals a completely different facet of its personality. Stripped of the Assetto Fiorano package, and finished in a rich Rosso Imola, the car possesses a subtle elegance that photos simply don’t fully capture. Flavio Manzoni’s design team has once again created a masterpiece. The 296 GTB is fresh, contemporary, yet unequivocally Ferrari, nodding subtly to the legendary 250 LM with its sensual rear fenders and dramatically clean surfaces.
Beneath this sculptural beauty lies an extremely complex design, where every curve and aperture serves a purpose – cooling the brakes and twin engines (which can generate temperatures up to 1,600° F behind the driver) and generating downforce without increasing drag. Ferrari’s preference for fixed aerodynamic solutions means only two active elements are present: a discrete rear spoiler that rises at higher speeds, similar to the LaFerrari, and a set of active flaps within the diffuser.
On public roads, especially the winding mountain passes, the eManettino’s eDrive mode transforms the 296 GTB into a surprisingly docile, almost serene companion. Cruising in hushed electric silence for its claimed 15 miles, the car feels relaxed and comfortable. The non-Assetto Fiorano model, with its leather-rich interior and forgiving magnetorheological suspension, offers a genuinely cozy cabin. The front trunk provides useful cargo space, making it surprisingly practical for a luxury performance vehicle.
Yet, with a flick of the manettinos, this composed cruiser instantaneously transforms into an absolute beast. The acceleration on an empty mountain road shifts from a “nervous smile” to “jaw on the floor” intensity. The 830 hp feels even more terrifying, the brakes incredibly aggressive, and the steering intimidatingly direct. It’s a dual personality masterfully executed, confirming the 296 GTB’s status as a quintessential exotic car investment for those seeking both thrilling performance and a nod to future-proofing.
The Enduring Legacy in 2025
Handing back the keys, even after years of its presence in the market, the impact of the 296 GTB remains profound. It wasn’t just another Ferrari; it was a critical statement, a bold leap into an electrified future that proved Maranello could not only embrace change but lead it. The 296 GTB, in 2025, stands as a testament to Ferrari’s engineering prowess, demonstrating that a plug-in hybrid system can be more than just a regulatory necessity; it can be a means to inject an entirely new dimension of character and performance into a sports car.
It’s the first time, in my extensive experience, that a hybrid system has truly elevated a car’s character, blending electric immediacy with the raw, mechanical brilliance of an internal combustion engine to create something greater than the sum of its parts. This is not merely an interim solution; it’s a blueprint for the future of supercars, a benchmark against which all others in the segment are now measured.
For enthusiasts, for collectors, and for those who simply dream of what Ferrari can achieve, the 296 GTB provides immense reassurance. Even as the world undeniably accelerates towards full electrification, the Prancing Horse continues to define the pinnacle of high-performance driving, proving that the thrill of a Ferrari is an enduring, evolving phenomenon.
Discover the future of high-performance driving. Experience the groundbreaking engineering and intoxicating dynamics that define the Ferrari 296 GTB for yourself. Visit your nearest Ferrari dealership or explore the latest offerings at Ferrari.com to learn more about Maranello’s vision for tomorrow’s performance
