The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB: Redefining Performance in an Electrified Era
In my decade of immersed experience within the hallowed halls of automotive excellence, few machines have genuinely shifted my perception quite like Ferrari’s latest masterpiece, the 296 GTB. As we navigate deeper into 2025, the automotive landscape is undeniably in flux, rapidly accelerating towards an electrified future. Political mandates and consumer preferences are converging, signaling an inexorable march away from pure fossil fuels. For many, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) has emerged as the practical bridge, a transitional technology promising the best of both worlds. But, as any seasoned enthusiast or industry analyst will tell you, the reality often falls short of the ideal. Until now.
The promise of a PHEV is compelling: daily commutes on silent electric power, the security of a robust internal combustion engine for long journeys, and reduced emissions. In theory, it’s a symbiotic relationship. Yet, the vast majority of PHEVs I’ve encountered across the automotive spectrum – from mass-market sedans to so-called performance models – have been compromised. They’re often burdened by excessive weight, feature an underpowered electric component, and their combustion engines, when engaged, feel like they’re laboring against the added mass. They rarely deliver on the utopian vision of seamless electric driving or uncompromised performance. This inherent conflict has, for years, made me approach the concept of a hybrid supercar with a healthy dose of skepticism, anticipating a diluted driving experience.
Then came the 296 GTB.
This isn’t Ferrari’s first foray into hybridization; that distinction belongs to the legendary LaFerrari, a limited-production hypercar that redefined what was possible a decade ago. Nor is it the brand’s inaugural plug-in hybrid, an honor held by the formidable SF90 Stradale. But the 296 GTB represents something fundamentally different. It’s not a halo car at the pinnacle of the lineup, but rather a foundational piece for Ferrari’s core sports car offerings, signaling the direction of their future and boldly stepping into the luxury plug-in hybrid sports car segment with a vision previously unseen.
A New Chapter: Maranello’s V6 Revolution
For generations, the mid-engined V8 berlinetta has been the beating heart of Ferrari’s road car lineup – agile, visceral, and endlessly engaging. From the 308 to the 488, and most recently the F8 Tributo, these cars defined the brand’s everyday performance. With the 296 GTB, Ferrari has consciously chosen a different path, ushering in the era of a twin-turbo V6. While Maranello is at pains to assert that the 296 is not a direct successor to the F8 – and certainly, its market positioning and Ferrari lease deals reflect a premium beyond previous V8s – the reality of changing global regulations dictates this evolution. This isn’t just a technical shift; it’s a statement about how Ferrari intends to lead the luxury car market trends 2025 by innovating within increasingly stringent environmental frameworks.
The challenge was monumental: how to surpass the F8’s turbocharged V8, an engine I still consider one of the finest forced-induction powerplants ever crafted, with a smaller, hybridized V6? The answer, unequivocally, is power – and a level of sophisticated engineering that borders on artistry.
The 296 GTB’s combined powertrain generates a colossal 830 horsepower. Yes, you read that right – 830 hp from a V6 plug-in hybrid, matching the output of the glorious, naturally aspirated 812 Competizione, a car residing at the very top of Ferrari’s combustion-only hierarchy. The bulk of this staggering figure originates from the compact, all-new 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, internally designated F163, which alone produces a staggering 663 hp, translating to an incredible 221 hp per liter. This figure is not just impressive; it’s a testament to the cutting-edge high-performance V6 engine technology being developed in Maranello.
Ferrari’s engineers made a critical design choice by widening the angle between the cylinder banks from 90 to 120 degrees. This “hot vee” configuration, though not new to Ferrari (they experimented with it in their early 80s F1 cars), allows the twin IHI turbochargers to be nestled within the engine’s “vee,” directly between the cylinder banks. This drastically reduces the distance exhaust gases travel to spin the turbines, minimizing turbo lag and creating an incredibly compact, efficient package. The result is a substantial leap in both volumetric efficiency and fluid dynamics, which not only elevates performance to dizzying new heights but also significantly reduces emissions – a paramount concern for any automaker in 2025. This sophisticated design is a prime example of premium automotive technology pushing boundaries.
Beyond the raw numbers, the engine’s character is transformative. Equipped with the same advanced combustion chamber technology first seen in the SF90 Stradale, featuring centrally mounted injectors operating at an immense 350 bar pressure, the V6 delivers pristine combustion. Ferrari’s choice of smaller, faster-spooling IHI mono-scroll turbos (11% smaller turbine rotors, capable of 180,000 rpm) is equally crucial. This downsizing strategy doesn’t limit power; it enhances responsiveness, giving the V6 a naturally aspirated feel, an immediate throttle response reminiscent of the golden age of motoring – a “piccolo V12,” as the engineers affectionately dubbed it during development.
The Symphony of Speed: More Than Just Power
Initial skepticism regarding a V6 Ferrari, particularly its soundtrack, is understandable. But hear the 296 GTB in full flight, and any doubts dissolve. While recent turbocharged V8s from Maranello had their unique rumble, the F163 V6 produces something entirely different. At lower RPMs, there’s a familiar, deep bass note. But as the revs climb towards the incredible 8,000 rpm power peak and the 8,500 rpm redline, that bass rapidly transforms into an immersive, high-frequency soprano wail that genuinely echoes the legendary V12s of Ferrari’s past.
This isn’t an auditory illusion. Despite the presence of gasoline particulate filters that have muted so many modern supercars, Ferrari’s engineering team found a way to let the V6 sing. Inside the cabin, the effect is further enhanced not by digital trickery, but by Ferrari’s “tubo caldo” (hot tube) – a clever pipe routing the most desirable exhaust notes directly to the occupants’ ears. It’s a physical, authentic amplification of mechanical artistry, a small but significant detail that underscores Ferrari’s unwavering commitment to the sensory experience, even in a hybrid.
Nestled between the sensational V6 and Ferrari’s wonderfully rapid 8-speed dual-clutch F1 transmission (co-developed with Magna, as seen in the SF90 and Roma) lies the heart of the hybrid system: a YASA-supplied axial flux motor. This compact, disc-shaped unit provides an additional 167 hp and 232 lb-ft of instant torque. While Ferrari remains tight-lipped about the combined peak torque, undoubtedly a strategic move to keep competitors guessing, the seamless integration of electric and combustion power is immediately apparent the moment you engage the throttle. This sophisticated electric supercar technology is far more than an afterthought.
The electric power source is a modest yet effective 7.45-kWh battery. While this yields a relatively conservative 15 miles of pure electric range – admittedly on the smaller side for plug-in standards, especially compared to some contemporary luxury PHEVs – its purpose here isn’t extended EV driving. Instead, it’s designed for rapid deployment of stored energy, providing instant torque fill, amplifying peak power, and allowing for hushed urban cruising. The tightly packed, 154-pound battery and AC/DC converter are tucked behind the seats, a testament to clever packaging. Recharging from a 6-kW wall charger takes over two hours, making the V6 a more efficient on-the-go generator for quickly topping up the battery, emphasizing its role as a performance booster rather than a primary energy source.
Despite the added weight of the hybrid powertrain – a not insignificant 287 lbs. more than the F8’s V8 – the 296 GTB remains remarkably svelte. Its dry weight of 3,241 lbs. is only 77 lbs. heavier than the F8 and matches its predecessor, the 488 GTB. This achievement is a testament to Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of lightweighting, utilizing advanced materials and meticulous engineering throughout the chassis. Crucially, unlike the all-wheel-drive SF90, the 296 GTB sends all its formidable power to the rear wheels, preserving the pure, unadulterated driving dynamic that defines a true Ferrari berlinetta.
On Track: Fiorano’s Fury Unleashed
My initial experience with the 296 GTB began on the challenging Circuito Monteblanco, behind the wheel of a vibrant Giallo Modena example fitted with the optional Assetto Fiorano package. This track-focused upgrade is a masterclass in enhancing an already potent machine. It includes advanced aerodynamic elements, a passive GT-class suspension from racing specialists Multimatic, competition-grade Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2R tires, a Lexan rear screen, and extensive carbon fiber components. While these enhancements shave a mere 26 lbs. off the weight, their impact on dynamic prowess is profound, justifying the nearly $40,000 premium over the $322,000 base price – an expected tariff for a Ferrari Assetto Fiorano price package.
Sliding into the cockpit, the 296 feels every bit the raw, athletic, track-bred machine it is. While the traditional analog gauges have given way to a sweeping, curved digital display with sophisticated graphics, and the steering wheel bristles with haptic switchgear, this digital revolution is perhaps the 296’s only serious point of contention for me. As someone who appreciates tactile feedback and intuitive simplicity, the Human Machine Interface (HMI) can feel overly complex and occasionally distracting. This, along with the haptic turn-signal buttons and the ’50s-inspired automatic gear gate (which, frankly, looks and feels a little cheap and awkward for a modern Ferrari), is a minor quibble in an otherwise spectacular package. However, I understand that for “the young,” as Ferrari positions this new wave of models, this digital native approach might resonate more deeply.
The steering wheel hosts not one, but two manettinos. The familiar right-hand dial governs the dynamic modes: Wet, Sport, Race, CT-Off (Traction Control Off), and ESC-Off (Stability Control Off). The new “eManettino” on the left controls the electric power delivery, offering eDrive (pure electric up to 84 mph), Hybrid (default, blending power sources), Performance (combustion-favored, keeps battery charged), and Qualify (maximum combined power).
Selecting Race and Qualify, I unleashed the 296 onto the track. Despite the intricate powertrain and myriad electronic controls, the car’s genius lies in its immediate clarity. Within the first straight, braking zone, and corner, the complexities melt away, revealing a machine of breathtaking capability. The grip is phenomenal, pinning you into the seat with G-forces that demand every ounce of focus. Then, as the corner opens up, the instant, relentless surge of 830 horsepower propels the Ferrari with astonishing force: 0-62 mph in under three seconds, 0-124 mph in just over seven seconds. On Monteblanco’s main straight, which isn’t exceptionally long, the 296 easily exceeded 180 mph.
One fascinating detail, which Ferrari engineers later candidly shared, is that the full 830 hp is available for the initial several laps of such flat-out track assault. After this, to protect the battery and hybrid system, power output slightly decreases by about 40-50 hp. This might surprise some, but in reality, few drivers will sustain more consecutive laps at this extreme intensity. The car is so physically and mentally demanding, so utterly engaging, that even a slight power reduction becomes almost imperceptible amidst the relentless torrent of forces.
The 296 GTB pushes responsiveness and agility to new frontiers for a mid-engined Ferrari. The V6’s compact dimensions allowed for a two-inch shorter wheelbase compared to the F8 Tributo, a move that significantly benefits both handling precision and chassis stiffness. It’s tempting to compare its behavior to a pure race car, but the 296 offers a level of forgiveness and safety far beyond any competition machine. Keep the manettino out of CT-Off, and the rear axle remains uncannily planted, even during aggressive trail braking – a maneuver that typically demands considerable skill and bravery in motorsport.
Braking performance, aided by the new ABS Evo system working in conjunction with Ferrari’s 6w-CDS sensor (measuring forces across six axes), is a standout feature. I’ve rarely encountered a road car with such exceptional stopping power and control, perhaps only rivaled by the 2021 Porsche 911 GT3. Yet, while the GT3 is an incredible track weapon, the 296 GTB delivers an additional, intangible quality: pure, unadulterated fun.
With growing confidence, I nudged the manettino to CT-Off, and instantly, the virtual leash on the rear axle loosened. The electronic differential and Side Slip Control, perfected over years by Ferrari, allowed for exquisitely controlled power slides. I could provoke a slide, manage it with surprising ease even with exaggerated steering inputs, and then instinctively gather it back. The 296 doesn’t just tolerate such antics; it encourages them, providing a thrilling, yet remarkably manageable, canvas for exploring its incredible limits. This sophisticated blend of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) supercars elevates the driving experience rather than diluting it.
Road Elegance: A Dual Personality
Later that day, switching to a more subtle Rosso Imola 296 GTB, sans Assetto Fiorano, I embarked on public mountain roads. This provided a crucial opportunity to appreciate its other dimension. In the flesh, the 296 GTB’s design is simply stunning. While initial photos didn’t fully capture its essence, seeing it in person reveals another triumph by Flavio Manzoni’s team. It introduces a fresh, creative aesthetic to the supercar segment while remaining unequivocally Ferrari.
Maranello usually resists overt retro themes, but the 296 incorporates a surprisingly direct, yet modern, homage to one of the most beautiful Ferraris ever created: the 250 LM, particularly in its sensual rear fender lines and dramatically clean surfaces. Yet, beneath this elegant skin lies an intricate dance of advanced aerodynamics. The airflow around the 296 GTB’s body is meticulously managed, not just for engine cooling but also to generate significant downforce without increasing drag. The active rear spoiler, hidden elegantly between the taillights at lower speeds, and the active flaps within the diffuser are the only movable aero elements, a testament to the purity of the fixed aerodynamic solutions.
On public roads, with the eManettino set to eDrive, the 296 GTB transforms. It glides silently, with a refined composure reminiscent of a Starship Enterprise. The 15-mile electric range feels genuinely viable for local errands or quiet neighborhood departures. This non-Assetto Fiorano car, with its plush, leather-rich interior, offers a surprising level of comfort and civility. The front trunk provides useful cargo space, and the magnetorheological suspension expertly soaks up road imperfections, making it far more compliant than its track-focused persona would suggest.
But one flick of the manettinos, and the beast awakens. On an empty mountain pass, the 830 hp feels even more terrifying, the brakes even more aggressive (the carbon ceramic brakes performance is phenomenal), and the steering intimidatingly direct. It’s a breathtaking dichotomy: a civilized cruiser that can, in an instant, transform into an apex predator.
The Future is Hybrid, and Ferrari Leads
Handing back the keys, I felt a familiar blend of exhilaration and awe. My initial misgivings about a V6, about hybridization in a Ferrari, were not just assuaged; they were obliterated. The 296 GTB is not merely a compromise to meet future regulations; it is, from my expert perspective, one of Ferrari’s most significant achievements in decades. It’s a critical car for the brand’s future, boldly completed with radically new ingredients, yet retaining every ounce of the passion and performance we expect from Maranello.
Ferrari didn’t just meet the challenge of electrification; they redefined it. For the first time in my extensive experience, a plug-in hybrid system truly enhances a supercar’s character, bringing an additional dimension of versatility and performance that transcends simple numbers. This is great news for both Ferrari and its legions of fans. Even as the automotive world embraces an electrified future, Ferrari remains poised to lead the pack, demonstrating that sustainable luxury vehicles can still deliver unparalleled excitement and an uncompromising driving experience.
The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB is not just a car; it’s a statement. It’s a testament to ingenuity, passion, and the relentless pursuit of driving perfection. It offers a glimpse into a thrilling future where performance isn’t just maintained but elevated through intelligent electrification.
Experience the future of performance firsthand. Visit your nearest authorized Ferrari dealership today to discover how the 296 GTB is redefining driving excellence in 2025 and beyond.
