Ferrari 296 GTB: The Electrified Prancing Horse Redefining Supercar Excellence in 2025
The automotive landscape of 2025 is a whirlwind of innovation, where the traditional roar of a combustion engine increasingly shares the stage with the silent hum of electric propulsion. For years, the industry has wrestled with the notion of hybridization, particularly within the hallowed halls of high-performance vehicles. Many early attempts at integrating electric power felt like compromises, adding weight and complexity without truly enhancing the driving experience. They promised an all-electric future but often delivered a diluted present. My ten years immersed in the world of luxury performance vehicles have instilled a healthy skepticism regarding most plug-in hybrids (PHEVs)—until now.
Enter the Ferrari 296 GTB. This isn’t just another hybrid; it’s a profound statement, a meticulously engineered masterpiece that boldly redefines what a luxury hybrid sports car can be. Launched a few years ago and now fully established in the 2025 market, the 296 GTB stands as a beacon for Ferrari’s electrification strategy, proving that the future of driving can be even more exhilarating than the past. It’s a testament to Maranello’s relentless pursuit of perfection, seamlessly blending a cutting-edge V6 twin-turbo with a potent electric motor to create a driving sensation that is nothing short of astonishing. This is hybrid done right.
The Heartbeat of Innovation: A V6 That Sings Like a V12
For decades, the backbone of Ferrari’s mid-engined berlinettas has been the glorious V8. From the 308 to the F8 Tributo, these engines defined an era. So, the decision to pivot to a V6, even a hybridized one, was met with understandable apprehension by purists. However, the Tipo F163 engine residing in the 296 GTB is not merely a V6; it’s a technical tour de force, affectionately dubbed the “piccolo V12” by Ferrari engineers during its development—a nickname that speaks volumes about its character and performance.
This isn’t just any V6. It’s an all-new 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged unit delivering an astounding 663 horsepower on its own. That translates to an industry-leading 221 horsepower per liter, dwarfing its predecessors and setting a new benchmark for specific output in a series-production car. The engineering brilliance truly shines in its “hot vee” configuration. Instead of the conventional 90-degree V8 layout with turbos on the outside, Ferrari adopted a 120-degree V6, allowing the twin IHI turbochargers to nestle within the cylinder banks. This isn’t a new concept for Ferrari, tracing its roots back to their 1981 Formula 1 car, the 126 CK. But its application here for a road car is revolutionary for performance vehicle dynamics and efficiency.
The advantages of this layout are multifaceted. Packaging is significantly improved, leading to a more compact engine that benefits weight distribution and chassis stiffness. More critically for 2025, it optimizes fluid dynamics and volumetric efficiency, boosting performance while drastically reducing emissions—a constant, pressing challenge for all automakers navigating increasingly stringent environmental regulations. The combustion chamber itself is a marvel, borrowing technology from the SF90 Stradale, featuring centrally mounted fuel injectors operating at an incredible 350 bar (over 5,000 psi) for precise fuel atomization. The turbos, smaller and faster-spooling than those in the SF90, contribute to an almost instantaneous throttle response, making the engine feel uncannily like a naturally aspirated unit from motorsport’s golden era.
And then there’s the sound. This is where Ferrari always separates itself, and the 296 GTB is no exception. The unique 120-degree crank and a carefully tuned balance shaft orchestrate an auditory symphony. At lower RPMs, there’s a deep, rich rumble reminiscent of Ferrari’s turbocharged V8s. Push the throttle, however, and that bass transforms into a soaring, high-frequency soprano that builds relentlessly towards its 8,500 rpm redline. It’s an intoxicating, pure sound, further enhanced by Ferrari’s “tubo caldo” (hot tube) system, which channels the most desirable exhaust notes directly into the cabin without artificial amplification. In an age where gasoline particulate filters often mute exotic cars, the 296 GTB stands out, delivering a soundtrack that is both evocative and utterly authentic. It’s a masterclass in automotive engineering innovations, ensuring the soul of Ferrari remains vibrantly alive.
The Electric Embrace: Power and Precision
Complementing this extraordinary V6 is a sophisticated plug-in hybrid system that catapults the 296 GTB into the realm of next-generation supercar technology. Sandwiched between the engine and the sublime 8-speed dual-clutch F1 transmission—co-developed with Magna and shared with the SF90 and Roma—is a YASA-sourced axial flux electric motor. This compact disc, about the size of a frying pan, adds a substantial 167 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. The combined output is a staggering 830 horsepower, matching the limited-production 812 Competizione—a testament to the incredible efficiency and power density of modern hybrid powertrains. Ferrari intentionally keeps the combined torque figure under wraps, a strategic move to maintain a competitive edge.
The electric motor draws power from a compact 7.45 kWh battery pack, strategically placed behind the seats with the AC/DC converter. While this battery size provides a modest 15 miles of electric-only range—useful for quiet urban egress or cruising through scenic routes in eDrive mode—its primary purpose in the 296 GTB isn’t extended electric travel. Instead, it’s designed for rapid energy deployment and recovery, providing instant torque fill, boosting acceleration, and enhancing the driving experience. Recharging from a 6 kW wall charger takes over two hours, making it more efficient to let the V6 handle charging duties on the fly, demonstrating a practical approach to hybrid powertrain efficiency tailored for performance.
Despite the added complexity and mass of a hybrid system, Ferrari engineers, utilizing advanced materials and carbon fiber lightweighting strategies, managed to keep the 296 GTB remarkably svelte. Tipping the scales at 3,241 lbs. dry, it’s only 77 lbs. heavier than the F8 Tributo and matches the weight of its predecessor, the 488 GTB. This judicious weight management is crucial, ensuring that the hybrid system enhances rather than detracts from the car’s agility and responsiveness.
The Driving Experience: A Symphony of Sensation
Strapping into the cockpit of the 296 GTB, especially one equipped with the optional Assetto Fiorano package, immediately conveys a sense of purpose. In 2025, modern cockpits often blend analog nostalgia with digital futurism, and the 296 leans heavily into the latter. The large, curved digital screen replaces traditional gauges, and the steering wheel bristles with haptic switchgear—a design choice I, as an experienced driver, sometimes find less intuitive than physical buttons, but one that aligns with Ferrari’s vision for “the young” generation. However, the dual manettinos on the steering wheel remain universally appreciated: the traditional one for driving modes (Wet, Sport, Race, CT-Off, ESC-Off) and the innovative eManettino for managing electric power (eDrive, Hybrid, Performance, Qualify).
My first encounter with the 296 GTB on the track, choosing a combination of Race and Qualify modes, was an immediate revelation. Regardless of its sophisticated powertrain, this Ferrari is a raw, exhilarating machine. The grip, particularly with the Assetto Fiorano’s Multimatic passive suspension and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2R tires, is phenomenal—so fierce it can feel like it’s pulling g-forces directly from your brain. As the corner unwinds, the instant, relentless surge of 830 horsepower catapults the car forward. Zero to 60 mph in under three seconds, 0 to 124 mph in just over seven. On a relatively short straight, it effortlessly breaches 180 mph.
An expert’s eye, however, also notices the nuances. Ferrari engineers confirm that while the full 830 horsepower is available for initial bursts, sustained full-attack track driving over multiple laps will see a slight reduction of 40-50 horsepower as the battery depletes. Realistically, for most track day enthusiasts, the sheer intensity and physical demands of driving the 296 GTB at its limit mean few will experience this limitation consecutively. What truly stands out is the car’s remarkable directness and purity. Despite the added weight, the complex driver aids, and the distinct power sources, the 296 communicates with an almost telepathic clarity.
The shorter wheelbase—a two-inch reduction compared to the F8 Tributo, thanks to the more compact V6—translates directly into heightened agility and an eagerness to change direction that sets a new standard for Ferrari’s mid-engine berlinettas. The new ABS Evo system, coupled with the 6w-CDS sensor measuring forces across six axes, delivers braking performance that rivals the very best, like the 2021 Porsche 911 GT3. But where the GT3 is a surgical track weapon, the 296 GTB adds an undeniable layer of unadulterated fun.
Switching to CT-Off mode, the Ferrari’s electronic differential and Side Slip Control truly shine. These systems, perfected over years, act as a virtual leash, allowing the driver to effortlessly initiate and control power slides with precision, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with controlled oversteer. It’s an incredibly engaging experience, showcasing how advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) in supercars can enhance, rather than diminish, driver involvement.
Design: A Timeless Masterpiece for 2025
Beyond its mechanical prowess, the 296 GTB is a visual feast, a testament to Flavio Manzoni’s design team. While initial photos didn’t fully capture its essence, seeing it in person reveals a stunning blend of fresh creativity and undeniable Ferrari DNA. It evokes a surprising, yet welcome, direct reference to one of the most beautiful Ferraris ever made: the 250 LM, particularly in its sensual rear fenders and dramatically clean surfaces. Yet, it simultaneously pushes boundaries with state-of-the-art details.
The seemingly clean lines cleverly hide an intricate aerodynamic dance. Airflow is meticulously managed not only for cooling—crucial for an engine bay that can reach 1,600° F behind the driver—but also to generate significant downforce without increasing drag. Ferrari designers, generally averse to complex moveable aero, employ just two active elements: a rear spoiler that deploys at higher speeds, similar to the LaFerrari, and a set of flaps integrated into the diffuser. Most of the time, the spoiler remains tucked away, contributing to the car’s elegant, horizontal rear profile.
Out on public roads, the non-Assetto Fiorano model, especially in a rich Rosso Imola, reveals another dimension of the 296 GTB’s personality. In eDrive mode, it transforms into a hushed, comfortable cruiser, the magnetorheological suspension effortlessly soaking up imperfections. The interior, often adorned with bespoke automotive interiors in premium leather, is surprisingly accommodating, and the front trunk offers practical cargo space. This duality—the ability to be a refined grand tourer one moment and a ferocious supercar the next—underscores its versatility.
Yet, a flick of the manettinos instantly awakens the beast. On a winding mountain road, the 830 horsepower feels even more potent, the brakes fiercely aggressive, and the steering intimidatingly direct. It’s a captivating dichotomy, a car that can be serenely elegant or breathtakingly brutal, all at the driver’s command.
The Future is Now: A Legacy Redefined
Returning the keys, my initial skepticism about hybrids in the supercar segment has been completely shattered. The Ferrari 296 GTB isn’t just a nod to an electrified future; it’s a bold leap forward, proving that hybridization can amplify, rather than compromise, the visceral Ferrari experience. It is, arguably, Ferrari’s greatest achievement in decades, setting a new paradigm for high-performance plug-in hybrids and establishing itself as a potential future classic car.
For Ferrari and its legions of enthusiasts, this is profoundly good news. Even as the automotive world inexorably shifts towards electrification, Ferrari has proven it can lead the charge, crafting vehicles that embody unparalleled passion, precision, and power. The 296 GTB is not merely a hybrid; it’s a pure Ferrari, enhanced by intelligent electrification.
If you’re ready to experience the true zenith of modern luxury performance vehicles and witness firsthand how Ferrari is shaping the future of driving, don’t just read about the 296 GTB. Seek it out. Visit your authorized Ferrari dealer to discover the unrivaled blend of power, precision, and passion that defines this extraordinary machine. The next chapter of automotive legend is waiting for you.
