The Ferrari 296 GTB: Redefining Performance in the 2025 Hybrid Era
For over a decade, I’ve had the privilege of navigating the ever-evolving landscape of high-performance automotive engineering. My journey has seen the rise of electrification from a niche curiosity to a defining force in the industry. As we cruise into 2025, the conversation around powertrains has shifted dramatically. The once-whispered “all-electric future” is now a rapidly approaching reality, yet the bridge to that future, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), remains a battleground of compromises and aspirations. Many automakers have dipped their toes into PHEV waters, often delivering vehicles that felt more like compliance cars than true performance machines – heavy, underpowered on electric, and struggling to reconcile their dual identities. That is, until Ferrari unleashed the 296 GTB.
In an automotive world grappling with stringent emissions regulations and a consumer base increasingly demanding both power and responsibility, the concept of a hybrid supercar has matured considerably by 2025. What was once seen as a necessary evil is now being embraced as an opportunity for unprecedented performance. The Ferrari 296 GTB isn’t merely an astonishing feat of engineering; it’s a declarative statement from Maranello, a bold vision of how luxury hybrid performance can transcend the perceived limitations of its class and set a new benchmark for cutting-edge automotive technology. This machine offers a visceral, engaging experience that genuinely redefines what a plug-in hybrid, particularly one bearing the Prancing Horse, can achieve.
Ferrari is no stranger to next-gen hybrid powertrains. The limited-production LaFerrari introduced us to mild hybridization in 2013, followed by the SF90 Stradale, their first series-production plug-in hybrid hypercar in 2019. However, the 296 GTB operates on a different plane. It’s not a hypercar designed for ultimate, no-compromise speed. Instead, it’s positioned to become the very foundation of Ferrari’s core sports car offerings, a direct lineage successor in spirit, if not in engine configuration, to the esteemed V8 berlinettas that have long defined the brand’s everyday (for a supercar) athleticism. This signals a seismic shift, indicating that the future of their most beloved models will be intrinsically linked to electrification.
The departure from the legendary V8 engine for a V6 in their mid-engine sports car caused ripples across the exotic car market trends 2025. For decades, Ferrari’s V8s, particularly the F8 Tributo’s Tipo F154 CD, were lauded as benchmarks for turbocharged perfection. To improve upon such a masterpiece, especially with a smaller displacement and fewer cylinders, seemed an almost insurmountable challenge. Yet, Maranello engineering innovation thrives on pushing boundaries. The 296 GTB doesn’t just improve; it redefines. Its hybridized 3.0-liter V6 doesn’t just generate more power than its F8 predecessor; it generates heaps of it, culminating in a jaw-dropping total system output of 830 horsepower. This figure, astonishingly, matches the limited-production, naturally aspirated 812 Competizione, placing the 296 GTB at the zenith of premium performance vehicles from a power perspective.
At the heart of this revolution is Ferrari’s all-new 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, internally designated Tipo F163. This compact masterpiece alone churns out a remarkable 663 horsepower, achieving an industry-leading 221 hp per liter. This figure isn’t just impressive; it’s a testament to the advancements in advanced powertrain engineering over the past five years. The key innovation lies in the engine’s architecture: Ferrari engineers, under the guidance of then-CTO Michael Leiters, widened the V-angle between cylinder banks from 90 to 120 degrees. This seemingly subtle change allowed them to position the twin IHI turbochargers within the “hot vee” – the space between the cylinder banks – rather than on the engine’s sides.
This “hot vee” configuration, a trend now ubiquitous in high-performance V6 and V8 engines across the supercar segment by 2025, is not new to Ferrari. They pioneered it in Formula 1 with their 1981 126 CK. Its return in the 296 GTB is a masterclass in packaging efficiency, reduced turbo lag, and optimized thermal management. By shortening the exhaust paths to the turbos and centralizing mass, Ferrari significantly improved throttle response and volumetric efficiency. This design not only boosts performance but, crucially, helps manage emissions, a growing challenge for all automakers. The engine also features a highly sophisticated combustion chamber, derived from the SF90 Stradale, with a centrally mounted fuel injector operating at an immense 350 bar (over 5,000 psi) of pressure, ensuring ultra-fine fuel atomization for maximum efficiency and power.
The bespoke IHI turbochargers, symmetrical and counter-rotating, are themselves technological marvels. For the V6, smaller units with 11-percent smaller turbine rotors were chosen, allowing them to spool up to an astonishing 180,000 rpm more rapidly. This downsizing decision was deliberate: it imbues the turbocharged V6 innovation with a responsiveness that mimics the instantaneous, linear power delivery of a naturally aspirated engine, a characteristic often cherished by purists. The result is a powerband that reaches its peak at a soaring 8,000 rpm, with a redline at 8,500 rpm, feeling far more akin to a screaming, high-revving masterpiece than a typical forced-induction unit.
And then, there’s the sound. Oh, the sound! From my very first encounter with the 296 GTB approaching Spain’s Circuito Monteblanco, I knew this wasn’t just another V6. The new crankshaft, with connecting rods spaced 120 degrees apart, required a balance shaft and introduced an entirely new acoustic signature. At lower RPMs, it’s a deep, resonant growl, reminiscent of recent turbocharged V8s. But push the pedal, and that bass quickly gives way to an immersive, high-frequency soprano – a truly iconic exhaust note. Despite the muffling effects of modern gasoline particulate filters, the 296 GTB sings. Ferrari’s engineering team, not marketing, affectionately dubbed this engine the “piccolo V12” (little V12) during its development, a testament to its unexpectedly exhilarating soundtrack. Inside the cabin, this symphony isn’t digitally synthesized; instead, Ferrari employs its “tubo caldo” (hot tube) solution, a physical pipe channeling the most attractive exhaust frequencies directly to the occupants’ ears. It’s a genuine experience, a welcome touch in an era where authentic automotive sound engineering is increasingly challenging.
Sandwiched between this magnificent V6 and the lightning-fast 8-speed dual-clutch F1 transmission (a unit co-developed with Magna, also found in the SF90 and Roma) lies the electric heart: a dual-rotor, single-stator, axial flux motor from British company YASA. This compact, frying-pan-sized disc adds another 167 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of instant torque. Ferrari deliberately keeps the combined torque figure under wraps, a clever move to maintain competitive advantage and allow the precise, proprietary interplay between the engine and motor during acceleration to remain a closely guarded secret. This high-performance electric motor is designed for rapid deployment, not prolonged endurance.
The electric power is fed by a relatively small 7.45-kWh battery. In 2025, with larger batteries becoming common even in everyday PHEVs, this might seem modest. However, it’s a deliberate engineering choice to prioritize power-to-weight ratio and instantaneous energy delivery over extended EV range. This configuration provides a useful 15 miles of electric-only range, primarily for silent urban cruising or discreet exits from your garage. While charging from a 6-kW wall charger takes over two hours, the V6 engine can rapidly replenish the battery on the fly, demonstrating an intelligent integration for efficient hybrid systems focused on performance.
Despite the addition of a comprehensive hybrid powertrain, which adds a not-insignificant 287 lbs. compared to the F8’s V8, the 296 GTB remains remarkably light. At 3,241 lbs. dry, it’s only 77 lbs. heavier than the F8 and, incredibly, matches its predecessor, the 488 GTB. This achievement speaks volumes about Ferrari’s commitment to lightweight supercar design and its expertise in utilizing carbon fiber supercar components and advanced materials throughout the chassis and body. Unlike the all-wheel-drive SF90, the 296 GTB sends all 830 of its hybrid horses to the rear wheels, a clear statement of intent for a pure, driver-focused experience.
To truly understand the Ferrari 296 GTB, you must experience it where it belongs: on the track. My first taste came with a bright yellow model equipped with the Assetto Fiorano package, the ultimate track-ready hybrid specification. This option transforms the GTB with lightweight Lexan rear screens, extensive carbon fiber, specialized aerodynamic addenda, and a passive GT-class suspension system from Canadian racing specialists Multimatic. Crucially, it comes shod with competition-grade Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2R tires. While this package adds nearly $40,000 to the base price of over $320,000, saving 26 lbs. and sharpening the car’s already formidable edge, it’s an investment for those seeking the pinnacle of Ferrari track performance.
Sliding into the cockpit, the 296 GTB immediately communicates its athletic intentions. The traditional analog gauges have given way to a large, curved digital screen with futuristic graphics. The steering wheel, a hub of haptic switchgear, feels intensely focused. Ferrari views its new generation of plug-in hybrids as catering to a “younger” demographic, and while I appreciate the ambition, the Human Machine Interface (HMI) is perhaps the 296 GTB’s only minor flaw. My decade of experience with intuitive interfaces has me preferring physical buttons for critical functions, and the haptic controls and auto-gearbox selector, though visually interesting, sometimes feel less precise. However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise brilliantly executed cabin.
The steering wheel hosts not one, but two manettinos. The familiar right-hand dial governs the driving dynamics: Wet, Sport, Race, CT-Off (traction control off), and ESC-Off (stability control off). The new “eManettino” on the left dictates how electric power is managed. eDrive offers full-electric motoring up to 84 mph. Hybrid mode is the default, intelligently blending power sources. Performance prioritizes the combustion engine, keeping the battery fully charged, while Qualify unleashes every available horse to the rear wheels.
Selecting Race and Qualify, I unleashed the 296 GTB onto the Circuit Monteblanco. Within the first straight, first braking zone, and first corner, any initial skepticism about a V6 hybrid vanished. This new Ferrari is, quite simply, as thrilling, fast, and capable as any supercar I’ve ever driven. The fusion of its two power sources is seamless, delivering an instant, relentless, gigantic surge of power. Zero to 62 mph in under three seconds, 0-124 mph in just over seven. On Monteblanco’s main straight, which isn’t particularly long, it effortlessly topped 180 mph.
The grip is ferocious, the chassis stiffness immense, and the supercar dynamics are nothing short of phenomenal. During hard cornering, the forces are so extreme they threaten to drain the blood from your head. What truly stands out, however, is the braking performance. Ferrari’s new ABS Evo system, working in conjunction with a 6w-CDS sensor measuring forces across six axes, delivers astounding stopping power and control. Only the 2021 Porsche 911 GT3 (another benchmark for braking performance innovation) comes close in this regard, yet the 296 GTB adds an undeniable layer of pure, unadulterated fun.
With the right manettino moved to CT-Off, the rear axle feels liberated, yet still tethered by Ferrari’s continuously refined electronic differential and Side Slip Control (SSC) systems. These technologies have reached a point by 2025 where they empower even skilled drivers to explore the limits, initiate power slides, and control them with extravagant steering angles, returning to a straight path instinctively. It’s a symphony of controlled chaos, allowing the full 830 ponies to be savored without risking life or limb. The engagement factor is off the charts. While I was having perhaps too much fun, F1 veteran Marc Gené, driving ahead, gently reminded me to return to Race mode and head for the pits. Worth it. Every single bit.
After a necessary cool-down and a brief discussion about my (entirely unintentional, I swear) tail-out theatrics, I was handed the keys to a different 296 GTB – a stunning Rosso Imola example, sans Assetto Fiorano, destined for public roads. This was my moment to appreciate the car’s other personality.
In the metal, the 296 GTB is a triumph of automotive design evolution. Flavio Manzoni’s team has crafted a machine that is fresh, creative, and undeniably 100-percent Ferrari. Maranello has a history of looking forward, not back, yet here there’s a surprisingly direct, elegant nod to the iconic 250 LM in its sensual rear fenders and dramatically clean surfaces. But beneath this classic inspiration lies state-of-the-art detail. It’s an incredibly complex design, masterfully managing airflow for cooling the braking system and twin engines, while generating substantial downforce without increasing drag – a testament to its aerodynamic efficiency. The active rear spoiler, rising at higher speeds like the LaFerrari, remains hidden most of the time, forming an elegant horizontal bar. Combined with active diffuser flaps, these are the only movable aerodynamic devices, showcasing Ferrari’s preference for elegant, integrated solutions.
On public roads, the hyper-fidelity details fade, and the 296 GTB reveals its dual nature. Engaging eDrive mode, the car glides silently through mountain passes, a hushed Starship Enterprise. The 15-mile electric range feels entirely viable, and the car is perfectly content being driven in a relaxed manner. The leather-rich interior of this non-Assetto Fiorano car is genuinely cozy and comfortable, the front trunk offers a surprisingly useful amount of cargo space for a supercar, and the magnetorheological suspension absorbs imperfections with remarkable compliance. This is a genuinely usable sustainable supercar driving experience.
Yet, with a flick of the manettinos, the transformation is instantaneous and profound. On a deserted, winding mountain road, the 296 GTB’s acceleration swings between a nervous smile and a dropped jaw. The 830 horsepower feels even more terrifying, the brakes even more aggressive, and the steering intimidatingly direct. It is, in every wonderful sense of the word, a beast. It’s the perfect embodiment of exclusive automotive technology packaged for both everyday (again, for a supercar) enjoyment and track domination.
Handing back the keys, I was left with a powerful sense of awe and profound relief. My initial misgivings about the “necessity” of a V6 plug-in hybrid Ferrari were not just dispelled; they were obliterated. The 296 GTB isn’t just a great car; it might be Ferrari’s most significant achievement in decades. It’s a crucial model for the brand’s future, boldly engineered with radically new ingredients, yet retaining every ounce of Ferrari soul. Maranello didn’t just meet the challenge of electrification; they hit the bull’s-eye on the first attempt, transforming a regulatory requirement into a genuinely exhilarating performance advantage.
For the first time in my decade-long journey observing the automotive world, a plug-in hybrid system feels less like a compromise and more like a means to add an entirely new, electrifying dimension to a car’s character. This is fantastic news for Ferrari enthusiasts and a clear indicator that the future-proof supercar has arrived. Even if the brand’s destiny is inextricably linked to electrified powertrains, the 296 GTB proves it can still lead the pack, delivering an intoxicating blend of speed, engagement, and technological prowess. This is not just a car to drive; it’s a statement, a masterclass in automotive innovation leadership.
The world of high-performance vehicles is shifting. Don’t just observe it; experience it. The 296 GTB offers a glimpse into an exhilarating future. If you’re ready to explore the pinnacle of performance hybrid systems and discover what truly astonishing looks, sounds, and feels like in 2025, it’s time to engage with this marvel. Contact your nearest Ferrari dealer or an authorized specialist today to learn how you can become part of this electrifying new chapter in automotive excellence.
