Maranello’s Masterpiece: The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB Redefines Hybrid Performance
As we navigate the dynamic landscape of 2025, the automotive world continues its relentless march toward electrification. For enthusiasts and industry veterans like myself, who’ve spent a decade immersed in the roar of combustion engines and the precision of high-performance engineering, this shift brings both apprehension and excitement. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), once seen as a mere interim solution, have rapidly evolved into a sophisticated segment, challenging preconceived notions about what a true performance car can be. Yet, a persistent skepticism lingers: can a hybrid truly deliver the unadulterated thrill, the visceral connection, and the soul-stirring experience expected from an elite marque? Many conventional PHEVs, burdened by weight and often compromising the purity of their internal combustion heart, have struggled to bridge this gap. That is, until now. The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB doesn’t just embrace hybridization; it redefines it, offering a vision of power and engagement that stands as a monumental achievement in the era of sustainable luxury vehicles.
This isn’t Ferrari’s first foray into electric assist – the legendary LaFerrari hypercar showcased hybrid prowess over a decade ago, followed by the SF90 Stradale, Maranello’s first series-production PHEV. But the 296 GTB is different. It’s not an ultra-limited hypercar or an all-out AWD titan; it’s the new foundation for Ferrari’s core sports car offerings, a rear-wheel-drive berlinetta poised to become the benchmark for what “hybrid done right” truly means for a high-performance, exotic PHEV. It’s a testament to how advanced hybrid powertrains can not only comply with evolving regulations but enhance the supercar driving dynamics to an astonishing degree.
The Heart of the Beast: Revolutionary Powertrain Engineering
For much of its storied history, Ferrari’s mid-engine V8s have been the soulful core of its sports car lineage. While the F8 Tributo and Spider, glorious as they were, are no longer taking orders, the 296 GTB isn’t merely a successor; it’s a bold leap forward, marking the dawn of a new, electrified V6 era. The challenge was immense: how to improve upon what many considered the finest turbocharged V8 in history? Ferrari’s answer: a revolutionary 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, integrated with F1-derived hybrid technology, delivering not just more power but a completely new dimension of performance.
The all-new Tipo F163 engine is a masterpiece of modern automotive engineering. Boasting a “hot vee” configuration, where the twin IHI turbochargers are nestled within the 120-degree angle of the cylinder banks, this design optimizes packaging, improves fluid dynamics, and significantly reduces emissions – a crucial factor for luxury performance hybrids in 2025. This isn’t just a contemporary trend; Ferrari pioneered the hot vee in its 1981 Formula 1 car, the 126 CK, and then the championship-winning 126 C2. This historical connection underscores Maranello’s commitment to pushing boundaries while honoring its racing heritage.
The compact V6 alone generates an astonishing 663 horsepower, achieving an incredible 221 hp/liter – a substantial increase over the F8’s Tipo F154 CD. But the magic truly unfolds with the seamless integration of the electric motor. Sandwiched between the engine and the sublime 8-speed dual-clutch F1 transmission, lies a dual-rotor, single-stator axial flux motor, supplied by British firm YASA. This sophisticated electric motor contributes an additional 167 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a staggering combined system output of 830 horsepower. To put that in perspective, that’s precisely the same power as the limited-production, naturally aspirated 812 Competizione, a car at the other end of Ferrari’s price sheet. The innovative powertrain design effectively eliminates traditional turbo lag, delivering instantaneous torque fill and ensuring that power is always on tap, transforming the acceleration profile into something truly otherworldly. This advanced hybrid powertrain is a clear signal of Ferrari’s strategic shift and a masterclass in high-performance electric motor integration.
A Symphony of Speed: Engineering the Sound and Feel
Ferrari engines have always been as much about sound as they are about speed. With a V6 replacing the beloved V8, there was palpable concern. Yet, the 296 GTB proves that engineering ingenuity can overcome convention. The new crankshaft, more compact and lighter with connecting rods at 120 degrees, along with a carefully calibrated balance shaft, creates a unique acoustic signature. At low revolutions, a deep, resonant rumble, reminiscent of recent turbocharged V8s, hints at the potency within. But as the revs climb towards the 8,500 rpm redline, that bass transforms into an exhilarating, high-frequency soprano. This isn’t amplified by digital wizardry; instead, Ferrari employs its “tubo caldo” (hot tube) solution, channeling the most attractive exhaust notes directly into the cabin, a purist approach that respects the authenticity of the sound. The engineering team, recognizing its unique character, affectionately dubbed it the “piccolo V12″—a little V12. Despite the ubiquitous gasoline particulate filters that have muted so many modern supercars, the 296 GTB’s soundtrack remains engaging, loud, and utterly Ferrari.
The seamless power delivery is equally crucial to the driving feel. The 8-speed DCT, co-developed with Magna and shared with the SF90 Stradale and Roma, works in perfect harmony with the MGU-K. There’s no perceptible transition as the electric motor assists, merely a relentless surge of power that propels the car forward with breathtaking immediacy. This blend of mechanical and electrical prowess ensures an immersive driving experience that is both brutally effective and remarkably refined.
The Electric Dimension: Strategic Power for 2025
The 296 GTB features a compact 7.45 kWh battery, offering a modest 15 miles of electric-only range. In the 2025 landscape, where some PHEVs boast significantly larger batteries and extended electric ranges, this might seem limited. However, Ferrari’s philosophy for this PHEV is not about maximizing EV mileage. Instead, it’s a strategic deployment of electric power to enhance performance, reduce emissions in urban zones, and provide silent, low-speed motoring when desired. The battery pack, weighing 154 lbs and discreetly tucked behind the seats with the AC/DC converter, is engineered for rapid energy deployment rather than rapid charging. While a 6-kW wall charger will take over two hours to fully replenish, the V6 engine itself is incredibly efficient at recharging the battery on the fly, demonstrating a practical approach to hybrid battery technology for a supercar that prioritizes performance and dynamic agility. This “electric dimension” allows the 296 GTB to glide through city streets with the hushed elegance of a Starship Enterprise, only to unleash its full fury moments later. It’s a sophisticated balance for sustainable luxury vehicles in the modern era.
Mastering Dynamics: Chassis, Aero, and Handling Purity
Despite the added complexity and weight of the hybrid powertrain (which accounts for a considerable 287 lbs over the F8’s V8), the 296 GTB achieves a dry weight of 3,241 lbs. This is just 77 lbs heavier than the F8 and remarkably, identical to its predecessor, the 488 GTB. This incredible feat of lightweight chassis design is a testament to Ferrari’s unwavering commitment to minimizing mass, using advanced materials and meticulous engineering. Unlike the all-wheel-drive SF90 Stradale, the 296 GTB sends all its 830 horsepower to the rear wheels, a clear statement of intent for a pure, driver-focused experience. This RWD configuration appeals to purists seeking ultimate driver engagement.
The exterior design, penned by Flavio Manzoni’s team, is a stunning marriage of beauty and brutal efficiency. Initially, some found the official photos challenging, but in the metal, the 296 GTB is an undeniable masterpiece – fresh, creative, and unequivocally Ferrari. It draws surprising inspiration from one of Maranello’s most revered classics, the 250 LM, particularly in its sensual rear fenders and dramatically clean surfaces. However, beneath this elegance lies an extremely complex design optimized for performance. The airflow around the 296 GTB’s body is meticulously managed, not only to ventilate the engine bay (which can reach temperatures up to 1,600° F) and cool the advanced braking systems, but also to generate significant downforce without increasing drag.
Ferrari’s aversion to excessive active aerodynamic devices is well-known. Here, only two are employed: an active rear spoiler, which deploys at higher speeds akin to the LaFerrari, and a set of active flaps integrated into the diffuser. Most of the time, the spoiler remains hidden, contributing to the car’s clean, horizontal lines. This sophisticated Ferrari aerodynamics package is key to its stability and agility at extreme speeds, making it a benchmark for supercar handling dynamics. The engineering team also achieved a two-inch shorter wheelbase compared to the F8 Tributo, a critical factor enhancing agility and chassis stiffness, proving that even small adjustments yield significant gains in handling prowess.
For suspension, buyers have a choice. The standard car features magnetorheological dampers that provide a remarkably forgiving ride on public roads, adapting instantly to imperfections. For the ultimate track-focused supercar experience, the Assetto Fiorano package replaces these with GT-class passive Multimatic dampers, along with competition-ready Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2R tires, a Lexan rear screen, and additional carbon fiber. This setup saves an extra 26 lbs but adds a significant premium, showcasing Ferrari’s dedication to tailor the car for different performance demands. The new ABS Evo system, working in conjunction with a 6w-CDS sensor that measures forces across six axes, delivers unparalleled braking performance, rivaling the best in the business, including the exceptional 2021 Porsche 911 GT3.
The Driver’s Domain: Cockpit and Controls
Sliding into the cockpit of the 296 GTB, the immediate impression is one of raw athleticism, a true racing machine. The traditional analog gauges have given way to a large, curved digital screen with sci-fi inspired graphics, while the steering wheel is a technological hub, brimming with haptic switchgear. As an expert who appreciates tactile feedback, I confess the Human Machine Interface (HMI) with its haptic controls and the electronic representation of the classic gated shifter can feel a bit counter-intuitive at times. I may be “mentally old” at 42, but I still value a solid click and a physical connection. However, one must acknowledge that Ferrari aims this new wave of models at a younger, more tech-savvy generation, for whom such interfaces are the norm. The functionality, once learned, is undeniable, reflecting the advanced driver interface philosophy of 2025.
The steering wheel hosts not one, but two manettinos. The familiar right-hand dial allows drivers to select between Wet, Sport, Race, CT-Off (traction control off), and ESC-Off (electronic stability control off) modes, each progressively unleashing more of the car’s wild side. The new left-hand “eManettino” manages the electric powertrain, offering four distinct settings:
eDrive: Full-electric mode, perfect for urban stealth, limiting top speed to 84 mph.
Hybrid: The default, intelligently shuffling between combustion and electric power for optimal efficiency and performance.
Performance: Favors the combustion engine, keeping the battery charged and ready for maximum deployment.
Qualify: Throws every available horsepower at the rear wheels for peak performance – the ultimate supercar driving dynamics mode.
On the Asphalt: Track Prowess and Road Manners
My first encounter with the 296 GTB was on the Spanish Circuito Monteblanco, in an Assetto Fiorano-equipped car. Selecting Race and Qualify modes, the first straight, first braking zone, and first corner clarified everything. This Ferrari, regardless of its advanced powertrain, is as thrilling, fast, and capable as any supercar I’ve ever driven. Despite the additional weight from the hybrid system, the long list of driver aids, and the two power sources, the 296 feels admirably direct and pure.
The grip is ferocious, the G-forces during hard cornering intense enough to challenge one’s physiology. Then, as the corner unwinds into a straight, the instant, relentless, gigantic power of 830 horses catapults the Ferrari to 62 mph in under three seconds and 124 mph in just over seven seconds. On Monteblanco’s main straight, which is far from the longest, it effortlessly topped 180 mph. An honest expert confession: during sustained, full-attack laps, Ferrari engineers later confirmed a slight power reduction of 40-50 hp as the battery depletes. This isn’t a flaw but a realistic characteristic of high-demand hybrid systems during extreme track use, and for most track day supercar drivers, the sheer engagement and physical demands mean few will sustain such consecutive peak performance laps anyway.
What truly impressed on track was the 296 GTB’s alertness and eagerness to change direction, reaching new heights for Ferrari’s mid-engine berlinettas. The shorter wheelbase, a direct benefit of the more compact V6, significantly enhances agility and chassis stiffness. While it feels like a fine race car, it’s remarkably forgiving. Keep the manettino away from CT-Off, and the rear axle maintains unwavering grip, even under aggressive trail braking – a maneuver in motorsport typically demanding immense skill and bravery. This is where the electronic differential and Side Slip Control truly shine, managing power with exquisite precision.
After a few laps, confident in its capabilities, I dared to switch to CT-Off. The rear axle immediately felt unleashed, yet still under a controllable virtual leash. The perfectly tuned electronic aids allowed for easily initiated power slides, controlled even with extravagant steering angles, returning instinctively to a straight line. The sheer fun factor was immense, until a radio call from former F1 racer Marc Gené reminded me to revert to Race mode and head to the pits. Worth it.
Later, on public roads in a standard 296 GTB finished in a beautiful Rosso Imola, the car showcased its dual personality. In eDrive mode, it wafted through mountain passes with a serene quietness. The claimed 15-mile electric range felt perfectly viable for relaxed cruising. The leather-rich interior in this non-Assetto Fiorano car felt cozy and comfortable, the front trunk offered useful cargo space, and the magnetorheological suspension soaked up imperfections with surprising compliance.
But with a quick flick of the manettinos, the transformation was instantaneous. On an empty mountain road, the 830 hp felt even more terrifying, the aggressive brakes incredibly potent, and the steering intimidatingly direct. It became a magnificent beast, thrilling and responsive in equal measure. This is the definition of a dual-personality supercar, effortlessly transitioning from refined GT to apex predator.
Conclusion: The Future is Electrifying, and It’s Glorious
Handing back the keys, I felt a mix of exhilaration and profound relief. My initial skepticism about performance PHEVs has been shattered. The 296 GTB is, without hyperbole, one of Ferrari’s greatest achievements in decades. It is a critical car for the brand’s future, a bold statement executed with radically new ingredients, and Maranello has hit the bull’s-eye on the very first try. For the first time in my extensive experience, a plug-in hybrid system isn’t a compromise; it’s a means to bring an entirely new, exhilarating dimension to a car’s character.
This is extraordinary news for Ferrari and its legion of devoted fans. Even as the future unequivocally belongs to electrified cars, the 296 GTB proves that Ferrari is not merely adapting; it is leading the charge in this thrilling, interim new world. As for me, the thrill of new Ferrari models, even the plug-in hybrid ones, continues to ignite my passion and fuel my dreams.
Ready to experience this groundbreaking era of performance firsthand? Contact your authorized Ferrari dealer today to discover how the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB is setting new benchmarks for luxury performance hybrids.
