Reinventing the Roar: The 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB Redefines Hybrid Supercar Excellence
The automotive landscape of 2025 is unmistakably electric-bound. What was once a distant whisper has become a roaring current, pushing manufacturers across the spectrum towards a future where internal combustion, in its purest form, will soon be a relic. For many, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) has emerged as the logical bridge, a stepping stone offering the best of both worlds – or so the marketing often claims. Having spent over a decade dissecting the nuanced performance of high-end machinery, I’ve approached most PHEVs with a healthy dose of skepticism. The promise of electric-only commuting paired with combustion-engine range often translates into a heavy, compromised, and ultimately uninspiring driving experience. The electric range is often theoretical, the combustion engine strained, and the “hybrid advantage” feeling more like a penalty.
That skepticism, however, shattered the moment I truly engaged with the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB. This isn’t just another hybrid; it’s a radical reinterpretation, a profound statement from Maranello that electrification needn’t dilute the essence of a supercar. In fact, it can amplify it. While the mighty LaFerrari in 2013 and the groundbreaking SF90 Stradale in 2019 introduced hybrid power to the Prancing Horse, the 296 GTB carves a fundamentally different path. It’s not a limited-run hypercar or a halo model; it’s poised to become the very foundation of Ferrari’s core sports car offering, signaling a pivotal shift for the brand and the entire performance industry.
The Maranello Maverick: A New Era for Ferrari
For generations, the mid-engine V8 berlinetta has been the beating heart of Ferrari’s lineup, an agile, visceral machine epitomized by models like the F8 Tributo. Its turbocharged V8 engine was, in my estimation, one of the finest ever produced. So, the prospect of its direct lineage giving way to a V6, albeit a hybridized one, felt like sacrilege to some purists. Ferrari, ever the master of persuasion, insists the 296 GTB isn’t a direct F8 successor, yet the “temporary” halt on F8 orders suggests otherwise. Regardless of nomenclature, the 296 GTB shoulders immense expectations, tasked with not just matching but exceeding the F8’s legendary status.
And exceed it does, with an audacious abundance of power. The 296 GTB’s powertrain, a symphony of a new internal combustion engine and a Formula 1-derived Motor Generator Unit – Kinetic (MGU-K), delivers a staggering combined output of 830 horsepower. That’s an identical figure to the track-focused 812 Competizione, a testament to the hybrid system’s potency. The lion’s share of this comes from a compact, twin-turbo V6 that boasts an astounding 221 horsepower per liter, culminating in 663 hp solely from gasoline. This marks a substantial leap from the F8’s 185 hp/liter, showcasing Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of automotive engineering innovation.
Engineering an Icon: The Heart of the Beast
The 296 GTB’s all-new 3.0-liter V6, designated Tipo F163, is a masterpiece of modern engine design. Ferrari’s engineers, under the guidance of now-departed CTO Michael Leiters, dramatically widened the angle between the cylinder banks from 90 to 120 degrees. This “hot vee” configuration, a trend in high-performance engines but one Ferrari pioneered in F1 with the 1981 126 CK, allows the twin IHI turbochargers to be nestled within the engine’s vee. This compact arrangement not only optimizes packaging but critically enhances fluid dynamics and volumetric efficiency for both intake and exhaust, leading to superior performance and, crucially for 2025 and beyond, significantly reduced emissions.
Drawing inspiration from the SF90 Stradale, the V6 employs a highly sophisticated combustion chamber with a centrally mounted fuel injector and spark plug, operating at an immense 350 bar (5,076 psi) of pressure. The Japanese specialists at IHI provided the pair of symmetrical, counter-rotating, mono-scroll turbochargers, albeit smaller units for the V6. These smaller turbines spin faster—up to 180,000 rpm—and react with incredible immediacy, effectively eliminating turbo lag. The result is an engine that feels less like a forced-induction unit and more akin to the naturally aspirated jewels of motorsport’s golden age.
This impression isn’t just theoretical; it’s palpable. The V6’s unique crankshaft, distinct from Ferrari’s famous flat-plane V8s, features connecting rods spaced 120 degrees apart, contributing to a more compact and lighter design. This new architecture necessitated a balance shaft and, serendipitously, birthed an entirely new sonic signature. At lower RPMs, the V6 offers a deep, resonant rumble, somewhat reminiscent of recent turbocharged V8s. But unleash the throttle, and the bass rapidly transforms into an intoxicating, high-frequency soprano. It’s an engaging, surprisingly loud symphony, especially considering the constraints of modern gasoline particulate filters (GPFs) that often mute contemporary supercars. It’s no wonder Ferrari’s engineers, not the marketing team, dubbed this engine the “piccolo V12” – the little V12. Inside the cabin, this auditory brilliance isn’t digitally synthesized. Instead, Ferrari employs its “tubo caldo” (hot tube) solution, a dedicated pipe that channels the most appealing exhaust notes directly to the occupants’ ears, a tasteful concession given the car’s ability to operate in silent electric mode.
The Electric Pulse: Seamless Integration
Sandwiched meticulously between the internal combustion engine and the sublime 8-speed dual-clutch F1 transmission (a collaboration with Magna, also found in the SF90 and Roma) lies the electric heart: a dual-rotor, single-stator, axial flux motor supplied by British firm YASA. This disc-shaped unit, roughly the size of a frying pan, contributes an additional 167 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. While Ferrari remains tight-lipped about the combined peak torque, a strategic move to keep competitors guessing about the engine-motor collaboration during acceleration, the seamlessness of its integration is undeniable.
The electric motor is fed by a compact 7.45-kWh battery, which is modest by conventional plug-in hybrid standards, providing a realistic 15 miles of electric-only range. While a Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid might boast double that range with a larger battery, the 296 GTB’s focus isn’t on maximizing EV commuting. The tightly packaged, 154-pound battery and AC/DC converter are tucked efficiently behind the seats. The system prioritizes rapid deployment of stored energy for performance bursts rather than prolonged electric travel. Charging from a 6-kW wall charger takes over two hours, making on-the-fly regeneration by the V6 a far more practical and engaging method to keep the electric reserves topped up.
Despite the hybrid powertrain adding a considerable 287 pounds over the F8’s V8, the 296 GTB remains remarkably svelte. Tipping the scales at 3,241 pounds dry, it’s only 77 pounds heavier than the F8 and, notably, matches its predecessor, the 488 GTB, in weight. This meticulous weight management is a testament to Ferrari’s engineering prowess, ensuring the hybrid system enhances performance without compromising the brand’s hallmark agility.
Behind the Wheel: Track Unleashed (Assetto Fiorano)
My inaugural encounter with Ferrari’s newest masterpiece began on the challenging Circuito Monteblanco in Spain, behind the wheel of a striking yellow 296 GTB equipped with the Assetto Fiorano package. This track-focused upgrade is not for the faint of heart or wallet, adding nearly $40,000 to the already substantial $322,000 base price. It includes bespoke external aerodynamic elements, a GT-class passive suspension system from the revered Canadian specialist Multimatic, competition-grade Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2R tires, a Lexan rear screen, and extensive carbon fiber components, collectively shedding 26 pounds. It’s a serious proposition for serious drivers.
Sliding into the cockpit, the impression is one of pure athleticism. While Ferrari intends its new wave of PHEVs for a “younger” demographic, my 32 years feel ancient when grappling with the Human Machine Interface (HMI). The traditional analog gauges have yielded to a large, curved digital screen with sci-fi graphics, and the steering wheel is festooned with haptic switchgear. Frankly, I find it unintuitive and at times irritating. My long-standing gripes with Ferrari’s turn-signal buttons and the rather cheap-looking, awkward imitation of a 1950s open shift gate for the automatic gearbox persist. It’s the 296’s sole serious drawback in an otherwise near-perfect execution.
The busy steering wheel houses not one but two manettinos. The right-hand dial offers the familiar suite of driving modes: Wet, Sport, Race, CT-Off (traction control off), and ESC-Off (stability control off). The new “eManettino” on the left dictates the electric power delivery. eDrive engages full-electric mode, limiting speed to 84 mph. Hybrid is the default, intelligently shuffling between power sources. Performance prioritizes the combustion engine while maintaining battery charge, and Qualify unleashes every available horse to the rear wheels.
Selecting Race and Qualify, I ventured onto the track. Despite the theoretical complexity of the powertrain, the 296 GTB simplifies everything the moment you hit the first straight, tackle the first braking zone, and carve the first corner. This Ferrari is as thrilling, as relentlessly fast, and as supremely capable as any supercar I’ve piloted. What truly impresses is the directness and purity of its driving dynamics, defying its additional weight and the inherent complexities of two power sources.
The grip is ferocious, capable of tearing rubber from the hot Michelins during hard cornering and inducing a mild head rush. Exiting the corner onto a straight, the instant, monumental surge of 830 horsepower propels the 296 GTB from 0-62 mph in under three seconds and 0-124 mph in just over seven seconds. On Monteblanco’s relatively short main straight, the car effortlessly crested 180 mph. However, it’s here that the battery’s rapid depletion becomes noticeable. Ferrari engineers later confirmed that the full 830 hp is delivered only during the initial aggressive laps, after which output drops by 40-50 hp. While this might be a surprise, few drivers would sustain such extreme attacks for more than a few consecutive laps – the car is that physically demanding.
The 296 GTB elevates alertness and eagerness to change direction to unprecedented levels among Ferrari’s mid-engine berlinettas. The V6’s smaller footprint allowed for a two-inch shorter wheelbase compared to the F8 Tributo, significantly benefiting handling and chassis stiffness. It moves with a predatory precision, feeling like a finely tuned race car. Yet, unlike a true competition machine, it’s remarkably forgiving. Keep the right manettino out of CT-Off, and the rear axle remains steadfast, even under aggressive trail braking – a maneuver usually demanding profound skill and bravery in motorsport.
Braking performance is a standout feature. Ferrari’s new ABS Evo system, integrated with a 6w-CDS sensor measuring forces across six axes, delivers stopping power and stability I’ve only experienced in one other car: the 2021 Porsche 911 GT3. But while the GT3 is an incredible track weapon, the 296 GTB adds an element the 911 sometimes hints at but never fully embraces: sheer, unadulterated fun. Turning the manettino to CT-Off unleashes the rear axle, yet the virtual leash provided by the perfected electronic differential and Side Slip Control allows for gloriously controlled power slides. You can initiate them with ease, manage extravagant steering angles, and instinctively bring the car back into line. My grin was almost permanent until former F1 racer Marc Gené, driving ahead, politely radioed me back to Race mode and into the pits. Worth every second of mild admonishment.
Beyond the Circuit: Elegance on the Open Road (Standard GTB)
After a brief discussion about my “unintentional” tail-out antics, I was handed the keys to a different 296 GTB, finished in a stunning Rosso Imola, devoid of the Assetto Fiorano package. This was for public roads, a chance to appreciate its broader personality. It’s an opportunity to step back and admire the car’s subtle elegance. While initial press photos didn’t universally captivate, seeing the 296 GTB in the metal reveals another triumph for Flavio Manzoni’s design team. It brings a fresh, creative dynamism to the supercar segment, yet remains undeniably, uncompromisingly Ferrari.
Maranello generally resists overt retro styling, but the 296 GTB surprisingly acknowledges its heritage with a direct reference to the exquisite 250 LM. The same sensual rear fenders and dramatically clean surfaces that seduced with the classic now captivate on the modern. Simultaneously, this Prancing Horse stimulates the imagination with its state-of-the-art details. Beneath those clean lines lies an incredibly complex aerodynamic design, meticulously cooling the braking system and twin engines that can generate temperatures up to 1,600°F behind the driver. Airflow isn’t just for cooling; it’s cleverly manipulated to generate significant downforce without incurring drag penalties. Ferrari, generally eschewing movable aero, limits it to an active rear spoiler (similar to LaFerrari, mostly hidden) and a set of flaps in the diffuser.
On public roads, these high-fidelity aerodynamic intricacies recede into the background. Instead, the 296 GTB’s immense versatility comes to the fore. In eDrive mode, navigating the winding mountain roads around the track felt like piloting a hushed Starship Enterprise. The claimed 15-mile electric range is entirely viable, and the car is perfectly content being driven in a relaxed manner. The leather-rich interior of this non-Assetto Fiorano model is invitingly cozy and comfortable, the front trunk offers practical cargo space, and the magnetorheological suspension delivers a surprisingly forgiving ride.
Yet, a flick of the manettinos instantly summons the full supercar experience. On a deserted mountain pass, the 296 GTB’s acceleration elicits reactions ranging from a nervous smile to an outright dropped jaw. The 830 horsepower feels even more terrifyingly potent here, the brakes even more aggressive, and the steering intimidatingly direct. It’s a beast, in the most wonderful sense.
The Verdict: A Hybrid Masterpiece for 2025 and Beyond
Handing back the keys, I felt both startled by its capabilities and a profound sense of relief. Despite my initial reservations about the hybridization, the 296 GTB might just be Ferrari’s greatest achievement in decades. It is a crucial car for the brand’s future, boldly executed with radically new ingredients, yet it hits the bull’s-eye on the first attempt. For the first time in my extensive experience, a plug-in hybrid system has not merely been integrated; it has become a fundamental means to elevate a car’s character, adding an intoxicating new dimension to the driving experience.
This is phenomenal news for both Ferrari and its legion of fans. Even as the brand’s future belongs increasingly to electrified vehicles, it has unequivocally demonstrated its ability to not just adapt but to lead the charge in this brave new world of performance hybrids. For enthusiasts like myself, it means the dream of new Ferrari models, even the plug-in hybrid ones, remains thrillingly alive.
Are you ready to experience the future of high-performance driving? Dive deeper into the world of the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTB and discover how Maranello is redefining what a supercar can be.
