New Ferrari 296 GTS Revealed With 819 HP

Apr. 19, 2022 9:42 AM ET byRoger Biermann Reveal /10 Comments

Ferrari has lifted the lid on the 296 GTB in fine style.

We knew it was coming the momentFerrari teased it last week. Yesterday'ssecond teaser served as mere confirmation. But here it is, the convertible version of theFerrari 296 GTB. Dubbed the 296 GTS, it's a familiar recipe to what we've seen before from Ferrari's mid-engined offerings when they transition from coupe-only to convertible models. You get the same twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 as before, the same hybrid assistance, and the same 818 horsepower combined output, sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed F1 dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

So what's changed? Well, in short, the 296 GTS offers you endless headroom when the conditions suit.

Ferrari

To start, 296 GTS follows a long tradition of naming Ferrari models based on engine displacement. 29 refers to the displacement, 6 to the number of cylinders, and GTS stands for Gran Turismo Spider. But this is no grand tourer - it's a full-on plug-in hybrid supercar with the hybrid system supplying an additional 164 hp to the 654 hp produced by the 120-degree V6 alone.

Preserve energy, and it'll go for 15.5 miles on electricity alone at speeds of up to 84 mph, but drop the hammer, and it'll hit 62 mph in 2.9 seconds (equal to the coupe), 124 mph in 7.6 seconds (0.3 seconds slower than the GTB), and top out at over 205 mph.

At 3,395 lbs dry, the GTS is 155 lbs heavier than the GTB-badged coupe. The additional weight is the result of a folding hardtop roof that takes just 14 seconds to open and close at speeds up to 28 mph. The roof is designed in such a fashion that the glass engine bay cover can be retained.

Ferrari

Visually, with the roof up, little changes compared to the 296 GTB, and the final productlooks very much like we predictedit would. But drop the roof and the shoulder air intakes remain, creating a curvaceous top line that leads to an active rear spoiler Ferrari says is derived from the LaFerrari.

The Italian marque answered the requests of customers who wanted the 296 GTS to be available with the Assetto Fiorano package to make the open-top experience as sporty as can be. With a slew of aerodynamic tweaks, special visuals, and a weight reduction strategy to reach the aforementioned dry weight, it generates 794 lbs of downforce at 155 mph.

Ferrari claims that due to the shape of the tonneau cover, the aerodynamics and cooling properties of the convertible version remain unchanged from those of the coupe.

Ferrari

The interior remains largely unchanged as a digitally-imbued cockpit. However, for the GTS, designers created a new diapason (tuning fork) style seat with color coordination to the exterior edges of the instrument cluster. Aerodynamic flaps on the bodywork have the effect of reducing wind buffeting within the cabin when driving with the roof down.

The 296 GTS is slated to retain the GTB's focus on fun driving dynamics through impressive throttle response, steering sensations, brake pedal feel, and the sound emanating from the V6. Ferrari also employs the hybrid regeneration system to improve handling dynamics, harvesting energy under lift-off by overbraking the rear axle, and recovering energy even when the ABS brakes kick in under heavy braking.

Four driving modes exist.eDriveis pure electric, whileHybridis the default, managing combustion and electric power in harmony.Performancekeeps the engine running to maintain battery charge while providing strong performance, andQualifydirects all available power to the road at the expense of maintaining charge.

Ferrari

The Assetto Fiorano package comprises racing-derived Multimatic shock absorbers with adjustability, carbon fiber aero trim, and more carbon used inside and out. The doors on the AF package are completely different from the standard items, saving 17.6 lbs. The finishing touch is a special livery inspired by the Ferrari 250 Le Mans. When equipped, the Assetto Fiorano slaps a set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2R tires on the 20-inch alloy wheels.

Pricing is unconfirmed as yet, but we expect the 296 GTS to arrive stateside in early 2023 asking for around $400,000.