Galloping With 818 Hp And At 8,500 Rpm Redline, Ferrari Drops The Top On The 296 GTS

Redefining the whole concept of fun behind the wheel, the latest evolution of Maranello’s mid-rear-engined two-seater berlinetta spider, the Ferrari 296 GTS.

Ferrari’s new 296 GTS flanks the 296 GTB and guarantees pure emotions not just when pushing the car to its limits, but also in day-to-day driving situations. 

Performance

Coupled with a plug-in electric motor, the 296 GTS is the first Ferrari road-going spider to sport a V6 turbo with a vee with an angle of 120 degrees between the cylinder banks. 

Said architecture helps deliver extremely high levels of power, aside from bringing significant advantages in terms of packaging, lowering the centre of gravity and reducing engine mass. 

Thanks to its 663 cv (654 hp), the 296 GTS’ Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) sets a new power output record for a series-production road-going spider.

Significantly, this is also the first ever Ferrari spider with a rear-wheel drive-only PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) architecture in which the ICE is integrated with a rear-mounted electric motor.

The latter has 122 kW of power and a maximum torque of 315 Nm derived from the Formula 1 application from which it also inherits the MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit, Kinetic) signature.

Altogether, the 296 GTS has a combined maximum hybrid power of 610 kW/830 cv (818 hp) at 8,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 740 Nm at 6,250 rpm.

Surging all power to the rear wheels via the 8-speed F1 DCT and E-Diff, it revs with an 8,500 rpm redline, does 0 to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and has a top speed of over 330 km/h.

Generally, the hybrid build makes the car versatile in terms of day-to-day driving with a full-electric mode range of 25 km, thanks to its high voltage battery capacity of 7.45 kWh.

Transmitting all the power in its belly to the ground, the rubbers connecting them come in a set of 245/35 ZR 20 J9 front tyres and 305/35 ZR 20 J11 rear tyres.

Aerodynamics

Outstandingly, the 296 GTS bursts into the mid-engined berlinetta sports car range with several radical and innovative solutions. 

Interestingly, for the 296 GTS, an active device is being used not to manage drag but to generate extra downforce. 

For example, the LaFerrari-inspired active spoiler integrated into the rear bumper allows the 296 GTS to generate a high level of rear downforce when required.

Specifically, the equivalent of a maximum of 360 kg at 250 km/h in the high-downforce configuration with the Assetto Fiorano package. 

Notably, the aero development work done on the 296 GTS means that even in low-drag configuration the car can deliver more downforce than previous applications.

To elaborate, for the 296 GTS, when the active aero device is deployed, it significantly increases downforce, unlike in previous builds.

Creatively, the spoiler is seamlessly integrated into the bumper design, taking up almost all of the space between the taillights. 

When maximum downforce is not required, the spoiler is stowed in a compartment in the upper section of the tail. 

But as soon as the acceleration exceeds a specific limit, which is constantly monitored by the car’s dynamic control systems, the spoiler deploys and extends from the fixed section of the bodywork. 

That’s not all, the ICE and the gearbox are cooled by two radiators installed at the front of the car, ahead of the front wheels, where there are also two condensers for the high-voltage battery cooling. 

Hence, the hot air is evacuated along the underbody, to avoid it interfering with the cooling air to the intercoolers along the upper part of the flanks. 

This choice made it possible to maximise efficiency and thus minimise the size of the air intake, further streamlining the car’s already clean styling. 

Driving Dynamics

The 296 GTS’ driving dynamics focused around boosting the car’s pure performance, delivering class-leading levels of driver engagement making full use of its new architectural solutions.

I.e., the V6, hybrid powertrain, shorter wheelbase as well as improving the usability and accessibility, not just of the car’s performance, but also the functionalities afforded by the hybrid layout.

From a chassis perspective, at 2,600 mm, the wheelbase is 50 mm shorter than previous Ferrari mid-rear-engined berlinettas, which benefits the car’s dynamic agility. 

Other solutions that enhance the car’s handling and performance include the brake-by-wire system, the ‘Aero’ brake callipers, electric power steering, the rear active aero device and SCM-Frs dampers.

Plus, the e-motor’s power is available in hybrid and full-electric modes, supplied by the pressure exerted on the throttle, managed and monitored by the hybrid power flow and traction control.

A power management selector (eManettino) has been adopted alongside the traditional Manettino. It has four positions that can be selected from the steering wheel.

First is eDrive. The internal combustion engine is off and there is pure electric drive to the rear wheels with a fully-charged battery the car can cover 25 km at a maximum speed of 135 km/h.

Second, Hybrid (H). A default mode on ignition, the power flows are managed for max efficiency and the control logic defines the intervention of the internal combustion engine. 

Third, Performance. The ICE is always on and helps maintain the battery efficiency to ensure full power at all times. This is the ideal setting for press-on driving.

Fourth, Qualify. Under this mode, it provides maximum performance but at the cost of lower battery recharging from the brake recuperation system.

Exterior Design

Looking at the design, the 296 GTS further emphasises the clean, sophisticated lines of the 296 GTB. When the top is down, it is the peerlessly elegant epitome of the open-air hybrid concept. 

Alterations on the exterior body to introduce a clear and instantly recognisable theme, focuses on encapsulating the complexity of the design whilst translating it into accomplished linear forms.

The need to stow the RHT (Retractable Hard Top) inside the engine compartment inspired the Ferrari Styling Centre’s team under Flavio Manzoni to create a new tonneau cover design.

At which, the geometries of the contours have produced styling elements very different to Ferrari spiders of the recent past. 

Stylish and practical, it guarantees exceptional occupant comfort. With the roof stowed it features a sleek, sporty design and with the roof up, the silhouette remains very similar to that of the 296 GTB. 

Made out of lightweight material, the RHT takes a mere 14 seconds to retract or deploy at speeds of up to 45 km/h. 

Flawlessly, the separation line between the car’s body and the roof is above the B post. As a result, the folding roof splits into two sections that fold flush over the front of the engine. 

Thus, maintaining the engine bay’s thermal dissipation characteristics and the balance of the overall design. 

Not to mention, this also allowed the designers to introduce a window in the rear section of the engine cover through which the new V6 is clearly visible. 

Completing it, when the top is retracted, the cabin and the rear deck are separated by a height-adjustable glass rear screen which guarantees optimal passenger comfort even at high speeds.

Another dominant feature is the signature ‘aero bridge’. Where the overall effect is of an extremely compact cabin effortlessly integrated with the wings and flanks. 

Akin to the 296 GTB, the buttress theme is further enhanced by contrasting sculpted extensions that frame the engine cover screen and integrate the novel fuel filler and battery charge covers.

Interior Design

Remarkably, the 296 GTS’ cockpit was developed around the new concept of an entirely digital interface. 

It results with a pure, minimalistic connotation characterised by a powerful elegance that, on an aesthetic level, perfectly mirrors the design of the exterior. 

Significantly, the 296 GTS’ cabin raises the concept of the formal purity of the functional elements to new heights. 

From a formal perspective, when the engine is off, the onboard instruments go black, underscoring the minimalist look of the cabin. 

Exclusive Italian leather upholstery to the seats and trim is further enhanced by the noble technical materials used on the functional components.

Aerodynamic flaps have been integrated into the rear trim structure to reduce buffeting and increase comfort in open-top driving. 

Then, the sculptural door panel features a seamless continuation of the dashboard in terms of both materials and colour. 

On the central decoration, the styling cue is a deep lozenge-shaped scoop, resembling a three-dimensional element. 

This type of architecture makes the entire door panel look extremely light and integrates the theme that connects it to the rear trim. 

Other than that, the tunnel incorporates a modern take on the classic gear-shift gate, along with a compartment for stowing of the ignition key. 

The tunnel has also been redesigned, rather than being open like in the 296 GTB, it has a closing oddments compartment, which further emphasises the continuity between mats and tunnel. 

Perfecting it, for the 296 GTS, the designers created specific diapason-style seats using contrasting grooves which coordinate aesthetically with the edge strip of the instrument cluster.

Assetto Fiorano

An option to suit up the 296 GTB with the Assetto Fiorano package is available for clients who want to exploit the car’s extreme power and performance to the utmost. 

Said package is completely uncompromising in terms of maximum performance, thanks to significant weight reduction and aero content. 

Most notably, these include special GT racing-derived adjustable Multimatic shock absorbers, which is optimised for track use.

Next, a high downforce carbon-fibre appendages on the front bumper that can deliver an additional 10 kg of downforce and a Lexan rear screen. 

Along with all those, it also comes with more extensive use of lightweight materials such as carbon-fibre for both the cockpit and exterior.

Apart from that, a special livery inspired by the 250 Le Mans can also be ordered, at which the design runs from the front wings and hugs the central grille and delineates its edges. 

Sportily, this styling element continues along the bonnet, creating a hammer motif before running lengthways up to the RHT, tonneau cover and then down onto the rear spoiler. 

Lastly, the package also includes Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2R high performance tyres which are especially suited for track use because of their grip.