Like the Dino of the 1960s with which it shared the choice of a V6, the convertible version of the Ferrari 296 GTB prefers the name of GTS to that of Spider. But the points in common with his ancestor stop there, as the performance and technology evolve in another galaxy.
Driving in an open-air Ferrari with a hybrid V6? Until now, it was reserved for Formula 1 drivers! But with the imminent arrival of the 296 GTS, the “ordinary mortals” will soon also be able to taste this recipe. Finally, on condition that you can also sign a check for nearly €300,000… Even the power is not so far from that of the single-seaters of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr, with 830 hp available. This convertible indeed uses the same mechanics as the 296 GTB coupe, and displays performances extremely close to the closed version. While distinguishing itself by its retractable hardtop capable of folding in 14 seconds, including when driving up to 45 km/h.
A profile close to a targa coupe
Despite the arrival of this headgear, the silhouette is not transformed. Unlike the 458, 488 and others F8 Spider, the 296 GTS retains a fixed arch behind the seats. Its profile therefore evokes more than ever that of a targa coupé, which justifies the return of the name GTS (Gran Turismo Spider) long reserved for this type of bodywork. In the 1980s and 1990s, the 348 and F355 even had a GTS version coexist with a real Spider, before the latter eventually took over. The youngest therefore marks a sort of return to the days of the 246, 308 and other 328s which were only offered in GTS version. But the days of the roof that you had to store yourself in the boot are long gone. Here, at the push of a button, the two sections of the roof are housed under a tonneau cover located just in front of the engine. While the small vertical window behind the passengers also has an electric control : it will thus be possible to better enjoy the vocalizations of the V6 even when the roof is in place.
An Assetto Fiorano pack still available
This bodywork close to the coupe has above all avoided Ferrari having to make too many sacrifices in terms of aerodynamics. In particular, it has made it possible to keep an active rear wing, which offers up to 100 kg of support. As for fans of circuit outings, they can always opt for the Assetto Fiorano pack, which notably adds carbon fiber appendages to the front bumper, producing ten kilos of additional downforce. In this case, the replacement of the standard piloted suspension by manually adjustable Multimatic shock absorbers and the use of carbon fiber trim also make it possible to reduce the weight by 8 kg. Billed no less than €32,400 on the 296 GTB, this pack remains however without influence on the mechanics. A status quo that is unlikely to upset many people!
More powerful than a Ferrari 812 GTS
Visible through a small window like a jewel, the engine remains the centerpiece of the 296 GTS. For the first time since the Dino 246 of the 1960s, which had not even had the right to display the Prancing Horse at the time, it is nevertheless a “simple” V6. Except that this three-liter opened at 120 degrees is boosted by two turbos and covered with technology, in order to achieve an exceptional performance of 222 hp/l! It is thus able to exceed the power of the naturally aspirated six-litre V12 of the Enzo supercar, developing 663 hp on its own. Associated with an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, it receives the added bonus of a 167 hp electric motor, installed at the rear. Enough to claim 830 hp in total and a torque of 740 Nm, values which are even higher than those of the V12 of the big sister 812 GTS. Respect is lost!
Demonic performance and virtuous motorization
Retractable roof obliges, the dry weight of this strict propulsion increases by 70 kg to now reach 1,540 kg. This does not prevent the performance from being almost as hair-raising as on the coupe. Only the 0 to 200 km / h is lengthened by 3 small tenths, now requiring 7.6 s. The 0 to 100 km / h remains for its part always looped in 2.9 s and the top speed continues to cross the course of 330 km / h, without further details. As for the lap time on the Fiorano test track, it increases by 8 tenths and now requires 1.21”. With such a small difference, in other words, there will be little inconvenience in preferring the convertible version. Especially since it retains the possibility of driving up to 25 km in silence, in electric mode, thanks to its 7.45 kWh battery. With a speed limit of 135 km/h in this case. The only real downside will come from the price, necessarily still much higher than the €271,114 already requested by the 296 GTB. But the price will still remain significantly lower than that of the other convertible rechargeable hybrid in the range, the SF90 Spider, sold for more than €465,000!
