Ferrari has just introduced The 296 GTS, Ferrari’s new mid-rear-engined Berlinetta Spider. The 296 GTS features many new features to get excited about, from the new 830 cv Ferrari V6 hybrid powertrain to its innovative plug-in hybrid system and its hard-to-beat RTH (Retractable Hard Top) which just adds to the thrills.  And, for those die-hard speed fans, the Assetto Fiorano package, which includes lightweight features and aero tweaks, is also available as an add-on.

Definitely, lots to catch up on, but don’t worry: we have you covered. Here is what is new with the Ferrari 296 GTS.

830 cv Ferrari V6 hybrid powertrain

The 296 GTS is the first Ferrari road-going spider to use a plug-in electric motor and a V6 turbo with a 120° angle between the cylinder banks. This architecture helps generate extremely high levels of power while also delivering considerable benefits in terms of packaging, decreasing the centre of gravity, and reducing engine mass. As a result, the 296 GTS was able to achieve a new specific power output record for a production car of this class. 

With a full-electric mode range of 25 kilometres, the hybrid element not only makes the car incredibly versatile in terms of day-to-day driving but also improves the driving experience by giving a rapid and consistent performance at all engine speeds.

Internal combustion engine (ICE)

The 296 GTS’ ICE achieves a new power output record for a series-production road-going spider. The architecture not only optimizes combustion but also optimizes component integration. According to Ferrari, the pressure in the combustion chamber had to be pushed to new heights to achieve this precise power output with the aluminium engine block and cylinder heads engineered with Ferrari’s extensive experience in alloys, dimensioning, and components.

These and other innovations allow the maximum revs of the turbos to be increased to 180,000 rpm and boost performance efficiency by 24%. 

Electric motor and aerodynamics

This is the first Ferrari spider with a rear-wheel-drive-only PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) architecture, in which the ICE and a rear-mounted electric motor are merged. The Transition Manager Actuator (TMA) connects the electric motor and the ICE, allowing them to work together to create a total power output of 830 cv or decoupling them to allow the electric motor to run alone.

The high voltage battery in the 296 GTS has a 7.45 kWh capacity and a competitive weight/power ratio thanks to an innovative design made using laser welding, giving a range of about 24 km. The TMA (Transition Manager Actuator) allows very rapid static and dynamic transitions from electric to hybrid/ICE mode and vice-versa, thereby guaranteeing smooth, progressive torque.

Vehicle Dynamics

The 296 GTS bursts into the mid-engined Berlinetta sports car range with several daring and novel solutions, including the clustering of all heat-generating components in the engine bay’s upper centre section. The spoiler blends in with the bumper design, taking up nearly all of the area between the taillights and is tucked in a compartment in the upper section of the tail when maximum downforce is not required. 

The dynamic development of the 296 GTS is centred on improving the car’s pure performance while also utilising the new architectural solutions to achieve class-leading levels of driver involvement. Brake-by-wire reduces pedal travel to a minimum level, increasing the impression of sportiness without sacrificing efficiency while braking lightly. 

The ABS control module, which is integrated with the 6w-CDS sensor, allows the rear tyres’ grip limits to be pushed even further, resulting in greater stopping distance repeatability and, as a result, improved performance when turning into corners by allowing the driver to trail brake towards the apex.

Styling

The exterior of the Ferrari 296 GTST is elegant, with refined lines even more prominent than before. When the top is down, it is the pinnacle of the open-air hybrid concept in all its glory. The Ferrari Styling Centre’s team, led by Flavio Manzoni, was motivated to build a new tonneau cover design by the need to hide the RHT (Retractable Hard Top) inside the engine compartment thus making the car even more stylish, sporty and aerodynamic.

Inside the cockpit, the 296 GTS is designed around a new concept of a fully digital interface, with the idea of complementing the external design on an aesthetic level. When the engine is turned off, the onboard instruments turn black, emphasising the cabin’s basic design. The fine technological materials used on the functional components complement the exclusive Italian leather trim on the seats and trim. The sculptural door panel’s design gives it a light appearance and ties it to the rear trim with a common motif. The gearbox tunnel has also been rebuilt, with a closed oddments compartment instead of an open one, as in the 296 GTB.

Assetto Fiorano

The 296 GTS Assetto Fiorano package is offered for clients who wish to get the most out of the car’s extraordinary power and performance such as the special GT racing-derived adjustable Multimatic shock absorbers optimised for track use; high downforce carbon-fibre appendages on the front bumper that can deliver an additional 10 kg of downforce; and more extensive use of lightweight materials such as carbon-fibre for both the cabin and the exterior. Additionally, owners who choose the Assetto Fiorano package will be able to purchase a unique livery inspired by the 250 Le Mans.

You can learn more about the Ferrari 296 GTS here.

(Photos: Ferrari)