Do not make the error of patronizing a Ferrari 296 GTS. I do know it is tempting as a result of this $366,139 convertible packs a V-6 hybrid setup relatively than the 8- and 12-cylinder powerplants that made the Ferrari NV well-known. There’s loads of model satisfaction and identification constructed into these inner combustion engines. “Ferrari would not make automobiles, Ferrari makes engines,” because the saying goes.
A smaller engine will not be with out precedent. The corporate produced road-going V-6s within the Nineteen Seventies, though in the present day it doesn’t acknowledge these “Dino” fashions as formally branded Ferraris. It is a lengthy story involving Enzo Ferrari’s deceased son, Dino, and a few bizarre machismo about what number of cylinders an engine wants earlier than it may be thought of manly. (The fashions have been designed and constructed by Ferrari, however are offered as a brand new entry-level model known as Dino.)
In any case. As Ferrari approaches its first all-electric automotive subsequent 12 months, it stands to cause that it’s going to additionally do a hybrid or two. The 296 GTS is an open-air model of Ferrari’s wonderful 296 GTB plug-in hybrid, which debuted in 2021 following the 2013 LaFerrari delicate hybrid.
I drove the 296 GTS round South Seashore and Miami’s Design District, alongside Rickenbacker Highway and to Arduous Rock Stadium in the course of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami. It was a Ferrari-heavy weekend, with the model celebrating 70 years of US gross sales and unveiling a shocking new pair of 12-cylinder sports activities automobiles. I attempted to not get too distracted. That is what I assumed.
The primary factor
The mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive two-seater places out 819 horsepower and 546 lb-ft of torque. It has seven miles of all-electric vary and 47 MPGe in mixed gasoline and electrical driving. With a clean eight-speed transmission and ultra-supple dealing with, it accelerates to 62 mph in 2.9 seconds and reaches a high pace of 205 mph.
Good
Fascinating, superb magnificence characterizes this gorgeous Spider. I drove one in Blu Corsa, in a decadent tone that accentuated its most seductive angles and accentuated its Architectural Digest-worthy rear abutments. It is one of many uncommon convertibles that appears simply pretty much as good with the highest up because it does with the highest down. (The roof folds in 14 seconds, at speeds as much as 28 mph.) One way or the other, this Italian deal with exists not within the realm of vogue, however within the realm of fashion.
Maybe much more thrilling, the 296 GTS is quicker than nearly the rest you should purchase, however the best way the automotive’s dealing with, suspension and steadiness handle that pace so elegantly makes it unforgettable to drive. The hybrid powerplant excelled as I drove slowly down pedestrian-laden Collins Avenue; its all-electric mode saved the automotive blissfully quiet, so I wasn’t the kind of individual with a screaming engine to disturb joggers and cyclists as they loved the ocean environment.
Cruising over Miami’s many bridges and overpasses felt like an opportunity to fly. That is when the complete energy of Ferrari’s distinctive engine despatched the automotive hovering. In these thrilling moments, obeying the authorized pace restrict turned my solely concern.
Dangerous
Silly infotainment system. The loopy setup gives a postage stamp contact display on the steering wheel to regulate easy issues just like the radio. I needed to depend on my passenger and their very own little dash-mounted management display to regulate the local weather and audio and sync my cellphone to the automotive, which was nearly as sophisticated and annoying for them because it was for me. Anybody who has tried to cause with the old-world Italian mentality of time and order will get this. (An American who works for an Italian firm as soon as instructed me, “Italians are nice at making easy issues sophisticated and complex issues easy.”) We love them for it.
You probably have lengthy legs or massive ft, or each, you will discover the footbox fairly claustrophobic.
If you happen to bear in mind one factor
There is a cause why Ferrari’s order books are stuffed for years upfront, though the typical worth of its automobiles is 4 instances increased than that of Porsche. The corporate units the bar for horny sports activities automobiles which can be enjoyable to drive and look unbelievable even when parked. The 296 GTS is one in all them.
Nonetheless not satisfied? Trip all of it day and benefit from the appreciative seems of your fellow drivers and the enjoyable of driving, and simply maintain your mouth shut about what’s below the hood. Nobody must know it is solely a V-6.