Ferrari 296 GTS Open-Top Revealed
The new Ferrari 296 GTS, an open-top variant of the firm’s new mid-engine hybrid supercar, the 296 GTB, has been unveiled. The new Ferrari 296 GTS is one of two new vehicles that Maranello will unveil this year, with the highly awaited Ferrari Purosangue SUV following suit in the coming months.
The variations between the hardtop Ferrari 296 GTB and its convertible twin, in keeping with Ferrari tradition, are minor, consisting primarily of minor stylistic changes to allow the opening roof.
The two cars are essentially identical in terms of silhouette, but the retractable hardtop – which is comparable to the Ferrari SF90 Spider – is stowed in a new bay inside the engine compartment, behind the seats.
The rear deck of the 296 has been modified, with re-sculptured buttresses and a more noticeable step between the roof and the characteristic ‘aero bridge’ that spans the car’s width. There’s also a new window at the bottom of the engine cover, and the rear screen can be adjusted for cabin comfort when the roof is down at high speeds.
“An exceptionally tiny cabin readily blended with the wings and flanks,” says the overall impression of the slight makeover.
There is still an active rear spoiler stowed in the tail, which adds downforce at speed, and aerodynamic efficiency and downforce are on par, with Ferrari engineers taking care to ensure the airflow influence of the wing and buttresses is replicated.
The roof splits into two sections that fold over the front of the engine, taking just 14 seconds to open or close at speeds up to 45kph – “therefore retaining the engine bay’s thermal dissipation characteristics and the overall design balance.”
The GTB’s powertrain is carried over in its whole, with a 664hp, 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 combined with a 166hp electric motor installed at the rear for a total output of 830hp and 740Nm.
That means the 296 GTS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and tops out at almost 330 km/h – stats that are identical to the hardtop car, despite the convertible weighing 70 kilograms more than the coupe at 1,540 kgs (dry).
The GTS, like the coupe, may be equipped with the more track-oriented Assetto Fiorano package, which includes Multimatic adjustable shock absorbers, carbon fiber aero and trim pieces, and various weight-saving measures, as well as high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires.
While an India launch is yet to be confirmed, we anticipate Ferrari opening order books for the 296 GTS in the near future. Meanwhile, the 296 GTB coupe is slated to arrive in Indian showrooms by mid-2022.
