It might be branching out into SUVs now, but Ferrari is still solidly in the supercar business. Only now, its horses don’t just have V8 and V12 hearts. Ferrari has hybrids, too, including its first (official) V6 car, the 296 GTB. And if you like having the wind in your hair while your supercar sings its song, there’s now a solution: the 2023 Ferrari 296 GTS.
The 2023 Ferrari 296 GTS turns the plug-in hybrid V6 supercar into an equally-fast convertible
2023 Ferrari 296 GTS | Ferrari
2023 Ferrari 296 GTS rear 3/4 overhead | Ferrari
| 2023 Ferrari 296 GTS | |
| Engine and motor arrangement | Mid-mounted 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 Rear-mounted axial flux electric motor |
| Horsepower | 654 hp (V6 only)164 hp (electric motor only) 818 hp (combined) |
| Torque | 546 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Eight-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Battery capacity | 7.45 kWh |
| Maximum electric range | 16 miles |
| Dry weight | 3395 lbs |
| 0-62 mph time | 2.9 seconds |
Now, the 2023 Ferrari 296 GTS, or ‘Gran Turismo Spider,’ isn’t the Italian automaker’s first hybrid convertible supercar. After the hyper-limited LaFerrari Aptera, it launched the 2021 SF90 Spider, which packs three electric motors and a twin-turbo V8. But unlike the SF90, the 296 GTS is a RWD car, not an AWD one. So, it’s technically Ferrari’s first RWD plug-in hybrid convertible supercar.
Drivetrain-wise, the 2023 Ferrari 296 GTS is identical to the 296 GTB coupe. It has the same plug-in hybrid powertrain, lithium-ion battery pack, and electric power steering. However, to accommodate the new power-retractable hardtop without losing rigidity, Ferrari redesigned the chassis, especially around the pillars. Incidentally, that roof goes up and down in 14 seconds at speeds up to 28 mph.
Although some weight gain is inevitable when you turn a coupe into a convertible, the 2023 Ferrari 296 GTS only weighs 154 pounds more than the GTB. And that’s with the new roof’s transparent panel and height-adjustable rear glass screen. Hence why Ferrari says it has the same 0-62 mph time and 205-mph top speed, though its 0-124 mph and Fiorano test track times are slower. But if you want more performance, don’t worry, the Prancing Horse has got you covered.
Track fans can still get the Assetto Fiorano package and street drivers get some extra interior luxuries
2023 Ferrari 296 GTS with Assetto Fiorano package and 250 Le Mans livery | Ferrari
2023 Ferrari 296 GTS interior overhead | Ferrari
As standard, the 2023 Ferrari 296 GTS has the same kinds of performance features as the GTB. Namely, an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential, adaptive suspension, adjustable traction and stability control, Slip Slide Control, and brake-by-wire discs that are just as good as hydraulic ones, Car and Driver notes. And yes, as a plug-in hybrid, this Ferrari has regenerative braking.
Also, remember those aero pieces I mentioned earlier? They’re part of the active aero system, which includes a rear diffuser and adjustable spoiler. And unlike previous Ferrari supercars with these features, the GTS’s system prioritizes downforce production over drag reduction.
Yet if the dedicated track goers and canyon carvers aren’t satisfied, there’s always the optional Assetto Fiorano package. As with the 296 GTB, this adds carbon-ceramic brakes, grippier Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, adjustable Multimatic shocks, as well as carbon-fiber interior and exterior trim and aero pieces. The package also shaves 18 pounds off the GTS’s curb weight and is the only way to get the 250 Le Mans-inspired livery.
However, Ferrari hasn’t forgotten that many owners mostly drive their supercars on the street. As such, the 2023 296 GTS has some extra luxury touches even compared to the GTB. Firstly, it has redesigned sports seats. Secondly, the center-console storage bin now has a cover, Roadshow notes. Furthermore, Ferrari added extra rear aero flaps specifically to reduce wind buffeting, Car and Driver reports.
The 2023 Ferrari 296 GTS is the brand’s cheapest hybrid convertible supercar, but don’t expect a low price
As of this writing, Ferrari hasn’t released official pricing details for the 2023 296 GTS. However, it will undoubtedly be cheaper than the $500,000 SF90 Stradale. Therefore, it will be the least expensive convertible Ferrari hybrid supercar. But it still won’t be cheap; the 296 GTB starts at just under $323,000.
Ferrari also hasn’t released availability details for its new convertible. But it’s worth noting that it’s not the only exotic brand working on electrified convertibles. Although the Maserati MC20 is only available as a coupe right now, there is a convertible on the way, Roadshow says. On top of that, Maserati is planning an all-electric AWD version, Car and Driver adds.
But then, what kind of prancing horse doesn’t want to race?
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Keyword: 2023 Ferrari 296 GTS Drops the 818-Hp Hybrid Supercar’s Top