Ferrari 296 GTS unveiled – A convertible V6 rocket

Ferrari has unveiled the retractable hard-top version of its mid-rear-engined supercar – the 296 GTS (Gran Turismo Spider).

The two-seater boasts a powerful petrol-hybrid engine, marking the first time a V6 motor has been fitted to a convertible Ferrari, said the marque.

The 296 GTS is also available in Assetto Fiorano guise, “for clients who want to exploit the car’s extreme power and performance to the utmost, particularly on the track.”

Hybrid performance

Situated right behind the passenger cell of the Ferrari 296 GTS is a 3.0-litre, V6, 120-degree, turbo-petrol engine producing 488kW, resulting in a power output record for a production car of 162.5kW per litre, said Ferrari.

Combined with an electric motor that offers 122kW and 315Nm, the entire configuration generates 610kW and 740Nm.

This is fed to the rear axle via an eight-speed, dual-clutch transmission and electronic differential, while the positioning of the electric motor between the engine and gearbox allows the power sources to decouple and the Ferrari to drive on electric power only.

A maximum of 25 kilometres can be covered in eDrive at speeds of up to 135km/h – while Hybrid, Performance, and Qualify drive modes provide further ride-tailoring options.

At the rear of the 296 GTS then sits an active spoiler that generates downforce, in contrast to spoilers of old that managed drag.

In Assetto Fiorano application, this component delivers a maximum of 360kg of downforce at 250km/h.

Furthermore, the supercar is equipped with 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels and “Aero” brakes from the SF90 Stradale, the latter of which feeds air through a duct below the headlights onto the brake calipers for improved cooling.

“This made it possible to push the design of the car’s underbody to new extremes, increasing the cooling capacity of the underbody without having to adopt any active front aero mechanisms,” said Ferrari.

The turbo is also installed above the motor in a “hot-V” configuration to allow more efficient heat management, and all the underbody components have been kept as compact as possible to not only manage vehicle dynamics but also to enhance the aggressive design.

The exhaust is built out of a lightweight nickel-alloy, too, and the 1,540kg dry weight of the vehicle is distributed 40.5% at the front and 59.5% at the rear.

Altogether, the 296 GTS achieves impressive results:

0-100km/h – 2.9 seconds
0-200km/h – 7.6 seconds
200-0km/h – 107 metres
Top speed – 330km/h
Fiorano lap time – 1′ 21″ 80

Topless style

The 296 GTS’ claim to fame is its retractable hard-top roof that deploys in 14 seconds at speeds of up to 45km/h.

The folding roof splits into two sections that fold flush over the front of the engine, which allowed designers to install a window in the rear section of the engine cover through which the V6 is clearly visible.

“When the top is retracted, the cabin and the rear deck are separated by a height-adjustable glass rear screen which guarantees optimal passenger comfort even at high speeds,” said Ferrari.

The GTS also maintains the signature “aero bridge” of the GTB – making the cabin look integrated with the wings and flanks.

Inside the cockpit, Italian leather covers the exclusive diapason-style seats, and the central tunnel has been redesigned to offer a closable “oddments compartment” – as opposed to the open-air tunnel in the GTB.

Aerodynamic flaps were built into the rear of the cabin, too, thereby reducing wind buffeting when driving with the top down.

With the top up, the 296 GTS is also rather practical, allowing a rear parcel shelf capacity of 49 litres.

“From a formal perspective, when the engine is off, the onboard instruments go black, underscoring the minimalist look of the cabin,” said Ferrari.

Assetto Fiorano

For customers who want the absolute pinnacle of the 296 GTS range, the Assetto Fiorano package is available which aids in weight reduction and aero content.

Features comprise GT racing-derived adjustable Multimatic shock absorbers optimised for track use, high-downforce carbon fibre components on the front bumper that add 10kg downforce, a Lexan rear screen, and more extensive use of weight-saving carbon fibre both inside and outside.

“The Assetto Fiorano package involves much more than simply replacing elements. Some components required that the standard basic structure be redesigned, including the door panel, resulting in an overall weight-saving of 8 kg,” said Ferrari.

Lastly, owners can order a 250 Le Mans-inspired livery that runs from the front wings, over the bonnet, and down the rear spoiler; as well as Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2R high-performance tyres.