> Soft-top version of Ferrari 296 GTB spotted testing
> Could be called 296 GTS or 296 Spider
> Uses same 819bhp hybrid V6 engine as hard-top
> Full reveal expected before end of the year
> Prices expected to be around £262,000
2022 Ferrari 296 GTS or Spider: what is it?
True to form Ferrari is following up the launch of its 296 GTB sportscar with a convertible version, and we have pictures of it clearly showing the foldable roof being tested.
The fact Ferrari is making this car is no surprise, but there is still some mystery over what it might be called – will it be the 296 GTS or simply the 296 Spider?
The 296 GTB is something of a landmark car because it’s the first time Ferrari has used a V6 engine in a production model since the Dino 206 GT and 246 GT in the 60s and 70s.
It’s also a plug-in hybrid, although we have seen more recent electrified Ferrari’s in the form of the LaFerrari and SF90 Stradale.
The 296 GTB is considerably cheaper than both of those models but it’s all relative – there’s no such thing as an affordable Ferrari.
2022 Ferrari 296 GTS or Spider: what is it powered by?
It’s highly unlikely the GTS model will be any different to the GTB when it comes to hardware.
That means it will feature the same twin turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine paired with an electric motor, which is placed on the rear axle. Feeding it is a 7.45kWh battery housed in the belly of the car.
The motor itself produces 165bhp and when combined with the engine’s 654bhp the overall power is a mighty 819bhp.
All of those horses mean the 296 GTB can cover 0-62mph in just 2.9-seconds, and it marches onto a 205mph top speed. Will those figures be eroded by the extra weight of the retracting roof’s mechanism? That remains to be seen, but either way it this won’t be a slow car.
2022 Ferrari 296 GTS or Spider: when will it go on sale?
The full reveal of the car is expected before the end of the year, which means first deliveries won’t arrive until Q2 of 2022.
First deliveries of the standard 296 GTB will arrive early next year but considering how closely related the two models are, those who want the soft top won’t have to wait a lot longer.
2022 Ferrari 296 GTS or Spider: how much will it cost?
While no official pricing information has been released by Ferrari yet, we know the GTB starts at £259,000.
Ferrari probably won’t charge much more for the roof-down model, so we expect the GTS to cost around £262,000, which includes the Assetto Fiorano track package fitted, which shaves around 12kg off the weight.
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