Ferrari’s 296 GTS is the open-top version of the 296 GTB — a plug-in hybrid mid-engine sports car that marks a new direction for Ferrari’s entry-level mid-range sports car. It pairs a twin-turbocharged V6 with an electric motor to produce 610 kW (830 CV), and it does it with the kind of sensory drama that makes Ferrari’s hybrid transition feel like a natural evolution rather than a reluctant capitulation.
A New Formula
The 296 GTS carries a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 positioned longitudinally behind the driver, combined with a rear-axle electric motor and a 7.45 kWh battery. Total system output is 610 kW (830 CV) — 488 kW from the internal combustion engine and 122 kW from the single rear-mounted MGU-K electric motor. This is not a compromise arrangement. Ferrari designed the V6 specifically for this platform, targeting a flat-plane crankshaft layout that produces a distinctive high-frequency wail at high revs.
The decision to move from a V8 to a V6 was commercially and technically motivated: the smaller engine allowed the electric motor to be integrated within the gearbox casing, reducing the overall package size and improving weight distribution. The GTS, with its retractable hardtop mechanism, weighs 1,540 kg — around 70 kg more than the GTB coupe — but the power advantage over the V8 generation it replaces is substantial.
The Spider Configuration
The GTS adds a retractable hardtop to the GTB coupe’s formula. The roof stows in 14 seconds and the car can be driven with it open at speeds up to 60 km/h for full open-air exposure, or partially raised for wind protection at highway speeds.
With the roof down, the V6 soundtrack fills the cabin with intensity. Ferrari engineers worked specifically on the 296 GTS’s exhaust and intake acoustic signature to ensure the smaller engine sounds as thrilling as the V8 it notionally replaces. On the road, it largely succeeds — the note is different from the V8 era but no less engaging, with a layered, urgent scream that builds through the 8,500 rpm rev range.
Performance Figures
The 0–100 km/h time is 2.9 seconds. The 0–200 km/h time is 7.6 seconds. Top speed is 330 km/h. The electric motor provides instant torque fill at low revs, eliminating any sense of turbo lag from the V6, and at higher revs the combined 740 Nm of torque feels relentless. The 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox is one of Ferrari’s best, shifting in under 200 milliseconds in Race mode.
The 296 GTS offers eDrive mode — pure electric operation for up to approximately 25 km on a full charge, useful for urban driving or arriving somewhere without waking the neighbours. The 7.45 kWh battery charges from a standard home outlet or a compatible AC wallbox.
Handling and Driving Character
The 296 GTS rides on a 2,600 mm wheelbase and a wide 1,958 mm track. The Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer Plus (FDE+) system allows greater rear slide angles than earlier Ferrari stability systems, giving experienced drivers more access to the car’s full performance envelope without switching stability control fully off.
On road, the 296 GTS manages the same trick the 488 and F8 accomplished before it: feeling agile and responsive in everyday situations while revealing a much more demanding character when pushed hard. The electric motor’s immediate torque makes the car feel especially urgent in the mid-range, which is where most of the interesting driving happens on public roads.
Australian Pricing and LCT
The Ferrari 296 GTS launched in Australia at $668,146 before options. Luxury Car Tax applies in full at this price point — a well-specified 296 GTS on the road in Australia will comfortably exceed $800,000 once options, LCT, stamp duty and on-road costs are included.
Ferrari Australia’s allocation is limited and demand is strong. Waitlists for this car have been measured in two to three years from order to delivery. On the secondary market, early examples have attracted premiums above the list price.
Running Costs and Hybrid Ownership
The hybrid system adds some complexity to ownership. The battery should be charged regularly to maintain conditioning, and Ferrari recommends plugging in during extended storage periods. Ferrari Australia offers a seven-year complimentary service programme with the car, which covers scheduled maintenance at 12-month or 20,000 km intervals.
On the fuel side, the official combined cycle figure is 6.7 L/100km under WLTP conditions. Real-world consumption depends heavily on driving style — owners who use the performance modes regularly will see figures well above that, while urban driving with eDrive engaged can bring the average down meaningfully.
Verdict
The Ferrari 296 GTS rewrites the rules for what an open-top mid-engine Ferrari can be. The V6 hybrid formula sounds different but no less thrilling than the V8 era, the performance numbers are exceptional, and the open-air experience is as good as any Ferrari Spider in recent memory. For Australian buyers who want the current state of the art in the convertible supercar space, the 296 GTS is the answer — assuming you can get on a waiting list and budget well past the sticker price once the taxman is done.
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