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 hp), 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 hp). This is not a compromise arrangement – Ferrari designed the V6 specifically for this car, 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 result is a car that weighs 1,470 kg – slightly heavier than the F8 Tributo but with meaningfully more power.
The Spider Configuration
The GTS adds a retractable hard top to the GTB coupe’s formula. The roof stows in 14 seconds and the car can be driven with it open at speed up to 60 km/h for full open-air exposure, or partially open for wind protection at higher 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 rev range.
Performance Figures
The 0-100 km/h time is 2.9 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 power delivery 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 also offers eDrive mode – pure electric operation for up to approximately 25 km, useful for urban driving or arriving at a destination without waking the neighbours. In practice, few owners will use it extensively, but the option is there.
Handling and Driving Character
The 296 GTS benefits from a wider track than the F8 Tributo and a longer wheelbase that improves high-speed stability. The Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer (FDE+) system allows greater rear slide angles than previous Ferrari stability systems, enabling experienced drivers to access the car’s full performance envelope more accessibly.
On road, the 296 GTS manages the same trick the 488 and F8 accomplished before it: feeling agile and responsive in everyday situations while offering a very different, much more demanding character when pushed hard. The electric motor’s additional torque makes the car feel especially urgent in the mid-range, where most of the interesting driving happens on public roads.
Australian Pricing and LCT
The Ferrari 296 GTS is priced at approximately $550,000 to $620,000 in Australia before options. LCT adds a very significant sum at this price point – total on-road costs for a well-specified 296 GTS can approach $750,000.
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.
Running Costs and Hybrid Ownership
The hybrid system adds complexity to ownership. The battery should be charged regularly to maintain its conditioning, and Ferrari recommends plugging in when the car is stored for extended periods. Annual servicing is estimated at $4,000 to $6,000 through a Ferrari dealer.
One advantage of the hybrid system: fuel consumption in mixed use is genuinely lower than a pure V8 Ferrari – expect around 10 to 13 litres per 100 km in normal driving conditions, dropping further if you use the eDrive mode in urban areas.
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 memory. For Australian buyers who want the current state of the art in the convertible sports car space, the 296 GTS is the answer – assuming you can get on a waiting list.