Ferrari 296 GTS: The Definitive History, Specs, and Legacy
Introduction: Ferrari’s Hybrid Convertible Revolution
In the evolving saga of Ferrari’s mid-engine lineage, the 296 GTS, introduced in 2022 and still in production as of April 07, 2025, emerges as a groundbreaking chapter—a plug-in hybrid convertible that melds a 3.0-liter V6 with electric power to unleash 819 horsepower. As the open-top sibling to the Ferrari 296 GTB, this supercar represents Maranello’s bold leap into electrification, its “GTS” moniker—Gran Turismo Spider—heralding a new era of open-air performance. Production figures remain fluid, but estimates suggest over 1,000 units by early 2025.
Unveiled on April 19, 2022, the 296 GTS arrived as Ferrari’s most advanced convertible to date, its hybrid technology drawing from the SF90 Stradale and Formula 1 expertise. With a retractable hardtop and sleek design, it has redefined the supercar landscape. As a Ferrari historian, I offer this comprehensive account of the 296 GTS—its historical significance, technical ingenuity, and burgeoning legacy within the Prancing Horse’s storied canon.
Historical Context: A Hybrid Leap in Ferrari’s Mid-Engine Legacy
The Ferrari 296 GTS debuted in 2022, a pivotal moment in Maranello’s electrification journey. The 488 GTB and its successors, including the 488 Spider, had dominated the V8 turbo era, producing over 12,000 units. Yet, emissions regulations and performance innovation demanded a new path. The 296 GTB, launched in 2021, introduced a V6 hybrid powertrain, and the 296 GTS followed, succeeding the 488 Spider with a convertible twist.
Revealed virtually on April 19, 2022, chassis 271123—painted in Rosso Imola—captivated the world, its folding hardtop retracting in 14 seconds. By April 2025, production is estimated to exceed 1,000 units, a modest but growing tally within the 296 family. This is a car for the modern elite—tech-savvy enthusiasts, coastal connoisseurs—crafted amid a hybrid supercar surge against the McLaren Artura Spider and Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet.
The early 2020s mark Ferrari’s hybrid revolution. The LaFerrari pioneered electrification, but the 296 GTS brings it to the mainstream, bridging the F8 Spider and future horizons.
Technical Specifications: The V6 Hybrid’s Open-Top Brilliance
The Ferrari 296 GTS’s core is its 3.0-liter V6 plug-in hybrid system—a fusion of combustion and electric power that redefines supercar performance. Below, I unravel its engineering with a historian’s precision.
Engine: The 3.0-Liter Tipo F163 V6 Hybrid
The Tipo F163 V6, displacing 2,992 cc (bore 88 mm, stroke 82 mm), features a 120-degree V-angle, four valves per cylinder, and twin IHI turbochargers. With a 9.4:1 compression ratio, it produces 654 horsepower at 8,000 rpm. Paired with a 164 hp (122 kW) electric motor and 7.45 kWh battery, total output reaches 819 hp and 546 lb-ft of torque. Weighing 340 lbs (engine alone), this hybrid system offers a 16-mile electric range and a thrilling V6 howl.
Performance: Hybrid Supercar Speed
The 296 GTS hits 205 mph (330 km/h)—verified by Car and Driver in 2023—matching the 296 GTB, with a 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds. Its power-to-weight ratio (532 hp/ton) outpaces the 488 Pista, lapping Fiorano in 1:21.8—near hypercar territory.
Chassis and Suspension: Aluminum Hybrid Platform
The aluminum-carbon spaceframe weighs 1,540 kg (3,395 lbs)—70 kg heavier than the GTB—reinforced for the retractable hardtop. Its 2,600 mm wheelbase pairs with double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, magnetic dampers, and an E-Diff for agile handling, with a 50:50 weight distribution.
Transmission and Brakes: Seamless Hybrid Dynamics
An 8-speed dual-clutch transmission—Ferrari-designed—delivers 20-ms shifts, with ratios (1st: 3.08, 8th: 0.65) optimized for hybrid thrust. Carbon-ceramic brakes (15.7-inch front, 14.2-inch rear) offer 1.3g stopping power, enhanced by brake-by-wire.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid, 819 hp total |
| Displacement | 2,992 cc (88 mm x 82 mm) |
| Top Speed | ~205 mph (330 km/h) |
| 0-60 mph | ~2.9 seconds |
| Weight | 1,540 kg (3,395 lbs) |
| Transmission | 8-speed dual-clutch, rear-wheel drive |
| Suspension (Front) | Double wishbone, magnetic dampers |
| Suspension (Rear) | Multi-link, magnetic dampers, E-Diff |
| Brakes | 15.7-inch front, 14.2-inch rear carbon-ceramic discs |
Design and Styling: Ferrari’s Hybrid Convertible Artistry
The 296 GTS’s design, crafted in-house, blends aerodynamics with open-top elegance.
Exterior: Sleek Hardtop Form
Chassis 271123 debuted with a sculpted nose, active aero flaps, and a folding aluminum roof—finished in Rosso Imola. Its 2,600 mm wheelbase and 25% more downforce than the 488 Spider ensure stability at 205 mph. The 20-inch forged wheels complete its futuristic stance.
Interior: High-Tech Cockpit
The cabin features leather-Alcantara seats, a digital dash, and Veglia gauges (10,000 rpm redline). A Manettino dial (eDrive, Hybrid, Performance, Qualify) and open roof elevate the 296 GTB’s layout, merging luxury with hybrid tech.
Production and Variants: A Hybrid Convertible Milestone
The 296 GTS’s production, ongoing since 2022, exceeds 1,000 units by April 2025 (estimated). Chassis 271123 launched the series, with no end date set. An Assetto Fiorano package enhances track performance, but the standard GTS remains the core offering.
Performance and Racing Legacy: A Hybrid Road Star
The Ferrari 296 GTS racing history is minimal, its focus on road performance. Chassis 271130 logs spirited drives, not race laps. Its 205 mph top speed and hybrid agility shine on open roads.
Ownership and Market Value: A Future Classic
The Ferrari 296 GTS value reflects its innovation. Early owners include Max Verstappen (chassis 271125). Prices start at $350,000-$450,000—chassis 271123 listed at $420,000 in 2025. Maintenance—$15,000 annually—marks its cutting-edge status.
Cultural Impact: Ferrari’s Hybrid Convertible Frontier
The 296 GTS pioneers Ferrari’s hybrid future, influencing models beyond the SF90. In 2020s lore, it’s the open-top hybrid trailblazer—a new Maranello icon.
Comparisons: Ferrari 296 GTS vs Rivals
The Ferrari 296 GTS vs McLaren Artura Spider pits 819 hp V6 hybrid against 671 hp V6 hybrid—Ferrari leads in power, McLaren in weight (1,498 kg). The Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet (640 hp) trails in tech but matches pace.
| Model | Engine | Power | Weight | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrari 296 GTS | 3.0L V6 Hybrid | 819 hp | 1,540 kg | ~205 mph |
| McLaren Artura Spider | 3.0L V6 Hybrid | 671 hp | 1,498 kg | ~205 mph |
| Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet | 3.8L Twin-Turbo Flat-6 | 640 hp | 1,710 kg | ~205 mph |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ferrari 296 GTS?
A 2022-present 3.0L V6 hybrid mid-engine convertible supercar.
How many have been made?
Over 1,000 units by April 2025 (estimated).
What engine powers it?
2,992 cc V6 hybrid, 819 hp total.
Does it race?
No—built for road.
What’s its value?
$350,000-$450,000.
