Ferrari has revealed a new sibling for its 296 GTB coupe- the convertible, mid-rear-engined 296 GTS berlinetta spider.
The good folks in Maranello, Italy, say the 296 GTS is the ‘epitome of driving pleasure’.
And when you consider that it somehow combines a 2.9 litre V6 engine and 818 bhp - as well as 740 Nm of torque - with a plug-in hybrid system, Ferrari might just be right.
A 7.45kWh battery means the 296 GTS can travel for around 15 miles using electricity alone, at speeds of up to 84 mph.
Yet you’ll still hit 62mph from a standstill in 2.9 seconds while sprinting on to a top speed of 204 mph.
A Ferrari spokesperson tells us:
“The 296 GTS flanks the 296 GTB in redefining the whole concept of fun behind the wheel, guaranteeing pure emotions not just when pushing the car to its limits, but also in day-to-day driving situations.”
Price wise, details are still to be confirmed, but the 296 GTS should prove cheaper than the 6.5-litre V12 Ferrari 812 GTS while being a good alternative to the Ferrari F8 Spider.
Of course, the GTS carries the famed ‘Gran Turismo Spider’ moniker that has adorned some of Ferrari’s most sumptuous models to date, so gets instant kudos among admirers.
The 296 GTS features a retractable hardtop that takes a mere 14 seconds to retract or deploy at speeds of up to 28 mph.
Meanwhile the battery pack is located on the floor behind the seats and to minimise volume and weight, while the cooling system, structure and fixing points are integrated into a single component.
From a chassis perspective, at 2,600mm, the wheelbase is 50 mm shorter than previous Ferrari mid-rear-engined berlinettas 'to the benefit of the car’s dynamic agility', according to Ferrari.
You can also expect handling-boosting systems such as brake-by-wire, ‘Aero’ brake callipers, electric power steering, a rear active aero device and sophisticated ‘magnetorheological’ - aka magnetic fluid - dampers.
The cabin adopts a sleek ‘minimalist’ look with an entirely digital interface while aerodynamic flaps have been integrated into the rear trim structure to reduce the buffeting that often comes with open-top motoring.
As for the way the 296 GTS looks, a Ferrari spokesperson enthuses:
“The 296 GTS further emphasises the clean, sophisticated lines of the 296 GTB. When the top is down, it is the peerlessly elegant epitome of the open-air hybrid concept. Its unprecedented architecture for a spider, in fact, opens a whole new chapter in the marque’s story.”
And as was the case with the SF90 Stradale, for lease customers who want to exploit the car’s extreme power and performance to the utmost, particularly on the track, the 296 GTS is also available with the ‘Assetto Fiorano’ package that adds lightweight features and aero modifications.
They include special GT racing-derived adjustable Multimatic shock absorbers optimised for track use, carbon-fibre appendages on the front bumper add 10 kg of downforce, and a liberal use of carbon-fibre for both cabin and exterior.
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