Skip advert
Advertisement

New Ferrari 296 GTS revealed – a new rival for the McLaren 720S Spider

Ferrari's new drop-top £270,000, 818bhp V6-hybrid GTS has been added to the 296 family

Ferrari has reintroduced the iconic GTS – Gran Turismo Spider – nomenclature for a new convertible version of its hybrid-engined 296 GTB supercar. This addition to the 296 range will join the berlinetta coupe, sharing all of its key powertrain and chassis components. 

As is the case with Ferrari’s 812 GTS and the F355 before it, the 296 GTS isn’t quite a full open-top convertible in the style of Ferrari’s previous mid-engined cars, as only the main roof section is removed to create a targa-style opening. When the roof is closed, the 296 GTS looks almost identical to the GTB, which is no bad thing given the standard car’s sleek and sophisticated design that draws on heritage models like the 250 LM with a contemporary edge. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

There have been some changes made to compensate for the stowage requirements of the GTS’s roof, with a new rear tonneau cover replacing the dramatic clear composite unit found on the coupe for one with a smaller window looking into the engine bay. Overall the changes are very subtle, and at the same time very well integrated. 

The technical package mimics the GTB, too, with a twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 that’s augmented by a single electric motor sandwiched between it and an eight-speed dual clutch transmission. Peak combined power is rated at 818bhp at 6000rpm, with 546lb ft peaking at a sky-high 6250rpm. The combined power of both internal combustion and electric power units is then driven through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission that, unlike the SF90, has a physical reverse gear. 

All that power and torque only reaches the road through the rear wheels, but as the 296GTB has already proven in our initial experience, it’s certainly not a problem, with Ferrari’s engineers instilling it with almost supernatural traction.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Advertisement - Article continues below

In terms of the chassis, the usual compromises associated with open-top supercars will likely apply less here, with the 296’s aluminium structure likely to require only small levels of extra strengthening on the underbody due in part to the relatively small roof opening and the structural aero-bridge that ties the rear section of the car together. The GTS weighs 70kg more than the 1470kg GTB at 1540kg, but it is worth remembering these are dry weights when specified with all the lightest possible options, likely making the GTS closer to 1650kg with all its fluids on board.

Otherwise, the GTS’s underlying mixed-metal chassis is the same as the coupe, with a 50mm reduction in wheelbase compared to the V8-powered F8 Spider making it 46mm shorter overall. Double-wishbone suspension is fitted to each corner, with the excellent standard-fit electromagnetic dampers taking care of business, and Ferrari’s full suite of driver aids and performance technology including an e-diff, electronic side slip control and the 269’s ‘ABS evo’ braking system. 

Performance is very close to that of the GS, with an identical 2.9sec 0-62mph time and 204mph top speed, although its 0-124mph time is slower by 0.3sec at 7.6sec. As with the coupe, there’s also an optional Assetto Fiorano package that swaps the adaptive dampers for passive units sourced from go to hypercar builder and GT race team Multimatic, plus a spread of carbonfibre elements inside and out including the roof panel, and Michelin Cup 2R rubber. Ferrari quote a total weight saving of around 8kg. 

Prices have yet to be confirmed for the UK market, but we suspect a £25-30,000 price rise compared to the GTB’s £241,560 starting price, before you consider Ferrari’s extensive (and expensive) options list.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Aston Martin DB12 Volante 2025 review – Britain’s Ferrari Roma Spider rival
Aston Martin DB12 Volante front
Reviews

Aston Martin DB12 Volante 2025 review – Britain’s Ferrari Roma Spider rival

Aston Martin's DB12 convertible holds huge appeal but masters neither the grand touring or sports car disciplines
12 Jun 2025
BMW Skytop spotted on the road for the first time – £400,000 special nears production
BMW Skytop
News

BMW Skytop spotted on the road for the first time – £400,000 special nears production

Just 50 examples of the BMW M8-based Skytop are expected to hit the road, priced at over £400,000 each
15 May 2025
Can Ferrari really sell a €407k supercar with a V6?
Ferrari 296 Speciale – front
Opinion

Can Ferrari really sell a €407k supercar with a V6?

The new 296 Speciale has arrived, but is a V6 the right choice for what is meant to be Ferrari’s most thrilling road car yet? The team discusses this …
13 May 2025
Best roadsters 2025 – performance cars for the summer sun
Best Roadsters 2025 evo
Best cars

Best roadsters 2025 – performance cars for the summer sun

The best roadsters offer big thrills with minimal compromises – these are evo’s favourites from the present and past
12 May 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Honda Civic Type R for £5k off – save 10 per cent on the ultimate hot hatch
Honda Civic Type R deal
News

Honda Civic Type R for £5k off – save 10 per cent on the ultimate hot hatch

The Civic Type R is not long for this world and there are deals to be had on Honda’s pricey but near-perfect hot hatch
26 Jun 2025
Can Lotus survive its latest crisis?
Lotus factory
Opinion

Can Lotus survive its latest crisis?

Lotus’s latest troubles are grabbing headlines, but the writing’s been on the wall for some time.
28 Jun 2025
Iconic cars of the 1990s driven, from Renault Clio 16v to Ferrari 355 – car pictures of the week
evo eras 1990s
Features

Iconic cars of the 1990s driven, from Renault Clio 16v to Ferrari 355 – car pictures of the week

In the latest issue of evo magazine, we go back to the 1990s on the finest Welsh roads with a selection of iconic youngtimers
27 Jun 2025