Ferrari 296 GTS
Slowly but surely, Ferrari continues to expand its model range. With the new 296 GTS, a new two-seater roadster with a retractable, two-piece folding top makes its debut today. This retractable hard top (RHT) has been familiar to brand fans since the 458 Spider. At the push of a button, it disappears behind the passengers within 14 seconds – even at speeds of up to 45 kph. The top can be retracted at any time. Beneath the hard top compartment is the drivetrain already familiar from the 296 GTB, consisting of a V6 turbo engine and an electric motor. Apart from the Dino 206 and 246, which were never officially Ferraris, this is the first model from Maranello with six cylinders. The data sheet lists a system output of 830 hp, of which 663 comes from the V6 and 167 from the electric drive. Power is transmitted via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Optical inspiration from the 250 LM
In addition to pure extra power, the plug-in hybrid drive also offers other advantages. For example, the Ferrari 296 GTS can be driven silently for up to 25 km (15 miles) in purely electric eDrive mode. At full power, the combined drive reduces pedal reaction times to zero. As with the coupé (GTB), the open-top GTS uses innovative dynamic control systems and carefully refined aerodynamics. In this respect, the bar behind the cockpit is strongly reminiscent of the 250 LM from 1963. The designers integrated a glass pane into the rear section of the engine cover, through which the V6 powerplant can be viewed. The vertical glass rear window can be lowered electrically. This means that it also serves as a wind deflector when the hard top is open. For customers who like to use their 296 GTS frequently on the racetrack, there is the Assetto Fiorano package with lightweight and aerodynamic modifications, as with the 296 GTB. It is visually identifiable by the two-tone paint finish.
Active rear spoiler
Both the turbocharger in the hot inner-V of the gasoline engine and all other heat-dissipating components are positioned as high up as possible. In this way, the engineers were able to develop the most efficient heat management possible. As on the LaFerrari, an active spoiler is integrated into the rear bumper to provide additional downforce if required. In the case of the 296 GTS Assetto Fiorano, this amounts to up to 360 kilograms at 155 mph. However, even with the spoiler retracted, this variant offers 100 kilograms of additional downforce compared with the normal 296 GTS. As with the SF90, the 296 also uses the new aero brake calipers with ventilation ducts integrated into the casting. They draw their fresh air needed for cooling from the front through air intakes on the headlights. In keeping with tradition, Ferrari combined the displacement in liters (2.9) and the number of cylinders of the gasoline engine to create the model name 296, plus the abbreviation GTS for Gran Turismo Spider. This was last used on the F355 in the 1990s.
Stiffer than the 296 GTB
It was very important to Ferrari to create a very dynamic vehicle with the 296 GTS. To this end, the development phase focused mainly on the five factors of longitudinal dynamics, lateral dynamics, shifting, braking and sound. Future owners can look forward to the results. After all, the suspension for the open sports car was given another independent set-up compared with the closed 296 GTB. Great importance was attached to torsional and bending stiffness. In addition to the chassis, the A- and B-pillars and the sills were also stiffened. Nevertheless, the dry weight of 1,540 kilograms is pleasingly low. The “ABS Evo” system enables traction to be distributed between the rear wheels in addition to electronic traction control. Ferrari hasn’t yet announced when the new car will be available at dealerships or what the base price will be.
Images: Ferrari
