Ferrari 296 GTS breaks cover

Ferrari has released images and full details of its new 610kW Ferrari 296 GTS hybrid convertible that will take the fight up to the McLaren 720S Spider.
 
Available in Europe later this year, the 2022 Ferrari 296 GTS features a retractable hard-top inspired by the Ferrari SF90 Spider that stows its roof panel within a new compartment between the engine and seats.

 
Lowering the roof at speeds of up to 45km/h takes just 14 seconds.
 
Roof up, the new Ferrari 296 GTS appears near identical to the Ferrari 296 GTB Berlinetta coupe.

But looking closer, the GTS gets modified flying buttresses that are linked by a similar 'aero bridge' to the coupe's.

 
The front-end design carries the 296 GTB's slim headlights and low, wide twin air intakes.

At the rear, the fast Ferrari drop-top adopts the hybrid coupe's central exhaust and oversized rear diffuser.
 
Claimed to be the first-ever road-going V6-powered Ferrari convertible (the Dino Spyder 246 didn't carry the Prancing Horse badge), the 296 GTS features the same 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 plug-in hybrid powertrain as the coupe, producing an identical 610kW and 740Nm of torque.

 
Channelling its power via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission to the rear wheels, Ferrari claims the 0-100km/h time of 2.9 seconds matches the Berlinetta's – despite weighing 70kg more, with the drop-top tipping the scales at 1540kg (dry).
 
Top speed is also the same at more than 330km/h.

 
Featuring the same eManettino switch as the GTB, the GTS gets four individual modes that include a pure-electric setting that provides up to 24km of pure-electric range when the 7.45kWh battery pack is fully charged.
 
From start, the 296 GTS defaults in Hybrid mode that aims for maximum efficiency.

 
Performance, meanwhile, means the V6 is constantly active to keep the battery topped up for electric motor deployment when needed.
 
Qualifying mode ramps up everything to maximum attack, although in this setting there's less battery charging.

 
Like the 296 GTB Berlinetta, the Ferrari roadster is offered with the Assetto Fiorano pack that adds lightweight parts and aero-boosting measures.

The latter include a front lip spoiler that, alone, adds 10kg of downforce.
 
The Assetto kit also adds Multimatic adjustable dampers and grippier Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres.
 
In total, with the track-focused pack added to the 296 GTS produces 360kg of downforce at 250km/h.

 
Aside from some extra aero flaps to cut buffeting at high speed, within the cabin the 296 GTS features an identical interior design to the coupe, with the passenger getting an individual screen to display engine revs, speed and gear selection.
 
In Europe, pricing has yet to be announced but it's thought that the latest drop-top will cost around the same as the McLaren 765LT Spider, which costs a hefty $685,000 plus on-road costs in Australia.
 
The 296 GTS is one of two new models to be launched by Ferrari this year, with the Purosangue SUV next in line.

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