Ferrari 296 GTS review: hybrid supercar rewrites the rules

The brave new world of electrification has created enormous headaches for the makers of top-end sports cars, but this one seems to have nailed a successful formula.

The open-top treatment amplifies the thrill of driving Ferrari’s 296 supercar.

This is a beautiful car

But we don’t have to tell you that.

You can see with your own eyes that the Ferrari 296 GTS is special, as much of the machine’s story is told by its appearance.

Exotic proportions tell you this is a traditional supercar, a mid-engine, low-slung sliver of speed.

The Ferrari 296 looks stunning from all angles. Picture: Thomas Wielecki.

Sweeping shapes, such as the deeply sculpted air side air intakes or the flying buttresses behind the headrests, are met by modern elements including the slim LED lights and huge wheels with enormous carbon ceramic brakes. Our test car’s glorious metallic red – Rosso Imola – paint, cream-coloured leather and carbon fibre jewellery deliver a knockout blow.

The interior is a mix of sportiness and luxury. Picture: Thomas Wielecki.

It drives like a dream

What should a Ferrari feel like?

Should it be lightweight and agile, without a millimetre of slack in its responses? Should the steering be so quick and precise that it feels like an extension of your mind, the brakes deliciously modulated and incredibly powerful?

Should the ride be toned but never crashy, the gearbox like a rapid-fire Formula 1 car with smoothed edges?

This Ferrari is all of those things. It drives the way I always dreamt a Ferrari might, backing up a delightful first impression with seriously imposing performance.

The top down experience is unbeatable. Picture: Thomas Wielecki.

Speed comes easily

The 296 is powered by Ferrari’s next-generation engine, a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 with more than a little hybrid assistance. Peak power is 610kW – well more than 800 horsepower – enough to propel the compact roadster to 100km/h in less than three seconds, on to a top speed far beyond 300km/h. The V6 is expected to replace a larger twin-turbo V8 in Ferrari models, but we have no problem with that. It sounds magnificent – insiders call it the “piccolo V12” – with a richly layered howl punctuated by the whoosh and flutter of heavy-breathing turbos right over your shoulder. The power delivery is superb: it swells with bottomless torque, climaxing in a surging turbocharged wave.

Better still, the powerful electric motor lets you run silently at the start and end of any journey, around town or near pedestrians. You can advertise the car’s performance, or keep it a secret for yourself.

The V6 sounds great. Picture: Thomas Wielecki.

The open top makes it better

While some brands apply the “GTS” badge to cars with more power than lesser models, Ferrari reserves it for convertible models with the same power as fixed-roof coupes. This car has a powered, electrically folding targa-style hard top that tucks away under the rear deck.

It looks elegant with the roof up or down, but the sound and feel in al fresco mode can’t be beaten.

Driving with the roof off amplifies all the sensations of driving a Ferrari – the sounds, the speed, the sense that you’re being watched by other road users. It’s hard to go incognito in a convertible Ferrari.

The GTS treatment adds about $64,000 to the bill, pushing Ferrari’s price to $668,146 plus on-road costs and optional extras that can add a six figure sum to the bottom line.

The Ferrari costs $668,146 plus on-road costs. Picture: Supplied.

It’s the best supercar you can buy today

That’s a big call, but we have no hesitation making it. Though it’s not perfect – the steering wheel is too complex and the infotainment system is confounding – the Ferrari 296 is everything you could hope for from a supercar. It combines gorgeous looks with a thrilling drive and truly ludicrous speed. Hybrid tech ramps it up to eleven, delivering an additional layer of appeal with its ability to run silently as required, and to manoeuvre the car at low speed without making considerations for a lurching clutch or transmission.

Ferrari’s multi-layered traction and stability control systems are the best in the business, helping folks new to supercars enjoy their experience without worrying about a loss of control, while maintaining a breadth of ability capable of thrilling drivers of all levels.

Originally published as Ferrari 296 GTS review: hybrid supercar rewrites the rules