Nadim Mehanna and his MotorShow team took the latest Ferrari 296 GTS for a comprehensive drive in the UAE.
The Ferrari 296 GTS stands as one of the most significant open-top supercars of the modern era, combining the emotional appeal of a spider with the cutting-edge hybrid technology that now defines Ferrari’s new performance direction.
As the roofless counterpart to the 296 GTB, it retains the sculpted proportions, compact dimensions and unmistakable Ferrari elegance, all while introducing a retractable hard-top that operates in just 14 seconds and maintains the purity of the car's lines whether raised or lowered.
At the core of the 296 GTS is Ferrari’s revolutionary 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, set at a 120-degree angle for optimal balance and airflow. This power plant delivers an astonishing 663 horsepower on its own, making it the most powerful six-cylinder ever installed in a road-going Ferrari.
Paired with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, the total output rises to 830 horsepower and 740 Nm of torque. The hybrid system is fed by a 7.45 kWh battery that allows the car to glide through urban environments quietly in electric mode, adding refinement and versatility without undermining its performance identity.
Despite the complexity of its convertible mechanism, the 296 GTS delivers extraordinary performance. It sprints from zero to 100 km/h in only 2.9 seconds and continues to 200 km/h in 7.6 seconds, before reaching a top speed exceeding 330 km/h.
Ferrari’s engineers ensured that the car’s rigidity and aerodynamics remain uncompromised, and even with the roof down, the 296 GTS retains sharp handling, precise steering response and outstanding mid-engine balance.
The lightweight construction keeps the dry weight at around 1,540 kilograms, and the optional Assetto Fiorano package further enhances track capability with specialized components and additional weight reduction.
The driving experience is one of the 296 GTS’s greatest accomplishments. The combination of instant electric torque and the high-revving V6 creates a uniquely responsive character that blends hybrid efficiency with the visceral intensity expected from Ferrari.
The car feels agile and playful thanks to its short wheelbase and advanced electronic systems, while the soundtrack, amplified when the roof is lowered, offers a new kind of Ferrari voice: sharper, higher-pitched and unmistakably modern, yet still connected to the brand’s racing heritage.
Inside the cabin, the 296 GTS continues Ferrari’s shift toward a digital-first cockpit, surrounding the driver with a fully digital instrument display, touch-sensitive controls and high-quality materials ranging from leather to carbon fiber.
The layout emphasizes a driver-centric experience, reinforcing the brand’s belief that technology should enhance engagement rather than distract from it. A passenger display is available to share performance information and add an interactive dimension to the experience.
Ultimately, the Ferrari 296 GTS represents far more than a convertible variation of the 296 GTB. It symbolizes the direction Ferrari is taking as it moves into an electrified future, one in which hybrid systems elevate performance instead of diluting it.
Combining strong performance figures, modern engineering solutions, aerodynamic design and an open-top layout, the 296 GTS represents a significant entry in Ferrari’s current lineup and reflects the brand’s ongoing emphasis on driving engagement.