The Ferrari 296 GTS Assetto Fiorano is a marvel of modern automotive engineering, combining cutting-edge technology with Ferrari’s storied heritage. This mid-engine supercar represents a milestone in Ferrari’s evolution, blending hybrid technology with traditional performance to deliver an unparalleled driving experience. The 296 GTS showcases Ferrari’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation while staying true to the legacy that has made it a symbol of automotive excellence.
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10 Key Facts: Ferrari 296 GTS Assetto Fiorano Specs
The Ferrari 296 GTS Assetto Fiorano is a head-turning hybrid supercar that breaks new ground for the Maranello marque. This open-top masterpiece offers a thrilling combination of open-air exhilaration, innovative technology, and pure Ferrari passion. Let’s delve into 10 fascinating facts about this remarkable machine:
1. Ferrari 296 GTS: First V6 Hybrid Supercar
The Ferrari 296 GTS Assetto Fiorano is groundbreaking as Ferrari’s first production vehicle to feature a V6 engine in conjunction with a hybrid system. This 2.9-litre V6, combined with an electric motor, marks a new era for Ferrari, showcasing its commitment to innovation and sustainability without compromising performance. The hybrid system includes a 7.45 kWh battery pack, enabling the car to run purely on electric power for short distances, reducing emissions and enhancing fuel efficiency. This technology elevates the car’s performance and aligns with global trends towards greener automotive solutions.
2. Ferrari 296 GTS Design: Inspired by 250 LM
The architectural design of the 296 GTS harks back to Ferrari’s illustrious past, specifically the iconic 250 LM. The 250 LM, famous for its victory at the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans, inspires the 296 GTS. The mid-engine layout and sleek, aerodynamic design pay homage to this legendary race car, blending classic Ferrari aesthetics with modern performance.
The design philosophy behind the 296 GTS emphasises the balance and purity of form that characterised the 250 LM, ensuring that while the technology is cutting-edge, the spirit of Ferrari’s racing heritage remains intact.
3. Assetto Fiorano Pack Features and Benefits
The 296 GTS Assetto Fiorano is often adorned in the classic Rosso Corsa, Ferrari’s signature red. This finish is complemented by the Assetto Fiorano pack, which adds various performance-oriented features. The pack includes lightweight materials, such as carbon fibre and titanium, reducing the car’s weight and enhancing its agility.
Additionally, this car offers aerodynamic enhancements and a track-focused suspension setup, making the vehicle even more exhilarating to drive. Using lightweight materials helps lower the car’s centre of gravity, improving handling and responsiveness, which is essential for delivering the ultimate driving experience on both road and track.
4. Ferrari 296 GTS Power: 820 BHP Rear-Wheel Drive
The 296 GTS is a rear-wheel-drive powerhouse boasting 820 brake horsepower (bhp). The turbocharged V6 engine and the electric motor deliver this immense power. The rear-wheel-drive configuration ensures that all this power is efficiently transferred to the road, providing a thrilling driving experience characterised by precise handling and exceptional traction.
The car’s dynamic capabilities are further enhanced by advanced electronic systems, including an e-differential and traction control, ensuring that drivers can harness the full potential of the car’s power safely and effectively.
5. Ferrari 296 GTS 0-60 mph: 2.9 Second Sprint
One of the standout performance metrics of the 296 GTS is its acceleration. This supercar can rocket from 0 to 62 miles per hour (mph) in just 2.9 seconds. This blistering acceleration is made possible by the advanced hybrid drivetrain, which delivers instantaneous torque, and the car’s lightweight construction, allowing it to sprint off the line with incredible speed. The electric motor provides additional thrust at low speeds, ensuring that the car responds instantly to the driver’s inputs, while the turbocharged V6 takes over as speeds increase, maintaining relentless acceleration.
6. Ferrari 296 GTS Engine: “Piccolo V12” Nickname
Despite having only six cylinders, the engine of the 296 GTS is affectionately nicknamed the “Piccolo V12” or “Little V12.” This moniker highlights the engine’s ability to deliver power and performance reminiscent of Ferrari’s legendary V12 engines.
The V6’s compact size and hybrid assistance ensure it punches well above its weight, offering an exhilarating and high-revving experience that Ferrari enthusiasts have come to expect. The engine’s architecture includes a 120-degree V-angle, which allows for the placement of the turbochargers inside the “V” of the engine, reducing turbo lag and enhancing responsiveness.
7. Ferrari 296 GTS Top Speed: 8,500 RPM Redline
The 296 GTS is engineered to deliver a high-revving driving experience, with the V6 engine capable of reaching a redline of 8,500 revolutions per minute (rpm). This high-revving nature and the engine’s powerful soundtrack provide a visceral and engaging driving experience. The ability to rev so high is a testament to Ferrari’s engineering prowess and dedication to creating engines that thrill drivers. The high redline ensures the engine delivers a broad powerband, allowing drivers to exploit its performance potential in various driving conditions.
8. Ferrari 296 GTS Convertible Roof: 14-Second Operation
The 296 GTS features a retractable hardtop roof that can transition from closed to open in 14 seconds. This fast-acting convertible roof enhances the car’s versatility, allowing drivers to enjoy the thrill of open-top driving at a moment’s notice. The roof mechanism is designed to operate at speeds up to 28 mph, ensuring the driving experience is seamless and uninterrupted. The design of the roof ensures that, when closed, it maintains the sleek and aerodynamic lines of the coupe, while, when open, it provides an immersive and exhilarating driving experience.
9. Ferrari 296 GTS Awards: Top Gear Car of the Year 2022
The 296 GTS has received critical acclaim, including being named Top Gear’s Car of the Year for 2022. This prestigious award is a testament to the car’s outstanding performance, innovative technology, and exceptional design. Top Gear, one of the most respected automotive publications in the world, recognised the 296 GTS for its ability to combine traditional Ferrari excitement with modern hybrid efficiency. The accolade reflects the car’s ability to captivate enthusiasts and critics alike, solidifying its position as a supercar segment benchmark.
10. Ferrari 296 GTS Recognition: GQ Car of the Year 2023
Continuing its streak of accolades, the 296 GTS was named GQ Car of the Year for 2023. GQ, a leading lifestyle and fashion magazine, highlighted the car’s style, performance, and cutting-edge technology blend. This recognition underscores Ferrari’s ability to produce vehicles that are not only technically superior but also culturally significant and highly desirable. The GQ award emphasises the car’s appeal beyond the automotive world, showcasing its influence on design, luxury, and lifestyle trends.
A Supercar for a New Era: The Ferrari 296 GTS Assetto Fiorano
The Ferrari 296 GTS Assetto Fiorano isn’t just another supercar; it’s a potent symbol of Ferrari’s unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of automotive excellence. This remarkable machine seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with historical reverence, all wrapped up in a package that delivers unparalleled performance, making it a true standout in the automotive world.
Innovation Meets Tradition: A Hybrid Powerhouse
The Ferrari 296 GTS Assetto Fiorano showcases aerodynamic efficiency wrapped in stunning bodywork. The front fascia features sharp lines and air intakes that channel cooling air while reducing drag. The side profile reveals the car’s mid-engine layout, with sculpted surfaces that direct airflow over and around the body.
The rear design includes an active spoiler that adjusts based on speed and driving mode, maximising downforce when needed. Distinctive LED taillights reference Ferrari’s design language while adding modern character. The Assetto Fiorano package includes additional aerodynamic elements like vortex generators and a lightweight rear screen.
Interior Features and Technology
Inside, the 296 GTS blends driver focus with modern comfort. The cockpit wraps around the driver, placing controls within easy reach. Digital displays provide information without overwhelming, while the steering wheel hosts essential functions for track-focused driving.
Premium materials fill the cabin, including leather, Alcantara, and carbon fibre. The seats provide support during hard cornering while remaining comfortable for longer journeys. Climate control, infotainment, and smartphone integration ensure modern convenience matches the traditional Ferrari experience.
Powertrain and Performance
The 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 produces 663 bhp on its own. Adding the 167 bhp electric motor creates a combined output of 830 PS (820 bhp). The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission shifts quickly, whether driven smoothly or aggressively.
The car reaches a top speed of 205 mph, making it one of the fastest convertibles Ferrari has produced. The hybrid system offers different driving modes: eDrive for pure electric operation, Hybrid for balanced performance and efficiency, and Performance for maximum power.
Fuel economy remains reasonable for a supercar, with the hybrid system reducing consumption during lighter driving. The battery recharges through regenerative braking and the combustion engine, maintaining charge without requiring plug-in charging for most driving situations.
Safety Features
The 296 GTS includes modern safety systems that support the driver without interfering with the driving experience. Stability control and traction management work quietly in the background, intervening only when necessary. The carbon-ceramic brakes provide strong, fade-resistant stopping power.
Multiple airbags protect occupants, while the rigid chassis structure provides crash protection. Advanced driver assistance systems include parking sensors and cameras, helping manoeuvre the wide supercar in tight spaces. The car also features Ferrari’s Side Slip Control system, which manages the car’s behaviour at the limit of grip.
Price
The Ferrari 296 GTS Assetto Fiorano commands a significant premium over the standard 296 GTS. Base pricing starts around £285,000, with the Assetto Fiorano package adding approximately £35,000-£40,000 to the total. Personalisation options can push the final price considerably higher, as Ferrari owners often specify unique colours, materials, and features.
This pricing positions the 296 GTS Assetto Fiorano against competitors like the McLaren Artura, Lamborghini Huracán EVO Spyder, and Porsche 918 Spyder successor models. The Ferrari commands strong residual values, making it an investment as much as a purchase.
FAQs
How long can the Ferrari 296 GTS run on electric power alone?
The 296 GTS can travel approximately 25 kilometres (15.5 miles) on electric power alone at speeds up to 135 km/h (84 mph), making it practical for short urban journeys with zero emissions.
What makes the Assetto Fiorano package worth the extra cost?
The package includes lightweight carbon fibre components, titanium parts, aerodynamic upgrades, and track-specific suspension tuning. These modifications reduce weight by 12 kg and improve lap times on the circuit.
How does the 296 GTS compare to the 296 GTB?
The GTS features a retractable hardtop for open-air driving and weighs approximately 70 kg more than the GTB coupe. Performance remains nearly identical, with the GTS losing only 0.1 seconds in the 0-62 mph sprint.
Does the hybrid system require plug-in charging?
No, the 296 GTS doesn’t need plug-in charging. The battery recharges through regenerative braking and the combustion engine, though Ferrari offers an optional charging cable for convenience.
What’s the warranty coverage for the Ferrari 296 GTS?
Ferrari provides a three-year unlimited mileage warranty, plus a seven-year maintenance programme covering scheduled service. The hybrid battery receives an eight-year warranty.