Ferrari 296 GTS: The Fourth Plug-In Hybrid That Redefines Open-Top Performance

The Fourth - There’s something irresistibly magnetic about the sound of a Ferrari. It’s not just noise—it’s music to any auto enthusiast’s ears. For decades, Ferrari has been the ultimate dream for those who see cars not merely as transportation, but as pure passion molded in metal. But times are changing. The engine roars of yesterday are slowly giving way to the soft hum of electrification, and even the legendary Prancing Horse is steering into a new chapter. The journey may seem risky for a brand built on tradition, but Ferrari is showing it can embrace the future without losing its soul—and nothing captures this delicate balance better than the Ferrari 296 GTS.

Ferrari's new 296 GTS (on the right) and 296 GTS Assetto Fiorano (on the left) sport cars are pictured in this undated handout photo obtained by Reuters on April 19, 2022. (Picture from: Reuters)

Unveiled in April 2022, the 296 GTS is a bold yet elegant step forward. This drop-top beauty isn’t just a stunner from the outside; it’s packed with engineering that blends cutting-edge performance with conscious innovation. Following in the tire tracks of its hybrid siblings—the SF90 Stradale, SF90 Spider, and 296 GTB—this is the fourth plug-in hybrid from Ferrari, and it might just be the most striking of them all.

The new Ferrari 296 GTS sport car is built based on aluminum chassis and powered by a 819 hp (830 PS) hybrid-assisted 3.0-liter V6 engine. (Picture from: GoOto)

At first glance, the 296 GTS has all the hallmarks of a classic Ferrari. It’s low, wide, and undeniably aggressive in design, with curves that seem sculpted by wind and speed. But what sets it apart is its retractable hard top, which neatly folds away in just 1.4 seconds—even while the car is cruising at 28 mph. This gives drivers the option to enjoy the open sky without sacrificing style or aerodynamics. It’s a small detail, but it speaks volumes about Ferrari’s dedication to marrying technology with driving emotion.

The new Ferrari 296 GTS sport car gets an eManettino switch alongside the traditional steering-wheel mounted Manettino control, with four selectable positions. (Picture from: Carscoops)

Underneath its sleek body lies a powerhouse of a heart. A 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, paired with a 122 kW electric motor, creates a jaw-dropping total output of 830 horsepower and 740 Nm of torque. All that energy is channeled exclusively to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, pushing the 296 GTS from 0 to 100 kph in a lightning-fast 2.9 seconds. And yes—it roars all the way up to a top speed of over 330 kph.

The new Ferrari 296 GTS Assetto Fiorano sport car is described as the tough and track-oriented package similar to one available in the coupe version as well. (Picture from: GearRice)

What’s especially interesting about this model is Ferrari’s choice of engine. Traditionally known for monstrous V12s and V8s, the brand’s pivot to a V6 might surprise some fans. But this decision isn’t about compromise—it’s about evolution. Ferrari is taking steps to meet environmental goals, reducing emissions without giving up the performance it’s known for. In this way, the 296 GTS represents more than just a car; it’s a symbol of transformation and responsibility.

Despite its futuristic drive system, the 296 GTS doesn’t alienate the brand's loyalists. Instead, it offers them a new way to experience everything they love: speed, control, and that intangible thrill of being behind the wheel of something truly special. It’s the perfect balance between legacy and progress, and that’s a rare thing to find.

A rendered image by @2NCS of the Ferrari's highly-anticipated SUV variants named Purosangue (means Thoroughbred) might be look. (Picture from: INFNews)

The arrival of this model is only the beginning. With plans underway for new vehicles, including the Purosangue SUV (means Thoroughbred), and even a fully electric Ferrari by 2025, the iconic brand is accelerating into a future many once thought incompatible with its DNA. Yet, if the 296 GTS is any indication, Ferrari is more than ready to redefine what performance means in this new age. 

For those who still believe that power and elegance can coexist with innovation and conscience, the Ferrari 296 GTS is proof that the future of sports cars can still take your breath away. It may be quieter than its ancestors, but it speaks louder than ever before. *** [EKA [24042022] | FROM VARIOUS OSURCES | FERRARI | REUTERS | CARSCOOPS ]

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