2023 Ferrari 296 GTS

Eight months ago, Ferrari returned to V6 power with the reveal of the 296 GTB, a hybrid successor to the Dino of yesteryear. Its 3.0-liter twin-turbo engine contributes to a combined power output of 818 horsepower and is a true marvel of engineering. On its own, it produces 653 hp for a record-breaking specific output that not even Bugatti can claim. Heck, even one of the finest track-biased supercars of its generation, the McLaren 765 LT Spider, can only produce 755 hp. Simply put, this 205-mph Italian supercar is very special, but what if you want your hair pulled back while your heart is racing? S&M is one option, and the recently revealed 296 GTS (the open-top version of the GTB) is another. Let's see what it's all about. The car, not the fetish.

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We are yet to be informed of exactly when the 2023 Ferrari 296 GTS convertible is coming out, but we expect that the Ferrari 296 GTS release date should be sometime in late 2022 or early 2023.

In all honesty, this car has no competition or direct rivals. Hybrid drop-top supercars are few and far between, and even those with close to the same number of ponies under the hood are left in the dust of this Prancing Horse's wake - the McLaren 765 LT Spider is just one example, but how many supercars of this size can you think of that produce 800 hp+? Naturally, such excellence comes at a high cost, but the exact MSRP for the USA market is unknown. With the berlinetta version starting at over $320,000, and Ferrari typically adding a mark-up of around $20k to spider models, we predict the Ferrari 296 GTS price will be at least $340,000.

As with the hardtop, the exterior of the 296 GTS shows headlights that incorporate little intakes and a low dual front spoiler below the menacing intakes of the front bumper. Along the profile, the deep shoulder line leads to shoulder air intakes and a unique curve in the hips. This, in turn, leads to an active rear spoiler that Ferrari claims to have based on that of the LaFerrari. Narrow taillights sit just below with a central exhaust encased in ventilating mesh. Below this, a large diffuser enhances the aggressive look while contributing to downforce. Speaking of, Ferrari says that customers specifically asked for the Assetto Fiorano package to be applied to the drop-top, adding aero upgrades, special dampers and tires, and a 250 LM-inspired livery while reducing weight.

With the roof up, the glass engine bay cover affords you a look at the powerplant and the overall appearance is very similar to that of the hardtop. As for Ferrari 296 GTS colors and other visual upgrades, all we can say is that they are sure to be numerous and not cheap. The folding roof takes 14 seconds to open and close at speeds of up to 28 mph.

The Ferrari 296 GTS has dimensions of 179.7 inches in length and 102 inches for the wheelbase. Width is measured at 77 inches while height is a scant 46.9 inches. As for weight, the dry weight of the car is 3,395 pounds, which will naturally increase slightly with fluids. For reference, the 296 GTB tips the scales with a dry weight of 3,240 lbs, so you're not gaining too much lard with the openable roof.

The Ferrari 296 GTS engine is a marvelous 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that produces 654 hp, combined with a plug-in hybrid system that generates 164 horses and 232 lb-ft of torque. In total the little Fezza makes 818 hp and 546 lb-ft. Thanks to an F1 eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, changing gears is lightning fast and 0-62 mph is dispatched in just 2.9 seconds, the same time it takes for the coupe to get there. Top speed is also the same at "over" 205 mph, making this one seriously speedy supercar.

In all-electric mode, the 296 GTS has the ability to travel 15.5 miles before range runs out and the engine kicks in again.

The Ferrari 296 GTS interior is not much different from that of the fixed-roof model, except that new seats in the shape of a diapason (tuning fork) were created. Like the coupe, the Ferrari 296 GTS seats can be finished in an array of color combinations, and there's clear evidence of Maranello's digitalized new persona. Ahead of the driver, a digital display provides pertinent info while the passenger gets access to a slim screen that can also access the infotainment system. Touch inputs are required for a number of the new steering wheel buttons, a haptic feature mirrored in the slim climate control interface.

As for Ferrari 296 GTS trunk space and cargo, forget about it. If that's what you're interested in, buy a Purosangue when it comes out. In the GTS, there's a small glovebox, restrictive center console bins, and a tiny frunk.

Ferrari says it worked hard to reduce cabin buffeting with the top down. With almost no compromises over the coupe besides the fact that it's going to be pricier and slightly slower to 124 mph (by 0.3 seconds), we can see no reason not to buy the spectacular spider. Just clear it with your SO, or they may break out the whips and chains.