CARS OF THE WORLD

Ferrari 296 GTS 2023.

Ferrari 296 GTS Hybrid Supercar: now without a roof. The Ferrari 296 GTB hybrid coupe unveiled last summer has just now hit the market.

Meanwhile, Ferrari announced the second variant of this model — spyder with a hard folding roof, which has traditional for the brand prefix GTS (Gran Turismo Spider).

The design of the two-section roof RHT (Retractable Hard Top) in the new Spider is the same as in the previous models 488 Spider and F8 Spider.

Only the shape of the panels has been changed. The servo drive can fold or raise the roof in 14 seconds at speeds of up to 45 km/h.

The Spider’s engine cover and rear fairing are original, of course, although their shape is as close to the original coupe as possible.

Therefore, the supercar’s aerodynamics didn’t suffer: the balance of lift and downforce in GTS version is the same as in GTB model.

The only active aerodynamic element is a spoiler on the rear, which extends vertically and increases downforce by 100 kg.

Technically the Spyder doesn’t differ from the coupe. Located behind the seats, twin-turbo V6 3.0 engine produces 663 hp and 740 Nm, and installed between it and eight-speed pre-selective «robot» electric motor develops 167 hp and 315 Nm.

The peak output of the hybrid system is 830 «horses», the rear-wheel drive is with electronically controlled differential.

The traction battery located transversely behind the seats has a capacity of only 7.45 kW∙h, in electric mode eDrive Spyder can travel up to 25 km or run up to 135 km/h.

As for the coupe, the Assetto Fiorano track package is offered for a surcharge.

It includes a suspension with Multimatic racing dampers, additional aerodynamic elements on the nose, racing seats and Michelin Sport Cup2R tires, and the use of carbon fiber and other lightweight materials in the construction is expanded.

The Spyder is 70 kg heavier than the original coupe: its dry weight is 1540 kg.

For comparison, medium-engined Ferrari F8 Spider without a hybrid add-on weighs only 1400 kg.

The folding roof has not affected the static weight distribution: 40,5% to the front axle and 59,5% to the rear.

Acceleration time up to a «hundred» also did not suffer: the same 2,9 seconds. However, 200 km/h is gained in 7,6 seconds against 7,3 seconds of the coupe. Maximum speed is more than 330 km/h.

On sale Ferrari 296 GTS will appear in the second half of the year. The price has not yet been announced, but spyder will be more expensive than the coupe, for which in Europe are asked from 271 thousand euros.