Ferrari’s new thrillseeker

All of that is made truly exhilarating through the RHT. Lighter than a conventional soft top and extremely compact, Ferrari’s extensive experience with RHTs means they can sculpt surfaces that work in tandem with the car’s lines, guaranteeing the effect of a truly convertible coupe.

The folding roof splits into two sections that fold flush over the front of the engine. This has allowed the designers to introduce a window in the rear section of the engine cover through which the new V6 is clearly visible.

When the top is retracted, the cabin and the rear deck are separated by a height-adjustable glass rear screen which guarantees cabin comfort, even at exhilarating speeds.

Of course, combining high performance with brand-new technological contents has ensured that one key feature is more prominent than ever – the famous Ferrari sound.

In this sense, the 296 GTS’s V6 engine rewrites the rulebook, combining two characteristics that are normally diametrically opposed: the force of the turbos and the harmony of the high-frequency notes of a naturally-aspirated V12.

The RHT can be deployed in just 14 seconds at speeds of up to 45 km/h, but even with the roof up, Ferrari’s patented exhaust resonator system (otherwise known as the Hot Tube and positioned just before the exhaust system) channels the engine’s pure sound directly up into the cabin. With the roof down, the harmonics from the single tailpipe exhaust are even more dramatic.

Every Prancing Horse is rooted in 75 years of racing innovation and there are elements throughout the 296 GTS of technological advancements found on other models. For example, the active spoiler is inspired by LaFerrari, integrated into the rear bumper to generate a high level of rear downforce.

The brake cooling system was developed around the Aero callipers that debuted on the SF90 Stradale, with ventilation ducts integrated into their castings, while the design itself – sporty, sinuous and compact – references the likes of the 1963 250 LM, a perfect marriage of simplicity and functionality.

Just like the 296 GTB, the 296 GTS will be available with the Assetto Fiorano package, which involves new livery (based on the 250 LM), lightweight features and impressive aero modifications (the rear high-downforce configuration delivers the equivalent of 360 kg at 250 km/h).

The package’s dedication to weight and aerodynamics requires some parts to be redesigned, including the door panel, to lower the weight by 8 kg.

All that increased performance also means a tyre upgrade, and optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2R high-performance tyres provide the required grip for track performance.

The Italian car manufacturer is enjoying unrivalled popularity. According to a comparison of automakers’ financial statements from 2021, Ferrari continues to be the most profitable manufacturer. Its operating margin increased from 21.4 percent in 2020 to 25.5 percent in 2021.

Based on the figures, Ferrari earned an astounding $106,078 per unit sold in 2021. In a very distant second place was Tesla, earning $6,693 per vehicle.

ferrari.com