The unveiling of the second variant of Ferrari's unprecedented plug-in hybrid with a V6 engine, which is expected to adopt the designation 296 GTS . In other words, the spider version of the 296 GTB coupe, unveiled just over a month ago.
Although we already know, in detail, the lines of the new 296 GTB and knowing that the differences between the coupé and convertible bodywork will be concentrated behind the driver — the B-pillar, roof and, most likely, the engine cover —, Ferrari he thought it best to completely camouflage his future model.
But even with a mesmerizing camouflage, it's possible to see that the roof is divided into parts, denouncing this 296 as the future convertible variant of the Italian super sports car.
The hood seems to inherit a technical solution identical to that already found in models like the F8 Spider, consisting of rigid panels that, at the touch of a button, fold back behind the occupants, being placed in a space between the cabin and the engine.
As for the designation, although it has not yet been officially confirmed, given that Ferrari has chosen to give the GTB (Gran Turismo Berlinetta) designation to the 296 coupé variant, the probability of the open variant being called GTS, or Gran Turismo Spider, is high.
For the rest… All the same
The differences between the 296 GTB and the future 296 GTS should be limited to its roofs and the necessary adaptations around that area in terms of design. Don't expect mechanical differences.
The future Ferrari 296 GTS will also make use of the new 663 hp 3.0 twin-turbo V6 — 221 hp/l, the highest specific power in an internal combustion engine in production — which is paired with a 167 hp electric motor for full power. combined 830 hp… at a whopping 8000 rpm. Interestingly, in this case, just add the power of the two engines, which does not always happen in hybrids.
As a plug-in hybrid, the electric motor is powered by a small 7.45 kWh battery, which should guarantee a (short) electric autonomy of 25 km.
It is to be expected that the convertible variant of the 296 will gain a few tens of kilos compared to the coupé, mainly due to the opening/closing mechanism of the hood, but the difference in performance between the two should be minimal. Remember that the 296 GTB can reach 100 km/h in 2.9s and 200 km/h in just 7.3s.
Everything points to the unveiling of the new Ferrari 296 GTS to happen before the end of the year.