Ferrari 296 GTS Review 2025: The Hybrid Supercar That Outsmarts Gas Engines

The Ferrari 296 GTS represents a bold statement: Ferrari isn’t just chasing performance, it’s embracing hybrid technology without sacrificing soul. In 2025, Ferrari’s reputation as a maker of visceral, analog-performance machines could have seemed at odds with electrification. Yet the 296 GTS manages to balance those competing demands. In this review, we explore how this “open-top hybrid sports car” truly delivers, whether it’s daily driveable, and how it stacks up to its fixed-roof sibling, the 296 GTB.

Ferrari 296 GTS – A Hybrid Convertible With Tradition

When Ferrari launched the 296 series in 2021, it turned heads by pairing a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor, creating a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system.  The 296 GTS builds on that foundation — but as a convertible (or “Spider”) variant with retractable hardtop.

Unlike the closed-roof 296 GTB, the GTS introduces additional structural reinforcements and some weight tradeoffs, but Ferrari’s engineers strove to maintain the signature performance and handling.

Powertrain & Performance — Heart of the Hybrid

At the core of the Ferrari 296 GTS is the same 120° V6 internal combustion engine used in the GTB, mated to an electric motor situated between engine and gearbox. Together, they produce around 830 PS (≈819 hp) total system power.

• The V6 alone delivers about 654 horsepower.

• The electric portion adds the boost needed for peak performance.

• In pure electric “eDrive” mode, the car can reach speeds up to 135 km/h (≈84 mph).

• The 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) sprint is claimed in around 2.9 seconds.

• Top speed is quoted above 330 km/h (≈205 mph).

While the GTS carries extra weight due to its convertible mechanisms, Ferrari’s chassis tuning and aerodynamic innovations help preserve agility. The GTS’s active spoiler, aero bridges, and strategic venting reduce drag or increase downforce as needed.

Driving Experience — Open-Air Excitement Meets Hybrid Logic

One of the most compelling features of the 296 GTS is how it delivers open-top driving without compromising performance. The retractable hardtop operates in approximately 14 seconds even while moving at speeds up to ~45 km/h.

In everyday use, the hybrid system adds versatility:

• In city or residential settings, the electric motor can handle light driving silently, letting you slip past zero-emission zones (for applicable markets).

• Under harder acceleration, the internal combustion engine joins in, delivering the sound, punch, and drama Ferrari is known for.

• Handling remains crisp, thanks to Ferrari’s attention to chassis stiffness and dynamic control systems (ABS EVO, multi-axis sensors, grip estimation) Ferrari

• On a track or twisty roads, the GTS transforms into a performance machine, with aero bits and driving modes optimized for high-speed stability and cornering.

Thus, the 296 GTS manages to be both a weekend performance car and a daily-driver hybrid convertible, a rare duality in the supercar world.

Comparing Ferrari 296 GTS vs 296 GTB

Because the GTB and GTS share much, comparisons are natural. Key differences:

Many drivers will feel little compromise. The GTS gives new dimension — literally — with roof-down driving, while retaining nearly the same performance envelope.

Practical Considerations & Daily Usability

Is the Ferrari 296 GTS practical? For certain buyers, yes — more so than typical supercars:

• The hybrid system allows for low-speed electric driving, potentially reducing fuel use in stop-and-go traffic.

• Ferrari has introduced a battery replacement / warranty extension scheme for its hybrids, helping preserve resale value and performance over time.

• Storage is limited (as always in mid-engine sportscars) and the roof mechanism imposes packaging constraints.

• Maintenance costs, insurance, and complexity will be high — but for buyers in this segment, that’s expected.

If you live in a region with emission or noise restrictions, the hybrid aspect gives the 296 GTS a better chance of compliance than a pure petrol supercar.

Styling, Aerodynamics & Design Statements

Designers at Ferrari blended function and form elegantly in the 296 GTS. It retains the clean, Italian lines inspired by vintage racers, but with modern aerodynamic touches.

Some design highlights:

• The aero “bridge” and active spoiler: when more downforce is needed, the rear wing deploys, adding about 100 kg over the rear axle.

• The tonneau and buttress shape around the roof is sculpted to minimize drag and serve as a “virtual fairing” when the top is stowed.

• Clean, uncluttered surfaces pay homage to classic Ferraris, but all functional — nothing is purely decorative.

Inside, the cockpit carries over the digital-centric layout introduced in recent Ferrari models, with a focus on minimalism, driver ergonomics, and a sense of transparency between car and driver.

Price, Market & Resale Potential

While specific U.S. or U.K. price figures vary by options, import costs, and taxes, the 296 GTS is positioned at the high end of the exotic sports car bracket. Collectors and buyers will compare it with other hybrid supercars and premium convertibles.

A major concern among buyers of hybrid or electric performance cars is battery longevity and resale value. Ferrari’s decision to offer a battery replacement program and extended warranty for hybrid models aims to alleviate that concern by preserving performance and trust in long-term ownership.

Given Ferrari’s strong brand loyalty and low production volumes, the 296 GTS may hold value well compared to less-exclusive rivals. However, market fluctuations, technological advances (especially in EVs), and durable maintenance will all matter.

Why the Ferrari 296 GTS Still ‘Has It’

After decades of producing both pure petrol and hybrid models, Ferrari’s evolution to hybrid does not signal abandonment of the driving experience — it underscores adaptation. The 296 GTS:

1. Maintains pure performance — sub-3-second accelerations, high top speed, razor-sharp handling remain core.

2. Adds flexibility — electric mode for quiet, efficient driving where desirable.

3. Delivers open-air thrills — you enjoy the wind and sound of an exotic car without giving up raw capabilities.

4. Offers future proofing — with battery warranties and hybrid support, it’s more resilient in shifting regulatory environments.

In short: for enthusiasts wanting both emotion and modern engineering, the 296 GTS is a compelling bridge between the classic and the contemporary.

Who Should Consider the 296 GTS

• Owners who want a Ferrari that can be enjoyed daily, not just on weekends

• Drivers who expect open-top thrills but don’t want huge performance compromises

• Buyers concerned about hybrid resale and warranty security

• Enthusiasts who follow the electrification path but refuse to sacrifice character

If your priority is absolute weight savings, track purity, or the purest analog feel, a pure-engine supercar might still appeal. But for many, the 296 GTS offers a rare combination.