2022 Ferrari 296 GTS V6 Review

In recent years, the Malaysian supercar market has gradually shifted towards a "performance and efficiency balance" direction. Consumers are no longer solely focused on large displacement V8 engines but are paying more attention to the low fuel consumption and powerful burst power provided by hybrid systems — the 2022 Ferrari 296 GTS V6 is a representative of this trend. As the brand's first convertible supercar equipped with a V6 plug-in hybrid system, it not only retains Ferrari's iconic driving passion but also enhances daily practicality through electric motor support. This time, we had the opportunity to test the actual car. Our main goals were to evaluate its convertible experience, hybrid system performance, and whether it can strike the perfect balance between being a "track beast" and a "daily driver."

In terms of appearance, the 296 GTS continues Ferrari's family-style streamlined design, with an overall style leaning towards compact sportiness. The front features a low air intake grille, paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides, giving it high recognition; the raised lines on the hood extend from the A-pillar to the front lip, enhancing its muscle aesthetics. The side profile of the car is well-proportioned, with 20-inch rims and wide tires — 245/35 R20 in the front and 305/35 R20 in the rear — further emphasizing its sporty stance. The convertible mechanism is hidden in the rear, seamlessly integrated with the body when closed, and can be operated within 14 seconds at speeds up to 50 km/h. The rear design is simple, with continuous LED taillights below which are dual circular exhaust outlets. The diffuser structure ensures downforce at high speeds. The lighting system features all LED sources, providing sufficient brightness at night, and cornering lights offer extra illumination while turning.

Stepping inside, the interior is designed with a driver-centric layout, boasting a clean and high-tech aesthetic. The dashboard is wrapped in a large amount of Alcantara material, offering a delicate texture. The 16-inch full LCD instrument panel integrates vehicle status, navigation, and other information, featuring clear displays and customizable layouts. The center screen is not particularly large, but it operates smoothly and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Below it, some physical buttons have been retained for ease of use during driving. The seats are sports-style bucket seats with excellent support, featuring electric adjustment and heating, ensuring long-term comfort. In terms of storage space, the center armrest box and door panel compartments have limited capacity, but the rear trunk of the convertible model can accommodate two carry-on suitcases when the top is closed, meeting short trip requirements.

Regarding space performance, the 296 GTS has overall dimensions of 4565×1985×1191mm and a wheelbase of 2600mm. As a two-door, two-seat supercar, rear space is not a significant concern, and the front seating area is spacious. Passengers with a height of 180 cm will find the headroom and legroom sufficient. In terms of comfort features, the front row is equipped with independent air conditioning vents, supporting dual-zone temperature control. A wireless charging pad is located within the center armrest box, allowing phone placement without affecting operation. The audio system features Ferrari-customized high-fidelity speakers, delivering excellent sound quality.

The powertrain is the highlight of the 296 GTS. It features a 3.0T V6 twin-turbocharged engine combined with a single electric motor in a plug-in hybrid system, producing a total system power of 830 PS. Although the overall torque is not specified, its output is impressively strong. The engine delivers a maximum power of 663 PS at 8000 rpm and a maximum torque at 6250 rpm. The motor contributes a maximum power of 166 PS and a maximum torque of 315 Nm, paired with an 8-speed DCT transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. During daily driving, the vehicle defaults to hybrid mode, with the electric motor driving the car during take-off, ensuring quick and smooth response. When the accelerator is pressed deeply, the engine engages, providing seamless power transition. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes only 2.9 seconds, delivering a strong sense of thrust. In track mode, the engine remains continuously active, the gearbox shifts faster, and power delivery becomes more direct, allowing overtaking with just a light press of the accelerator.

In terms of handling, the 296 GTS adopts a front double wishbone independent suspension system, with a chassis tuned for sportiness while maintaining comfort. The steering wheel offers precise handling with minimal play, providing clear road feedback during cornering. The suspension system effectively filters most minor vibrations on bumpy roads, and body roll is well-controlled during high-speed cornering, ensuring excellent stability. In specialized tests, we focused on fuel consumption and range: in pure electric mode, the official range is 25 km, while under actual urban conditions, it can reach around 22 km, achieving 88% of the official figure. In hybrid mode, fuel consumption is about 6.8L per 100 km, close to the official combined fuel consumption of 6.6L, making its fuel economy outstanding among supercars. In terms of braking performance, the ventilated disc brakes at the front and rear, paired with high-performance brake pads, deliver a 100-0 km/h braking distance of approximately 32 meters, with stable performance.

In terms of ride comfort, the 296 GTS exceeds expectations. When the convertible top is closed, noise control inside the car is excellent, with minimal wind and tire noise even at high speeds. When the top is open, the windscreen design effectively reduces airflow into the cabin, allowing normal conversations even at speeds of up to 120 km/h. The energy recovery system offers three adjustable levels, with a noticeable deceleration sensation at the highest level, allowing one-pedal operation. The seat provides excellent support and comfort, preventing back pain even during long drives.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2022 Ferrari 296 GTS V6 lie in the balance of its power system, the convenience of its convertible experience, and its relatively impressive fuel economy. Compared to the McLaren Artura in the same class, it offers stronger brand influence and a more mature convertible mechanism. Compared to the Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, its hybrid system delivers lower fuel consumption. This car is suitable for consumers seeking a balance between performance and practicality, serving both as a daily commuting vehicle and a passionate partner on the racetrack. It is especially suitable for young consumers who enjoy convertible driving and value brand prestige. In short, the 296 GTS is a "versatile" supercar that redefines Ferrari's driving experience with hybrid technology, balancing the thrill of track driving with the demands of everyday use.