Ferrari 296 GTS 2026 Review: Open-Air Performance Luxury Tested

Maranello rarely compromises a Berlinetta for its Spider. The Ferrari 296 GTS 2026 Review tests the open-top variant that keeps the GTB's 819 bhp hybrid V6 intact, adds a 14-second retractable hardtop operable to 45 km/h, and preserves 2.9-second thrust to 100 km/h. It is not a softer GTB. It is the same car, with sky included.

Context / Origin Story

Ferrari's GTS lineage has always asked a difficult question: can you remove a roof without removing precision? With 296 GTS, Maranello answers by retaining the GTB's core — 120-degree 2992cc V6 with turbos inside the V, 7.45 kWh battery, MGU-K motor, and eight-speed dual-clutch — then re-engineering only what open-air driving demands.

The roof is a two-piece retractable hardtop, not fabric, stowing in front of engine bay in 14 seconds at speeds up to 45 km/h. Rear window acts as wind deflector when closed, or drops independently when roof is open. Reinforcement in sills and A-pillars adds 70 kg over GTB, yet 0-62 mph remains 2.9 seconds and top speed stays over 330 km/h. Aerodynamics were recalibrated: rear deck and buttresses channel airflow to compensate for cockpit turbulence.

For 2026, GTS sits alongside GTB as equal, not derivative. Both share eManettino logic — eDrive, Hybrid, Performance, Qualify — and both offer Assetto Fiorano with Multimatic dampers and carbon aero. The difference is sensory, not technical.

Craftsmanship & Experience

With roof open, the 296 GTS reveals what GTB keeps enclosed: the V6's mechanical texture. At idle, a restless whirr and hiss. At 6500 rpm, a hard-edged howl. Past 8000 rpm to 8500 rpm redline, a shrieking note that electric motor whine underscores rather than masks. The hot-V turbo layout reduces lag to near zero, while 165 bhp electric fill eliminates any remaining pause.

Chassis tuning preserves GTB's balance. By-wire braking blends regen and hydraulic without wooden feel, ABS Evo allows late braking deep into corners, and torque vectoring feeds power early. On coastal roads north of Maranello, roof down, the GTS builds confidence quickly — wind buffeting is minimal with deflector raised, conversation possible at 100 km/h, and the V6's intake noise now enters cabin directly, adding layer to experience.

Inside, craftsmanship matches GTB: dual e-manettinos, digital cluster, capacitive starter, carbon racing seats optional. With roof closed, refinement equals GTB — same 12.3-inch HMI, same luggage space behind seats, same 15.5-mile EV range at up to 84 mph for silent exits. Open, it adds theater without sacrificing composure.

"The GTS does not trade precision for sky. It keeps the 819 bhp integration intact and lets you hear the engineering."

— TIMELESS GENIE FEEDS DESK

Curation & Strategic Insight

The GTS decision is lifestyle as much as technical. GTB is lighter, marginally sharper on track, with 70 kg advantage. GTS is more versatile, with open-air theater that adds emotional value without performance penalty. For collectors who rotate between coupe and spider, Ferrari often recommends GTB with Assetto Fiorano for circuit, GTS standard for road — opposite of traditional logic, because GTB's fixed roof provides stiffer platform for track dampers.

In 2026 market, GTS trades at $371,000 base, about $20,000 over GTB. Resale favors Rosso Corsa, Blu Corsa and Verde British with tan or charcoal Alcantara. Cars with carbon wheels and lifting system command premium, as do examples with front lift and surround view for city use.

The retractable hardtop mechanism itself is robust, two-piece aluminum with composite skin, tested to 20,000 cycles. Unlike fabric spiders, it maintains coupe-like NVH when closed, with same drag coefficient and same downforce figures thanks to revised buttresses that guide flow to Kamm tail.

Practical Guidance

Daily use favors GTS. Roof operation is quick enough for tunnels and sudden weather, with rear window operable independently as wind deflector. Luggage space behind seats remains usable roof open or closed, unlike many spiders that sacrifice storage. eDrive allows silent departure early morning, Hybrid handles traffic, Performance keeps battery charged, Qualify delivers full 819 bhp.

For tires, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S for road, Cup 2 R for track, both with Ferrari-specific compound. By-wire braking requires no learning, blending regen and hydraulic seamlessly. Keep battery between 30-80 percent when not tracking for longevity, and store with roof closed to preserve seal compression.

If you own GTB already, GTS is not redundancy — it is different sensory experience with same engineering integrity. If you choose one, GTB for absolute precision, GTS for luxury and open-air theater with no dynamic penalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast is the Ferrari 296 GTS 2026?

0-62 mph in 2.9 seconds, over 330 km/h top speed, identical to GTB despite 70 kg extra weight from retractable hardtop mechanism and reinforcements.

How does the retractable hardtop work on the 296 GTS?

Two-piece aluminum hardtop opens or closes in 14 seconds up to 45 km/h, stowing over engine, with rear window as independent wind deflector for refined open-air driving.

What engine powers the Ferrari 296 GTS?

2992cc 120-degree V6 with hot-V turbos, 654 bhp combustion plus 165 bhp electric for 819 bhp and 546 lb-ft combined, via 8-speed dual-clutch.

How does the GTS differ from the GTB?

Same powertrain and chassis, but GTS adds retractable hardtop, reinforced sills, revised aero for open cockpit, 70 kg extra weight, and identical performance figures.

What is the price of the Ferrari 296 GTS 2026?

From around $371,000, about $20,000 over GTB coupe, with Assetto Fiorano pack adding carbon aero and Multimatic dampers for track focus.

The Ferrari 296 GTS proves that open-air driving need not dilute engineering. It keeps the GTB's 819 bhp integration, adds a 14-second hardtop that preserves coupe refinement, and lets the V6's voice enter cabin directly. For those who measure supercars by connection rather than count, it offers the most complete luxury — performance with sky included.