The drop-top hybrid sports car ruffles hair at over 330km/h
19 April 2022 - 16:13
byStaff writer
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The retractable hard top takes 14 seconds to retract or deploy at driving speeds of up to 45km/h.
Picture: SUPPLIED
Milan — Ferrari on Tuesdayunveiled the new 296 GTS convertible, its fourth plug-in hybrid model, as the luxury sports car maker pushes ahead with its electrification strategy.
It follows Ferrari’s previous three hybrid models that went into full series production — the SF 90 Stradale in 2019, its convertible version, called SF90 Spider, in 2020 and this year’s 296 GTB.
The 296 GTS (Gran Turismo Spider) is a convertible version, fitted with a retractable hard top, of the existing 296 GTB, a two-seater sports car that sells for about €300,000 (R4.8m).
The two cars share the most relevant features, including a V6 mid-mounted turbo engine coupled with a 122kW electric motor for a total of 610kW, and 25km of silent electric-only power.
Its top speed exceeds 330km/h, Ferrari said.
The 296 GTS is also available with the more extreme Assetto Fiorano package, which is optimised for track use.
Deliveries of the new model will start from Europe in early 2023 and the price will be confirmed in due course.
So far Ferrari road cars have been normally powered by V8 or more powerful V12 engines, but the company is increasingly reducing the share of highly polluting V12-fitted cars in its production.
The Italian stunner has a hybrid powerplant capable of 25km of silent electric-only power.
Picture: SUPPLIED
Another new model is planned for release in the coming months, the much awaited Purosangue (Thoroughbred). That will be Ferrari’s first ever sport utility vehicle (SUV), and brings the company into a lucrative segment where direct rivals such as Volkswagen’s Lamborghini are already present.
“I’m confident (the Purosangue) will exceed our customers’ expectations,” CEO Benedetto Vigna said last week.
A tech industry veteran, Vigna took charge of Ferrari last September, with a task to take a brand synonymous with roaring combustion engines into the new era of silent and cleaner electric mobility.
As part of this Ferrari has already promised its first fully electric model in 2025, while Vigna has already said the company would seek technology partnerships.
More details of Ferraris electrification strategy are expected on June 16, when Vigna will present his first comprehensive business plan. With Reuters
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
INTERNATIONAL LAUNCH
Ferrari unveils stunning 296 GTS convertible
The drop-top hybrid sports car ruffles hair at over 330km/h
Milan — Ferrari on Tuesday unveiled the new 296 GTS convertible, its fourth plug-in hybrid model, as the luxury sports car maker pushes ahead with its electrification strategy.
It follows Ferrari’s previous three hybrid models that went into full series production — the SF 90 Stradale in 2019, its convertible version, called SF90 Spider, in 2020 and this year’s 296 GTB.
The 296 GTS (Gran Turismo Spider) is a convertible version, fitted with a retractable hard top, of the existing 296 GTB, a two-seater sports car that sells for about €300,000 (R4.8m).
The two cars share the most relevant features, including a V6 mid-mounted turbo engine coupled with a 122kW electric motor for a total of 610kW, and 25km of silent electric-only power.
Its top speed exceeds 330km/h, Ferrari said.
The 296 GTS is also available with the more extreme Assetto Fiorano package, which is optimised for track use.
Deliveries of the new model will start from Europe in early 2023 and the price will be confirmed in due course.
So far Ferrari road cars have been normally powered by V8 or more powerful V12 engines, but the company is increasingly reducing the share of highly polluting V12-fitted cars in its production.
Another new model is planned for release in the coming months, the much awaited Purosangue (Thoroughbred). That will be Ferrari’s first ever sport utility vehicle (SUV), and brings the company into a lucrative segment where direct rivals such as Volkswagen’s Lamborghini are already present.
“I’m confident (the Purosangue) will exceed our customers’ expectations,” CEO Benedetto Vigna said last week.
A tech industry veteran, Vigna took charge of Ferrari last September, with a task to take a brand synonymous with roaring combustion engines into the new era of silent and cleaner electric mobility.
As part of this Ferrari has already promised its first fully electric model in 2025, while Vigna has already said the company would seek technology partnerships.
More details of Ferraris electrification strategy are expected on June 16, when Vigna will present his first comprehensive business plan. With Reuters
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