Ferrari gears up to introduce the drop-top variant of the 296 GTB

Photos: @varryx_

Almost seven months after the introduction of the 296 GTB, Ferrari’s latest plug-in hybrid V6 powertrain, the drop-top variant will be arriving soon and will likely carry the GTS suffix like the 812 GTS or simply marketed as 296 Spider. Although the official reveal is probably scheduled in spring, unidentified sources claim the 296 GTS could premiere in February.

The heavily camouflaged prototype caught again by @varryx_ looks nearly identical to the 296 GTB but with a chopped roof. We’re expecting the 296 GTS to feature a roof made of aluminum to save weight and a mechanism similar to that of the SF90 Spider. However, the 296 GTS will be slightly heavier and slower compared to its coupe sibling because the retractable roof requires improvements to the car's chassis.

Performance-wise, the 296 GTS will retain the coupe’s 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine combined with a single electric motor to develop 818hp and 740Nm of torque.

The 296 GTS will be Maranello's newest convertible added to the stable, joining the 812 GTS, SF90 Spider, F8 Spider and Portofino M. It will be a bit more expensive than the 296 GTB’s starting prices from €269,000 in Italy, or €302,000 with the track-focused Assetto Fiorano package.