Ferrari's new 296 GTS was on show at this year's Le Mans 24h. Which do you think looks better, GTB or GTS?
supercar. This addition to the 296 range will join the berlinetta coupe, sharing all of its key powertrain and chassis components.and the F355 before it, the 296 GTS isn’t quite a full open-top convertible in the style of Ferrari’s previous mid-engined cars, as only the main roof section is removed to create a targa-style opening.
There have been some changes made to compensate for the stowage requirements of the GTS’s roof, with a new rear tonneau cover replacing the dramatic clear composite unit found on the coupe for one with a smaller window looking into the engine bay. Overall the changes are very subtle, and at the same time very well integrated.The technical package mimics the GTB, too, with a twin-turbo 2.
All that power and torque only reaches the road through the rear wheels, but as the 296GTB has already proven in our initial experience, it’s certainly not a problem, with Ferrari’s engineers instilling it with almost supernatural traction. In terms of the chassis, the usual compromises associated with open-top supercars will likely apply less here, with the 296’s aluminium structure likely to require only small levels of extra strengthening on the underbody due in part to the relatively small roof opening and the structural aero-bridge that ties the rear section of the car together.