From what I've read, the non-hybrid rear-engine car would be another model, not the 296VS, a different car, but that project is currently on hold. There is a "mule" of what would be the 296VS running without the warning stickers that exist on hybrid projects. That's a mystery.
I don’t see how anyone will go for a 2 seat hybrid supercar if a non hybrid exists at a lower price point. unless it’s a roma replacement
296 already uses an F80 engine so if they ditched the battery it would send F80 into depreciation freefall. As it stands 296 is already the better drivers package as a sportscar. Its rwd, lighter, looks better, sounds better, infinitely cheaper etc. I suspect VS will get the electric regen turbo along with a few more hp, some aggressive restyling, but not significantly more hp. Certainly wont be seeing the removal of the hybrid system. The car already has more than enough power imo. With any luck a more simplified UI with buttons instead of haptics will be introduced!
Isn't it a bit premature to declare a winner even before the car has been released? What we know for sure is that Ferrari has never fumbled its halo model.
Im not so sure there. If social media and general public sentiment is anything to go by SF80 certainly hasn’t won many hearts. SF80 may well represent Ferrari’s best tech, but is this what enthusiasts and fans want when there are already models with power that is unusable 99% of the time? Going by social media feedback its clear putting 296’s engine into their halo car and then muting it, has not been received well. Then there is the design…also has not gone down well at all. So yeah id say the verdict is in.
That is like judging a book by its cover. Isn't the driving experience that matters though (other than the numbers, which also matter)? We are all discussing academically here, so at this point it more of a philosophical forum, rather than a car message board. Personally, I would be gobsmacked if the pinnacle Ferrari didn't deliver a higher emotional experience than the entry level rear-mid engined Ferrari; we all know that in terms of performance the halo car is many rungs higher by definition, so that is a given.
Not to go too far off topic because the point about SF80 has already been made elsewhere and the majority have spoken. The relevance of SF80 in this thread is mainly about the improvements 296VS is likely to see now. I sgree these types of cars must always evoke high emotion both visually and also in the driving experience. With this thought in mind, it should come as no surprise the SF80 has not been received well and is unlikely to ever be for obvious reasons. The greater majority will never get to drive SF80 so any talk of it being an improved driving experience in an emotional sense becomes harder to swallow when it sounds so lacklustre, is awd, and the size and number of cylinders which it houses is less than expected. Sure the minority of rusted on Ferrari die hards will hop up and down in rage vigorously contesting these 3 points, but they will never convince the majority who see the car for all what isn’t. - It isn’t beautiful, it sounds terrible, it has a small capacity engine for the relative size, bulk and weight if the car AND, its all wheel drive with an eye watering price tag to boot. The black band running across the front of it is also not helpful given the vast criticism it received on the 12 cilindri. There’s clearly been no lessons learned from that exercise. The positive thing here is the SF80 has inadvertently given 296 a shot in the arm by using its (296’s) v6 engine. 296 has predominantly received glowing reviews from all whove driven it and, much is attributed to the styling, sound, and improved emotional experience over SF90. VS will be better again in these two areas unless Ferrari feels now they need to sabotage the look of the car by introducing that polarising black band. Lets hope that never happens!
I honestly don't think it's going to matter. Most are already switching off. It's like watching a bad movie and continuing to waste time commenting on it. I would prefer to give attention to models such as 296VS and the likes.
The Ferrari F80 is a disappointment in terms of design and sound, that's for sure. Models like the 812 Competizione, F12 tdf and 488 Pista and 458 Speciale, Laferrari and even an SF90 XX, which sounds much louder and more aggressive than an F80 and also has a great design, are the real Ferraris of the last decade.
Haven't read the thread but of curiosity, does anyone have a sense when a 296 VS is set to be revealed? Have there even been spy shots cause I haven't seen any on IG or anywhere else. Seems like it's taking longer than usual.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so I won't get into that discussion. The sound is a matter of regulations. What matters though is how it sounds inside. I am sure that it will sound fine inside. Would owners want the deafening howl of the Valkyrie? I am not so sure... Well, being old enough to remember how the F50 was received back in the day, I can't say that I agree with that assessment.
