My Early 296 Ownership Impression | Page 9 | FerrariChat

My Early 296 Ownership Impression

Discussion in '296' started by Jo Sta7, Nov 16, 2024.

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  1. Dela

    Dela Karting

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    I keep asking myself how much car this human needs. I've done only 120 miles, not fast enough for the steering LEDs to go off much. My impression is unlike the 750s that was jumpy and ready to pounce, with this I needed to go about 1/3 throttle to get that effect. Steering is super fast...it's my first Ferrari ... Coming from a Porsche.

    Sound, you need to go past I think 5k RPM and it roars. Cold start got compliments from the neighbors lol.

    Looks...pictures and videos do not do this car justice. I may be bias but argento nurburgring is the best color I've seen on a gts in flesh. I think this is the most beautiful Ferrari sf90 and below, but color matters. Interior...I can see how it would be tight for taller folks...I'm just 5'10.

    Steering - took some getting used to the steering wheel touch controls but I'm dialed in now. Navigation app is useless... maybe I haven't figured it out yet. Thing is without using it, in favor of carplay, there is no benefit from the heads up display.

    Maybe with time I'll get tired of it, but it's gonna be a rough call to trade this in for the Revuelto. Back to my original question "how much car does a person need"? This over any other supercar Revuelto and below...
     
  2. Ivan Drago

    Ivan Drago Formula 3

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    Look, obviously, some are on sale because they are on sale and that's how the exotic market has always worked. People get in and out of cars. There are 101 McLaren 750s for sale right now. There are also many GTBs on sale because they used them to get a GTS. Others may be on sale for who knows what Ferrari game was played.

    None of that means they arent great drivers cars.
     
  3. Ivan Drago

    Ivan Drago Formula 3

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    In the spirit of the thread and impressions, can you compare and contrast your experience with the 750? Awesome write up by the way. I agree with you with the steering and the question of how much car someone needs. My Porsche GT4 was enough car in theory, but not enough car for me after a few months
     
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  4. Jo Sta7

    Jo Sta7 F1 Veteran
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    Bad dealers, flippers, higher interest rates, over production, etc. etc.

    It is? There's almost 100 pages on the value thread dedicated to just that...
     
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  5. Again, I think people (at least some people) here are conflating two different things.

    The resale value (or lack thereof) of the 296 and the driving prowess of the 296.

    The two are not the same, and are really at best loosely correlated, and in the case of the 296 almost inversely so.

    Having spent some decent amount of time behind the wheel of a 296, it is fabulous car, even though its resale value may not reflect that. No matter how many cars are on the secondary market, and for whatever price, it does not detract from what a great driving experience the 296 provides.
     
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  6. Jo Sta7

    Jo Sta7 F1 Veteran
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    Yes, I’m not sure how that’s a difficult concept to understand.
     
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  7. Thecadster

    Thecadster F1 Veteran
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    FWIW, I think people will be stunned by the depreciation across the board on all cars the next couple years. With the exception of special/limited cars, no vehicle will be afforded any protection from Mr. Market. It will be like pre-COVID except…enhanced. The pendulum is swinging.
     
  8. Jo Sta7

    Jo Sta7 F1 Veteran
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    Agree! Should be interesting. Even some of those may be hit. There’s some very overpriced “special” cars. Cars aren’t investments.
     
  9. ryalex

    ryalex Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Aug 6, 2003
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    I said and wrote this several times during my time with the GTB. I only got to romp and open up mine a couple of times, but I have also done Corso Pilota. I had a few sweaty-palmed moments where I asked myself where does a car go from here, and can we even manage it? Is it actually more "fun" if it is this fast?

    Like many other reviewers, gurus and other members have noted many times, it's [often] more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow. I used to roll my eyes hearing that but I might have hit the limit of my talent where I appreciate that more. And further, did driving the 296 make me "happy?" Was it passionate?

    I go back to the Testarossa and it's so slow that you can really wring its neck on an onramp and you're barely hitting 80mph. :p But it's got personality. It's charming, and iconic artwork with wheels. I find myself looking more at BAT at these resto-mods or other classic/vintage cars. Harry and Chris Harris and the like are on to something with older cars. Harris just bought an old Jag XJ coupe he's going to resto-mod with an XKR V8.
     
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  10. rsguy

    rsguy Formula Junior

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    The ones most stunned will be the original owners of these production hybrid Ferrari’s - who stumped up the big bucks under the auspices of yolo - although considering Ferrari’s new outrageously high pricing structure (which they’ve basically applied across the board - and for no good reason other than satisfy shareholders ), unless its a limited or numbered model, owners are going to be in for an unprecedented flogging, and one which won’t be forgotten in a hurry.
    Once the majority of these new buyers feel the real brunt of the exercise it will certainly give them something to think about whether to line up for more of the same.
    At this point in time the bravado appears (unconvincingly) strong amongst a select few here - who are going to all lengths to shut down free speach - however, as is the case with everything, time sorts everything out - in this case once the secondary market speaks loud and clear and reality comes home to roost like an anvil dropping on sore toes.
     
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  11. Gh21631

    Gh21631 F1 Veteran
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    Never about need, all want.
     
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  12. ferrari_and_porsche_fan

    Mar 4, 2024
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    Cars are pretty amazing now but I think the 296 is amazing that it's really actually pretty fast but also easier to drive not as fast as some slower cars.

    On the street, I find it very easy to accelerate pretty fast with way less than full throttle - but full beans is available and pretty crazy. Not sure I have fully hit the juice more than a few seconds a drive other than driving one on a track once.

    But unlike 488, F8, Roma, I feel like it's easier to get great feedback and feel dynamically engaged with less speed due to the sound and smaller feel of the 296.

    But I get that I may be in the minority of buyers of newer Ferraris. I sold a Plaid due to stupid turn signal buttons and it being too easy to be unsafe at highway speeds (again limited feedback and happening so quickly). And I also think the Dakar is amazing but "too fast" and would like a button to cut boost by 2/3 most of the time so I can spend more time revving it out.
     
  13. Ivan Drago

    Ivan Drago Formula 3

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  14. Jo Sta7

    Jo Sta7 F1 Veteran
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    Drove 765 then 296 back to back today. First driving day in 2.5 months, ugh. Anyway, it is fun how they drive so differently. 765 is remains raw, doesn't settle. Just an experience. 296, by contract, settles down well. A cynic would call it sanitized, I think it's civilized. But boy are they both quick as hell. And they deliver the performance differently. 765 is full on and the turbo whack comes, it's like being shot out of a gun. You know you're getting the full experience in 3rd and 4th gear. The 296 is linear and does that trick of accelerating harder gear after gear, since it's obvious Ferrari is limiting power in the first few gears to allow amazing traction. That means the feeling of acceleration in the stomach gets stronger with each gear change. Only car I've ever experienced that in.

    The other most noticeable difference is the change of direction. The Ferrari is so darty. The Mclaren turns in slower and more progressively with more more feeling. The Ferrari steering wheel also feels nicer in the hands from a materials standpoint.

    I think they are great together. 296 is epic. Haters are out of their minds.
     
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  15. Ivan Drago

    Ivan Drago Formula 3

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    As always, thank you very much for taking the time to write for us. I know you have better things to do, so thanks.

    My wife really likes the 296 and thinks I’m crazy for wanting the 750 over it. I like both of them, and think you have the perfect solution with the 765 and 296. Room for both!
     
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  16. dustman

    dustman F1 World Champ
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    Great report.
    I remember my first few hours owning the 765LT and thinking it was absolutely batsh!t nuts quick, well beyond my skills for canyon driving. My Pista didn’t feel anywhere near as immediate and savage. I have not driven a 296, but your note above makes the power delivery sound like driving the Porsche 918…astounding and relentless build up.

    Keep driving and reporting back!
     
  17. 3POINT8

    3POINT8 F1 Veteran
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    If you could choose one which one would it be?
     
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  18. Jo Sta7

    Jo Sta7 F1 Veteran
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    It’s hard to choose given I don’t experience them in isolation. Probably the McLaren, but remember it’s an LT car and I haven’t seen or driven the 296 LT yet. But I’m not sure the like of the 765 will ever be made again. It’s just so wild. So for that alone, probably the McLaren. I’d rather put miles on the 296 though.
     
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  19. 3POINT8

    3POINT8 F1 Veteran
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    thanks for that. very helpful. my number on the gts is come up and should be here by fall but really looking hard at the 765lt instead. this would be a one or the other situation
     
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  20. Petrolhead#32

    Petrolhead#32 Formula Junior
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    #220 Petrolhead#32, Mar 5, 2025
    Last edited: Mar 5, 2025
    I can definitely identify with the ML - Ferrari combo. I'm the lucky owner of a 2020 600LT that I still adore after all these years, and as of last week, I'm also the owner of a 2024 296 GTS AF package (which subs for my beloved 2021 F8 Tributo). I too would like to share my thoughts with the community.

    It took me a good year to make up my mind about it. Drove the F8 for 16k+ heavenly miles during the last 2 yrs, and I absolutely loved the car. I added a Novitec exhaust to it, btw, which made a big difference. But I finally decided to go for the 296 GTS because I found a dream spec, btw, here in the very Ferrarichat ad section!

    Very controversial decision, though. It was also in this chat where I read all kinds of bad feedback and comments on the new Ferraris, including of course the hybrid ones. And so a hybrid... V6... ??? OMG how can the brand do such a thing??? Well, after driving it for a week and about 500 miles (including street, mountain pass and highways), I will happily report that it's a phenomenal car. I can't believe the depreciation stories and the bad rap about it. But I guess we have people of all tastes, even Ferrari owners and fans. I consider myself an 'uber Ferrarista', love the brand, love all if not most of their products, old and new, and I also applaud them for taking the bold moves they've taken with the new platforms, design, etc.

    Having said this, here are the highlights IMHO about the 296 GTS:

    1) The hybrid engine is an engineering marvel. The ability to go this fast, this aggressive, this agile, then just push the button and go full EV for 15 miles (or 10 real ones, whatever), then push another button and be able to recharge it within 15 min of driving... It's just mind blowing! I personally appreciate it very much and it takes the meaning of Ferrari elegance to another level

    2) Power. Like someone mentioned earlier, the car pushes harder and faster the higher the gears and the RPMs, and in a linear way that is very unique and haven't experienced before, from the F8, the LT, and only perhaps similar to the 812. It's SO fast and at pretty much any rev range.

    3) Control. Power without control is nothing. The balance, the brakes, the suspension, it's all so confidence-inspiring! You feel at ease but it's a hell of fun at the same time.

    4) AF package: It's all about that suspension. So compliant, stiff but very manageable, takes the bumps like a champ. Reminds me of my 991.2 GT3, which I remembered as the perfect feel. I went back and forth with it and I'm so glad I ended up pulling the trigger on a model that had it. The grip level is high even with the Bridgestone Potenza Sports. I've already ordered Cup2 Rs and I think it's going to be wild... Finally, I'm not missing the nose lift feature because the stock height ride is high enough to avoid scraping most situations. I'm not missing the bumpy road because it's just very compliant and never feels extremely rough.

    5) Sound-wise, it's very nice, but it could be better. I think a Novitec system will do wonders to it. But still, I think it sounds terrific for a V6. When you go hard into the 5-7k RPMs and then let off the throttle, it makes this wild whistle noise (reminds me of the velociraptors of Jurassic park!). So fun!

    6) Digital dash and haptic buttons. Perhaps one of the most hated features of the new platform, the haptic buttons and UX could definitely be improved. However, I will also say that while the learning curve is steep, once you get used to it, it's ok. In no way would it block me from enjoying and loving the car, that's for sure. In fact, I think the integration with Apple Carplay is stunning and super well resolved. You can tell the UX Design team worked on this, even if the result with the buttons is not optimal. I think it's gorgeous, I've personalized the theme to silver to match the stripes in the exterior and I just love it.

    7) Exterior design. It's simply gorgeous no matter where you look. No bad angle. So awesome to see the 250 LM, as well as some GT40, in it. I have to say this modern look had to grow on me, especially the back and the lack of the 4 tail lights. But now, everything clicks! I find it sexy and elegant, and more relaxed compared to the angular F8.

    My only dislike is the pedals are pretty deep in and with my 12-size shoes I often hit the panel on top of the pedals. But I've just gotten used to it, I guess.

    As a final comment, I'll just say that I was very happy with the F8. I would have been happy to keep it. But once I started reading all the negative comments about what the brand is doing, including DeMuro's popular 'loss of luster'... I decided to embark on the journey and get on with the modern times. Boy I've not regret it. On the contrary, I'd say that, as Enzo Ferrari would say, the best Ferrari is the latest Ferrari.

    Oh one more... Just plug it in at night, or drive it hard a few min in Qualifying mode before you park it so it'd charged with 5-10 miles of EV range. Should give you no trouble if done right. So far for me, I know it's been short, but everyday I've left it at night without plugging it but well charged, and no problem at all. Knock on wood it'll stay this way... I'm very much looking forward to the next 2-3 yrs and 20k-mile ownership journey.

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  21. dustman

    dustman F1 World Champ
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    Great spec.
     
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  22. Jo Sta7

    Jo Sta7 F1 Veteran
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    @Petrolhead#32 love your spec and write up. And thanks for contributing some real world experience.

    I have size 12 shoes as well. For me it wasn’t the depth of the pedal but on my initial write up I think I mentioned the brake pedal is just a little too close to the accelerator. It’s not McLaren tight but not perfect for left foot braking.

    Enjoy the car, man! I don’t think there’s currently one better out there in production.
     
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  23. Caeruleus11

    Caeruleus11 F1 World Champ
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    Congrats and thanks for the great write up! Nice car!
     
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  24. Petrolhead#32

    Petrolhead#32 Formula Junior
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    I do have one question, regarding the so-called Ferrari VDA (vehicle dynamics assistant), that I've seen and used in all modern cars since the 458:

    When in RACE or CT OFF mode, goes the 296 have a way to see if the engine, brakes and most importantly, tires are warm and ready to go? In mine I only see a blue drawing under the VEHICLE option that says WARM UP (when I start the ICE in performance or qualifying), then the letters go away and I get the PSI numbers, but the drawing stays blue and it doesn't say whether it's 'ready to go', like in the previous models. I'd assume at some point after driving it hard for a few minutes in the mountain pass the drawing would turn green and say READY once it's warm?
     
  25. dgl36

    dgl36 Karting

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    #225 dgl36, Mar 6, 2025
    Last edited: Mar 6, 2025
    For all of you Mclaren owners in here, especially 750S owners. I picked up a 2017 488 Spider because it was a good deal. I also had the opportunity to get a great spec 750S, but the cost was 70% more. Did I miss anything by not getting the 750S? In your opinion what are the pros and cons between the 2. The 750S was new and on startup a plume of blue smoke comes out which I never liked.
     
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