Two dealer discussions - 1. VS Spider - prior / current coupe and spider to receive VS spider 2. or 3- 4 F cars in garage and 2 F cars on order - the garage matters in terms of models VS Coupes are not going to be easy to receive - depends on time of production At dealer today - person with knowledge / experience said 296 could be a mid form car between 296 / 296CH - meaning no hybrid on VS. GT3RS on order and Manthey kit ordered - VS in non hybrid would be cool and plenty of hp. Mgmt who knows is not sharing, which makes one think - it's more special than anticipated.
Will know soon - prefer downforce vs hp, hoping for active aero or something to put more rubber on the pavement.
For the love of god can we STOP all the completely ridiculous speculation that the 296 VS will NOT be a hybrid already. Any “source” that says is this is simply wrong. 100%
I believe anyone in the UK will be able to buy the 296VS even without any prior purchase history (towards the end of production) Given Ferrari’s lack of reluctance to supply into the UK market despite values, the 296VS probably going to start at £370k (40% above base 296 like the pista compared to 488), and easily £450k on moderate spec. One will need to add cash to able to trade in both their UK GTB and GTS for a VS coupe. It will be for clients where the upgrade is just a regular day’s swing in their portfolios. also as a data point, I specced and got my 296 gtb 5 months back as my first F car, did not get contacted regarding the VS. Even if I did, not sure what I’ll get out of the VS that I can’t from my current car. It already blast pass every car on the Nurburgring without even trying, and it did 346kmh on autobahn. They’ll need to pull a 992 gt3rs to the gt3 in both pricing and the changes to the car to catch my interest.
This is exactly what has been echoed to me by multiple dealers with the exception of one dealer who told me I needed to own or have a 296 on order, which is total BS. Just tying to get me to purchase one from him.
Ferrari needs a car that can do a respectable Nürburgring lap time. Pista and 296 failed miserably. Lamborghini has two cars in the top ten as does Porsche and Mercedes. At one time the SVJ and Performante held the ring record. Some scoff at Nürburgring lap times. There is no denying it's the ultimate proving ground for a car's mettle because so much is thrown at the car over the course of the almost thirteen miles. Ferrari and McLaren just can't seem to manage to pull it off. However, both have plenty of excuses.
Oh ok - I should have said that to the person who's worked at Ferrari for three decades What was I thinking - sharing what was said at the dealership - Did I mention it was going to be a manual with an over drive button - Austin Healey like.
The regular 296 GTB does a sub 7 minutes (6:58) Nurburgring time , not sure why you think that is not respectable ? I think it’s an excellent time for a road car that was not designed for track use , compared to the other sub 7 cars ( gt2 rs , gt3 rs , AMG gt black series , AMG one ,…. ) who were clearly all designed for track use with huge wings and aero….
AWD and wings - something Ferrari placed on the XX. I haven't seen the XX time but guessing it did very well.
I’ve heard rumblings like that as well. No hybrid, but I’m going to assume it’s a hybrid and be pleasantly surprised if not. I can’t imagine they’d give up the easy speed with the hybrid, but making a car we all want…lighter, aero, less power and more fun. Cmon Ferrari! Power wars are a thing of the past!
I didn't see one on the last one I posted a few days ago. Maybe I missed it. https://www.instagram.com/p/DG6MQSgqWNX/
It would be an interesting car without the hybrid. 700 hp and 3100 pounds. But I don’t think it would be better. If they do that though it would definitely differentiate the 296 GTB and VS.
I’d prefer they eliminate the turbos (which kill sound) and keep the small batteries which fill in the torque curve. Or do a straight 6 with a manual that’s lighter and cheaper. Best: Do both!
It would be even more interesting for me without the hybrid, but also with a carbon tub and an aero pack like the GTD race car .. Image Unavailable, Please Login
I have slightly lost track but isn't the engine in the F80 a development of the V6 in the 296 ? That unit seems to have more power than a regular 296 without the electric motor so in theory the VS could have more power and no electric motor. I am pretty sure VS will be hybrid but I for one would love it not to be.
What exactly is the reason everyone so anti the hybrid in the 296 when it is faster and more fun to drive than an F8 or Pista? Why not just improve upon a clearly superior platform by making it lighter and more powerful?
Because the batteries add a lot of weight and the complication of the hybrid technology makes the car less desirable and more prone to depreciation. I think the 296 hybrid is brilliant but a 296vs non hybrid would just be my preference.
So you want the car to be a non hybrid so it’s less prone to depreciation, even though it would be objectively worse to use?
