296 VS

Ferrari should build a limited hyper 296 Challenge Stradale without that electronic gimmicks. Less weight, more fun, like the 360 CS.

 

That would be so great! But it won't happen.

 

on track at Fiorano

 

the downshift sounded good and overall the sound was good. All this while taking it easy.

 

Sounds like it will be in the $450k range, $550-625k optioned OK but not crazily. I like the 296 GTB enough that if the descriptions about sound being more harmonic and transmission being a bit quicker are better it'll be worth it even if the 296M has a lot of the improvements but in a slightly more subdued way. It's a bonus if it goes up in value in theory but hopefully would keep long enough that it all stays hypothetical anyway (and much more loss in not having the $ earning return anyway).

 

I have the 296 GTB AF. Hard to imagine much more "fun" than this. I really don't understand such comments. I presume just anti 6 cylinder/ hybrid bias. Until more people drive these cars they will be misunderstood. FYI: The 296 is much more "fun" than a 458.

 

I was pretty shocked to see Ferarri's deck where they almost insulted the F8 by saying the 296 was more fun. Then I drove the 296 and had a 458 (as a former 458 owner) and agreed that 296 was more fun.

But a few observations:

The AF is in some ways more fun (agile) than non-AF 296, and I expect the Speciale will be similarly more so for various reasons (agility, sound, transmission at least). If you don't drive them back to back it may be just an optimization though. Going to 296 from a lot of other amazing cars is still a differently fun experience of its own.

But as a 296 owner I still critique not being able to feel the front end or road through the wheel, just the chassis. That doesn't make it not fun for me overall, but is always there taking away from the experience and I know people who have driven it and wouldn't buy it for that reason. I don't think that's what they're optimizing for that with the Speciale as the Pista didn't seem much better if any than the 488 at steering feel, but one can hope they make it better (and that I can get a Speciale).

Last, I agree re: 458 (and F8/488/base 430) but I'd say the Scud is just about as fun overall. Just a lot less practical than the 296. Sounds differently good. Steering feels connected to the wheels and road, not just chassis even though it's a lot less precise and chassis less agile than 296. Still a hoot to drive, possible to street drive and have fun without going to jail, and not have to sacrifice as much as with a 997 3RS.

 

296: Perfect? No. Best at everything? No.

As a complete package for the road- to actually use- the 296 is unsurpassed. The actual usable performance and entertainment is off the charts.

Pre-owned, almost new at $300k it’s the exotic sports car bargain to date. IMO

I have recently owned or own a 458 Spider, F12 and 812GTS.

 

What do you all think is the reason for reduced tactile feedback from the steering wheel? Hard to do for Ferrari? Or is there a deliberate reason for not doing it?

 

Seems like from 458 on there was a break and things got more boosted which interfered. 360 and 430 seem to feel connected and every Ferrari I've driven since, less so and 296 even less while at the same time being amazingly agile.

It's been suggested it's a consequence of wanting more comfort ride/feeling but not really sure.

I am assuming it's just not something Ferarri is prioritizing as I'm sure thye could manage it with EPS - Porsche GTs do.

 

For me- I have always felt Ferrari steering was their weakest link. The 296 has the best steering of any Ferrari I have owned (since 1989) and is far superior to my 812GTS.

 

I owned both a 360 spyder and a 458 Spider and agree regarding the lightness/ over boosted feel from the 458 to present.

The 296 steering is worlds better than the 458. I also think it’s better than the 360 and it’s been a while since I drove one. It’s possible the improved nimbleness is impacting my memory.

Regardless, the 458 was overall a huge improvement over the 360 in a similar way as the 296 is over a 458.

Porsche has been my go to for steering feel. Regardless- there is no Porsche I would rather have.

 

It's to make car feel lighter (and faster).

 

Confirmed. From the personalization guide:

"The lift system introduces the Magneride which, compared to the standard Multimatic, allows to raise the vehicle's front ground clearance by a maximum of 40 mm, thus allowing it to more easily handle bumps and ramps. The system deactivates automatically at speeds in excess of 35 Km/h."

 

Apparently the Speciale is a bit lower than the normal 296, so this makes sense.

 

QUESTION: Has anyone seen the prices/ordering guide yet for the VS? I have an allocation, a preliminary build, but to place the initial order, we need the prices for options, the deposit amount, etc. Thanks in advance!

 

In Germany, you only need the base price and the mandatory PPAC package, and the dealers should have that.

 

That's very strange to me to have both systems available for a single version (on the 296 GTB /GTS, the suspension was depending on whether AF or not, which made sense as the versions were supposed to have - if only slightly - different personalities).
So for the Speciale, you end up with two different cars (since both suspensions certainly cannot behave the same way, otherwise there would be no need for two options) - unfortunately stressing the fact that exclusivity and not definition is what matters.

 

I should get it on Monday, still not clear what is included in carbon and what you will have to pay for.

 

Thanks, PierGre. Things like the racing stripe, carbon fiber, wheel upgrades ... probably very material in terms of cost. Send it on if you get it on Monday!

 

Is this similar to the SF90XX and how that could be optioned? If you need a lift you have to go with Magneride and forgo Multimatic? In SF90XX is there an option for bumpy road mode with the Magneride dampers?

 

the 'fun' will be in it being slightly more agile, faster and mostly being louder in the cabin which will give more of a sensation

people will buy it just on the basis of it being faster also (although without electronic assistance I don't think anyone would actually want that!)

 

Been MIA for a while, but catching up now and this got an audible chuckle from me.

 

It is 6 decibels louder than the GTB, was in Italy yesterday and saw the car and they started and revved it up

 

It is quite a bit lower particulally at the front, the GTB was at the side of the Speciale, they say 5mm but looked more