Couple other comments. I had a 23 296GTS and gave it back due to too many issues. I also did not like the haptic situation on the right side of the steering wheel. They shipped the 25s with the Purosangue wheel, and it is SO much better. I actually like the new controls - much easier to use. Another issue - charging. The dealer recommended always putting the car on the charger when not using, and suggested locking the car and making sure the key is 20 feet away form the vehicle when parked and locked in the garage. Apparently that prevents the car from using power when the key is close by - even when locked. As for thermal shock, the temperature here in Scottsdale in the summer is 105-115 degrees. Thermal shock is what happens when you walk outside! They also said to use a dedicated 20 amp service.
Sorry that happened to you. I've had that experience with other cars, it's very frustrating. Regarding thermal shocks, Its not just temps in the engine. The break in suggestions are really not only engine but also tires, brakes, differential, etc, but, truly, it's mostly for the pilot. He or she needs time to learn these new machines. They are quite powerful and you have to have a sense of whats going on. If you do, wow, I am really blown away. And avoiding thermal shocks is not just for break in, its for the life of the car, and really that goes for anything mechanical- even people. To be very direct, I haven't had this level of excitement for a new model in a while. I've gotta call out the 20 amp suggestion, thats nonsense. Probably nice to have though, but I don' think its a must. The auto locking is very annoying. I believe you can turn it off.
I love this. If you could call the port and tell them to hustle my GTB to the dealer, I'd appreciate it.
Yes- requires an open mind and really driving it. I just drove a bunch of great cars back to back and it is just so much better. I cannot get over how truly great it is. Smitten.
Appreciate your feedback and this is high praise given your history of exotic ownership! I am now more excited than ever…and there’s light at the end of tunnel with Speciale Aperta on the horizon. Hopefully it is that much more engaging and noisy!
The 20 amp suggestion relates to the car's ability to use 16 amps when charging. I used 15 non-dedicated with the 23 296 and it was fine. But it wasn't a big deal to go to a 20 amp dedicated service and I want the best for my new car! Loving the experience and vast improvement over the 23 296GTS. So those of you waiting to take delivery - kudos for holding off on a used one and getting the latest version. Amazing car. Head over heels!
In some countries they only use 10 amps as standard . There is no problem with this and it just means the battery takes longer to charge. At ten amps from about half battery it takes around 2 hrs to bring it back to 100%
I have had my 296GTB for about 10 days now and have been driving it daily, I am really enjoying it, it's small, agile and playful, very easy to get in and out, sounds very good, at times too loud but when I have to pick a call etc I just shift it into E Drive, the only issue I have found with the car is the size of the fuel tank, 50 litres is too small, also I think there is a slight rattle in the side mirror, is that an inherit fault? Other than that is absolutely perfect. I would also like to mention another thing, I have almost completely lost trust in everything I read online, going forward I will only rely on my own hands on experience, so many said the 296 is as fast as the SF90, absolutely no way, perhaps when lined up in a drag race etc but in day to day applications there is zero chance for that to be true based on my experience so far with both models. The SF90 is absolutely explosive the 296 is fast but the SF90 is hypersonic, also the way the power is delivered by the SF90 AWD system is completely different, to me that's a bit of a let down because to be fair I bought it thinking that I will get a smaller, more inconspicuous SF90 which I can DD under the radar but this car is not at SF90 levels of performance it is very different, nevertheless I am really enjoying it, it is an outstanding car for an entry level Ferrari and for the price is unbeatable in the sector, I just have to make sure never to drive it back to back with the SF90 LOL
You are possibly right, it must've had some left when I filled up because it took around 50 litres to fill. How are you getting 650km out of a tank? I drove it arund 900 km so far and I am on my 3rd tank?
Let’s say when I am driving through France and Switzerland and respecting the speed limits and going in hybrid mode. Last time when I drove to Torino I had an average of 8,3 l per 100 km.
Also feels less explosive than 765 by a noticeable margin. But that doesn’t detract for me. I think it’s perfect for what it is. I prefer the driving characteristics of the car to the SF90. However the brutal acceleration is very fun. Try launch control in the 296, it pulls the hardest during PS. Perfect shifts and each gear goes harder. My guess is that was Ferraris way of limiting wheelspin via torque management. It’s very effective especially when the car hooks.
I will try the LC next time I have a chance I can’t do it now because I injured my ribs playing sport Personally I feel the opposite, I much prefer the driving characteristics of the SF90, I must say out of everything I own now that’s my favourite street car so far, for sharp handling precision I much prefer my GT3RS 992 over the 296 but the 296 bests the RS in acceleration, as an overall package the 296 has a bit of everything of all the good ingredients, handling, power, acceleration, styling, feels small and compact, I like how easy and effortless it is to drive, get in and out, and the fact that it is not obnoxiously loud and in your face.
And that’s why you have to experience for yourself, as you said. Because I feel the opposite and if you just listened to me you’d never know how you experience the cars. it’s funny to me how many times I’ll watch a review on YouTube of a reviewer that I respect and they’ll describe a car I own(ed) or have a lot of experience with and I feel completely different sensations to what they’re describing. Happens with Harry Metcalf all the time especially when he reviews McLarens. with that said, I genuinely enjoy sharing my thoughts on these cars when I feel I’m qualified enough to have them and I like reading others.
Thanks for the kind words everyone. Really appreciate it. I think the difference in power feel between SF90 and 296 is really the difference between a V8 and a V6. The V8 just feels more torquey all over the place. The 296 is a bit more rewarding to rev higher and harder. To the port, unfortunately I hear there are some pretty big delays associated with the port right now. I don’t know the reason as to why but Im sure the tariffs don’t help matters. Having driven the 296 a bunch now, I am super excited to drive it again, and, it makes me very very eager to get the Speciale. So, let me ask you all a bit of a rhetorical question, despite having just come out of a new golden era of awesome cars (Id define it as mid 90s- late 2010s), and despite the hybrid, the world being upside down, etc, we have an awesome Ferrari that makes power with revs, sounds good, goes great, is pretty, and a special edition where we are eager with anticipation. Sure, some things have changed, but has much really changed? (Ok, the price is higher)
When he drives the pre-Artura cars without engaging "active" the entire time it drives me nuts. Every single time I get in the first thing is to engage active and then set up the car how I want it, which is either comfort / sport or comfort / track (unless I'm on track). He's made multiple comments on how if you press active the character of the car changes and gets more aggressive. That's BS. Active + comfort actually is more comfortable than no active. It paints a material misrepresentation of the car and makes me nuts every time I see it in his videos.
It's always going to be exciting! And the port mention worked. Car is on a truck and on the way this week!
So I just got a Roma Spider and my 296 GTB at the same time. I’ve noticed the Roma unlocks when I go to open the door while the 296 expects me to use the unlock button on the key. I can’t seem to find the settings g that would change this - any ideas? also, the upgrade to the new generation of cars is HUGE
My 296 auto unlocks when I have the key. Must be a setting. Sometimes I have to try and open it twice for it to recognize me.
Also with the Roma Spider, a bit of a quirk on mine. If you unlock the car and open the passenger side immediately, the car alarm goes off. Happened to me twice and now I give it a 5 count before opening the door and hasn't happened since.
