296 VS

Yes, you are indeed correct, just like nobody wants any car without a manual or turbo even though they are much quicker and better performing. Then again, a LaFerrari or 918 are good examples of hybrids that nobody wants as well. Dude, you want old technology, go buy an old car. Or, if you want the best of old technology in a new car, buy a 12C, McLaren or any other non-hybrid assist supercar. They are out there albeit maybe a bit more expensive.

 

I think Dan Neil’s article illustrates why they would never be able to produce a street 296 model without the hybrid, they rely on this model to comply with all sorts of emissions and environmental regulations. When I got my 296, I noticed the window sticker said the consumption is about 56 MPGe…. That little e at the end I guess is for electric- and Im sure the car really does that in the tests. In my hands I am getting about 11 MPG. Whereas with my pure combustion Ferraris I will be about 8 MPG. But I digress, The point is they need the hybrid to get their fleet numbers down. But they need big power to sell. So hybrid helps them achieve both. Friends who have driven the 296 Challenge tell me while it’s effective, it’s not the nicest sounding engine. They’d have to retune that as well.

To answer Mr. Neil’s question as to why some people really do hate on hybrids, I think it’s how it’s been brought forward. Not as a “go-faster” technology, but as a mandate thats forced upon us under the guise of being better for the environment, yet, I think you can find arguments on both sides. I think the biggest problem is the being forced, by one side of the political spectrum, it turns off a good number of people, even some from that very side, and certainly many on the other side.

They should not have done that, but whats done is done. I think Ferrari hybrids will find their footing in the market, but its going to take more work from the good people in Maranello because this is really now more of a marketing issue than one about engineering.

 

"Take a close look at the last slide which shows two pics that I took in Maranello! This 296 mule features canards on the front - just like the LMGT3! But we didn’t see them on the 296 Speciale… So, could this be a hint on the Piloti Version…?!? We will see on Friday…"

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Very interesting!

 

I bet you’re fun at parties.

 

I don't give a ****. I love my 296 and will love my 296 Speciale. I only live once. The last shirt has no pockets.

 

Can't buy any Ferrari new for years - stock has risen and production sold out.

Expect my 12C in 2027
It's not the owners who dislike hybrid - it's non owners.

 

You only die once

 

Waiting for VS the Termerario is growing on me as well

 

Mesh grill at the rear pls!

 

Honestly, I think it’s only special livery like pista piloti.

 

I whole heartedly agree, and I am going to borrow your phrase. It's a good one.

 

Difficulties in accepting contradiction?

 

I love that expression! I’m going to use it for all my whimsical, highly irresponsible decisions going forward!

 

Yes, absolutely, especially since the Purosangue has a lot of group emissions. I remain convinced that there was room for a non-hybrid supercar, but the risk of air being drawn in was significant, not to mention that it is not necessary to make any efforts; it sells without problems at a minimum.

 

I'm completely and effortlessly open. You mean you're not fun at parties?

 

i dont understand the point of the Purosangue given its price point. They should have done similar to Mclaren and offered a non-hybrid v6 or v8. The other could have been hybrid. This is not going to happen now so why not keep these both hybrid models (RWD vs AWD) and introduce a new RWD model that is a NA V8 producing 650-700hp. Let the market decide. Sign me up for a NA V8 and a 296VS,

 

everything is going well on this front

 

I don't get why the argument is hybrid vs. non-hybrid when it should be turbo hybrid vs NA hybrid. Mate Rimac said what I've been thinking for a while. Turbos also add cost, complexity, turbo lag and power surge, and ruin the sound. Hybrid provides more benefits with less downsides. (Linear and instant power delivery, NA sound that can be even louder since you can drive in EV mode, lower center of gravity, more traction control per wheel, etc.)

 

Hybrid also masks the turbo lag though. But I agree, 918/Revuelto seem most desirable solution.

 

weight is the primary reason for non-hybrid. I would also be in favor of a NA Hybrid.

 

The difference being that the Challenge Stradale was the quicker car. What you are suggesting would make the VS slower than the base version...

 

Agree, I think this is a source of a lot of misplaced animosity. The forced extinction of pure ICEs is tragic. The existence of hybrids is not.

Still, there are other reasons people are turned off by hybrids. They're heavier. They typically feature smaller engines with a lower cylinder count, which has implications for sound and character. Hybrids require more electronic interpretation of driver inputs, interrupting the link between man and machine. They respond differently, for better or worse; some prefer the instant torque, but others miss the rewards of revving out an NA engine.

But that's the magic of the 296. It offers the benefits of a hybrid while minimizing, or at least hiding these compromises.

Do I wish they could also build more ICE-only options? Absolutely. But this is to take nothing away from the 296, which is simply amazing.

 

Hear, hear.

 

I agree- yet Ferrari pulled a rabbit. I literally forget the 296 is a turbo- and I generally don’t like turbos.

There is no lag and the engine sounds good. So far there is not a better 6 cylinder hybrid of any kind that sounds better.