296 Reviews on YouTube

The SF90 suffers from the front wheel drive and not so predictable torque steer and apparently occasional rogue behavior. By remaining rear wheel drive only (electric motor only supplements the engines turning forces to drive the transmission) the 296 will be more well behaved (just like the LaF).

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could be production restrictions and time. It’s interesting to see the vast quality differences in the video production. But funny enough that Italian POV video was least “produced” but was perhaps the most convincing to me.

 

The ultimate conclusions are going to be positive. They have to be or they won't get invited back and other manufactures will be less likely to invite them as well. Some of the bigger names will be able to get away with being more truthful. Gauging everyone's enthusiasm is the only way to tell what they actually think of the car for now.

 

Impressive sound...huge upgrade in the sound department from F8

 

When the 296 was revealed, I had zero interest in owning one. I was not a fan of its looks. Plus, it is a hybrid. I'll put that aside.

After seeing the video reviews in which the presenter actually drives and comments on the car, the 296 has suddenly grown on me. The car just rips! Love it or leave it, the 296 is special.

Some cars are appealing based on appearance, some based on performance; in other words, what they look like vs what they can do. I am now considering owning this car because of what it can do. And, suddenly, I am OK with the looks.

*And, who isn't positively surprised by the engine note in some of these vids?

 

I like it! Video reviews (except Shmee, the worst YouTuber in existence) really bring it to life!

Quick question - how long does the hybrid last before the battery is exhausted on track? And are you then left driving a 640hp car with 120kg of pointless EV ballast?

 

Probably 2 or 3 laps (on a track that is 2+ miles in length)

that actually may be why Ferrari limited reviewers to 2 "hot laps" ...so the battery doesn't deplete to the point of where it no longer engages...

 

The Ferrari driver in the red pace car was driving round at like 6/10 ..probably one handed lol

 

Right with you. Looking forward to it.

 

You have one on order?

 

What’s interesting to me is that the 296 subject is pretty much like politics.
You got people that from the start hated it without seeing that you can’t change the mind of no matter how good the reviews etc
I prefer ferraris of old but got live with our times


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I think in one review, when it's in the aggressive modes, it actually recharges pretty well in use. One did mention that the tires started to fall off pretty hard by the end of the second lap which was probably the bigger limiting factor to longer stints for the drivers.

 

I thought "qualifying mode" did not recharge battery in any meaningful way?
https://corporate.ferrari.com/en/296-gtb-defining-fun-drive
Qualify: provides maximum performance but at the cost of lower battery recharging

Tires "fall off" meaning "overheating and getting greasy" ? If so, that does not speak well of the tire at all or maybe they simply started with a tire pressure that was too high and the tire "balled up" and starts riding on the center tread after it got some heat into it...by the way, hard braking the best way to quickly heat tires.

 

I like Sam


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I was in a similar boat. Wasn't too thrilled about the car when it was first released. Slowly, the design started to grow on me so I called my dealer and went down to spec one out. After playing with the spec for a week, I put a deposit on the car today. When the demo car makes it's round to my dealer next month, I will get to see if in the flesh for the first time. It's currently spec'd without the AF package, but if the ride height is reasonable, I will change it to the AF pack without the stripes. The AF pack does not allow for a front lift so that is my only concern. Outside of that, I think the exhaust note in the videos sound better than I expected.

Now the wait begins as my car will more than likely be a 2024 model year car by design. Don't really want a first year production car as most of them have some gremlins in them.

 

His podcast is really good and entertaining

 

interesting thoughts on the 296...the lack of excitement is confirmed

 

The video illustrates the disengenuous nature of some Ferrari reviews. The reviewer was highly impressed during his test drive and often expressed how exciting it was to be offered this opportunity. In other words, do not piss off Ferrari with any negative comments and he obediently obeyed. In the above video, his enthusiasm for the 296 was noticeably tempered. In a brupt reversal, he no longer fawned over the car, ultimately conceding that it did lack excitement, steering was slightly deficient compared to other Ferrari models and the sound was the equivalent to the F8, which has been highly criticized by many , including F8 owners as being excessively muted.He also agreed with Catchpole that the electrification offered nothing of significance to the performance and opined that the elimination of the batteries would result in a lighter, more immersive driving experience. He concluded that he would pick the 812 over the 296.He is clearly banking on Ferrari corporate not watching this video.

 

What's with you guys always hijacking Ferrari threads with more praise for that ugly, unreliable 765.

 

To be clear, he said that the 296 sounded a lot like an F8 from the outside in a drive-by. He did reiterate that it sounds great on the inside.

The "electrification doesn't add much" statement can go both ways, IMO. It can be viewed as a compliment to Ferrari that the hybrid system doesn't detract from the experience. It's also pure speculation that a non-electrified 296 would be better, since nobody has driven a non-electrified 296

All of that having been said, I think you're spot-on about the difference in tone between the review and the podcast. Ferrari is well-known for not taking kindly to reviewers who are negative, so it's no surprise if that's playing into things. It'll be really interesting when the reviewers who are prolific enough to be immune to Ferrari's pressure (Harris, Tiff, etc) get to drive the thing. And even MORE interesting when I get to drive it because, when it comes to what's in my garage, my opinion is really the only one that matters Until then, I'm keeping my reservation in!

 

Hybridization, unless it adds to the driving dynamics and performance begs the inevitable query- then what purpose does it fulfill. You seem relieved that at the very least, it does not diminish
the experience. It unquestionably adds significant mass and mightily increases the price. Color me confused.

 

Hybridisation adds to performance, as attested by the delta between two similar Italian V6 supercars (296 and MC20).

 

I am waiting for the tests by Chris Harris and Harry's Garage.

 

He lost me at "hi, I'm Shmee!"