Like you, I wasn’t interested in the 296 at all. Until I test drove one. The first test intrigued me. The second test had me interested in the car. The third test I got to drive it in all sort of ways for as long as I’d like and with no passenger so I was able to be fully comfortable when driving. That’s when I fell in love with the car.
the test driver who was overseeing the event was an ex racer and has been a development driver for the gen 2 R8/Huracan and now Ferrari. he said the 296 is the first R8 of Ferraris- that was the feeling i got after i drove it for an hour too (a dynamic and adaptable sports car that can be jekyll or hyde). a very nice compliment for the car (i just hope that it will be as reliable as an R8) it was a ironic that he voiced this after i'd concluded that for myself. what a perfect time fro me to make the switch to the prancing horse, lol. i think this car will cause a shift in the prototypical Ferrari buyer- it will bring in fresh younger blood that is more focused on driving than investing and flipping.
This is correct. My car came in at $512,000. Fortunately for those that prefer the Speciale they go buy one now and drive it.
I had a similar experience with a short drive with a copilot I was a bit Mehhhh. Then on my own in my backyard…. I was blown away.
Likewise - was the worst experience of any Ferrari event - their track day for the 296. I actually formally complained about the 3rd party organisation who ran it. Does not change my opinion of the car though
OMG! That would be a dream to drive the 296 GTB at Phillip Island... Such a smooth and rewarding track. I did Mulholland Drive in absolute anger! Goodness me.... This car is playful and batsheet fast!
With the same mistake repeated as everywhere - quoting 1,470 kg as kerb weight whereas it's actually the official Ferrari figure for dry weight (the kerb weight is not officially disclosed, AFAIK). It's a pity journos don't care about what they write. It does not change the fact that the 296 is pretty impressive, though.
This site says 1540 kg. https://www.carfolio.com/ferrari-296-gts-739123 And Hagerty says 1560 kg https://www.hagerty.co.uk/articles/car-reviews/ferrari-296-gtb-review-plug-play-and-pray/
