My Early 296 Ownership Impression

That’s very good for that D/A.

 

Lets see some pics of these new purchases!

 

The more I drive this car it just seems to get better. It is worth every penny and then some. I am very surprised there are so many on the market. Perhaps folks are concerned about it being a hybrid or the fact it has a V6. I find the electric motor to be a plus. When I am in traffic I shift to E mode and wait until I have some open space at which point I crank up the V6. These two motors work seamlessly and provide tremendous performance when working together. This car is clearly the best I have driven. When the prices started dropping I couldn't resist.

 

I also really like my 296, I'm not sure its the V6 so much as just pure over saturation, over content production, over glamorization and actual overproduction of the Car. I mean 350k to 400+k Cars are not something alot of people will buy even if they are great and they have the money, they are interested in other things in life. Youtube made it seem like every kid is able to afford these cars, and that everyone wants them. So I think it just a bunch of smoke and mirrors that the market can hold this number of super cars and have them all being sold and the market hold steady... in my opinion.

 

Over production- sure.

V6 and Hybrid may be perceived negatives. I think both are positives as they improve the driving performance and pleasure. It will just take time for the marketplace to understand.

In the meantime- I cannot get the smile off my face.

 

Recently read the original press release. I wasn’t aware of all the new technological developments that went into this car. It makes me appreciate the 296 even more.

https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/corporate/articles/296-gtb-defining-fun-to-drive

 

Someone here asked for a comparison between the 296 and the 750s. Had driven the 750s well before I got my 296 GTS so was hard to give a proper comparison.

Today though thanks to Isaac and the lovely folks @ McLaren Seattle I had the opportunity to do a proper side by side comparison.

Looks - 750s from the front….296 GTS from the side and back.

Throttle - Jumpy on the 750s, slight press and it’s ready to pounce. Same depression on the 296 won’t yield the same experience. Clearly by design. Full depression both are just as quick.

Sound - 296 above 6000 rpm is a scream. 750s is a pleasant rumble. 296 sounds louder.

Interior - 750s is unsophisticated, simple, lots of alcantara…not sure if that’s standard. 296 sophisticated, complex, lots of leather.

Steering - light as expected on 296. Heavy on 750s. I expected the 750s to be more “engaging” but frankly they achieve the same thing differently…fast rack, less ground feel with buttons on the wheel with easy reach and large shift pedals, vs high ground feel, slow rack, clear steering, small shift pedals.

Cameras - higher res on 296. Crisp image.

Seating position - both excellent.

End of it all, driving them back to back confirmed the 296 GTS is my preference.

Cheers

 

Very impressive deal. Mine was not an Asseto Fiorano model. Not sure it is really necessary and the cost is substantial. I know the stripe is optional but I think the striping on the Asseto Fiorano detracts from the natural lines of the car. I have never been a big fan of racing stripe of any kind, certainly not on such a beautiful vehicle like the 296

 

i originally felt the same way about the AF stripe. It grew on me and I ended up going with it. I love it now and much to my surprise- I am getting much unsolicited positive feedback. I am just smitten by the whole package.

 

Glad you’re enjoying the car. I cannot agree more.

 

Agree. No AF pack on my 296 --don't need it and the striping is hideous.

 

My major complaint is that I simply can’t wait to get in the car and drive it. Originally I was not planning to daily drive it. However, I just can’t avoid it since it’s such a thrill to drive.

 

You guys are killing me, just when I decide I can patiently await the delivery (has been showing at the port since early March), I read the comments in this thread and I'm back to wanting to go the the port and get the car on my own.....

 

I understand your reaction.. I originally thought the same of the AF paint. Now I love it. In the wild it draws unsolicited compliments all the time.

 

I like my CdF down low look. Still feel a bit awkward at gas stations. I know folks are checking me (the car) out and it feels weird. I’ll have to work on this. I’m extremely polite though to whomever strikes up a conversation including the truck driver hauling a full load of Driscoll Berries. My Spanish is very rusty but I did manage to say “Gracias”!

 

Did you ask for box?

I hear berries are superfoods.

 

Would like the performance bits but the paint scheme is more questionable than anything Lambo is criticized for with “gold chain wearing” nonsense comments.

 

No but I did try to do my own compliment to him "wow that's a lot of berries" but immediately realized it caused confusion so we just left it at that and I poured myself back into the 296 while he was still looking at the car from side to side.

 

That's what she said.

 

Berries being a superfood it’s more about quality than quantity. As you know

 

You dont need to get the stripe, thats a separate option.