My Early 296 Ownership Impression

The haptics on the 2025 296 steering wheel are more like pushing buttons that swiping (on the right hand side). SO MUCH BETTER than the 2023 I had. More responsive as well on the left side. Has anyone figured out if there is a trip odometer? Can't seem to find it.

 

Agreed. How I feel. So misunderstood.

 

Just got mine! Love, love, love! Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Incredible machine!

 

^ What red is that? Beautiful.

 

Rosso Mugello
Cuoio interior
I wanted the classic look…no carbon fiber…except the steering wheel….and classic colors…like an classic Dino…

 

It just kinda glows
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Jewel?

 

https://www.hagerty.com/media/market-trends/hagerty-insider/at-635000-this-is-one-of-the-worlds-most-expensive-ferrari-dinos-ever/

This is the Dino I tried to emulate…the exterior color is darker and the interior lighter but it’s fairly close…

 

Yup

 

My early ownership impression: Could the car be more fun? What I am loving is that the more you put your foot down, the more the car gives you, which is not always the case. The immediate torque, the sound, oh the sound. So unique, so sweet, so sinuous. I want more of it, yes, but it's VERY good. Steering sharpness for days, just so capable and beautiful. I did elect the AF package, and that may be my only gripe....well, it's more of a reflection on the terrible roads in LA county. I just got back from the Big Island, and those perfect roads will do nicely with the AF. The car is bouncy....very bouncy, when the roads are not smooth. It's not jarring by any means, but I did not notice the bounce AS much in my SF90 AF Spider. That could be because of the extra weight that car carries. I don't regret speccing the AF, just that I am now really enjoying the hunt for smoother roads in town. LOL.

 

@Lagunae92 was the pic taken at Southbay? I think I recognize the background? Awesome car and awesome review btw.

 

Yup, good eye!

 

Yes, I am missing the bumpy road mode, and I think you’re right that it needs it. Luckily the Speciale should have it. I see that 812GTS comparison, and though I’ve only driven the 296 a few dozen miles, it’s a more capable and danceable machine. Totally different, but definitely not two cars to cross shop.

 

Did you work with Shane or Eddie?

 

Eddie is our guy, but both great.

 

Nice spec you made!
Curious what other F cars you have experience with so that I can calibrate the “good sounds” pov. Much appreciated.

 

Brea Canyon

 

Thanks, happy to share.
Have owned in this order (and still have the last 4):
458 Italia
812 Superfast
Portofino
488 Pista
812GTS
458 Speciale
SF90 Spider AF
296GTB

As far as overall sound goes, the Superfast may win but not much beasts a V12, but in terms of mid engines, I rank them Speciale, Italia, 296, Pista, SF90, with the last two being a let down really. I know many prefer the Italia over the Speciale, and I get that, but the howl I get at 6500rpm in the Speciale is my happy place. The best part of the 296 sound is that there is a howl, albeit not as loud db wise, but tonality and pureness is there. The in-cabin sound is much greater than the drive-by or tunnel run. Also, as you climb in revs, the sound increases like the 458s, whereas the TTV8s do not. They disappear. Pista was just ok, and the GPF killed the SF90.

 

Much appreciated. We share the same likes, and good to hear about in cabin 296. I am getting a 296 Speciale A and as someone who also was massively let down by Pista this is good news.
I do prefer Italia to Speciale sound, but if i never had owned so many 458’s I wouldn’t know the difference.

 

Pista was perfect, expect for the aural part. The Speciale, with twice as many hot tubes, and an all metal/CF interior, should sound pretty strong.