F8 owner who is curious about 296 but…..

I’m an F8 Tributo owner, new to Ferrari, and so far loving my experience.

I am curious about the 296 GTB and have considered trading out of my F8 for one at some point in the future, but have some hesitation.

I know the 296 is crazy fast, I did a few track laps in one last year.

Concerns I have are what I’ve read online and in this very forum. What is the status of these issues:

1. Battery dying/bricking: that seems to have occured in multiple cars. Is this still a problem?

2. I watched a Carwow drag race where Mat Watson’s 296 kept having a “hybrid control system error” to his frustration. Do we know what that issue was or was that just a fluke with his car?

My main concerns are hybrid/battery related issues that would ruin the ownership experience for me because I’d have my car at the shop more often than enjoying it.

I like the design and really like how it drives. I’m also really enjoying my F8 experience.

Thanks for anybody’s input

 

1 data point but I’ve had zero issues

 

Ditto. Zero issues. I love the car!

 

Also one data point, no issues except for a parking sensor. I do want to say that as a mclaren owner, I feel like the ferrari ice powertrain is much better built. The little V6 is super efficient and feels light on its feet and not being overly stressed. Car never produces a lot of heat and hardly needs any gas. So I have a feeling that this is great for longevity. I have no idea what the battery side will do over time, but I'll be ready to take it on the chin when the time comes. Hopefully not too bad for a high volume car as technology progresses.

 

Zero issues. I was nervous because of all the FUD. I am now more nervous with my V12. I bought a 2nd one. It’s that good.

 

1500 miles, no issues w/Batteries

 

2200 miles on mine, zero issues

 

3000 miles and absolutely perfect. I love the car more each day. I recommend replacing the stock tires with Cup R2 Michelins. They really help out with traction and cornering. I know they do no last very long but with the HP and suspension this car has it makes total sense to have compatible tires. The F8 is a beautiful car but if driving performance is your priority you will not go wrong with the 296 GTB.

 

I have Pista, had F8, had 296GTB, have 296GTS. Happy I traded out of F8 into the 296 line. ( Keeping Pista. Pista as vehicle is tuned from a suspension and aero as higher performance than the F8 which is more cruising. ).

zero problems with 296.

 

Thinking the 296 has major battery issues because of a couple of reports is like thinking the world is flat because you are driving through the Great Plains or the Everglades

 

Do you feel any difference in driving dynamics between gtb and gts? Pretty much same or do you feel the extra weight?

 

If you love your F8 why are you thinking of changing? What are you hoping to gain? You can't go wrong with either car and It sounds like you should stick with what makes you happy. Just my .02.

 

I just test drove a 296 GTS a few hours ago.

Holy smokes, it’s fast! And I love the interior tech, although I can understand why some people don’t like the changes with the steering wheel. I would probably go with a GTB if I got one.

What impressed me most is the sound. It not only sounds better, but it’s louder than the F8. The salesman said that because it is a hybrid they don’t have OPF filters.

Handling and braking is sharp, but not very different from the F8. The steering feels a tad lighter.

I was told that the highest performance mode, where you get all of the horsepower, can only be maintained for a short while before you deplete the battery. That’s a big let down.

I proceeded to drive back home in my F8 and enjoyed that drive immensely too. I could be happy in the 296 but the F8 is a blast too. I’m not in any rush to make a change. But I do like trying different experiences.

296 seems underrated to me. It’s a great car

 

I think your dealer is mistaken. The highest performance driving mode actually charges the battery.

 

Loved my F8. Never had any problems. Traded for a new 296GTS that the customer declined. I wanted to try out a Hybrid and also qualified for the 296 Speciale which was a motivator. Not much time in it yet - only 326 miles so far.

The tech is more complicated and takes a while to get used to - much of which is trial and error. Of course, learning the quirky F8 interface took a while also. I think people forget about that. The GTS is noticeably smaller than the F8 - inside and out. The GTS is drop dead gorgeous and an improvement in every way from the F8.

Bear in mind that I sold the F8 once before and regretted it so much that I repurchased the identical car when it came back around. I have no such regret today. In fact, I may keep the GTS when the Speciale comes in since it is a coupe. That is my 2 cents!

 

Qualify mode, which is the highest performing, charges the battery. The other deplete it. I only use qualify. It’s amazing.

 

You were given incorrect info. The 296 still has the OPF/GPF as well as the fact that when you go full beans you are actually recharging the battery. That was a good idea to take a test drive and confirm you prefer the F8.

 

Whenever salesman tell me things, I always confirm on car owner forums. I figure much of what they say is BS

 

It’s interesting that it still has the OPF but I perceive it to be louder than my F8 is. I wish I had a decibel meter to corroborate or refute this, as it also could all be in my head

 

So, understanding and sympathizing that you love your F8, and it’s a great car on the spectrum of cars, but the auditory let down I had driving the F8 was my biggest in any Ferrari. I expected a loud V8 turbo scream and was greeted with nothing of the sort. Comparatively the 296 sounds fantastic. In fact it sounds much better than 488 and Pista.

 

Lately I've been using mainly performance mode. On local roads where speed limit is 45 or so and excessive speeding means jail time, I simply can't use that much performance so why stress the car out. When I purposely take it somewhere quiet and safe and want to be a little nutty, then it's qualify and ct off...

 

So I've been wanting my first ferrari for a long time and I really thought the f8 spider was the one. It's a 488 with better looks and more power. On paper, it can keep up with a 720s but with Italian flair and beauty. Then I went to a race track and drove the f8 and 296 back to back. F8 was a bit of disappointment in terms of handling, power, and sound. I would of bought a 720s/750s if my day ended there. Then I drove the 296, it handled like a mclaren, sounded way better and power/response was mind blowing. I bought one after 4 weeks of searching. The end.

 

1. After 4,000 miles, battery range is 15 miles, same as new.

2. I have not used launch control; the only hybrid warning has been "manettino selection not available" after prolonged use of E-drive in a traffic jam. No issues after stretching the legs in Performance for a bit.

 

Does Hybrid mode prevent full battery discharge? I have not used E-Drive at all, but have done short stints in Hybrid. The only warning I have had is to never let the battery fully discharge, so I usually switch back to Challenge if the battery is close to 1/2

 

My understanding is that the engine will automatically start in Hybrid or E-Drive mode to prevent fully discharging the battery.