296 GTS or 296 speciale coupe | FerrariChat

296 GTS or 296 speciale coupe

Discussion in '296' started by ericky7, Jun 11, 2025.

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  1. ericky7

    ericky7 Rookie

    Apr 9, 2020
    5
    Full Name:
    Eric
    Hi,

    I currently own a 296 GTS, which I have been thoroughly enjoying.

    The dealer has recently offered me an allocation for a 296 Speciale Coupe, though I remain undecided on whether to proceed. As the GTS is the only convertible in my collection, I would prefer to keep it rather than trade it in, which means I would potentially be holding two 296s.

    I do have a few concerns:

    1. Would there be sufficient differentiation between the two models to justify owning both? The 296 is already such a capable car that I wonder how much further improvement is realistically possible and perceivable.

    2. Would it be wiser to consider something like a 488 Pista or 458 Speciale instead, for more variety? Additionally, a bit concerned about the potential depreciation of speciale coupe after already experiencing a drop with the GTS.
    I assume many GTS owners missed out on Aperta allocations and are likely in a similar dilemma.

    are most of you with coupe allocation still proceeding with the order?
     
    Caeruleus11 and x z8 like this.
  2. greyboxer

    greyboxer F1 World Champ

    Dec 8, 2004
    12,665
    South East
    Full Name:
    Jimmie
    Keep GTS & spend the huge cost to change on something else
     
  3. jo_ker

    jo_ker Karting

    Mar 29, 2014
    213
    Germany/Austria
    i do have the exact same question. and understand your struggle. it would be wiser to buy a 458speciale or Pista to your GTS. but if you want to have just one - what i want…

    i ordered the 296speciale.
    and will sell my GTS.

    i will put windows down if i want air.
    life is to short to not drive the latest special series ferrari.
     
  4. Caeruleus11

    Caeruleus11 F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 11, 2013
    11,609
    Just offering another idea- don’t make all the moves at once/ in a short term.

    Keep GTS order speciale coupe, but consider ordering the non lifter suspension- that will get you the more sporty multimatic setup. Keep in mind you also wont get bumpy road mode.

    Then when they show the 296 successor, consider replacing the 1.0 GTS with the 2.0. If you don’t like that, maybe consider looking for other choices.
     
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  5. ZubayrC

    ZubayrC Karting

    Apr 1, 2024
    76
    Middle East
    Is it now settled that’s there’s two suspension types depending on whether lift is optioned (on the Speciale). Thought I read somewhere it’s multimatic with bumpy road mode irrespective of lift or not. Maybe that’s not possible, I don’t know how these suspension systems work :)
     
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  6. Caeruleus11

    Caeruleus11 F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 11, 2013
    11,609
    I will find out for certain, but at the moment I am operating with the information from the XX, which is as you presented. I dont think Multimatic can have a variable damper unless you do it like PS and that adds a significant amount of weight.
     
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  7. Cocoloco

    Cocoloco Formula 3

    Nov 26, 2013
    1,482
    #7 Cocoloco, Jun 14, 2025
    Last edited: Jun 14, 2025
    Same boat - reached out to another dealer and can get VS Spider.
    Holding SF90 Spider for XX coupe - burn to do this again, losing spider for coupe
    Own Speciale 16M Dino GTS812 - owning a hybrid / some old school manuals - anything in between is boring.
    Yes Speciale / 16M not used since SF90. Will keep 16M let Speciale go I really dislike coupes. Speaking of would go for 16M vs Pista
    At 6 plus 2 on order - thinking of chasing Porsche next 918 and getting off the bus, getting Monza / F80 is not going to happen.
    I struggle to order VS even in Spider - prefer SF90 Spider XX coupe 812GTS for modern Ferrari's.
    VS Ferrari's is not really track focus as I hoped, painted livery than downforce which makes them unsafe. End of the day - depends what you want in your garage. [/QUOTE]
     
    ericky7 likes this.
  8. REALZEUS

    REALZEUS F1 Veteran

    Feb 16, 2011
    8,427
    Bournemouth, UK
    The Multimatic dampers are not active, nor do they allow for a lift function.
     
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  9. 09Scuderia

    09Scuderia F1 Rookie

    Nov 20, 2011
    2,734
    USA
    Full Name:
    Max
    296VS has a lift option....
     
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  10. Caeruleus11

    Caeruleus11 F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 11, 2013
    11,609
    Yes, just like the XX has it. In order for the Multimatic suspension to provide a lift, it needs to be the system used in the PS, which needs a lot more electronics and adds a lot more weight. The odds are the choices will echo that on the XX.

    Lifter suspension means you are getting a retuned Magnaride which will let you get lifter and also provides different user selectable damper modes such as bumpy road. If this is correct, then on the XX, they recommended to just about everyone to go with this setup as the XX front is so low and the new tune of the suspension is more sporty anyway.

    Or, the non-lifter suspension, which would mean the Multimatic setup from the AF package, probably retuned, which would mean no bumpy road, and of course, no lifter. With the XX they said you better expect to use this car mostly on extremely smooth roads or the race track.

    Again, the above is my own semi-educated guess, and not anything confirmed, but I’ll be better able to tell you all something at the end of the week, perhaps someone will be able to inform us sooner.

    Ive been driving around the 296 GTS for a little bit, non-AF setup, the suspension is so impressive. It’s both very comfortable, but also has great body control. I’m sure the AF offers an even more connected feel, but in my area with crummy roads and the occasional steep ramp, the lifter and bumpy road pay dividends. I bet the retuned Speciale suspension will be that much more sporty so Im planning to skip the Multimatic, even though I think its super cool, and I had it on my 296 GTB, its a really impressive setup and is not too harsh.
     
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  11. 599freak

    599freak Karting

    Mar 12, 2008
    53
    I would say get the 296 Speciale and trade the GTS in for a Pista Spider / 488 spider / 458 spider / 812 GTS.

    Having 2 x 296 will definitely be an overlap. You could also consider a different 2nd car altogether like a McLaren/Lambo spider in the similar price range to have some variety in the garage.
     
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  12. bccars

    bccars Rookie

    Jun 26, 2015
    37
    Europe
    I can't really comment on what the OP should do. BUT, i'd never own a 296GTS and a 296speciale at the same time. As an experience they are too much alike in my opinion.
     
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  13. 09Scuderia

    09Scuderia F1 Rookie

    Nov 20, 2011
    2,734
    USA
    Full Name:
    Max
    I have a GTS, love it. We have a Speciale GTB (Coupe) coming. I secretly hope the Speciale is overpriced so that I can decline the spot and keep the GTS.....
     
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  14. KZEVO

    KZEVO Formula Junior

    Jul 25, 2021
    292
    LoL - I'm the opposite. where i hope it's priced reasonably. Saw a 12C that just came in at the dealer with a 45K markup due to tariffs! i hope that is not the case for the Speciale.
     
    of2worlds likes this.
  15. 911mantas

    911mantas Rookie

    Jul 25, 2024
    14
    I am keeping both (GTS and Speciale Coupe).
     

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