It's the best of both worlds honestly, the 296 is already legendary having won the nurburgring 24 hours as well as the same engine winning the lemans 24 hours , there is a reason most people see it as the best Ferrari on sale today only drawbacks being the Ferrari ui in the infotainment.
Ferrari had used a very un efficient battery pack in it also in sf90,energy density is only 106 wh/kg in pack which means battery weighs 75 kg according to ferrari it self,catl announced new condensed matter semi solid state battery with 450 wh/kg in pack,that means if they had used 10kwh pack which is 2.1 kwh more than current pack but it will weigh less than 25 kg,i hope ferrari wonderful engineers solve it for at least 50 kg weight savings,but ferrari has done an amazing job with sf90 and 296 gtb hybrid system,sf90 has 3 e motors but all 3 of them weighs 34 kg in totall which is 1 kg lighter than 1 e motor in legendary p1,let me amaze you with e motor in 296 gtb, it only and only weighs 8 kg thats f1 class category,only not very good thing in hybrid ferraris is the battery pack i hope it'll be solved very soon ,
@@davidfujkk8018 There's only ~7KWh on board. More range w/b nice, but power density (~ 8KW/KWh of storage) was likely the target in assisting up above 800HP. Very high, short duration discharge rates (C-rates). Are we at the times, yet, when ICE people go into a pretzel trying to defend combustion as "luxury". Sounds like our narrator is coming out of a cave.
I have two sf90. Stradale 2021 and spider 2023. A big difference I noticed is actually the steering wheel where they changed it in the 2023 so that you can't accidentally hit the haptic buttons. You have to press in the middle of the navigation button to the right to wake up all haptic buttons. Such a big relief I must say. Feels like a software change which they probably will roll out to older models and 296.
Definitely is one of the best modern Ferraris. The looks are on point, the power train is incredible and sounds like their V12s and crazy performance numbers.
What I love about this engine is the lovely tone of the sound. I'm not into loud engine sounds, Its the quality that counts, And this car has that quality.
Just bought a 2023 with 292 miles that had an msrp of $433,500 for $356,000 - a one year depreciation of $77,500 for a car that essentially has never really been driven. Traded a 2024 shark blue gt3 and a 2023 Corvette convertible lt3 plus $21,000 cash. I will find out over the coning months if this one car is better than the combination I traded in to buy it.
I really do think Ferrari have hit a new peak with the 296, personally I love the looks, especially the rear, but that’s the beauty of opinions as you say. I’ve not gone for AF pack or stripe on my GTS and cant wait.
Have you driven a 296 without the AF pack vs. AF? The whole throttle mapping makes the AF pack a must. If you haven't gone Red 10 and haven't tested both, do it, especially if you have driven an AF car but on one without .
I took delivery of my GTS this week. The car has really blown me away. I agree re the AF pack, I think the stripes look a bit naff on a non special edition Ferrari. The info I find difficult to navigate whilst driving. Otherwise the engine and chassis are sublime. I too had concerns about the rear end but in the right spec (suits metallic colours) the 296 is stunning in the flesh. Nice video. Re the price, i agree they are punchy but across all manufacturers it's a similar story.
Another extremely well thought out review, thanks for sharing your thoughts on the 296. I had the opportunity to drive one last year and share a lot of your feelings towards it. I think Ferrari did a brilliant job merging the traditional internal combustion engine and electric motor. If you look at cars like the 296 and SF90 as internal combustion engines with an electric boost engine for added performance, instead of the cars as eco-driven hybrids they actually make sense. I think it was a great design decision by Ferrari to include reverse flow cylinders heads as that combined with the exhaust layout make the 296 sound like a mini V12 instead of a V6. The seats are my favorite part of the interior, they look futuristic and are incredibly comfortable at the same time, that said, the all digital approach and insane amount of tech is a huge turnoff for me, but I understand why that is the direction Ferrari is headed. For that I will stick with the opinion the 458 Italia is the pinnacle of all that is Ferrari. And as fast as the 296 is, I don't see it really as someone's primary or only Ferrari. For me it feels more like someone's 4th or 5th Ferrari they have in their stable. I also look at all of these hybrid Ferarris as something you own for maybe the first 5 years since production and then move on before the maintenance plan is up. Battery costs and future tech failures I expect to make these a challenge to keep on the road for the long haul. We're already seeing issues with the La Ferrari and the batteries in it. Sure that car is a decade old now, but the battery tech hasn't made the leap yet to have it not be a problem.
@@LifeatSpeed to pay 10% of the cars value on the la Ferrari is not all that bad. Most owners have made millions on their la Ferrari/ what is $300,000 to replace the battery?sammy Hagar paid to replace his battery and sold his at auction for millions. Costs are relative I suppose. I read the battery replacement today costs $39,000 on a 296 - if in 190 years the cost is $30,000 - as batteries become less expensive and hopefully an independent figured out how to offer after market battery - big deal. What does an engine rebuild cost on a 1970’s or 1980’s Ferrari?
Great video, Having driven both the fiorano and none fiorano at varano, I totally agree with you, the fiorano pack didn’t feel like a huge difference, it actually made me appreciate the standard car more. Almost pulled the trigger on a GTS but the 2 year wait put me off.
That is so interesting. I felt a huge difference. While both the non AF and AF cars suffer from the steering with very little feedback, the throttle response of the AF car is totally different. I have tested three 296's GTS, GTS AF, and GTB AF. I was so disappointed by the non-AF car. While they all have a somewhat lazy throttle mapping, the non-AF car is really bad in this regard. If you punch it below 5500 rpm, nothing happens. Even with ESC OFF, it's really hard to break the tyres loose in anything but first gear compared to an F8 or SF90. It really lacks the instant throttle response of the F8 and SF90 where it will break loose at anything under 120 km/h. Not sure what the hybrid system is doing, because I don't find it very noticeable with very little in terms of torque fill. Aside from that, I find the normal suspension a bit too busy, where the AF while being firmer, is more planted and smoother. And lastly, the seats. If you don't spec the race seats, you sit way too high. After three track days, about 1500 km in the 296, I have cancelled my GTS AF order. From an actual drivers perspective, it feels way too entry level - not talking price. It is not wild enough and way too easy to drive. I miss the feeling of stepping on a bomb when I mat it and just do not get that thrill at all. Sticking to my SF90 and F8.
Saw one in the flesh a while ago,it was in a beautiful deep red and i was blown away at how good it looked, it seems like the only thing that lets it down is the is the finicky electronics in the cab It would be awesome if ferrari made another modle that was a real lightweight small dino just using this motor only ,and an interior with all buttons toggles and twisty knobby thingys😅
I was one of unwashed masses that requested this review. And what a review it was, a terrific review, such a rollercoaster....I like the way that its seem you are going to pan the car but the car seduces you and you end up loving it. I continue to love your work. Thank you and Gold star awarded.
Damien is in Ferrari nirvana in this run down on the 296GTB. He did a great wrap of the car and discusses it highs and lows. The car has outrageous performance. More than you can actually employ legally on the road. I took one fur a test drive earlier this year and loved its combination of power trains. But the haptic controls were a nightmare. The car kept talking to you and we couldn't understand why until we realised I was brushing them unknowingly. But I guess you could get used to them. Fabulous noise..a great car, but as Damien says, stupidly expensive at over $700k with options in Oz. Yet they are sold out. Rocking that PP Damien.
I’ve tracked one of these and can confirm it is a phenomenal car. The engine and overall power delivery are sublime. It’s a genuinely impressive car with a V6 sound track to die for.
Have you driven one on the road? It work in AF form on track, but the throttle mapping is so lazy on the road, and the hybrid system is nowhere near capable of hiding the turbo lag. Not sure how you can say the power delivery is sublime, because unlike the 488, F8 or SF90, the throttle response is incredibly lazy.
Looking trim Damian🤙 I wasn't a fan of the looks of the 296 when it was revealed, but it's after really growing on me. Hate boring silver cars, but I would spec a non assetto fiorano, in grigio alloy colour , with silver wheels 👌 Also, I reckon you'd get used to the haptic controls after a while. Them door handles look a disaster though, but they look gorgeous.
I'm such a Pininfarina guy! The design and engineering of those cars are so iconic and memorable.. My personal opinion is I wouldn't want one because it doesn't move me emotionally.. To me they fell off designing the rear of their cars. Love the cars that when you see them it's instant love and I don't get that from that one. The SF90 I like more, but the hybrid system takes away a visceral feel that we all love in our cars. I'm waiting on this new fuel that is in the works. That works out, these hybrids will be at the wasteside of expense..
I've been fortunate to drive several quick Ferraris including the SF90 Stradale. Spent time driving a 296 GTS recently and what you really can't see hear is how linear and unrelenting the acceleration is. The engine sounds are really crisp but the sound downshifting from speed is wonderful, that plus the handling is spectacular. It is a brilliant car for the road, will comment more after I take it on the track in the next couple of months.
I bought my i8 roadster because I felt it was one of the most interesting cars I had ever driven...then I drove the 296...without doubt THE BEST CAR I HAVE EVER DRIVEN..Great review
The significance of the 296 is that it has won a major event the 24h at the Nordschleife. The "same" powertrain in the 499P won outright the LM24h. This contrasts with some GTOs (288 or 599) have zero race pedigree even if such details do not discourage "collectors". (Note to D, the 599 series cannot be considered worthy of attention). Correct suggestion about the rear air intakes. These are weirdly proportioned. The carbon exterior bits are unnecessary (other to keep up with Halford equipped rivals from Ford) and the paint job is very tacky.
This is it - ordered my GTS last November and can't wait to get it on the road. Thx a lot for this brlliant review which even enhances my desire to finally drive it.
The v6 of this car is already Legend imho. Im from emilia romagna so i know how strange is to have a Ferrari not v8 or v12... but this is an amazing car Hybrid > electric. At least you still have the sporty sound (and it sound good this v6!)
I just traded my 2024 GT3 and my 2023 Corvette c8 convertible - plus $20,000 cash for a 2023 296 GTB - and the 296 is more fun and more sophisticated and faster than either. Ferrari dealers made way too many guys buy one and park it for a year and then let their dealer sell it. All for the promise of the new suv or the F80. These wonderful 296’s are with near zero miles- are pricing around $80,000 less than msrp I paid $356,000 for my 296 with an msrp of 🥲$436,500 with 255 miles on the odometer. Blu corso paint and red leather interior.
Another fantastic episode Damian. One of your best yet. I love the 296 GTB too. I got to enjoy 30+ miles in one around some amazing Scottish A roads during a local dealership event last year. Annoyingly - it sounded and handled better than my Pista - BUT in saying that, I'd still choose my Pista over it any day of the week. The 296 GTB is very pretty, but a little tame and a bit wonky in some areas by comparison (in my subjective opinion of course). I still prefer the dramatic aggressive elegance of the Pista - but I'm curious to see if a special edition of the 296 GTB can bring me around on the styling. Until then I've got nothing but total admiration for the 296 GTB. What a car!
Update: 10 months later I've sold my beloved Pista - and wait for it… I'm now looking for the right pre-owned 296 GTB now they've come down in price. Heck, I might even spring for a GTS. There's something about that 296 test drive in 2022 that stuck with me and after a good few local dealership visits to spend some more time with the design of the 296, I'm now totally sold on it. It's gorgeous. I've watched this video a few times and your reaction at 30:54 and 31:22 is basically my own reaction from 2022. I may return to a Pista in years to come, but for now I'm excited to throw a 296 around some back roads this summer. The performance. The handling. The sound. My goodness, it's the complete package. I can't wait.
@@addj7093that ironically weighs even MORE than the hybrid 296 despite not having a battery pack and being a carbon fiber chassis versus the 296’s aluminum 🤔
The 250 LM is just such a beautiful timeless racing classic. Everytime I see old photos of the 250 LM, 330 P4, 275 GTB,… I wonder whether the pinnacle of beautiful sports car design was already reached in the 60s.
Ferrari won 24h of Nurburgring for the first time ever with this car, so it probably is the best Ferrari ever. And probably will last. Can't wait to see your face in the next episode when you sit in an old one. BTW, nice video again.
Hey Damon- How much quicker does it feel than your Pista Aperta? ….like a bit quicker or a lot faster? I knew it would be quick but that CarWow video of it keeping pace with a Mclaren 765LT was rather eye opening (unless perhaps the 765 wasn’t making full power)
Totally different cars. The Pista may not be as fast, but from a driving engagement standpoint, the Pista is in a league above. The steering in the 296 is very numb with very little feedback. The throttle response is incredibly lazy. Flooring a Pista is like stepping on a bomb at pretty much any speed, while the 296 is not very wild at all. It is actually hard to break the tyres loose in anything but first gear. It feels very "entry level" from a drivers perspective. Not very wild and sedate to drive. They have the hybrid system, but you would not believe the turbo lag below 5500 rpm. I say this as a Pista and Pista Spider owner. I had a GTS AF car on order, but after having driven a GTB AF, GTS AF and regular GTS, I cancelled my order.
Ferrari is fulfilling Marchionne's plans for Alfa with electric motors assisting the engine and adding to the sportiness rather than detracting from it. Hybrids work with decent engines but struggle when mated to weedy 1.4s and the like. You can still enjoy driving the 296 unlike a fully electric car where there is nothing to do and you just sit there like a knob.
I had waited two years for my Roma but l hated the touch screen everything so much l wound up driviing a slightly used GTC/4 Lusso home. I've tried two EVs, Tesla 100S and aTaycan Turbo S. I couldn't keep the Tesla out of the shop and the Porsche l just couldn't fall in love with. I want an atmospheric engine with as many cylinders at possible, manual trans and a mostly analog driving experience. I have one of the 20 manual 599s brought to the US. It's a collector's item but l'm not a collector and it now has 67k miles.The 296 is gorgeous and if it weren't for those stupid touch screen and lack of a third pedal l might spring for one. I think what Gordon Murray has proved with his cars that there's still plenty of people with deep pockets who want a manual and to us it's not about 0-60 time or doing the Green Hell in less than 7 minutes it's about the driving experience
Great job as always. Also a thumbs up on the tech call-out segments you use in many of your productions. I love 'em, and I don't think many creators on YT use them. For enthusiasts and really any detail nerd with knowledge of the subject matter the call outs really add a lot of relevant info in a short period of time. And the graphics and overlay animations are slick. I've been watching off and on for a couple years and you're a staple along with the other auto yt journalists. Thanks for the efforts and the great info is appreciated. 🙏
Wow - wasn’t expecting that from you Damian! I’m quite impressed with this, it sounds way better than the F8 Tributo (I know, not that hard 😉, but still). Looks great, especially in side profile and the smaller size makes a lot of sense. I don’t like the haptic switches (in any car - Golf R anyone 🤷🏻♂️) and I don’t like the anchor like stripe (so they can shove their £14k ask for that 😂). As others have said, best of both worlds actually seems possible here 👍
Personally I- appreciated the help from these reviewers who drive the car for a day and never read the manual to learn how to operate a $400,000 piece of machinery. The critics have driven the value of a 2023 296 GTB down $80,000 from original msrp. One of these days this 296 will mushroom back up in value after all the flippers that bought this model just to make their dealer happy and they are bought by guys that actually want to use the car and will keep it.
Fantastic how they managed to make this car narrow enough to fit into a supermarket car park entrance. And has the luggage capacity to take a couple of carrier bags. Also to be able to be driven at low urban speed as they've fitted a variable throttle control. So it's good as a daily driver. The only problem is I don't live in Germany so I'm unable to drive to Lidl at 205mph. I'd still love one though if could afford it. Meantime I'll just have to live with my R231 SL500. Which at least does have a folding roof & that I love driving
It was quite the moment watching your mind get changed right then and there in the cockpit…I cannot wait until you spec out a 296 for yourself, Damian! I love the 296 because it does have cues of Dino and 250LM…two of my top 5 Ferrari models…
Finally got to drive one yesterday at the Ferrari Experience day in Italy at Monza, on the track and I can say it’s absolutely amazing… Blindingly quick. I used the electric mode when I did a tour around the track afterwards and I was so blown away with the weirdness of it all. But as you mentioned, it does make sense in that I could sneak out of my garage and not wake up my family or the neighbors like I always do with the analog Ferraris… And it’s awful lot of €€€ though… Geez…
I’ve driven it and yes it much better than the Roma and it’s very fast … I am simply not a fan of the hybrid I prefer the linear power of internal combustion plus the new wheel and electric switches are uncomfortable prone to errors
I happen to think the design is fantastic. Somewhat understated yet cool, curvaceous and techy. And I love the backend, a nice evolution of the classic Ferrari side buttresses, kamm back and cool quad taillights.
The best exterior Ferrari design (bar the cheap looking rear exhaust and lights) since the 458…just not with that Asseto Fiorano design stripe….keep it simple 😃..your Pista will always be a gem 👍👍….so right re all the silly Haptic buttons and tech..the door buttons…the lawn mower whirrring 😂😂
Try the 296 without the Fiorano pack. Bumpy road mode!! And drop all the external carbon = 15% more than an F8. Measured like that its actually good value. Its a Wonderful machine.
A lovely car, but those door handles and the ludicrous and needless complexity of the controls in the cabin really put me off. I want a car that's simple to drive, not one which requires a computer science degree to use. Oh, and having no manual door release is a death-trap waiting to happen.
Great video. Think it's time to ask Meridian Modena to let you do another 'my spec' video on this car. You didn't say whether it would belong in your garage 🤔
Damien, it is not correct that the non-AF pack is identical in the engine. The throttle mapping is totally different. The non-AF car is so laggy and lazy in the throttle response you won't believe it. The worst thing I think, is that both the AF and non-AF car suffers from the same numb steering with next to no feedback.
Interesting you mention the door button, there was a gumball racer in one of these at Edinburgh that couldn’t take part on Sunday because his driver door wouldn’t ‘engage’
Imagine a revised 296 with buttons, switches and dials for revs, oil, temp, a/c, seats, e-manettino and the screen reserved for just nav and car settings. And no haptics on the steering wheel. What a car that would be…..
One addition would be an opening rear window. The switches are metal by the way that control the transmission and better material and look over the 911 with that silly shaver look! Also there is a rev display on the rim of the steering wheel.
I’m conflicted by the 296. Awesome powertrain. Great body. Terrible haptic garbage on the inside. Ridiculous price. I don’t get it. Why make the best car in the world and then ruin it with a terrible human machine interface? Plus - this makes a McLaren Arthur seem like a total bargain…
I think this car is so full of technology (haptic included) that I would rapidly feel lost and overwhelmed by it. I much prefer the simplicity of a regular 911, even if performance and price wise they are in a much more modest league. And esthetically speaking, I dislike the front end of the 296 (lack of personality), dont like the rear headlights nor the central rectangular exhaust tip. I used to be a Ferrari fan, but those days are long gone. I feel far more at home with Porsche. 😎
I don’t like the Assetto Fiorano stripe package but I like the looks a lot. The front end is a little generic - could use a touch more drama. The 458/488/F8 have more front-end character.
What a great and unbiased review. It's really easy as car enthusiasts for us to resist change and scoff at the next new thing because as people we're naturally change averse. Seems like a phenomenal driving experience.
Kudos on the review! As a collector, I didn’t love this car when seen in the flesh at the private reveal. However, it’s grown on me and I have a GTS on order. I’m keen to compare it with my SF90 AF spider. Fast forward a few years and I expect a 296 VS to be sitting along side my SF90 XX…before PHEV falls victim to the climate change hoax.
Have you driven a non-AF GTS, or a 296 at all? I was so disappointed that I cancelled my order. I'm sticking to my SF90 and F8, and will see what the 296 VS will bring in 2025. Hopefully they can get rid of the laggy and lazy throttle response and get rid of the numb steering.
Excellent revue. There are 33 of them for sale, on the Ferrari website. I suspect the GTS has caused a bit of procrastination. I wonder how much the used ones are fetching? I note that they are all "POA".
I wonder if the car designers actually do drive & live with these cars for a while. I mean, what on earth is that door handle design & functionality. Anyways, only discovered this channel yesterday & got addicted with the no nonsense review style of the presenter.
I do not like the HMI. The decision of going for touchscreen was not good. But that is not enough to stop me from wanting one badly. Not with that bite-the-back-of-your-hand beautiful styling. Blu Cielo with Blu Sterling/Baby Blue interior please.
Mate..still the most entertaining vlog Damian...and good to see you either getting down to middleweight...or perhaps a five-eight....keep up the good work mate....you will get to a million subs
It's the best of both worlds honestly, the 296 is already legendary having won the nurburgring 24 hours as well as the same engine winning the lemans 24 hours , there is a reason most people see it as the best Ferrari on sale today only drawbacks being the Ferrari ui in the infotainment.
Ferrari had used a very un efficient battery pack in it also in sf90,energy density is only 106 wh/kg in pack which means battery weighs 75 kg according to ferrari it self,catl announced new condensed matter semi solid state battery with 450 wh/kg in pack,that means if they had used 10kwh pack which is 2.1 kwh more than current pack but it will weigh less than 25 kg,i hope ferrari wonderful engineers solve it for at least 50 kg weight savings,but ferrari has done an amazing job with sf90 and 296 gtb hybrid system,sf90 has 3 e motors but all 3 of them weighs 34 kg in totall which is 1 kg lighter than 1 e motor in legendary p1,let me amaze you with e motor in 296 gtb, it only and only weighs 8 kg thats f1 class category,only not very good thing in hybrid ferraris is the battery pack i hope it'll be solved very soon ,
@@davidfujkk8018 There's only ~7KWh on board. More range w/b nice, but power density (~ 8KW/KWh of storage) was likely the target in assisting up above 800HP. Very high, short duration discharge rates (C-rates).
Are we at the times, yet, when ICE people go into a pretzel trying to defend combustion as "luxury". Sounds like our narrator is coming out of a cave.
@@anandpushkar7510 also the 24 hours on the Nurburgring - first place.
I have two sf90. Stradale 2021 and spider 2023. A big difference I noticed is actually the steering wheel where they changed it in the 2023 so that you can't accidentally hit the haptic buttons. You have to press in the middle of the navigation button to the right to wake up all haptic buttons. Such a big relief I must say. Feels like a software change which they probably will roll out to older models and 296.
What are you doing with two cars, give me one
@@silvermeta2421 Earn your own
How to become big rich like you?
@@MarcelR.-lg1dcIf you have to ask, you won't be able to.
@@silvermeta2421LOL, typical entitled attitude.
I’ve never understood the dislike for a V6. They’ve always sounded miles better than V8’s imo. And they’re lighter and more unique.
Yes I think the same way 👍
More is better!
Definitely is one of the best modern Ferraris. The looks are on point, the power train is incredible and sounds like their V12s and crazy performance numbers.
Go and drive one. It is far from perfect.
What I love about this engine is the lovely tone of the sound.
I'm not into loud engine sounds,
Its the quality that counts,
And this car has that quality.
Just bought a 2023 with 292 miles that had an msrp of $433,500 for $356,000 - a one year depreciation of $77,500 for a car that essentially has never really been driven. Traded a 2024 shark blue gt3 and a 2023 Corvette convertible lt3 plus $21,000 cash. I will find out over the coning months if this one car is better than the combination I traded in to buy it.
@@jeffreykilpatrick3592wow hope you enjoy it.
It is one fast car.
I really do think Ferrari have hit a new peak with the 296, personally I love the looks, especially the rear, but that’s the beauty of opinions as you say. I’ve not gone for AF pack or stripe on my GTS and cant wait.
Have you driven a 296 without the AF pack vs. AF? The whole throttle mapping makes the AF pack a must. If you haven't gone Red 10 and haven't tested both, do it, especially if you have driven an AF car but on one without .
I took delivery of my GTS this week. The car has really blown me away. I agree re the AF pack, I think the stripes look a bit naff on a non special edition Ferrari. The info I find difficult to navigate whilst driving. Otherwise the engine and chassis are sublime. I too had concerns about the rear end but in the right spec (suits metallic colours) the 296 is stunning in the flesh. Nice video. Re the price, i agree they are punchy but across all manufacturers it's a similar story.
Another extremely well thought out review, thanks for sharing your thoughts on the 296. I had the opportunity to drive one last year and share a lot of your feelings towards it. I think Ferrari did a brilliant job merging the traditional internal combustion engine and electric motor. If you look at cars like the 296 and SF90 as internal combustion engines with an electric boost engine for added performance, instead of the cars as eco-driven hybrids they actually make sense. I think it was a great design decision by Ferrari to include reverse flow cylinders heads as that combined with the exhaust layout make the 296 sound like a mini V12 instead of a V6. The seats are my favorite part of the interior, they look futuristic and are incredibly comfortable at the same time, that said, the all digital approach and insane amount of tech is a huge turnoff for me, but I understand why that is the direction Ferrari is headed. For that I will stick with the opinion the 458 Italia is the pinnacle of all that is Ferrari. And as fast as the 296 is, I don't see it really as someone's primary or only Ferrari. For me it feels more like someone's 4th or 5th Ferrari they have in their stable. I also look at all of these hybrid Ferarris as something you own for maybe the first 5 years since production and then move on before the maintenance plan is up. Battery costs and future tech failures I expect to make these a challenge to keep on the road for the long haul. We're already seeing issues with the La Ferrari and the batteries in it. Sure that car is a decade old now, but the battery tech hasn't made the leap yet to have it not be a problem.
Great comments, thanks
@@LifeatSpeed to pay 10% of the cars value on the la Ferrari is not all that bad. Most owners have made millions on their la Ferrari/ what is $300,000 to replace the battery?sammy Hagar paid to replace his battery and sold his at auction for millions. Costs are relative I suppose. I read the battery replacement today costs $39,000 on a 296 - if in 190 years the cost is $30,000 - as batteries become less expensive and hopefully an independent figured out how to offer after market battery - big deal. What does an engine rebuild cost on a 1970’s or 1980’s Ferrari?
Another brilliant review. Love how you really get down to the nuts and bolts of the driving experience. Nice one Damian!
Thank you, my friend
Great video, Having driven both the fiorano and none fiorano at varano, I totally agree with you, the fiorano pack didn’t feel like a huge difference, it actually made me appreciate the standard car more. Almost pulled the trigger on a GTS but the 2 year wait put me off.
Thanks for sharing!
That is so interesting.
I felt a huge difference. While both the non AF and AF cars suffer from the steering with very little feedback, the throttle response of the AF car is totally different. I have tested three 296's GTS, GTS AF, and GTB AF. I was so disappointed by the non-AF car. While they all have a somewhat lazy throttle mapping, the non-AF car is really bad in this regard. If you punch it below 5500 rpm, nothing happens. Even with ESC OFF, it's really hard to break the tyres loose in anything but first gear compared to an F8 or SF90. It really lacks the instant throttle response of the F8 and SF90 where it will break loose at anything under 120 km/h. Not sure what the hybrid system is doing, because I don't find it very noticeable with very little in terms of torque fill.
Aside from that, I find the normal suspension a bit too busy, where the AF while being firmer, is more planted and smoother. And lastly, the seats. If you don't spec the race seats, you sit way too high.
After three track days, about 1500 km in the 296, I have cancelled my GTS AF order. From an actual drivers perspective, it feels way too entry level - not talking price. It is not wild enough and way too easy to drive. I miss the feeling of stepping on a bomb when I mat it and just do not get that thrill at all. Sticking to my SF90 and F8.
Saw one in the flesh a while ago,it was in a beautiful deep red and i was blown away at how good it looked, it seems like the only thing that lets it down is the is the finicky electronics in the cab
It would be awesome if ferrari made another modle that was a real lightweight small dino just using this motor only ,and an interior with all buttons toggles and twisty knobby thingys😅
I was one of unwashed masses that requested this review. And what a review it was, a terrific review, such a rollercoaster....I like the way that its seem you are going to pan the car but the car seduces you and you end up loving it. I continue to love your work. Thank you and Gold star awarded.
Much appreciated, Myron 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Wow! this is one of the best car reviews I´ve seen, you just killed it! Amazing work. Congrats!
Thank you, Jonas
Damien is in Ferrari nirvana in this run down on the 296GTB. He did a great wrap of the car and discusses it highs and lows. The car has outrageous performance. More than you can actually employ legally on the road. I took one fur a test drive earlier this year and loved its combination of power trains. But the haptic controls were a nightmare. The car kept talking to you and we couldn't understand why until we realised I was brushing them unknowingly. But I guess you could get used to them. Fabulous noise..a great car, but as Damien says, stupidly expensive at over $700k with options in Oz. Yet they are sold out. Rocking that PP Damien.
Very finicky cockpit, but looks far better than the SF90, and I love the idea of a tiny Ferrari which could be a rally car Al la Lancia Stratos.
I think the shade of Grigio highlights its worst features - the Gummy front end and the somewhat American rear. It's been designed by a committee.
Yep, group decision making and consensus driven design, it's just bland comparing to 458/88.
I’ve tracked one of these and can confirm it is a phenomenal car. The engine and overall power delivery are sublime. It’s a genuinely impressive car with a V6 sound track to die for.
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Have you driven one on the road? It work in AF form on track, but the throttle mapping is so lazy on the road, and the hybrid system is nowhere near capable of hiding the turbo lag. Not sure how you can say the power delivery is sublime, because unlike the 488, F8 or SF90, the throttle response is incredibly lazy.
Looking trim Damian🤙
I wasn't a fan of the looks of the 296 when it was revealed, but it's after really growing on me. Hate boring silver cars, but I would spec a non assetto fiorano, in grigio alloy colour , with silver wheels 👌
Also, I reckon you'd get used to the haptic controls after a while. Them door handles look a disaster though, but they look gorgeous.
I'm such a Pininfarina guy! The design and engineering of those cars are so iconic and memorable.. My personal opinion is I wouldn't want one because it doesn't move me emotionally.. To me they fell off designing the rear of their cars. Love the cars that when you see them it's instant love and I don't get that from that one. The SF90 I like more, but the hybrid system takes away a visceral feel that we all love in our cars. I'm waiting on this new fuel that is in the works. That works out, these hybrids will be at the wasteside of expense..
This exactly!
I've been fortunate to drive several quick Ferraris including the SF90 Stradale. Spent time driving a 296 GTS recently and what you really can't see hear is how linear and unrelenting the acceleration is. The engine sounds are really crisp but the sound downshifting from speed is wonderful, that plus the handling is spectacular. It is a brilliant car for the road, will comment more after I take it on the track in the next couple of months.
I bought my i8 roadster because I felt it was one of the most interesting cars I had ever driven...then I drove the 296...without doubt THE BEST CAR I HAVE EVER DRIVEN..Great review
Thanks, Steve
The significance of the 296 is that it has won a major event the 24h at the Nordschleife. The "same" powertrain in the 499P won outright the LM24h.
This contrasts with some GTOs (288 or 599) have zero race pedigree even if such details do not discourage "collectors". (Note to D, the 599 series cannot be considered worthy of attention).
Correct suggestion about the rear air intakes. These are weirdly proportioned. The carbon exterior bits are unnecessary (other to keep up with Halford equipped rivals from Ford) and the paint job is very tacky.
I am waiting for mine!!!! Should take delivery in about 3 years!!!! I can hardly wait!!!!
This is it - ordered my GTS last November and can't wait to get it on the road.
Thx a lot for this brlliant review which even enhances my desire to finally drive it.
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The v6 of this car is already Legend imho. Im from emilia romagna so i know how strange is to have a Ferrari not v8 or v12... but this is an amazing car
Hybrid > electric. At least you still have the sporty sound (and it sound good this v6!)
I just traded my 2024 GT3 and my 2023 Corvette c8 convertible - plus $20,000 cash for a 2023 296 GTB - and the 296 is more fun and more sophisticated and faster than either. Ferrari dealers made way too many guys buy one and park it for a year and then let their dealer sell it. All for the promise of the new suv or the F80. These wonderful 296’s are with near zero miles- are pricing around $80,000 less than msrp
I paid $356,000 for my 296 with an msrp of 🥲$436,500 with 255 miles on the odometer. Blu corso paint and red leather interior.
Another fantastic episode Damian. One of your best yet. I love the 296 GTB too. I got to enjoy 30+ miles in one around some amazing Scottish A roads during a local dealership event last year. Annoyingly - it sounded and handled better than my Pista - BUT in saying that, I'd still choose my Pista over it any day of the week. The 296 GTB is very pretty, but a little tame and a bit wonky in some areas by comparison (in my subjective opinion of course). I still prefer the dramatic aggressive elegance of the Pista - but I'm curious to see if a special edition of the 296 GTB can bring me around on the styling. Until then I've got nothing but total admiration for the 296 GTB. What a car!
Awesome comments, thanks
Update: 10 months later I've sold my beloved Pista - and wait for it… I'm now looking for the right pre-owned 296 GTB now they've come down in price. Heck, I might even spring for a GTS. There's something about that 296 test drive in 2022 that stuck with me and after a good few local dealership visits to spend some more time with the design of the 296, I'm now totally sold on it. It's gorgeous. I've watched this video a few times and your reaction at 30:54 and 31:22 is basically my own reaction from 2022. I may return to a Pista in years to come, but for now I'm excited to throw a 296 around some back roads this summer. The performance. The handling. The sound. My goodness, it's the complete package. I can't wait.
Hmm, cross shopping for a hybrid... this or the new Prius? Can't decide...
It's a shame they didn't give us a option of having a it non hybrid or hybrid. I think there would be a market for a cheaper non hybrid model.
Even a low volume maker like Ferrari has to comply with emissions controls, hence hybrid only. Ditto Lamborghini. Deal with it and move on.
@@MohsinWadee I know. I get it it's just a shame as I thinker a lighter focused 296 even with less power could be the best car they've made in years.
The non hybrid version is called the MC20
@@addj7093that ironically weighs even MORE than the hybrid 296 despite not having a battery pack and being a carbon fiber chassis versus the 296’s aluminum 🤔
@@jameswillard1 it would be nice to be on the market for either! Haha
The 250 LM is just such a beautiful timeless racing classic. Everytime I see old photos of the 250 LM, 330 P4, 275 GTB,… I wonder whether the pinnacle of beautiful sports car design was already reached in the 60s.
This car is beautiful in person!
I found the car spot-on from the very first looks! How they went back to basics while at the same time innovating! A brilliant design really!
Glad you liked it!
Ferrari won 24h of Nurburgring for the first time ever with this car, so it probably is the best Ferrari ever. And probably will last. Can't wait to see your face in the next episode when you sit in an old one. BTW, nice video again.
Rumor has it that a more aggressive version called a GTO is on the books
BLOODY GORGOUS CAR, AND MAGIC PERFORMANCE BRO!!! ❤❤😂😂😊😊😂😂❤❤😂😂😊😊😂😂❤❤😂😂😊😊😂😂❤❤😊😊😂😂
Hey Damon- How much quicker does it feel than your Pista Aperta? ….like a bit quicker or a lot faster? I knew it would be quick but that CarWow video of it keeping pace with a Mclaren 765LT was rather eye opening (unless perhaps the 765 wasn’t making full power)
Totally different cars. The Pista may not be as fast, but from a driving engagement standpoint, the Pista is in a league above.
The steering in the 296 is very numb with very little feedback. The throttle response is incredibly lazy. Flooring a Pista is like stepping on a bomb at pretty much any speed, while the 296 is not very wild at all. It is actually hard to break the tyres loose in anything but first gear.
It feels very "entry level" from a drivers perspective. Not very wild and sedate to drive. They have the hybrid system, but you would not believe the turbo lag below 5500 rpm.
I say this as a Pista and Pista Spider owner. I had a GTS AF car on order, but after having driven a GTB AF, GTS AF and regular GTS, I cancelled my order.
Ferrari is fulfilling Marchionne's plans for Alfa with electric motors assisting the engine and adding to the sportiness rather than detracting from it. Hybrids work with decent engines but struggle when mated to weedy 1.4s and the like. You can still enjoy driving the 296 unlike a fully electric car where there is nothing to do and you just sit there like a knob.
Ferrari have finally pipped the 458 with the 296, bravo
I had waited two years for my Roma but l hated the touch screen everything so much l wound up driviing a slightly used GTC/4 Lusso home. I've tried two EVs, Tesla 100S and aTaycan Turbo S. I couldn't keep the Tesla out of the shop and the Porsche l just couldn't fall in love with. I want an atmospheric engine with as many cylinders at possible, manual trans and a mostly analog driving experience. I have one of the 20 manual 599s brought to the US. It's a collector's item but l'm not a collector and it now has 67k miles.The 296 is gorgeous and if it weren't for those stupid touch screen and lack of a third pedal l might spring for one. I think what Gordon Murray has proved with his cars that there's still plenty of people with deep pockets who want a manual and to us it's not about 0-60 time or doing the Green Hell in less than 7 minutes it's about the driving experience
Couldn’t agree more
Great car and I like your tongue in cheek, slightly sarcastic, realistic, and sometimes fanboy approach!
I appreciate that!
Thanx for such a Thorough and great review. I too, am now obsessed with the 296.
Thanks for watching!
Great job as always. Also a thumbs up on the tech call-out segments you use in many of your productions. I love 'em, and I don't think many creators on YT use them.
For enthusiasts and really any detail nerd with knowledge of the subject matter the call outs really add a lot of relevant info in a short period of time. And the graphics and overlay animations are slick.
I've been watching off and on for a couple years and you're a staple along with the other auto yt journalists.
Thanks for the efforts and the great info is appreciated. 🙏
Thank you, Stefan - much appreciated.
Damian licking his wounds as he enters the cockpit 😂😂
Wow - wasn’t expecting that from you Damian! I’m quite impressed with this, it sounds way better than the F8 Tributo (I know, not that hard 😉, but still). Looks great, especially in side profile and the smaller size makes a lot of sense. I don’t like the haptic switches (in any car - Golf R anyone 🤷🏻♂️) and I don’t like the anchor like stripe (so they can shove their £14k ask for that 😂). As others have said, best of both worlds actually seems possible here 👍
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Stealth Ferrari “Funeral” mode 😂😂😂😂
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Personally I- appreciated the help from these reviewers who drive the car for a day and never read the manual to learn how to operate a $400,000 piece of machinery. The critics have driven the value of a 2023 296 GTB down $80,000 from original msrp. One of these days this 296 will mushroom back up in value after all the flippers that bought this model just to make their dealer happy and they are bought by guys that actually want to use the car and will keep it.
Went into more detail than most and refreshingly honest. Thanks for the review!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Congratulations on crossing 100K subscribers, another great review. I’m with you on the electric car seen. I think hybrid is the next move.
Initially, I was not happy about this design, but it has grown on me
Fantastic how they managed to make this car narrow enough to fit into a supermarket car park entrance. And has the luggage capacity to take a couple of carrier bags. Also to be able to be driven at low urban speed as they've fitted a variable throttle control.
So it's good as a daily driver.
The only problem is I don't live in Germany so I'm unable to drive to Lidl at 205mph.
I'd still love one though if could afford it.
Meantime I'll just have to live with my R231 SL500. Which at least does have a folding roof & that I love driving
It was quite the moment watching your mind get changed right then and there in the cockpit…I cannot wait until you spec out a 296 for yourself, Damian!
I love the 296 because it does have cues of Dino and 250LM…two of my top 5 Ferrari models…
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Finally got to drive one yesterday at the Ferrari Experience day in Italy at Monza, on the track and I can say it’s absolutely amazing…
Blindingly quick.
I used the electric mode when I did a tour around the track afterwards and I was so blown away with the weirdness of it all. But as you mentioned, it does make sense in that I could sneak out of my garage and not wake up my family or the neighbors like I always do with the analog Ferraris…
And it’s awful lot of €€€ though…
Geez…
Now that you mentioned Corvette, I can’t unsee it
3 Epics and a Benchmark! Woof!
Thanks again for the great audio quality of your videos.
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I’ve driven it and yes it much better than the Roma and it’s very fast … I am simply not a fan of the hybrid I prefer the linear power of internal combustion plus the new wheel and electric switches are uncomfortable prone to errors
I dont know what you said previously about the 296. But its brilliant, innit!
Hi Damian - love the boss Patek Philippe Nautilus in Rose Gold worth almost as much as the Ferrari! 😂
I happen to think the design is fantastic. Somewhat understated yet cool, curvaceous and techy. And I love the backend, a nice evolution of the classic Ferrari side buttresses, kamm back and cool quad taillights.
The best exterior Ferrari design (bar the cheap looking rear exhaust and lights) since the 458…just not with that Asseto Fiorano design stripe….keep it simple 😃..your Pista will always be a gem 👍👍….so right re all the silly Haptic buttons and tech..the door buttons…the lawn mower whirrring 😂😂
Try the 296 without the Fiorano pack. Bumpy road mode!! And drop all the external carbon = 15% more than an F8. Measured like that its actually good value. Its a Wonderful machine.
A lovely car, but those door handles and the ludicrous and needless complexity of the controls in the cabin really put me off. I want a car that's simple to drive, not one which requires a computer science degree to use. Oh, and having no manual door release is a death-trap waiting to happen.
Delighted the future looks brighter and brighter with every hybrid launch!
What I really like about the 296 are the smaller dimensions and the overall more compact design.
Slava 🇷🇺
Great video. Think it's time to ask Meridian Modena to let you do another 'my spec' video on this car. You didn't say whether it would belong in your garage 🤔
Like it a lot, the GT-3 version in FXX style livery is so pretty. In this color the fiorano packet actually looks nice
Damien, it is not correct that the non-AF pack is identical in the engine. The throttle mapping is totally different. The non-AF car is so laggy and lazy in the throttle response you won't believe it. The worst thing I think, is that both the AF and non-AF car suffers from the same numb steering with next to no feedback.
Interesting you mention the door button, there was a gumball racer in one of these at Edinburgh that couldn’t take part on Sunday because his driver door wouldn’t ‘engage’
Interesting
The 296 is cool but that Nautilus takes the cake!!!
Imagine a revised 296 with buttons, switches and dials for revs, oil, temp, a/c, seats, e-manettino and the screen reserved for just nav and car settings. And no haptics on the steering wheel. What a car that would be…..
Excellent review!!! I really like it tbh, a bit too much plastic but looks like lots of fun to drive. btw 15:46, watch that nail in the tyre mate! :D
those door handles (or holes) would remind me of agressive bedroom incidents every time i get in the car.
This guy reminds me of my Dad getting pissed at his phone because he's used to the way his old one was. First time watching one of his videos.
One addition would be an opening rear window. The switches are metal by the way that control the transmission and better material and look over the 911 with that silly shaver look! Also there is a rev display on the rim of the steering wheel.
This car is a beautiful thing. I´m loving the new Ferrari design approach with rounded and voluptious curves.
Hoping Novitec can do their own version, with interior upgrades and a new rear end.
not got my 512bbi yet but glad I ordered a 296 to replace my F8- fantastic review..
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I’m conflicted by the 296. Awesome powertrain. Great body. Terrible haptic garbage on the inside. Ridiculous price. I don’t get it. Why make the best car in the world and then ruin it with a terrible human machine interface? Plus - this makes a McLaren Arthur seem like a total bargain…
Italian naming logic: a 2992 cc V6 engine: 296 GTB. A 2927 cc V8 engine: 308 GTB. WTF?
I disagree it’s too expensive. You get a supercar that’s as fast as a hypercar. It matches AMG One performance at 1/5 of the price…
Best review yet, my kind of input. Great job!
Thank you 👍🏻👍🏻
I love how this car looks.
To be honest I was checking your watch more than the car it's a wonderful watch.
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I passed on a 296 GTS. I’m still a 458 Spider guy or a 991.2 anything.
I think this car is so full of technology (haptic included) that I would rapidly feel lost and overwhelmed by it. I much prefer the simplicity of a regular 911, even if performance and price wise they are in a much more modest league. And esthetically speaking, I dislike the front end of the 296 (lack of personality), dont like the rear headlights nor the central rectangular exhaust tip. I used to be a Ferrari fan, but those days are long gone. I feel far more at home with Porsche. 😎
My favourite Ferrari out of their range of Today's cars.
Hey Damien, nice Video as always.. and a very nice 5712 1R! ❤Thanks for sharing these beauties!
My pleasure!
SF90... KILLER BABY!!!😂😂❤❤😂😂😂❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😂😂😂❤😂😂😂😂😂😂😂❤❤❤😂😂😂❤❤
I don’t like the Assetto Fiorano stripe package but I like the looks a lot. The front end is a little generic - could use a touch more drama. The 458/488/F8 have more front-end character.
It definitely would have been cool if it had a Dino badge.
What a great and unbiased review. It's really easy as car enthusiasts for us to resist change and scoff at the next new thing because as people we're naturally change averse. Seems like a phenomenal driving experience.
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Kudos on the review! As a collector, I didn’t love this car when seen in the flesh at the private reveal. However, it’s grown on me and I have a GTS on order. I’m keen to compare it with my SF90 AF spider. Fast forward a few years and I expect a 296 VS to be sitting along side my SF90 XX…before PHEV falls victim to the climate change hoax.
Have you driven a non-AF GTS, or a 296 at all? I was so disappointed that I cancelled my order. I'm sticking to my SF90 and F8, and will see what the 296 VS will bring in 2025. Hopefully they can get rid of the laggy and lazy throttle response and get rid of the numb steering.
Damian - Love the watch pairing for this video.
I’ve always loved your definition of ‘giving it the beans’. It’s so British and, as an Australian, makes no more sense haha
So true!
Excellent revue. There are 33 of them for sale, on the Ferrari website. I suspect the GTS has caused a bit of procrastination. I wonder how much the used ones are fetching? I note that they are all "POA".
Love the colour scheme. It really improves the lines and looks stunning
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That Patek though
I wonder if the car designers actually do drive & live with these cars for a while. I mean, what on earth is that door handle design & functionality. Anyways, only discovered this channel yesterday & got addicted with the no nonsense review style of the presenter.
Much appreciated, my friend
I do not like the HMI. The decision of going for touchscreen was not good.
But that is not enough to stop me from wanting one badly. Not with that bite-the-back-of-your-hand beautiful styling. Blu Cielo with Blu Sterling/Baby Blue interior please.
Mate..still the most entertaining vlog Damian...and good to see you either getting down to middleweight...or perhaps a five-eight....keep up the good work mate....you will get to a million subs
Great review! Damian discovers how electric power makes supercar owners more friendly and respectful.
LOVE your words and I have one on order!!!!
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