Ferrari 296 GTS review: this convertible, topping 205mph, is a breath of fresh air
telegraph.co.uka taste of this remarkable drivetrain in the GTB coupé (or berlinetta) version of this car in March. Devastatingly powerful, with less driver feedback than a poker-game opponent, it was a technical tour de force but a difficult car to love.There are a couple of figures to bear in mind about the convertible version, aside from the 14 seconds it takes to fold the motorised aluminium hardtop into its lair over the engine at up to 28mph.
Those are 70kg, which is the extra weight of the GTS compared with the closed GTB, and 30 per cent, which is the additional bending moments in the bodyshell despite sill reinforcements in the form of thicker aluminium and larger sections.
In theory, both figures aren’t going to help the driver’s cause.Climb in over the wide sills and wonder at the tan leather flooring, which isn’t going to be the last word in practicality.
There’s a long oblong screen in front of the driver with a confusion of graphic displays, which take some learning. Buttons on the steering wheel access most functions, but these are confusing, while the radio controls are hidden better than a pirate’s treasure chest.The bucket seats look terrific although they’re not the most comfortable over long distances, while over-the-shoulder glances are blocked by the huge B-pillars.
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