Prototype testing for the topless Ferrari 296 GTB has already started.
It's been just over a month since the Ferrari 296 GTB broke cover. A spiritual successor to the Dino, the 296 GTB represents Ferrari's first-ever V6 hybrid supercar. While you can already take it for a virtual spin in Fortnite, customer deliveries won't start until next year, but Ferrari is already working on a new variant.
We knew it was only a matter of time before the 296 GTB went topless with the inevitable Spider variant. Our rendering wizards digitally removed the roof to show how the 296 Spider could look, but our spies have already caught Ferrari testing a camouflaged prototype for the first time ahead of its debut.
In our first look at the topless 296 GTB, the roof is folded up, but the camouflage can't disguise the alterations made to the roof that indicate this is the open-top version. The spy shots also confirm that Ferrari has opted for a hardtop roof rather than a lighter soft top. As a result, we're pleased to result that the 296 GTB's gorgeous styling hasn't been compromised in its transition to a convertible as the modifications are subtle. Like the topless 488 GTB, F8, and SF90 variants, the convertible 296 GTB will likely be badged as a Spider.
Mechanically, the 296 Spider will be identical to its fixed-roof sibling. This means power will be provided by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 653 horsepower.
An electric motor adds an extra 164 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque, bringing the total to an impressive 818 hp and 546 lb-ft of torque, with power sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. This setup enables the fixed-roof 296 GTB to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 2.9 seconds and max out at over 205 mph. Reinforcements to improve the structural rigidity could add a tenth or two to the sprint time and lower the top speed by a fraction, but you'll be having so much fun in Ferrari's open-top missile that you probably won't care.
With Ferrari already testing prototypes, we're expecting the 296 Spider to break cover later this year or at the start of next year. Let's hope Ferrari puts the roof down in the next testing session.
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