New Ferrari reveals follow a familiar pattern: Typically, the Italian carmaker will launch a new supercar coupe. Several months later, the convertible/spider variant will debut. A couple of years later we'll see a hardcore coupe followed closely bit its drop-top counterpart. The life of the Ferrari 296 GTB, the company's first-ever hybrid V6 model, is just getting started and its spider sister ship could arrive in time for spring.

The Supercar Blog sites unidentified sources who claim the 296 GTS/Spider could officially be unveiled in February. Based on recent spy shots and our own renderings, the 296 GTS will receive a folding hard-top with a roof mechanism design reminiscent of the F8 Spider.

Ferrari is also rumored to be planning a Targa top variant, but the pure convertible will definitely debut first. As is always the case between coupe and convertible, the 296 GTS will share the coupe's 3.0-liter V6 hybrid setup that's good for 654 horsepower.

Factor in the extra assistance courtesy of the electric motor and output dramatically increases to 819 hp and 545 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent directly to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch auto. Zero to 60 mph happens in 2.9 seconds, 0-124 mph in 7.3 seconds, and top speed is clocked at 205 mph.

We expect the 296 GTS to have very similar performance specs. As is always the case with convertibles, Ferrari has to improve the car's structural rigidity due to the loss of a fixed roof. This could result in ever so slightly slower speeds. It's also possible Ferrari has chosen a different name for its next drop-top aside from 'GTS' or 'Spider.' We do expect the 296 moniker to remain. It will be more expensive, too.

The 296 GTB, Ferrari's so-called "entry-level" mid-engined model, begins at $321,400. The Assetto Fiorano package raises the price to $360,000. Expect the convertible body style to carry a starting price somewhere in the middle.