Ferrari 296 GTS

Highlights

• 0–100 km/h in under 4 seconds
• Hand-built engine
• Lowest running cost in class

Summary

This specific Ferrari 296 GTS is a remarkable find for the GCC collector, presenting in near-delivery condition with negligible mileage that ensures the car feels brand new. Finished in a classic racing red, it carries the highest resale appeal for Ferraris in the UAE and Saudi markets, where such a configuration is highly coveted. As the open-top evolution of the acclaimed hybrid platform, this model allows for an immersive auditory experience on coastal drives between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. While many hybrids focus solely on efficiency, this power plant delivers unmatched acceleration that secures its position at the top of the supercar hierarchy. The combination of its pristine state and iconic color makes it a far more strategic purchase than higher-mileage examples currently circulating in the region. For a buyer looking to secure a modern legend that balances everyday usability with track-ready performance, this listing offers a rare opportunity to bypass long waiting lists for a factory-fresh vehicle.

This Car vs Other 2023 296s

With only 100 km on the odometer, this vehicle sits in the top tier of the 2023 pre-owned market in the GCC, where the average annual mileage for supercars typically falls between 3,000 and 5,000 km. While other 2023 examples may have seen regular use during the cooler winter months, this car has been preserved in professional storage, protecting its mechanical components and interior finishes from the intense regional sun. The exterior color is the most liquid paint option for any Ferrari in the Middle East, ensuring that long-term value retention is significantly higher than more boutique or non-traditional shades. Choosing a car with such low mileage effectively gives the next owner a 'reset' on the manufacturer's suggested maintenance schedule, allowing for a full cycle of ownership under pristine conditions. In a market like the UAE where vehicle history is scrutinized, the untouched nature of this specific car makes it a standout choice for discerning buyers who prioritize a showroom-quality start.

GTS vs Lower Trims

The GTS trim level elevates the hybrid experience by introducing a retractable hardtop that transforms the car from a sleek coupe to an open-air spyder in just 14 seconds. Beyond the folding roof, this trim features specific aerodynamic adjustments to ensure that the cabin remains calm even at high speeds on UAE highways, a feature that lower fixed-roof trims cannot replicate. Inside, the GTS often includes more bespoke leather configurations and carbon fiber detailing as standard compared to base specifications. For GCC owners, the versatility of having a convertible is vital; it provides the ability to enjoy the outdoor weather from November to March while maintaining a perfectly insulated, climate-controlled environment during the peak summer heat. The GTS also features a unique rear glass window that can be adjusted independently of the roof to manage engine sound and airflow, providing a level of sensory customization that the standard GTB simply lacks.

296 vs Segment Rivals

This model competes directly with the McLaren Artura and the Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica, but it holds a distinct advantage in terms of raw power and technological sophistication. With 819 horsepower, it significantly outmuscles its rivals, providing a level of acceleration that is palpable during high-speed overtakes on long stretches of the E11 or E311. The Ferrari hybrid system is also more refined for city use in traffic-heavy cities like Riyadh or Dubai, offering a silent electric-only mode that rivals often lack. Additionally, the cabin cooling system in this model is specifically engineered to handle the load of a hybrid battery alongside high ambient temperatures, often outperforming the cooling efficiency found in smaller-displacement rivals. While competitors rely on older naturally aspirated or traditional turbo setups, the Ferrari uses a hot-V configuration that minimizes lag and maximizes performance in the specific heat-soaked conditions of the desert.

Running Costs & Resale

The hybrid powertrain offers a surprisingly economical ownership experience for a supercar, with fuel consumption figures that outperform every previous generation of mid-rear engine V8s when driven in hybrid mode. Service intervals are typically scheduled annually or every 20,000 km, and Ferrari's strong presence in the UAE and Saudi Arabia ensures that authorized service centers are easily accessible for regional buyers. Parts availability is excellent across the GCC network, reducing the downtime often associated with European exotics. Historically, mid-engine Ferraris in the red-on-black configuration retain their value exceptionally well, typically seeing a depreciation rate of just 10-12% annually, which is significantly lower than their British or Italian segment rivals. After three years, a well-maintained, low-mileage example like this is expected to hold a premium position in the second-hand market. Because this is a hybrid, it also qualifies for 'green' parking and registration benefits in some local municipalities, further lowering the daily cost of operation.

Performance & Capability

The defining characteristic of this car is its 0-100 km/h time of just 2.9 seconds, a figure that places it in the elite tier of global performance vehicles. The power delivery is instantaneous thanks to the electric motor, which fills the torque gaps of the twin-turbo V6, making it exceptionally responsive for highway merging. With a top speed exceeding 330 km/h, it is perfectly suited for the wide-open, well-paved roads found across the Emirates. The All-Wheel Drive system provides immense grip, ensuring that the car remains stable and predictable even when encountering sand-dusted road surfaces or sudden changes in pavement temperature. Multiple drive modes, including an 'eDrive' for silent departures and a 'Qualify' mode for maximum track performance, allow the driver to tailor the car's personality to the setting. Despite its low-slung nature, the front-axle lift system is standard, ensuring that speed bumps and villa entrances in GCC residential communities are navigated without issue.

Comfort & Cabin

The two-seat cockpit is a masterclass in driver-centric design, featuring digital interfaces that keep all vital information within the line of sight for safe high-speed cruising. For the GCC market, the air conditioning system is particularly robust, designed to keep both occupants comfortable even when the retractable top is down during a sunset drive. The seats are highly adjustable and offer excellent lateral support, making them comfortable for longer journeys between emirates like the drive from Dubai to Fujairah. Cabin insulation is remarkably effective; when the hardtop is up, the car mimicks the quietness and thermal efficiency of a fixed-roof coupe. High-quality materials like Alcantara and premium leather are used throughout, ensuring the interior feels as expensive as the performance suggests. The audio system is specifically tuned to compensate for wind noise, providing a crisp sound experience even at highway speeds.

Safety

Safety in this high-performance convertible is managed by a suite of advanced electronic systems, including Side Slip Control (SSC) and an innovative ABS-evo system that reduces braking distances significantly on varied surfaces. The car features sophisticated traction control that is essential for managing 819 hp on the occasionally slippery, polished asphalt found in GCC cities. Blind-spot monitoring and high-resolution cameras assist in navigating the multi-lane highway environments where visibility can sometimes be a challenge in low-profile supercars. Front and side airbags are integrated seamlessly into the cabin structure, and the reinforced A-pillars provide substantial rollover protection. For long-distance regional drives, the adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warnings provide an extra layer of security, ensuring that the driver remains alert and the vehicle stays centered during extended highway stints.

The bottom line

This 2023 296 GTS is the ideal choice for a collector who wants the highest-performing open-top Ferrari currently available in a market-preferred color. With delivery-level mileage and a hybrid system that offers both peak performance and local fuel efficiency, it represents the best available investment in the current GCC supercar market.

AI insights generated from market expert data. Always inspect the vehicle before purchase.