Ferrari 296 GTS

Highlights

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

Summary

The 2024 Ferrari 296 GTS represents a seismic shift in the supercar landscape, blending a high-revving V6 with advanced plug-in hybrid technology to deliver a staggering 819 hp. This specific listing is a rare find in the GCC market, showing delivery mileage that essentially makes it a brand-new vehicle without the typical multi-year waitlist from the dealership. Finished in the iconic Ferrari Red, it carries the strongest resale profile possible for the brand in the region, where traditional colors always command a premium. While its competitors often rely on larger, heavier engines, this Ferrari uses its hybrid system to provide instant torque that is perfect for the stop-and-go nature of city driving in Dubai or Riyadh. For the serious collector or the weekend driver, this 296 GTS offers the perfect balance of open-top theater and cutting-edge efficiency. Ownership in the GCC is further supported by a robust network of official service centers that understand the thermal management requirements of a high-performance hybrid in our extreme climate. It is a future-proof investment that retains the soul of Maranello while embracing the electrification required for the modern era.

This Car vs Other 2024 296s

With only 60 km on the odometer, this 296 GTS is in a different league compared to most 2024 models currently available in the secondary market. In the GCC, where the average annual mileage for a sports car can still reach 5,000 to 10,000 km due to the excellent highway infrastructure between cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, finding a vehicle with delivery mileage is a significant advantage. It effectively offers the buyer a clean slate, with the full balance of the manufacturer's maintenance program and warranty intact. The choice of the classic Red exterior is a strategic one for the local market; while bespoke colors are popular, Red remains the most liquid asset in the Ferrari world, ensuring the fastest turnaround time when it eventually comes time to trade or sell. This car has been stored in a climate-controlled environment, preserving the integrity of the hybrid battery and the delicate interior materials against the harsh humidity and heat typical of the region. Choosing this 60 km example over a higher-mileage alternative means you are securing a vehicle that has not yet faced the rigors of a GCC summer or the high-speed stone chips common on regional motorways.

GTS vs Lower Trims

The GTS trim is the definitive choice for the GCC driver who wants to experience the visceral sound of the 'piccolo V12' engine without the confinement of a fixed roof. While the GTB coupe offers similar performance, the GTS adds a Retractable Hard Top (RHT) that can be operated in just 14 seconds at speeds of up to 45 km/h, making it ideal for the beautiful winter evenings in the UAE. Beyond the roof, the GTS features specific aero-thermal recalibrations to ensure that cabin comfort remains optimal even when the top is down. This trim includes the sophisticated rear screen that can be adjusted to minimize buffeting, a feature that is highly appreciated during high-speed drives on the E11. Inside, the GTS often sees a higher level of standard finishing compared to base configurations, with this specific car featuring the latest digital interface that integrates seamlessly with local navigation and media needs. The hybrid powertrain is identical across the 296 range, but the GTS setup allows for a more immersive auditory experience that is central to the Ferrari ownership culture in the Middle East.

296 vs Segment Rivals

The 296 GTS competes directly with the McLaren Artura and the Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica, but it holds a distinct advantage in both technology and power. With 819 hp, it significantly outmuscles the Artura's V6 hybrid setup and offers a more sophisticated power delivery than the naturally aspirated Lamborghini. For the GCC buyer, the Ferrari's plug-in hybrid system provides a unique 'eManettino' mode, allowing for silent, electric-only driving for up to 25 km. This is an incredible feature for early morning starts in quiet residential communities like Emirates Hills or Al Barari, where a cold-start V6 might be too disruptive. Additionally, the Ferrari's cooling system is engineered to handle the extreme ambient temperatures of the Gulf, often outperforming the cooling cycles of its British rivals during spirited summer drives. The integration of the electric motor also means that turbo lag is non-existent, providing a level of responsiveness that is unmatched by traditional internal combustion competitors in this segment. In terms of brand prestige and service footprint, the Ferrari network in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait is exceptionally well-established, offering a level of support that boutique manufacturers struggle to match.

Running Costs & Resale

Owning a hybrid Ferrari in the GCC is surprisingly more cost-effective than previous generations of supercars. The 296 GTS is designed with fuel efficiency in mind, and while the V6 is thirsty under heavy load, the hybrid assist significantly reduces consumption during highway cruising and city idling. In stop-start traffic in downtown Riyadh or Dubai, the car can rely on its battery, reducing wear on the combustion engine and lowering overall running costs. As a 'Other' regional spec, buyers should verify the transferability of the service contract, but Ferrari's global service standards mean that parts and expertise are readily available at authorized centers like Al Tayer Motors or Fast Auto Technic. Historically, Ferrari models like the 296 hold their value better than almost any other supercar brand in the Middle East, with annual depreciation typically hovering between 10-12% in the first three years, compared to 18% or more for some rivals. This specific car's Red-on-Black color combination and delivery mileage make it a 'blue chip' asset that is likely to retain a high percentage of its original MSRP at the 3-year mark.

Performance & Capability

The performance of the 296 GTS is nothing short of breathtaking, with a 0-100 km/h time of just 2.9 seconds. This rapid acceleration is made possible by the seamless integration of the 167 hp electric motor and the twin-turbocharged V6. Top speeds exceed 330 km/h, a figure that highlights the car's aerodynamic efficiency and raw power, perfect for the wide-open stretches of the Yas Marina Circuit or the Dubai Autodrome. Despite being a rear-wheel-drive focused architecture, the advanced traction control systems and electronic differential provide a level of grip that feels like all-wheel drive, ensuring stability even on sand-dusted road surfaces. The car features four distinct drive modes, including 'Qualifying' for maximum performance and 'Hybrid' for optimized efficiency. The regenerative braking system is one of the best in the world, providing consistent pedal feel even after multiple high-speed decelerations. In the GCC context, the car's ability to transition from a silent commuter to a screaming supercar at the flick of a switch makes it the most versatile performance vehicle Ferrari has ever produced.

Comfort & Cabin

The cabin of the 296 GTS is a masterclass in driver-centric ergonomics, featuring a fully digital instrument cluster that brings all vital information into the driver's line of sight. For the GCC climate, the air conditioning system has been significantly upgraded compared to older Ferrari models, capable of cooling the compact two-seat cabin in minutes even after the car has been parked in the sun. The seats are designed to provide maximum support during high-lateral G-force cornering while remaining comfortable enough for the three-hour drive from Dubai to Muscat. High-quality materials like Alcantara and premium leather are used throughout, and the insulation from road noise is impressive for a convertible when the hardtop is closed. The audio system is tuned to compete with the engine's soundtrack, ensuring that your music remains clear even at highway speeds with the roof down. There is also a dedicated passenger display, allowing your co-driver to monitor speed, gear, and performance metrics, adding a layer of engagement to every journey.

Safety

Safety in the 296 GTS is managed by a suite of highly advanced electronic systems that act as a digital safety net. The Side Slip Control (SSC) system, now in its latest iteration, works with the electric motor to catch slides before they become dangerous, which is particularly useful on the occasional damp or sandy road surface found in the UAE. The car features high-performance carbon-ceramic brakes as standard, offering incredible stopping power and fade resistance. Standard safety features include multiple airbags, advanced ABS, and a highly rigid chassis designed to protect occupants in the event of an impact. The car also utilizes sophisticated LED matrix headlights that provide exceptional visibility during night drives through the unlit desert sections of the highway. While supercars are rarely put through traditional NCAP testing, Ferrari's internal safety standards and the use of aerospace-grade materials in the 296's construction provide a level of occupant protection that is at the top of its class.

The bottom line

This 2024 Ferrari 296 GTS is the ultimate opportunity for a buyer who wants a brand-new, iconic Red supercar today without the wait. It combines the highest levels of hybrid technology with Ferrari's legendary performance, making it the smartest purchase in the current GCC luxury market.

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