Ferrari 296 GTS Assetto Fiorano / GCC Specs / Full Service History

Highlights

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

Summary

This 2024 Ferrari 296 GTS represents the current pinnacle of hybrid supercar engineering, offering an exceptional opportunity for a collector or enthusiast in the GCC. With such negligible mileage, it effectively presents as a brand-new vehicle, bypassing the typical waiting lists associated with the Maranello factory. The choice of a black exterior is a strategic masterstroke for the regional market, as it remains one of the most sought-after and resilient colors for resale value in the UAE and beyond. Unlike its pure combustion predecessors, this PHEV powertrain delivers a dual personality that is perfectly suited for the region: silent, electric-only cruising for residential areas and a ferocious 830 hp output for the open highways. It stands out from rivals like the McLaren Artura by offering a more emotive V6 soundtrack and a more sophisticated interior layout. For a buyer in the GCC, the primary advantage here is the combination of an active factory warranty and the car's regional specification, ensuring it is fully optimized for the extreme summer temperatures and high-speed driving demands of the Middle East.

This Car vs Other 2024 296s

When comparing this specific 2024 Ferrari 296 GTS to others on the market, the primary differentiator is its delivery-mileage condition. In the GCC, where the average annual mileage for a daily-driven car can exceed 20,000 km, finding a supercar with only 350 km on the odometer is a significant value signal. Most 2024 models currently available have either been used as weekend demonstrators or have already seen several thousand kilometers of highway travel between Emirates. This car is essentially a 'time capsule' specimen that has spent its brief life in climate-controlled storage, preserving the integrity of its mechanical components and interior finishes. The black exterior is also a major highlight; in the UAE and Saudi markets, black Ferraris consistently command a higher premium and sell faster than more niche or eccentric launch colors. Furthermore, as a GCC-spec vehicle, it carries the peace of mind that comes with local dealership support and a cooling system designed specifically for the 50-degree Celsius peaks of a Gulf summer.

GTS vs Lower Trims

The GTS trim is the definitive choice for the GCC buyer who wants the best of both worlds—the structural rigidity of a coupe with the visceral thrill of an open-top spider. While the GTB fixed-roof model is impressive, the GTS adds the Retractable Hard Top (RHT) which can be deployed or retracted in just 14 seconds at speeds up to 45 km/h. This is a critical feature for the local climate, allowing drivers to enjoy the cooler winter evenings in Dubai or Muscat and quickly seal the cabin for powerful air conditioning during the midday heat. Beyond the roof, the GTS benefits from specific aerodynamic calibrations to ensure that the airflow remains stable even when the top is down at high speeds. It also features a more refined cabin experience compared to track-focused variants, with premium materials and advanced sound insulation that make it a superior grand tourer for long-distance drives across the Emirates. Choosing the GTS over the base GTB ensures a higher floor for future resale value, as convertible Ferraris are traditionally more desirable in the secondary regional market.

296 vs Segment Rivals

The Ferrari 296 GTS competes in a rarefied segment against the likes of the McLaren Artura and the Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica. Where the Ferrari leads is in its revolutionary hybrid integration; with 830 hp, it significantly outpowers the Artura and offers a more seamless transition between electric and petrol modes. For the GCC driver, the Ferrari’s powertrain is also more 'charismatic,' earning the nickname 'piccolo dodici' (little V12) for its high-pitched exhaust note that rivals naturally aspirated competitors. While Lamborghini offers a raw, old-school experience, the 296 provides a much more modern and tech-heavy interior that is better suited for daily use in cities like Riyadh or Abu Dhabi. The Ferrari also features a more robust cooling architecture than the McLaren, which has historically been a point of concern for some owners in extreme desert heat. Furthermore, the 296 GTS offers a more usable front trunk (frunk) compared to many mid-engine rivals, making it more practical for a weekend getaway to a luxury resort.

Running Costs & Resale

Owning a Ferrari 296 GTS in the GCC is surprisingly manageable compared to older supercar generations. The PHEV system allows for short electric-only commutes, which can reduce frequent trips to the petrol station in heavy city traffic. On the highway, the 3.0L V6 is remarkably efficient for a car with over 800 horsepower, though it requires high-octane Super 98 fuel to maintain peak performance. Ferrari’s 7-year genuine maintenance program is a massive benefit for local buyers, with authorized service centers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Jeddah offering world-class support. The service intervals are typically every 20,000 km or once a year, and the cost is largely covered under the initial plan, which is transferable to the next owner. In terms of resale, Ferrari remains the gold standard in the GCC; the 296 GTS is expected to see a lower annual depreciation rate—roughly 10-12%—compared to 15-18% for its British or German rivals. At the 3-year mark, a well-maintained, low-mileage GCC-spec 296 GTS is likely to retain a higher percentage of its original value than almost any other car in its class.

Performance & Capability

Performance is where this car truly dominates, boasting a 0-100 km/h sprint in a blistering 2.9 seconds. The 830 hp is delivered via a combination of a twin-turbocharged V6 and a potent electric motor, providing instant torque that is incredibly useful for overtaking on fast-moving UAE highways. Top speed is rated at over 330 km/h, a figure that highlights the car's aerodynamic efficiency and stability. For the enthusiast, the rear-wheel-drive setup paired with Ferrari’s Side Slip Control (SSC) ensures that the car remains playful yet manageable, even on the occasionally dusty roads found in the region. There are four distinct drive modes—eDrive, Hybrid, Performance, and Qualify—allowing the driver to tailor the car’s personality to the environment. Whether you are navigating the stop-start traffic of Sheikh Zayed Road in total silence or pushing the limits at the Dubai Autodrome, the performance is always accessible. The braking system, utilizing 'brake-by-wire' technology, provides immense stopping power that is resistant to fade even after spirited driving in warm conditions.

Comfort & Cabin

The interior of the 296 GTS is a driver-centric cockpit that does not sacrifice luxury. Despite being a two-seater, the cabin feels spacious and is finished in the highest quality Italian leathers and carbon fiber. A key highlight for GCC owners is the exceptionally powerful air conditioning system, which is designed to bring the cabin temperature down rapidly after the car has been parked in the sun. The seats are ergonomically sculpted to provide support during high-speed cornering while remaining comfortable for the long three-hour drive from Dubai to Al Ain. The digital interface is state-of-the-art, with a massive curved display for the driver and an optional passenger-side display that allows the co-driver to see performance data and navigation. Cabin insulation is a standout feature; even with the engine located just behind the seats, the GTS remains quiet enough for conversation at cruising speeds. The premium audio system is tuned to compensate for wind noise when the roof is down, ensuring a high-fidelity experience regardless of the configuration.

Safety

Safety in the 296 GTS is handled by an array of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that are particularly beneficial in the fast-paced driving environment of the Middle East. Standard features include high-performance ABS with EVO controller, which ensures stability during emergency braking on varied surfaces like sand-dusted asphalt. Blind-spot monitoring is an essential tool for navigating the wide, multi-lane highways of the GCC, where smaller sports cars can sometimes be obscured by larger SUVs. The car also features sophisticated traction and stability control systems that have been honed through Ferrari’s Formula 1 experience, providing a safety net without dulling the driving experience. Front and rear parking sensors, along with a high-definition reverse camera, make maneuvering this wide supercar into tight mall parking spots a stress-free affair. The chassis itself is constructed from a mix of high-strength alloys and carbon fiber, providing a rigid safety cell for both occupants in the event of an impact.

The bottom line

This Ferrari 296 GTS is the perfect acquisition for the GCC buyer who demands a showroom-new experience without the multi-year wait, finished in the region's most resilient resale color. It offers a unique combination of 830 hp performance and modern hybrid efficiency, making it the most versatile and technologically advanced supercar currently available in the local market.

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