Ferrari 296 GTS bows in Malaysia - from RM1.45 million

Ferrari 296 GTS marks regional debut in Malaysia, brings electrified mid-engine wind-in-hair thrills from RM 1,448,000 million onwards.

The fabled Italian prancing horse marque sees its local line up expanded with the introduction of its latest topless Spider (hence the ‘S’ in GTS) offering this evening in the form of the Ferrari 296 GTS.

Launched at the famed Sepang International Circuit, the model marks its regional debut in the Malaysian market where it now joins alongside its coupe twin, by which we mean the 296 GTB, that was launched locally back in March.

Much of what’s seen in said coupe twin are mirrored here, key amongst which being Maranello’s new and much-lauded plug-in hybrid petrol-electric (PHEV) powertrain. The package, mounted just behind the cabin, consists of a 2.9-litre V6 twin-turbo mill plus a Formula 1-derived MGU-K electric motor and 7.45kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

In similar fashion as its hard-top twin, the 296 GTS sees its combined output figures read at 818HP (830PS) and 740NM. Both drive the rear wheels through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, allowing 0-100KM/H despatched in just 2.9 seconds whilst enroute towards a claimed V-Max that stands well over 330KM/H.

These figures are indeed similar to that of the 296 GTB’s, and that’s despite the fact that this topless iteration of Ferrari’s ‘baby’ mid-engine plug-in sportscar weighs slightly heavier by roughly 70KGs (even when equipped with the optional ‘lightweight’ package).

Additionally, unlike its larger sibling the SF90 Spider, the all-electric drive mode in the 296 GTS does not feature a front-wheel drive setup. Instead, all available power drives the rear wheels exclusively. A full charge grants maximum all-electric driving range and top speed of 25KM and 135KM/H respectively.

Of course, all this now comes delivered in a topless package thanks to a retractable hard-top mechanism that’s brimmed in the 296 GTS. As seen in other Spider models, it only takes 14 seconds to retract or deploy, even on the move at speeds of up to 45KM/H. Additionally, Ferrari also equipped the cabin with aerodynamic flaps in the rear trim structure to reduce buffeting when the roof is down.

Beyond this comes a host of notable intelligent electronic driver assists that includes eSSC (electronic Side Slip Control), electric traction control (ETC) and eDiff, as well as a six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor (6w-CDS) suite in the mix.

Of course, like any Ferrari, the 296 GTS rightfully commands a serious price tag which reads at RM RM1,448,000 million excluding duties, taxes, and on-road costs - just RM220,000 more than its hard-top 296 GTB twin.

Yes, an undoubtedly pricey figure indeed, but the fact that it includes Ferrari’s 7-year warranty and service coverage should ease your mind a little. Ready for an electrified and distinctively Italian twist to wind-in-hair thrills?