The Ferrari 296 GTS is not just a car; it is an emotion on wheels. As the convertible (spider) sibling of the 296 GTB, it brings the wind-in-your-hair experience to the Prancing Horse’s revolutionary V6 hybrid engine. For Indian car enthusiasts and potential buyers, the biggest question isn't just about speed—it’s about how this Italian masterpiece handles our unique road conditions.

Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the driving modes and handling characteristics of the Ferrari 296 GTS.

The Heart of the Machine

Before understanding the modes, you must understand the engine. The 296 GTS uses a 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine paired with an electric motor. Together, they produce a massive 830 horsepower. Because it is a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), Ferrari has introduced two different selectors on the steering wheel to manage this power: the eManettino and the traditional Manettino.

1. The eManettino: Managing the Energy

Located on the left side of the steering wheel, the eManettino controls the hybrid system. It decides whether the car uses the electric battery, the petrol engine, or both.

eDrive (Electric Only)

In this mode, the internal combustion engine shuts off completely. The car runs silently on the electric battery for up to 25 kilometers.

• Best for: Leaving your neighborhood early in the morning without waking the neighbors, or navigating heavy bumper-to-bumper traffic in cities like Mumbai or Delhi to save fuel.

Hybrid (Default Mode)

This is the standard setting when you start the car. The computer balances the petrol engine and the electric motor for the best efficiency. The engine shuts off when coasting and turns back on instantly when you press the accelerator.

• Best for: Highway cruising and daily city driving.

Performance

This mode keeps the V6 petrol engine running at all times. It ensures the battery is always charged so that full power is available whenever you need it. It is louder and more responsive.

• Best for: Spirited drives on open expressways or twisty hill roads.

Qualify

This is the "maximum attack" mode. It prioritizes performance over battery charging. It gives you the full 830 horsepower instantly.

• Best for: Track days at the Buddh International Circuit.

2. The Manettino: Handling the Road

Located on the right side of the steering wheel, the famous red switch (Manettino) changes the chassis, suspension, and traction control.

Wet Mode

This is crucial for Indian conditions. It makes the traction control very sensitive to prevent the car from skidding. It softens the power delivery so the wheels don’t spin on slippery surfaces.

• Use case: Monsoon driving or loose gravel surfaces.

Sport Mode

This is the "fun" setting for the road. The exhaust note gets louder, the gear shifts become sharper, and the suspension tightens up slightly. However, the traction control is still active to keep you safe.

• Use case: Weekend drives and highway sprints.

Race Mode

This minimizes electronic intervention. The suspension becomes stiff, and the brakes become very aggressive ("ABS evo"). It allows the driver to feel every bump and turn.

• Use case: Only for experienced drivers on smooth, empty roads or racetracks.

CT-Off and ESC-Off

These modes turn off the safety nets (Traction Control and Electronic Stability Control).

• Warning: In a rear-wheel-drive car with 830HP, this is dangerous on public roads. This should strictly remain a track-only feature.

3. Handling Characteristics on Indian Roads

Driving a supercar in India comes with specific challenges: speed breakers, potholes, and unpredictable traffic. Here is how the 296 GTS handles them.

The "Bumpy Road" Button

One of the best features for India is the suspension decoupler. Even if you are in "Sport" or "Race" mode, you can press the "Bumpy Road" button on the steering wheel. This softens the suspension dampers immediately, allowing the car to absorb potholes and uneven patchworks without breaking your back.

Short Wheelbase Agility

The 296 GTS has a shorter wheelbase (the distance between front and rear wheels) compared to older Ferraris. This makes the car incredibly agile. On tight mountain roads or when taking quick U-turns in the city, the car feels smaller and lighter than it actually is.

Steering Precision

The electric power steering is sharp. You only need small inputs to change lanes. This is helpful in Indian traffic where you often need to make quick adjustments to avoid motorcycles or pedestrians.

Brake-by-Wire

The braking system is electronic. When you press the brake pedal, you are sending a signal to the computer, which then applies the brakes. Ferrari has tuned this perfectly so it feels natural. It also helps regenerate energy to charge the battery when you slow down.

4. The Convertible Experience (RHT)

The "GTS" stands for Gran Turismo Spider. The car features a Retractable Hard Top (RHT).

• Speed: The roof can open or close in just 14 seconds.
• Usability: You can operate the roof while driving at speeds up to 45 km/h.
• The Sound: With the roof down, the sound of the V6 turbo is piped directly into the cabin. Ferrari engineers call this engine the "Piccolo V12" (Little V12) because of its high-pitched scream.

Verdict

The Ferrari 296 GTS is a masterpiece of engineering that fits surprisingly well into the Indian context. The Hybrid mode allows for calm city driving, the Bumpy Road mode handles our uneven surfaces, and the Qualify mode unleashes a beast when the road opens up. It is a supercar that you can genuinely drive every day, provided you are careful over the largest speed breakers.