You're Wrong About the Ferrari 296
If you've kept an eye on the exotic car market, you probably know about the conundrum facing Ferrari 296 owners right now. Unlike most of the Italian automaker's other road cars, the mid-engined, hybrid-powered supercar isn't holding its value as expected.
'Let's not sugar coat it, the secondary market on the 296 is a disaster,' one owner writes on a 122-page thread on the
FerrariChat.com
forum. 'This is about as far from a collectible car as one could imagine.'
They're not wrong. As of this writing, there are over 50 Ferrari 296s listed for sale online below the car's starting MSRP of $346,950—including a handful of cars equipped with the pricey Assetto Fiorano track package. Many of these cars carried an original sticker price of over half a million dollars. Now, they're worth far less.
Those not familiar with the Ferrari market might be confused. Cars are supposed to depreciate, right? Why's the 296 any different? Well, over the past decade, Ferraris simply... stopped depreciating. Clean examples of the
458
, the last naturally aspirated V-8-powered Ferrari, still sell for over the original MSRP. Used examples of its successors, the 488 and the F8, are worth as much or more than their sticker prices.
It's not just the V-8-powered cars, either. The cheapest
812 Superfasts
—Ferrari's last-gen, V-12 grand tourer—still sell for well over $300,000. And that's for cars with lots of miles on the clock. If you want a lower-mile example, be prepared to pay even more.
Why the 296 Hate?
Photo by: Brian Silvestro / Motor1
There are a few reasons behind the 296's inability to hold its value compared to its predecessors. The most obvious is the 296's powertrain. Unlike the last 50 years of mid-engine, entry-level Ferraris, the 296
uses a V-6
rather than a V-8. The 296 is also a hybrid, utilizing an electric motor sandwiched between the engine and transmission.
Despite the 296's 819 horsepower, it's easy to understand why some customers might be miffed about the missing cylinders. There's a caveman-like mentality at play: fewer cylinders equals less value. It's also something I'd agree with, at least in principle. If given the choice, I'd always take eight cylinders over six, all other things equal. Enthusiasts also tend to think V-8s sound better than V-6s. In many cases, that's true. But it's not a universal fact.
The hybrid stuff is a bit more complicated. People might not like it because it adds complexity and repair costs, while others might want to avoid it because they still believe in the stigma that hybrids are required to hit corporate efficiency targets, not because they make for better cars. Purists might simply avoid hybrids because batteries and motors add weight.
There's another, more subtle reason buyers might not be flocking to the 296: The infotainment system. Starting with the SF90, Ferrari implemented controversial touch-capacitive buttons for many of the interior controls, polarizing owners. The button design isn't something you think about until you're behind the wheel, and because they take some time to understand, potential buyers with just a few minutes of seat time often have strong opinions on their functionality.
Just Drive One. You'll Change Your Mind
Photo by: Brian Silvestro / Motor1
On paper, those are all valid arguments. Of course, the 296 is less desirable than its predecessors; it has a smaller engine, a heavy hybrid battery, and a controversial infotainment system. Except, none of those arguments hold up after you spend some time behind the wheel.
I've been lucky enough to drive two 296s, one equipped with the Assetto Fiorano package, and one without. Despite the missing cylinders, the engine is still the star of the show here. It's a 120-degree V-6 with two turbochargers that, at the time of its reveal in 2022, was the most power-dense internal combustion engine put into production.
It's not just the huge thrust and magnificent top-end fervor. V-6 engines have a reputation for producing a less-than-desirable noise, but this one sounds magnificent. It earned the nickname 'piccolo V-12,' or 'little V-12,' during its development process for being able to faithfully replicate the high-pitch screams of Ferrari's 12-cylinder models. Call me crazy, but I prefer it to the brand's twin-turbo V-8.
As for the hybrid motor, it's difficult to understand the disdain. Sure, it adds weight—the 296 weighs around 150 pounds more than the F8 Tributo, depending on who you ask—but the benefits far outweigh whatever penalty you pay for the system.
In addition to the chunky slug of low-end torque, you also get seven miles of all-electric range—perfect for creeping out of quiet cul-de-sacs or arriving at events without making a huge stir. After using the setup for a weekend, it's tough to imagine going back to a modern supercar without it.
Photo by: Brian Silvestro / Motor1
Photo by: Brian Silvestro / Motor1
Of course, the 296 is an otherwise masterful feat of sporting excellence. In its base form, the chassis is supple yet hyper-aware, with an uninterrupted connection between your hands, your feet, and your backside. The front end has a type of smoothness that only results from years of careful engineering, while the dual-clutch transmission executes shifts with seamless precision. Anyone proclaiming the 296 drives worse than its predecessors is out of touch with reality. This is a real-deal Ferrari, through and through.
I'm more sympathetic to buyers who want to avoid Ferrari's modern infotainment system. When I first used it, I wasn't very impressed; it was tough to understand and, at times, frustrating to operate. Touch-capacitive buttons don't belong in cars, after all. After a few days living with the system, it became more bearable, however.
Once you know how everything works, you should be just fine. It's tough to be angry at Ferrari over this, seeing as how most owners don't use their cars as commuter machines that double as mobile podcast listening rooms. And if you're coming from an older Ferrari, it's still a step up in quality.
The Ferrari 296 Speciale and its new, button-rich steering wheel.
Photo by: Ferrari
But if you order a 296 right now, you'll never have to worry. Ferrari itself knew owners didn't very much like the first version of this system, so it's given its 2026 lineup an update that replaces the steering-wheel mounted touch pads with real, physical buttons. Problem solved.
Only time will reveal the 296's true value. The 296 has been around for just three years. In that time, we've seen dozens of new hybrid-powered sports cars enter the scene with similar battery-assisted powertrains, each more hyped than the last. Perhaps it'll take a bit longer for people to understand this new norm and appreciate the V-6 Ferrari for what it is: An incredible performance car that uses tech in all the right ways, without compromising what it means to be a Ferrari.
More on the 296
Only Ferrari Race Car Drivers Can Buy This 296 Speciale
Ferrari 296 Speciale: Carbon Parts, More Downforce, Nuclear Speed
Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily.
back
Sign up
For more information, read our
Privacy Policy
and
Terms of Use
.
Share this Story
Facebook
X
LinkedIn
Flipboard
Reddit
WhatsApp
E-Mail
Got a tip for us? Email:
tips@motor1.com
Join the conversation
(
)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
A Small Nation's Big Love for One of the Greatest Sports Cars Ever
The Porsche 911 isn't the kind of car you expect to see at the top of any country's sales charts, but the Principality of Andorra isn't just any country. This tiny nation, tucked high in the Pyrenees between France and Spain, has crowned the legendary sports car as its best-seller for 2024. With so many compact crossovers and fuel-efficient sedans dominating the world market, this is the kind of statistic that makes car enthusiasts do a double take. This insight originally came from a TikTok video by Launch Mode, which highlighted a report from Felipe Munoz (Car Industry Analysis), who works for auto research firm JATO Dynamics. The data showed that among the 2,379 passenger cars and light commercial vehicles sold in Andorra last year, the Porsche 911 led the way with 83 units sold—a staggering 40.7% increase from 2023. That put it ahead of other performance-focused models, including the Toyota GR Yaris and even Porsche's own Cayenne and Macan. With a population of just over 87,000, Andorra is known for its ski resorts, tax-friendly policies, and wealth. That last part plays a huge role in shaping the local car market. In 2024, the country saw 2,379 sales of new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. Leading the pack was the Porsche 911, with 83 units sold — an astonishing 40.7% increase from the previous year. That put it ahead of performance-focused models like the Toyota GR Yaris and even Porsche's own Cayenne and Macan. There are a few key reasons why Andorra has become a haven for high-performance cars. First, the country's economic landscape makes luxury vehicles more attainable. Low tax rates and a strong tourism sector mean a significant portion of residents can afford cars that might be out of reach elsewhere. Second, the terrain is a dream for drivers. Winding mountain roads, crisp alpine air, and breathtaking views create the perfect environment for a car like the 911 to stretch its legs. Finally, there's a strong local appreciation for driving culture. Unlike in larger nations where practicality often wins out, Andorrans have the means and the desire to buy cars that thrill. What makes this trend even more fascinating is how different it is from the rest of the world. In the U.S., the Ford F-Series remains the undisputed king of car sales, with more than 700,000 trucks sold in 2024. The 911, while beloved, doesn't even come close to the top 25 best-selling vehicles in America. The contrast shows just how much geography, economy, and culture shape what people drive. Andorra's love for the Porsche 911 is more than just a sales anomaly—it's a reflection of a unique automotive culture. In a country where driving isn't just about getting from point A to point B, but about the thrill of the journey, it makes perfect sense that one of the world's most celebrated sports cars would take the crown.
Motor Trend
6 hours ago
- Motor Trend
2026 Volkswagen SUVs: Tiguan Turbo Comin' in Hot
As it did last year, Volkswagen spreads the love across its SUV lineup for 2026, delivering updates for every one of its models. Leading the charge is the Tiguan compact crossover, which adds a new turbocharged variant that brings extra excitement to the range. Keep reading to find out what's new for 2026 Volkswagen SUVs. Volkswagen's 2026 SUV lineup sees updates across all models. The Tiguan adds a powerful turbo variant, while the Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, ID4, and Taos receive minor upgrades. Notable changes include tech enhancements and styling updates for a more modern appeal. This summary was generated by AI using content from this MotorTrend article Read Next 2026 Volkswagen Atlas For 2026, the Volkswagen Atlas three-row SUV carries over mostly unchanged. The only update is the addition of a factory-installed HomeLink rearview mirror on the SE with Technology trim, which integrates universal garage door remote buttons. The Atlas underwent a midcycle refresh for the 2024 model year, gaining enhanced performance, updated styling, and new standard features such as large driver and infotainment displays and a heated steering wheel. That refresh also marked the discontinuation of the V-6 engine, which was replaced by a more powerful turbo-four. MotorTrend Ranked: No. 13 in three-row SUVs (2025 model). Read Our Experts' Full Volkswagen Atlas Review 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Like the standard Atlas, the only update to the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport midsize SUV is the addition of a HomeLink rearview mirror on the SE with Technology trim, allowing drivers to program garage door and gate openers directly into the mirror. The Cross Sport received a significant refresh for the 2024 model year, including updated exterior styling and a more modern interior. The 2025 model brought enhanced technology features and improved overall refinement. MotorTrend Ranked: No. 11 in midsize SUVs (2025 model). Read Our Experts' Full Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Review Every 2026 ID4 model scores a standard ZEV3 2-in-1 charging cable, enabling both Level 1 and Level 2 home charging from a single cord. The ID4 Pro S Plus AWD trim also gains a HomeLink rearview mirror. Volkswagen has announced that a mid-model-year update is coming in early 2026, which will introduce more features for the ID4—including the addition of a built-in NACS (North American Charging System) port similar to Tesla's design. MotorTrend Ranked: No. 5 in electric compact SUVs (2025 model). Read Our Experts' Full Volkswagen ID4 Review 2026 Volkswagen Taos Changes to the 2026 Taos are minimal, highlighted by newly standard rear seatbelt pretensioners, an improved seatbelt reminder system, and updated black badging on the SE Black model. The Taos received a more substantial refresh for the 2025 model year, which brought increased horsepower, a new transmission, and notable upgrades to both technology and styling. MotorTrend Ranked: No. 9 in subcompact SUVs (2025 model). Read Our Experts' Full Volkswagen Taos Review 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan After a full redesign for 2025, the 2026 Tiguan sees a few key updates, including a revised hands-free driving system. This year also introduces a new, more powerful top-of-the-line trim: the SEL R-Line Turbo. It replaces the outgoing SEL R-Line in the Tiguan lineup. The Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo is powered by a turbocharged engine making 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, an improvement of 67 hp and 51 lb-ft over the standard Tiguan, and it remains compatible with regular gasoline, offering strong performance without the need for premium fuel. Standard 4Motion all-wheel drive and slightly larger brakes enhance the Turbo's handling and braking confidence. Visually, the Tiguan Turbo stands out with 20-inch black wheels, black mirror caps, and a contrasting black roof, giving it a sportier, more aggressive look. MotorTrend Ranked: No. 12 in compact SUVs (2024 model). Read Our Experts' Full Volkswagen Tiguan Review 2026 Volkswagen SUVs: What's New 2026 Volkswagen Atlas: Minor update 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport: Minor update 2026 Volkswagen ID4: Minor update 2026 Volkswagen Taos: Minor update 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan: Significant update
Car and Driver
7 hours ago
- Car and Driver
View Exterior Photos of the 2025 Porsche Cayenne GTS
It also completed the quarter-mile in 12.1 seconds at 112 mph. In both metrics, the new Cayenne GTS is better than a 2021 Cayenne GTS Coupe we tested.
