The handling also felt new compared to previous Ferraris. In particular, with past mid-engined Ferraris, the initial steering response was quite sharp, and for those without advanced driving skills, it could feel somewhat nervous, keeping the driver at bay. However, the 296 GTS is consistently friendly to the driver, providing a sense of unity as if the body has expanded to every corner from the moment you start driving.

The power steering is electric, and the brakes use a brake-by-wire system, but both feel incredibly natural, allowing the driver to operate with confidence. Despite its exceptionally sharp agility, all its movements feel completely natural. Anyone who drives the 296 GTS will surely want to savor the ultimate driving pleasure it offers for as long as possible.

This superb handling is undoubtedly due to the compact, low-center-of-gravity body – smaller than previous V8 mid-engined models – and the new-generation powertrain that makes it possible. Nevertheless, it achieves an incredible 830 cv while offering friendly handling, open-air driving, and high everyday usability. It is a comprehensively accomplished super sports car.

After a roughly five-hour drive, from the Mediterranean resort to the autostrada, and then through scenic winding roads and city streets, I arrived in Maranello as darkness fell. Perhaps due to climate change, the weather was unseasonably warm for October, and during that time, I never once closed the roof.

I should have tested the driving experience with the roof closed as well. However, as the scenery changed moment by moment, and feeling the local scents, the wind on my face, and hearing the sounds of the Piccolo V12 with all my senses while driving the 296 GTS, my excitement simply grew, and I forgot to close the roof.

The 296 GTS allows the driver to fully savor the pure pleasure of driving and moving. Even as the automotive world undergoes a once-in-a-century transformation, the fundamental joy that cars offer remains irresistible. Driving the 296 GTS reaffirmed this simple truth.

Meanwhile, looking at environmental performance, which even super sports cars cannot escape, the F8 Tributo achieves 12.9 L/100km and 292 kg/km CO2 emissions (combined for both), whereas the 296 GTS achieves 6.5 L/100km and 153 kg/km. As a fan, I am eager to see how Ferrari will continue to balance the joy of driving with sustainability in the future.

*Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are based on WLTP.