It’s only a month since the Ferrari 296 GTB made its debut, and the team at Maranello is well on the way to adding a new open-air variant to the range.

    Despite the extensive camouflage, we can see this prototype has cut lines across the roof, indicating it has a folding metal roof.

    Other Ferrari models with folding metal roofs typically take 14 seconds to go from closed to open, or vice versa, and the roof can be electronically operated at speeds up to 45km/h.

    With its roof up, styling seems to mimic the coupe as much as possible.

    We’re not sure what it will be badged, but 296 GTS and 296 Spider seem to be good candidates.

    Under the skin, the GTB coupe and the GTS/Spider will almost certainly share the same 610kW plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

    Mounted midship is a a 3.0-litre turbocharged 120-degree V6 making 488kW at 8000rpm and 740Nm at 6250rpm.

    It’s connected to the rear wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

    Nestled betwixt the V6 and the transmission is an electric motor rated at 122kW and 315Nm.

    We expect the Spider to share the GTB’s 0-100km/h time of 2.9 seconds, but may take a little longer than 7.3s to hit 200km/h – and the top speed may be a little under 330km/h.

    Derek Fung

    Derek Fung would love to tell you about his multiple degrees, but he's too busy writing up some news right now. In his spare time Derek loves chasing automotive rabbits down the hole. Based in New York, New York, Derek loves to travel and is very much a window not an aisle person.

    Buy and Lease
    Uncover exclusive deals and discounts with a VIP referral to Australia's best dealers
    Uncover exclusive deals and discounts with a VIP referral to Australia's best dealers