Europe's BEST Coffee In A FERRARI 296 GTS! [700 mile Road Trip]

Summary

In this video, the presenter embarks on a road trip to visit Origin Coffee, the UK's best specialty coffee roaster, while driving the Ferrari 296 GTS. The experience blends the thrill of driving a high-performance hybrid supercar with a quest for exceptional coffee. Along the way, the presenter shares his thoughts on the car’s hybrid powertrain, performance, and the quirks of Ferrari’s design. From scenic views and coffee tasting to navigating narrow roads, the journey provides an engaging mix of car culture and coffee appreciation, with candid reflections on the Ferrari’s features and pricing.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Ferrari 296 GTS offers a peaceful and relaxing electric drive before switching to its powerful V6 hybrid engine for thrilling performance.
• 🚗 The hybrid powertrain in the Ferrari is primarily designed for performance, not to create a full EV experience, with only a small electric range before the petrol engine kicks in.
• ☕ The trip's destination is Origin Coffee, a specialty roaster in Cornwall, known for winning awards for the best coffee in Europe.
• 🏞️ Dartmoor National Park serves as a scenic detour during the road trip, showcasing the car’s capabilities on narrow, winding roads with plenty of wildlife.
• ⚡ The 296 GTS features a seamless hybrid system that quickly regenerates the battery while driving, adding convenience and efficiency during the trip.
• 💸 The Ferrari 296 GTS comes with a hefty price tag, starting from around £280,000 in the UK, and can exceed £390,000 with options.
• 📉 Despite its high price, Ferraris, including the 296 GTS, experience significant depreciation, with used models already losing a substantial portion of their value after just 500 miles.
• 🍫 The experience at Origin Coffee emphasizes the high standards in specialty coffee, with a focus on quality beans, roasting, and the entire production process.
• 💼 While the car’s hybrid system is excellent for performance, the narrator mentions some issues with Ferrari's haptic touch steering wheel, which can be overly complicated.
• 🤔 The narrator compares the Ferrari 296 GTS to the McLaren 750S, noting that while the 296 is an incredible car, the McLaren feels more engaging and has a bit more personality.
• 💬 Despite minor annoyances with the car’s tech (like the lack of a rev counter when using Apple CarPlay), the 296 GTS remains a top contender in the supercar market.

Q & A

What makes the Ferrari 296 GTS different from traditional supercars in terms of its hybrid powertrain?

The Ferrari 296 GTS is a hybrid supercar that combines a 2.9-liter V6 engine with an electric motor. This hybrid system offers the ability to drive in electric-only mode for short distances, providing a peaceful and quiet driving experience before the petrol engine kicks in, enhancing performance. The hybrid powertrain is designed to aid performance rather than create a part-EV experience.

How long did the electric range last on the Ferrari 296 GTS during the test drive?

Initially, the Ferrari 296 GTS had an electric driving range of about 15 miles, but this quickly depletes to just 3 or 4 miles, showing that the electric range is quite limited, and is primarily there to support performance rather than provide a full EV experience.

What was the main purpose of the road trip in the Ferrari 296 GTS for the reviewer?

The main purpose of the road trip was to visit Origin Coffee, the UK's best and Europe's top specialty coffee roaster. The reviewer wanted to experience their freshly roasted beans while also enjoying a road trip in the Ferrari 296 GTS.

What did the reviewer think of the Ferrari 296 GTS's driving experience on UK roads?

The reviewer found the Ferrari 296 GTS to be a joy to drive, with its incredible grip and performance systems that make even driving on bumpy, narrow roads in the UK enjoyable. The car's systems help drivers feel more confident and capable on the road, making it an exciting experience even at slower speeds.

What is the Ferrari 296 GTS's hybrid powertrain’s impact on driving modes and experience?

The hybrid powertrain of the Ferrari 296 GTS allows for a seamless integration between electric and petrol power. The driving modes (Sport and Race) offer subtle changes in performance, making the car adaptable to different driving conditions. The electric motor can quickly regenerate the battery, allowing for a smooth transition between power sources.

How does the reviewer feel about the Ferrari 296 GTS's interior technology, especially the haptic steering wheel?

The reviewer was not impressed with the Ferrari 296 GTS's haptic touch steering wheel, finding it overly complicated and difficult to use, particularly for basic tasks like adjusting the heated seat. This frustration was noted as a significant downside to the car's otherwise impressive technology.

What are some of the concerns the reviewer has regarding the Ferrari 296 GTS?

The reviewer raised concerns about the Ferrari 296 GTS's reliability, mentioning potential issues with battery charge and the importance of not leaving the car with a completely flat battery. Additionally, the high price of the car, particularly with additional options, and rapid depreciation were noted as factors to consider when buying one.

What is the reviewer's opinion on the McLaren 750S compared to the Ferrari 296 GTS?

The reviewer noted that while the Ferrari 296 GTS is a fantastic car, the McLaren 750S may have a bit more 'soul' and personality. They felt the McLaren offered a more direct, engaging driving experience, possibly due to its V8 engine and lack of hybrid system, which made the Ferrari feel more assisted and less connected in comparison.

How does the hybrid system in the Ferrari 296 GTS compare to other performance hybrids?

The Ferrari 296 GTS's hybrid system is praised for being incredibly effective, providing quick regeneration of the battery during driving. This seamless hybrid integration allows the car to switch between electric and petrol power without disrupting the driving experience, making it one of the most effective hybrid systems in a performance car.

What are the practical downsides of the Ferrari 296 GTS mentioned in the review?

The practical downsides mentioned include its steep starting price, potential reliability issues, and the complexity of its interior controls, particularly the haptic steering wheel. Additionally, the rapid depreciation of the car and the cumbersome Apple CarPlay interface, which limits visibility of key gauges, were also highlighted.