Ferrari 296

Importing a used Ferrari 296 from the USA

The Ferrari 296 marked a genuine turning point for Maranello: the first series-production Ferrari road car with a V6 at its heart, and the first plug-in hybrid to wear the mid-engine berlinetta silhouette. The USA is Ferrari's biggest single market, which means used 296 GTB and 296 GTS cars circulate there in useful numbers, often in high specification and with low, carefully documented mileage. For a German enthusiast, importing a used Ferrari 296 from the USA can open access to particular colour and options combinations, or simply a car that is available now rather than waitlisted. This page covers what the 296 actually is, how it drives its power to the road, and the practical realities of bringing one across the Atlantic.

Model history: years and generations

The 296 GTB coupe was revealed in 2021 and joined a year later by the open 296 GTS, which uses a retractable hardtop that stows in roughly fourteen seconds. There is only one generation to date, positioned below the flagship SF90 in the range and effectively succeeding the V8-powered F8 as the compact mid-engine Ferrari. The optional Assetto Fiorano package adds Multimatic dampers, lightweight components and aggressive aero for owners who intend serious track use, and it is a specification worth identifying on any used example.

Engines, transmissions and drive

At the centre sits the F163 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 with a 120-degree bank angle and the turbochargers mounted inside the vee. The combustion engine alone produces around 663 hp; an electric motor between engine and gearbox adds up to roughly 167 hp, for a combined system output near 819 hp sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. A compact battery of about 7.45 kWh allows short zero-emission running of roughly 25 km at city speeds. The result is a rear-drive supercar that reaches 100 km/h in under three seconds and exceeds 330 km/h.

Equipment lines and body styles

The line-up is deliberately simple: GTB fixed-roof coupe and GTS folding-hardtop spider, each configurable with the Assetto Fiorano hardware and Ferrari's extensive personalisation catalogue. Carbon-ceramic brakes are standard, and many US cars carry carbon wheels, front-axle lift, forged options and bespoke interior trim. Because so much is optional, two 296s can differ substantially in value and character.

The US used market

As a recent model, used 296 supply is concentrated in the 2022 model year onward, and cars generally show low mileage with comprehensive Ferrari service and warranty documentation. Well-kept, garage-stored examples with front-lift and desirable colours are the norm rather than the exception. Because the car is new enough that many remain within factory service programmes, provenance and complete records are the decisive factors when selecting one to import.

Is an import right for you?

The 296 suits a driver who wants the newest breed of mid-engine Ferrari, appreciates the novelty of the electrified V6 and values the depth of the US market for specification choice. Importing makes particular sense when the exact configuration you want is hard to find domestically. It is a car for owners comfortable with supercar running costs and the discipline of maintaining a hybrid powertrain to Ferrari's schedule.

Specs at a glance

Common issues buyers should know

The 296 is new enough that a long-term reliability record is still forming, so the honest picture is one of limited field data rather than known chronic faults. As with any modern electrified supercar, the areas to monitor are the high-voltage system and its cooling, software and infotainment updates, and the health of the plug-in battery, which should be exercised and charged periodically rather than left flat. Carbon-ceramic brakes and tyres are wear items with real cost. The single most valuable protection is an unbroken Ferrari service history and, where applicable, remaining factory warranty or extended-warranty coverage, both of which we verify before purchase.

Differences from the European version

US-market 296s are left-hand drive and share the core specification with European cars, but carry US lighting (amber markers, US beam pattern), US-spec instruments and market-specific emissions and charging homologation. The onboard charger and connector follow the US standard, so charging hardware for a German household supply must be considered. Telematics and software regions can also differ, which is worth confirming for updates.

Import step by step

Selection comes first, focusing on specification and documentation. Then the VIN and origin check establishes the build details and confirms options. Funds are secured through escrow before the car is booked onto enclosed-friendly ocean freight to a North European port. German customs clearance follows on arrival, then TÜV inspection and, where required, individual approval (Einzelabnahme), and finally registration. USCar Trader arranges each stage as an independent broker and takes no margin on the vehicle itself.

Customs and taxes: what applies

Key point: duty depends on the plant of build; only a VIN check secures the 0% rate. Import VAT of 19% applies regardless.

Two distinct charges apply. Customs duty depends on the car's real origin: the 0% preferential EU rate under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 is available only for vehicles of provable US origin, verified by VIN and plant and shipped directly, valid from 1 July 2026 to 31 December 2029. The 296 is built in Italy, so it would not normally qualify for the US-origin preference, and the applicable rate is assessed on the actual origin. Separately and always, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) is due. Both are statutory charges, not broker fees, and we never describe an import as duty-free in advance.

Modifications and single-vehicle approval

Approval work is usually modest for a car this modern: European lighting compliance including a rear fog lamp, correct headlight beam, and side-marker handling, plus documentation of the instruments. The odometer is verified and logged during import, and the full history is checked so registration proceeds cleanly.

What to verify before buying

Confirm before you buy: the complete VIN and Italian build details; a clean US history report with no accident or title branding; full Ferrari service and any warranty status; presence and function of key options such as front-axle lift; battery and high-voltage system health; tyre and carbon-ceramic brake condition; and clear title with no outstanding finance.

Common questions

Can I import a used Ferrari 296 from the USA to Germany?

Yes. As an independent broker we source used 296 GTB and GTS cars in the US market and handle shipping, clearance and registration.

Does the 0% customs rate apply to the Ferrari 296?

Generally no. The 296 is Italian-built, so it does not qualify for the US-origin preference; duty is assessed on its actual origin.

Is the 19% import VAT charged on a 296?

Yes. German Einfuhrumsatzsteuer of 19% applies to every imported vehicle regardless of origin.

What should I check on a used 296?

Complete Ferrari service history, warranty status, a clean accident record, and the health of the plug-in hybrid battery and high-voltage system.

How is the 296 different from the SF90?

The 296 uses a twin-turbo V6 hybrid and is rear-wheel drive, while the SF90 is a V8 all-wheel-drive hybrid with higher output.

Do I need special charging equipment?

The US charger uses the American connector standard, so plan for a compatible home-charging solution for German supply.

Is the 296 reliable?

It is a recent model with limited long-term data; a documented Ferrari service history and warranty coverage are the best safeguards.

Can you find an Assetto Fiorano car?

Yes. We can search specifically for 296s fitted with the Assetto Fiorano package and other desirable options.

Start here: explore Ferrari in the Carhub, compare the Ferrari SF90 and Ferrari Roma or the rival McLaren 750S, or view current Ferrari 296 listings.