When you think of Ferrari, images of blistering track speeds and sun-soaked Mediterranean coastlines probably come to mind. But what happens when Ferrari decides to take its supercars far from their natural habitat — straight into the icy heart of Finland?
That’s exactly what happened recently as Ferrari unleashed the 296 GTB and the Purosangue SUV onto Finland’s snow-covered landscapes, pushing the boundaries of performance and redefining what a Ferrari can do — even on ice.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes this chilly escapade not just an eye-catching stunt, but also a serious demonstration of engineering brilliance and adaptive technology.
❄️ The Setting: Arctic Finland – Nature’s Icy Playground
High up in the Arctic Circle, Finland provides some of the most challenging winter driving conditions on the planet. With sub-zero temperatures, frozen lakes, and powdery snow that can swallow tires whole, this was the perfect arena for Ferrari to showcase the resilience, balance, and power of its latest machines.
The event was part of Ferrari’s annual Winter Driving Program, which gives select clients and media a chance to explore the limits of these machines in controlled but extreme environments.
🏎️ Ferrari 296 GTB – A V6 Hybrid That Doesn’t Fear the Ice
The Ferrari 296 GTB is known for being a revolutionary step in Ferrari’s lineup. It’s the brand’s first V6 plug-in hybrid supercar, blending electric power with classic combustion thrills.
🔧 Key Highlights:
- Powertrain: 3.0L twin-turbo V6 + electric motor
- Combined Output: 830 HP
- 0-100 km/h: ~2.9 seconds
- Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
While the RWD configuration might sound intimidating for icy terrain, Ferrari’s engineers proved that with the right setup, even a high-horsepower RWD car can dance on snow.
❄️ Winter Mastery:
- Michelin winter tires with enhanced tread and compound specifically designed for cold grip.
- Ferrari’s advanced Side Slip Control (SSC) and E-Diff system allow precise torque vectoring and stability management, even when traction is limited.
- Drivers reported effortless drifting, with the car maintaining poise and balance even during aggressive cornering on the frozen track.
Watching the 296 GTB perform tail-out power slides on ice is proof that Ferrari engineering is about far more than straight-line speed.
🚙 Ferrari Purosangue – The V12 Super SUV Enters Beast Mode
The Purosangue, Ferrari’s first-ever four-door, four-seater SUV, was designed to combine practicality and luxury without compromising performance. It might wear the SUV label, but under the skin, it’s all Ferrari.
🔧 Key Highlights:
- Powertrain: 6.5L Naturally Aspirated V12
- Output: 715 HP
- Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
- 0-100 km/h: ~3.3 seconds
On snowy roads, the Purosangue truly came into its own.
❄️ Ice Performance:
- The AWD system actively distributes power between the front and rear axles, allowing confident launches even on slick surfaces.
- The car’s adaptive suspension intelligently managed icy bumps and ensured maximum tire contact.
- It showcased real-world capability, managing snowy inclines, deep powder, and frozen turns with grace.
The Purosangue didn’t just look good on snow—it performed like a true winter warrior.
🧠 Driving Tech That Makes Ice Feel Like Asphalt
Both vehicles benefitted from Ferrari’s state-of-the-art dynamic control systems, which played a crucial role in keeping them balanced on ice.
🧊 Features at Play:
- Side Slip Control (SSC 6.1): Instantly adjusts torque and traction settings based on slip angle.
- Manettino Dial: Allows the driver to switch between drive modes—comfort, sport, wet, ice, and even CT Off (for complete control).
- ABS-Evo: Tailored for variable grip conditions like ice or snow.
Even at speeds upwards of 100 km/h on frozen terrain, both vehicles displayed unshakable composure, giving drivers the confidence to push limits without fear.
🎥 A Visual Spectacle – Supercars Against a White Canvas
Photographs and videos from the event showcase cinematic moments — the deep growl of the V12 echoing through icy forests, rooster tails of snow flying as the Purosangue powers through drifts, and the 296 GTB gracefully gliding sideways with plumes of frost in its wake.
It’s not every day you see a Ferrari buried in snow — but here, that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable.
🌍 Ferrari’s Broader Strategy: Performance for All Terrains
This event was more than just a media stunt — it was Ferrari’s way of demonstrating adaptability. The brand wants to assure customers that whether it’s:
- Track days
- Mountain roads
- Urban commutes
- Snow and ice
…there’s a Ferrari that can handle it. The addition of the Purosangue has opened Ferrari up to a new clientele who want performance with all-weather usability.
🔮 What This Means for Ferrari’s Future
The Finnish adventure is a signal that Ferrari isn’t afraid of evolution. From hybrids to SUVs, and now snow-ready supercars — the Prancing Horse is embracing the future without losing its soul.
- The 296 GTB represents the electrified, efficient, and tech-driven Ferrari of tomorrow.
- The Purosangue is the bridge between luxury, versatility, and heritage performance.
Both of them in the snow? That’s Ferrari telling the world: “We don’t just conquer tracks — we conquer nature too.”
✅ Conclusion: Frozen Roads, Fiery Performance
In the icy heart of Finland, Ferrari redefined what its cars are capable of. From the hybrid-powered agility of the 296 GTB to the raw, all-terrain might of the Purosangue, this winter showcase proves that Ferrari’s machines aren’t just for summer Sundays or racetracks — they’re built for every season, every road, and every thrill-seeker.
If Ferrari’s journey into the snow is any indication, the brand is just getting started when it comes to pushing boundaries.
