Ferrari unleashes the 296 Speciale

Ferrari has added to the ranks of its track focused models with the new Ferrari 296 Speciale. This is a hardcore evolution of the 296 GTB hybrid. Revealed in Maranello overnight, the 296 Speciale joins the likes of the Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia, 458 Speciale, and 488 Pista.

Billed as the most engaging and agile mid-rear-engined Ferrari berlinetta yet, the 296 Speciale builds on the strengths of the GTB. Ferrari says it not only offers an uptick in performance but also new levels of predictability and driver involvement.

Under its svelte skin lies a monstrous 880hp powertrain, a combination of a heavily revised 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 and a boosted electric motor. That’s a full 50hp more than the 296 GTB, with 700hp coming from the internal combustion engine alone — the most ever for a rear-drive Ferrari.

Read more Ferrari’s Once-in-a-Decade F80 Hypercar Is a Sell-Out

Ferrari has shaved 60kg off the GTB’s kerb weight thanks to the use of carbon fibre and titanium, resulting in a 1.6kg/cv power-to-weight ratio.

The aerodynamics package is just as serious. Derived from Ferrari’s racing division and tested on the 296 Challenge, the Speciale develops 435kg of downforce at 250km/h — a 20 per cent gain over the GTB. New features include vertical fins on the rear bumper side wings, and a reprogrammed active spoiler that now boasts an intermediate “Medium Downforce” setting. The front end is just as advanced with an “aero damper” ducting airflow from beneath the car up through the bonnet, while extensive undertray work improves ground effect and balance.

Ferrari says it has enriched the V6’s soundtrack. Thanks to redesigned acoustic ducts and a less restrictive exhaust system, the Speciale should sing with even more clarity and volume.

The Speciale keeps the GTB’s 8-speed dual-clutch transmission but with revised mapping for faster, more aggressive changes which should be especially noticeable when pushing the new extra boost function. This trick feature, lifted from the SF90 XX, temporarily unleashes an electric surge from the motor to aid torque production. Only available in “Qualify” mode on the eManettino dial, it’s designed to deliver maximum performance during the most demanding track sessions.

The updated ABS Evo system uses a 6D sensor and predictive algorithms to maintain braking performance and stability, even under extreme lateral loads. A revised suspension setup drops the ride height by 5mm and reduces roll by 13 per cent that should sharpen the 296’s already nimble chassis.

The electric half of the hybrid system hasn’t been left behind, either. With its 7.45kWh battery and uprated motor, the 296 Speciale can still travel up to 25km in full-electric mode.

Ferrari 296 Speciale – Technical specifications

INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE  
Type   V6 – 120° – twin turbo – dry sump
Total displacement 2992 cc
Bore and stroke 88 mm × 82 mm
Maximum power** 515 kW (700 cv) at 8000 rpm
Maximum torque  755 Nm at 6000 rpm
Maximum engine speed  8500 rpm
Compression ratio  9.4:1
Specific power output  234 cv/l

HYBRID SYSTEM  

Max. power output hybrid system** 648 kW (880 cv)
Maximum power in eDrive mode 113 kW (154 cv)
Battery capacity   7.45 kWh
Max. electric range 25 km

WEIGHTS AND DIMENSIONS  

Length 4625 mm
Width    1968 mm
Height (in kerb weight conditions) 1181 mm
Wheelbase  2600 mm
Front track 1665 mm
Rear track  1632 mm
Dry weight*  1410 kg
Dry weight/power ratio 1.60 kg/cv
Weight distribution    40% front / 60% rear
Fuel tank capacity 65 l (10 l reserve)
Luggage compartment capacity 169 l
Rear bench capacity  112 l

TYRES AND WHEELS  

Front    245/35 ZR 20 J9.0
Rear 305/35 ZR 20 J11.0

BRAKES  

Front  CCM, 398 x 223 x 38 mm
Rear CCM, 360 x 233 x 32 mm

TRANSMISSION AND GEARBOX  

8-speed dual clutch F1 DCT  

PERFORMANCE  

Maximum speed >330 km/h
0–100 km/h  2.8 s
0–200 km/h       7.0 s
200-0 km/h   106 m
Fiorano lap time 1’ 19”