Most normal people would think that the ‘normal’ Ferrari 296 GTB is already way too fast. But, as we’ve all seen from a mile away, seeing that Ferrari has always made special-er versions of their roadgoing midship sports cars since the 360, the once-new 296 has a newer, even faster, and way crazier little brother – the 296 Speciale. I guess Ferrari’s run out of names at this point to call their ultra-super-special limited edition cars, but the engineering underneath is nothing short of spectacular! Most notably, the Ferrari 296 Speciale’s plug-in hybrid powertrain is now able to output an eye-watering 880 hp and a whopping 755 Nm of torque… All from a V6!
The power is split between the 120-degree twin-turbo V6 engine (700 hp) and the electric bits (180 hp), which, altogether, is an impressive 50 hp uplift over the already-wickedly fast ‘base’ 296 GTB. Speaking of, with all these upgrades in mind, the 296 Speciale’s V6 now boasts 234 hp per litre, a record-breaker, thanks to its titanium rods, reinforced pistons, lightened crank, and F1-style knock control. This is then paired to a revised and updated 8-speed transmission, which comes with a new upshift programme that syncs the electric motor’s torque to further shorten shift times and, best of all, dramatise the paddle-shift feel and sound even more!
Charging Ahead With Peak Hybrid Performance
Yet, despite all that earth-shattering performance, the new Ferrari 296 Speciale is surprisingly eco-friendly. Buried deep below, you will find a 7.45 kWh battery pack that’ll let you drive it on pure electric power for up to 25 km. Depending on how you’re feeling, you could switch between one of four drive modes – eDrive, Hybrid, Performance and Qualify – where the latter would unleash all of the hybrid system’s 180 hp of extra boost. In all, with its power-to-weight ratio of 1.60 kg/hp, this now makes the new 296 Speciale Ferrari’s most powerful rear-wheel-drive model, yet. Even at first sight, it definitely looks quite fast, even when it’s just sitting still.
This is mostly thanks to the flurry of new aero around the new Ferrari 296 Speciale. And, with over 435 kg of downforce at 250 km/h, it’s already 20% more aerodynamic than the 296 GTB! A vital part of this upgraded aero package is at the front, courtesy of a redesigned front aero damper under the bonnet, Gurney flaps, and vortex generators, all contributing to its ground effect capability, working closely alongside the active rear spoiler. It could move between one of three different positions, and it works in tandem with the new rear side wings and diffuser geometry, borrowed from the 296 Challenge and FXX K race cars, just to improve downforce.
A Slice Of Racing Technology On Public Roads
Besides greater downforce and aerodynamics, the numerous changes that Ferrari has made to the 296 GTB’s bodywork to create the Speciale also include weight reduction, too. Thanks to carbon-fibre body panels, titanium fasteners, a race-spec exhaust and a machined block and crankcase, the 296 Speciale is an impressive 60 kg lighter than the 296 GTB, with around 9 kg taken from the just engine alone. Other motorsports-inspired enhancements include the new racing-grade rear suspension, adjustable shocks all-around, and some shiny titanium springs, all inherited from Ferrari’s GT3 programme, as well as a 5 mm lower ride height, to boot.
Naturally, when you’re going this fast, you need meaty anchors to slow it down, and the 296 Speciale is more than happy to oblige, with improved brake cooling versus the 296 GTB. This showcases the plenty of other thermal upgrades made to the 296 Speciale, including a bigger radiator inlet, revised undertray vents, and turbine housing insulation borrowed from the 296 Challenge to keep engine temps under control. As standard, you’re also getting a pair of racy Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 custom tyres, wrapping a set of lightweight 5-spoke forged wheels. Suffice it to say, if the ‘regular’ 296 GTB can’t excite you enough, maybe this just might do it.
