One might argue that all Ferraris are special. But not all Ferraris are Speciale. The 296 now joins that exclusive group with the 296 Speciale and Speciale A—the latest offerings in the line of amped-up Prancing Horses. Based on the stats Ferrari sent over, they should prance like crazy.
First things’s first. There’s 867 horsepower from the plug-in hybrid powertrain, up from 818 hp in the standard version. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 accounts for 690 hp alone, exactly the same as the 296 Challenge race car. That’s no coincidence—Ferrari says the Speciale uses the same engine mapping and boost strategy, with titanium connecting rods, upgraded pistons, and a lighter crankshaft. The Speciale uses a knock control system straight from Ferrari’s Formula 1 efforts, too.
Photo by: Ferrari
Photo by: Ferrari
Photo by: Ferrari
But that’s only a portion of the 296’s powertrain. The electric motor is upgraded and adds another 177 hp to the mix, and it all goes to the rear wheels through Ferrari’s eight-speed DCT gearbox. The transmission itself is the same, but the shift points are optimized to better utilize the extra power. And since this is a plug-in hybrid, you can silently cruise through town for up to 15 miles without using the engine. But why on Earth would you want to do that?
Whether you choose the fixed-roof 296 Speciale or the Speciale A, with its retracting hard top, power is the same. Both cars also lose weight—110 pounds for the convertible and 132 lbs for the berlinetta. A healthy infusion of carbon fiber is the primary reason, notably for the interior, which gets Speciale-specific “minimalist” door panels. A bare carbon fiber console sits between the seats, and there’s more carbon fiber on various body panels.
Speaking of which, the Speciale gains new front and rear bumpers, the latter of which incorporated a positively ludicrous diffuser. A new retractable wing rises from the back, responding to either speed or one of several selectable drive modes.
Photo by: Ferrari
Photo by: Ferrari
Aside from the undeniably aggressive look, Ferrari claims both versions of the 296 Speciale have 20 percent more downforce GTB and GTS models. On the GTS, Ferrari also adds a headrest flap, which simultaneously helps funnel air toward the tonneau cover while decreasing turbulence in the cockpit. There’s more airflow going to the engine and the brakes, too.
Under the skin, Ferrari retuned the suspension to better handle the power. The springs are a bit stiffer and made of titanium, which helps reduce weight. The ride is a touch lower, and implements Multimatic adjustable shocks borrowed from the 296 GT3. Biting the pavement are special Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tires made specifically for the Speciale. A new five-spoke wheel was also designed for the latest Ferrari, offering a clean, classic look for the company’s newest supercar.
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Source: Ferrari
How much money will buyers need to put a 296 Speciale in their garage? Ferrari usually doesn’t share that information, but our colleagues at Motor1 Italia say pricing will start at approximately $464,000.
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