The new Ferrari 296 Speciale has been unveiled, promising to be the most fun and emotionally charged car Ferrari has ever produced. With a price starting at €407,000 in Italy, this high-performance machine is available in both coupé and spider versions. Boasting an impressive 868bhp, the Speciale is said to be very close to the limit of what a rear-wheel-drive car can offer.
But the power increase is just one aspect of the Speciale’s engineering. The twin-turbo V6 engine features aluminum pistons, titanium conrods, and titanium bolts securing the head to the block. These enhancements have resulted in a 7% increase in combustion chamber pressure, pushing the V6’s output to 690bhp. The engine has been further optimized with a redesigned turbo and improved cooling for the hybrid system, adding an extra 13bhp.
In terms of aerodynamics, the 296 Speciale has undergone a significant redesign, taking inspiration from Ferrari’s Challenge and GT3 racers. The rear end now features two winglets on the rear haunches and an active spoiler that rises from just above the iconic Prancing Horse badge. This spoiler has three positions and adjusts based on steering angle and throttle position, contributing to a 20% increase in downforce compared to the 296 GTB.
The suspension has also been revised, with a 5mm drop in ride height and a 13% reduction in maximum body lean during cornering. Inside the cockpit, weight has been minimized with lighter seats and more carbon fiber components. The steering wheel has been updated with traditional buttons, replacing the previous touch-sensitive control pads.
Ferrari plans to keep the production of the Speciale limited, ensuring exclusivity for owners. The car will only be offered to “active” clients who have purchased a new or approved-used Ferrari through an official dealer within the past five years. With its combination of power, aerodynamics, and exclusivity, the Ferrari 296 Speciale is set to be a standout addition to the Ferrari lineup.
