The most fun-to-drive Ferrari in history: 880 horsepower of pure emotion
The manufacturer from Maranello unveils the most powerful version of the coupé and spider with a rear-centre V6 plug-in engine. Weight reduction, increased total power and more aerodynamic efficiency.
3' min read
3' min read
To create the most fun-to-drive Ferrari in history: not just pure performance like top speed or the 'shot' between 0 and 100 km/h, but to generate a mix of emotions made up of precise handling, lateral acceleration and soond. This is the philosophy behind the new Ferrari 296 Speciale and 296 Speciale A (A for Aperta) with which, starting from the base of the 296 GTB and 296 GTS, the aim is to raise the performance bar. These new variants are toys for those who can spend €407,000 or €460,000 and are looking for the ultimate in sports driving.
At the base is still the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6, mated to an electric motor. Together they develop 880 hp, but it has been revised to reduce weight, increase rigidity and refine aerodynamics. The result? A car designed for the track, but homologated for the road. And it is only through electrification that benchmark performance is achieved, ferrari explain. Compared to the 296 GTB, the Speciale slims down by around 20-30 kg (depending on the configuration) thanks to solutions such as titanium exhaust, thinner windows, ultralight materials and an even better braking system. Active aerodynamics has been evolved, with a rear wing that generates more vertical load without increasing drag.
Ferrari has also revised the set-up. The Speciale is fitted with specially developed Michelin Cup2R tyres, stiffer suspension, a new calibration of the Side Slip Control system, and evolved carboceramic brakes. The result is an even more precise, stable and communicative car. Track time is shortened, but driver involvement is also increased.
The 296 Speciale A, where the 'A' stands for Aperta, shares the same mechanicals and racing spirit, but introduces the emotional element of open-air driving. The retractable hard top (in just 14 seconds) gives that feeling of total freedom, but without compromising performance. Despite the additional mechanism, Ferrari has managed to contain the weight increase while keeping performance and dynamic balance intact.
Both versions adopt a plug-in hybrid powertrain made up of a 120° twin-turbo V6 and a mid-rear electric motor, capable of producing a total of 880 hp - 50 more than the 296 GTS, setting a record for rear-wheel drive mid-engined Ferrari spiders. The combustion engine, derived from the 296 Challenge, uses racing solutions such as titanium connecting rods and a detonation control system borrowed from Formula 1, bringing power to 700 hp. The electric motor, thanks to the new extraboost mode, delivers 180 hp. The eight-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) delivers improved shift times and increased driver involvement. The design of the 296 Speciale is all about efficiency. Every detail is performance-oriented. The front end is more aggressive, with enlarged air intakes and a redesigned splitter. New aerodynamic skirts stand out at the sides, while the rear integrates a wider diffuser and an active wing. The carbon-fibre bonnet and roof emphasise the racing vocation.
