Ferrari 296 Speciale: Faster, Meaner And Lighter
Ferrari 295 Speciale
Just when we thought Ferrari's 819bhp 296 GTB hybrid was enough, it dropped its 296 Speciale bombshell. What we have here is an 868bhp car that weighs 60kg less. And that's not all.
Ferrari's increased downforce by up to 20 per cent at 150mph. Likewise, it's lower, is more precise through corners and is packed with titanium. If flies in your eyes and the wind through your hair is important, there's a convertible guise, although it's 50kg heavier than the coupe.
The turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 hybrid engine remains, but it now uses different boost strategies, inspired by the 296 Challenge car's map, and features forged pistons and titanium crankshafts. The electric motor now produces 177bhp, giving an 868bhp total, trumping the GTB by 49bhp.
Ferrari 296 Speciale
The 'baby' Ferrari features carbon wheels, bumpers and engine cover, while the internals, springs, exhaust, and various other bits are made from titanium. Similarly, excess metal has been shaved from the crankcase and engine block to save weight, while the turbo's weight has been cut by 1.2kg. This means the Ferrari 296 Speciale Coupe weighs just 1,410kg and the Spider 1,460kg.
Ferrari's integrated functional and interesting design changes like an 'aero damper'. This channels air from the front to underneath, then over the hood and windscreen to keep it stable. There are also pressure-relieving vents at the front and batwings at the rear to void air from the backwheels.
These changes work with the active rear spoiler, which now features a 'mid' setting, something the GTB never had. 0-to-62mph takes 2.8 seconds, while its top speed is more than 205mph.
Ferrari 296 Speciale
A new 'Qualify' control strategy manages e-motor boost when existing corners to help keep fast lap times. A nifty boost gauge in the cabin relays how many boost bursts remain. It'll also learn any circuit you're navigating and apply the boost amount accordingly.
It's all fancy stuff, but this doesn't mean the Ferrari 296 Speciale is a limited edition car. But you do have to be an active Ferrari customer and have bought a prancing horse within the last five years to place an order.
The Ferrari 296 Speciale Coupe will likely cost circa $500,000.
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