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Web Release
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Web Release
FERRARI 296 SPECIALE DEBUTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST: DRIVING THRILLS REDEFINED
Just after its global debut in Maranello, Ferrari proudly unveiled the 296 Speciale in the Middle East during an exclusive event in Dubai. Curated with Ferrari's signature elegance, the event offered guests an immersive introduction to the brand-new mid-rear-engined special series Berlinetta and its extraordinary performance capabilities. The car takes its rightful place in the exclusive lineage of special version Ferrari berlinettas and, just like its forebears – the Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia, 458 Speciale and 488 Pista – has been conceived to set the new benchmark in terms of driving thrills and engagement, not just for the marque's production range, but for the segment as a whole. 'The launch of the Ferrari 296 Speciale marks a special occasion for the brand in the Middle East' said Giorgio Turri, General Manager, Ferrari Middle East. 'True to its name, this model is nothing short of extraordinary, blending cutting-edge innovation with Ferrari's unmistakable DNA. With its supreme agility and dynamic finesse, heightened responsiveness and unmatched driving engagement, the 296 Speciale sets a new benchmark for performance and driving emotion behind the wheel. We can't wait to see this remarkable model on the roads of the region.' The capabilities of the 296 Speciale in terms of agility, turn-in precision, and stability place it in a class of its own. This special version not only amplifies the already outstanding performance of the 296 GTB, but also introduces a level of predictability and intuitiveness that elevates the driving experience to new heights. Conceived for the Ferrarista who demands an unrivalled driving experience, the 296 Speciale represents the new pinnacle for the Ferrari production range in terms of driving fun and is dedicated to owners in search of that special feeling of being at the wheel of a car with extraordinary performance. The 296 Speciale takes the agility and responsiveness of the 296 GTB to extreme new heights by exploiting the full potential of its plug-in hybrid architecture, consisting of a rear-mid 120° V6 twin turbo engine and an electric motor, a short wheelbase and innovative dynamic control systems. The drivetrain delivers an astonishing combined power output of 880 hp, 50 more than the 296 GTB and a record for a rear-wheel-drive production Ferrari. To make these results possible, Ferrari drew extensively from its experience in motor sports: the internal combustion engine borrows from the powerplant of the 296 Challenge in terms of engine management maps and boost strategy, and boasts titanium connecting rods, reinforced pistons and a lightened crankshaft. All these elements, together with a knock control system derived from Formula 1, have raised the power output of the V6 to 700 cv, 37 more than the model this special version is based on. The V6 engine of the 296 Speciale maintains its distinctive timbre, a sound consisting of the pure harmonics of the 3rd, 6th, and 9th combustion orders which, in this application, have gained in quality, intensity and volume. The electric motor has also been uprated and is now capable of delivering 180 cv in the new extra boost mode. This increase in power has also made it possible to introduce a new strategy for the eight-speed DCT transmission, which makes use of additional torque during shifts to shorten shift times and increase both performance and driver engagement. The 296 Speciale generates 435 kg of downforce at 250 km/h – 20% more than the 296 GTB – thanks to innovative solutions developed and tested on the 296 Challenge. These include the aero damper integrated into the front bonnet and the vertical fins on the rear bumper which incorporate new side wings that work in synergy with the active rear spoiler to generate additional downforce. The spoiler is now managed by a new actuator control strategy that not only shortens the transition time between Low Drag (LD) and High Downforce (HD) configurations by 50% but also introduces a new Medium Downforce (MD) configuration, which improves rear-end stability at high speeds. A great deal of attention was dedicated to saving weight, which is crucial for increasing driving thrills. Overall weight has been reduced by 50 kg compared with the 296 GTB by using materials such as carbon fibre for some of the bodyshell parts and titanium for components in the engine. The resulting weight/power ratio is just 1.69 kg/cv, a record for a rear-wheel-drive Ferrari berlinetta. To accentuate the dynamic capabilities of the 296 Speciale and ensure that the car behaves predictably when driven at the limit, Ferrari's engineers also worked on fine-tuning the electronic control systems, suspension set-up and tyres. The 296 Speciale is equipped with the latest generation of the ABS Evo dynamic control system, which improves braking precision and repeatability in all surface and grip conditions. The spring and damper settings have been revised – the car now rides 5 mm lower than the 296 GTB – reducing maximum roll angle when cornering by 13% and improving the behaviour of the car at the limit.
The Sun
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Ferrari unveils 296 Speciale
FERRARI has officially revealed its latest high-performance berlinetta, the 296 Speciale, a focused evolution of its mid-rear-engined plug-in hybrid line-up. Designed to elevate the driving experience to new heights, the 296 Speciale is the spiritual successor to a storied lineage of hardcore V8 special series cars, including the Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia, 458 Speciale, and 488 Pista. At the heart of this latest creation lies a significantly enhanced version of Ferrari's hybrid powertrain. The familiar 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine now produces 690hp, identical to the output found in the track-only 296 Challenge. This is no coincidence–Ferrari has confirmed that the 296 Speciale inherits its engine mapping and boost calibration from the race car, along with several internal upgrades including titanium connecting rods, new pistons, and a lighter crankshaft. Borrowing from Formula 1 technology, the engine also employs a sophisticated knock control system, enhancing performance and reliability under high-stress conditions. Augmenting the internal combustion engine is an upgraded electric motor contributing an additional 177hp, bringing total system output to 867hp—up from 818hp in the standard 296 GTB. Power is channelled exclusively to the rear wheels through Ferrari's eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, which retains its original hardware but features recalibrated shift strategies to better exploit the added performance. Despite its race-ready credentials, the 296 Speciale remains a plug-in hybrid, capable of covering up to 24km on electric power alone. Buyers will be able to choose between two variants: the fixed-roof 296 Speciale and the open-top 296 Speciale A. Both offer identical performance and benefit from a weight-saving regime that sees the coupé shed approximately 60kg, while the convertible version is lighter by 50kg. Extensive use of carbon fibre plays a central role in this reduction, particularly inside the cabin, where a minimalist theme dominates. Lightweight door panels, a stripped-back carbon fibre centre console, and further composite elements throughout the interior contribute to the car's focused character. Visually, the 296 Speciale distinguishes itself with redesigned front and rear bumpers, as well as a dramatically sculpted rear diffuser. A new active rear wing deploys based on speed and driving mode, generating additional aerodynamic stability. According to Ferrari, the 296 Speciale produces 20 per cent more downforce than the standard GTB and GTS models. On the Speciale A, airflow management has been further refined with the addition of a headrest flap, which directs air over the tonneau cover and reduces cockpit turbulence. Improved cooling for both the engine and brakes also features prominently in the aerodynamic rework. Handling dynamics have been fine-tuned to match the car's increased power and aero efficiency. The suspension has been reengineered with stiffer titanium springs that help lower weight and sharpen responsiveness. Adaptive Multimatic dampers, derived from Ferrari's 296 GT3 race car, ensure the car remains composed in high-performance settings. Grip is provided by specially developed Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tyres, while a new five-spoke alloy wheel design completes the Speciale's purposeful appearance. The 296 Speciale represents Ferrari's latest bid to redefine the performance expectations of hybrid supercars. By blending motorsport-derived engineering with cutting-edge electrification and unmistakable Italian flair, the marque continues its legacy of delivering thrilling, track-capable machines that push the boundaries of road-going performance.
