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FERRARI JUST MADE THE 296 GTB A LITTLE MORE... SPECIALE.

Published: 2025-05-15 13:13:08 Last Updated: 2025-05-15 14:58:51

Ferrari has lifted the covers off its latest special series berlinetta - the 296 Speciale. It’s the latest in a legendary bloodline that includes the Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia, 458 Speciale, and 488 Pista. In true Ferrari fashion, this one raises the bar yet again, not just for Maranello’s own stable but for the entire supercar world. Under the skin, it’s a weaponised version of the already potent 296 GTB. The familiar mid-mounted V6 has been turned up to 11, working in tandem with a refined plug-in hybrid setup that now pushes out a combined 656 kW (880 hp) - a full 37 kW (50 hp) more than the standard car. That extra grunt comes thanks to an "extra boost" strategy from the electric motor, which has been reworked to be lighter, more powerful, and smarter. Inside the combustion engine, Ferrari’s engineers have gone full motorsport. We’re talking titanium conrods, a nitrided steel crank, lighter pistons, and high-performance oil jets - basically, it’s race-grade hardware repurposed for the road. Even the bolts are made of titanium, because apparently, saving grams is now an extreme sport. Total weight saved in the engine alone? A significant chunk - just part of the 60 kg shaved off versus the 296 GTB. The electric side of things is just as serious. A compact axial-flux motor sits between the engine and the 8-speed DCT gearbox, delivering 315 Nm and up to 132 kW of electric-only punch. In full Qualify mode, you get short bursts of full-electric acceleration - proper shove, proper speed. It even does 25 km of electric-only range, if you feel like silently creeping through town like a carbon-clad ninja.

The gearbox gets sharper too, with new shift logic that works hand-in-hand with the electric motor to fill the gap between gears. Upshifts and downshifts have been tweaked for more drama and engagement, including a recalibrated V6 soundtrack that’s angrier than ever. Chassis-wise, the 296 Speciale gets stiffer springs, titanium hardware, and race-derived Multimatic shocks. This, paired with the lower weight and centre of gravity, results in 4% more lateral grip and a 13% drop in roll angle. Translation: it corners like it’s glued to the asphalt. Every inch of the setup has been track-tested, digitally refined, and road-approved. Visually, it’s a proper racecar for the road. The front end has a more aggressive stance with a suspended splitter and enlarged intakes, while the rear is all about aerodynamic intent - twin side wings, a more compact tail section, and a diffuser that screams GT-racer. The design leans heavily on the motorsport vibe, especially from the 296 Challenge. The wheels are all-new too - five-spoke forged alloys inspired by Ferrari’s F80 carbon wheels, featuring sculpted cut-outs and a three-dimensional look that gives the Speciale serious presence, even standing still. Inside, it’s stripped back and serious. Carbon fibre and Alcantara dominate the cabin, and even the centre console is a lightweight carbon unit. The exposed fasteners and simplified layout scream motorsport, while the iconic metal shift-gate adds just the right touch of nostalgia to this otherwise future-focused cockpit. Topping it all off is a brand-new colour: Verde Nürburgring. It’s a vivid, unapologetic green that perfectly matches the car’s punchy attitude. Customers can pair it with racing stripes and even pick a number between 00 and 99, because why not add a little Le Mans spirit to your garage?

Take a look at the YouTube video that shows off the awesome new evolution on Ferrari's range-topping PHEV that sees it using all the bits from the GTB and have created the new Speciale version: Welcome to the new Ferrari 296 Speciale | Ferrari

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Article Tags: Cars PHEV Hybrid SXdrv Speciale 296 Ferrari