Enhanced Ferrari 296 Model Offers Increased Power and Reduced Weight for Unadulterated Enjoyment
Revved Up in Maranello: Ferrari's 296 Speciale Takes Center Stage
Maranello, Italy, plays host to the latest addition to Ferrari's esteemed lineup - the 296 Speciale. This sports car comes in both "closed" and "open" versions, adding yet another prestigious title to Ferrari's roster of high-performance vehicles.
According to Enrico Galliera, Ferrari's marketing chief, the 296 Speciale promises to offer an unparalleled driving experience, a claim backed by the company's stellar reputation. The model joins the ranks of the Scuderia Spider 16M, 458 Speciale A, and 488 Pista Spider, making up Ferrari's most exclusive production line.
Powered by a 3.0L twin-turbo 120° V6 engine coupled with a central-rear electric motor, the 296 Speciale packs a punch of approximately 880 horsepower. This is achieved by squeezing an extra 50 horsepower from the hybrid powertrain, while reducing the car's weight by 60 kg.
The emphasis is on creating the "maximum driving sensations, not just performance." Ferrari specialists have worked tirelessly to refine weights, saving 21 kg within the cabin alone. Carbon fiber has been used for the dashboard, door panels, and single-shell seats, each saving a substantial 5 kg. Other weight-saving measures include the use of titanium connecting rods, nitrided steel crankshafts, and titanium bolts and nuts.
The 296 Speciale also boasts a vibrant new look. The "closed" version pays tribute to the legendary Nürburgring, featuring a stunning green exterior with double white racing stripes. In contrast, the "open" version (Aperta) harks back to the past, evoking the red (almost orange) hue of the Dino 246 GT produced from 1969 to 1973.
Gianmaria Fulgenzi, the project chief, shares his enthusiasm, "Last week we were at Balocco testing the latest software calibrations of the car. I didn't want to get out of the car anymore." Ferrari's objective was simple yet profound: to deliver a driving experience that would leave the driver smiling, even on the most winding roads.
While the 296 Speciale's acceleration and speed figures may not surpass some rival models, it excels in delivering that elusive "driving fun." As Galliera eloquently puts it, "There are machines with 1500-2000 horsepower that might do 0-100 in 1.5 seconds. Does that interest us? No, because they don't have that driving fun you get when you're on the track, on a more winding road, because they're only good for acceleration, they're dragsters."
This unique focus on driving experience comes at a premium. The 296 Speciale will set you back €407,000, while the 296 Speciale A will cost €462,000. Deliveries are expected in the first quarter of 2026 for the "closed" version and by summer 2026 for the "open-air" version.
In the end, the 296 Speciale isn't just a car; it's Ferrari's homage to unparalleled driving experiences. With its blend of motorsport-derived technology, advanced aerodynamics, and powertrain enhancements, it represents the pinnacle of Ferrari's hybrid lineup, ready to redefine the boundaries of performance and driving pleasure.
- The 296 Speciale, Ferrari's latest addition, promises an average horsepower of approximately 880, surpassing some rival models by a strong margin.
- Despite its hefty price tag of €407,000 for the "closed" version and €462,000 for the "open-air" version, the 296 Speciale promises to deliver a lifestyle experience that goes beyond pure performance.
- The 296 Speciale's inclination towards delivering maximum driving sensations is evident in its design, with the closed version featuring a striking green exterior reminiscent of the legendary Nürburgring, and the open version harking back to the red hue of the Dino 246 GT.
- The financial aspect of owning a Ferrari 296 Speciale is not for the faint-hearted, but the technology and sports car expertise that went into its creation ensure it stands at the pinnacle of Ferrari's hybrid lineup.
- As the 296 Speciale joins the ranks of Ferrari's most exclusive production line, which includes the 458 Speciale A and 488 Pista Spider, it continues to uphold Ferrari's long-standing tradition of delivering cars that redefine the boundaries of technology, performance, and driving pleasure.
