Ferrari 296 Speciale: Object of Desire or Speculation?

Ferrari has unveiled the 296 Speciale, a more exclusive evolution than a truly radical one of the 296 GTB.

Presented in the historic setting of Maranello, this plug-in hybrid mid-engine coupe is part of the brand’s lineage of extreme variants, such as the Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia, 458 Speciale, and 488 Pista. Finally, let’s rather talk about two new iterations of the 296, since this Speciale is offered in coupe or “A” for Aperta versions, a version with a removable hardtop.

Power and Performance Revisited Upward

The 296 Speciale benefits from a significant increase in power, reaching 880 horsepower thanks to the combination of a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 developing 700 horsepower and an electric motor providing an additional 180 horsepower. This hybrid setup allows the 296 Speciale to surpass the 296 GTB by 50 horsepower, setting a new record for a Ferrari rear-wheel drive.

The engineers at Ferrari have optimized the thermal engine by integrating racing components, such as titanium connecting rods, reinforced pistons, and a lightweight crankshaft. The engine management system draws inspiration from that of the 296 Challenge, with optimized boosting. The electric unit has also been improved to deliver increased power, notably through an “extra boost” mode that improves re-engagement during gear shifts.

More Aerodynamics Than Lightness

The aerodynamics of the 296 Speciale have been redesigned to generate 435 kg of downforce at 250 km/h, a 20% increase compared to the 296 GTB. Elements such as an integrated aerodynamic damper in the front hood, vertical fins on the rear bumper, and an active rear wing contribute to this performance. The wing management system now enables faster transition between low, medium, and high downforce configurations.

Thanks to the use of lightweight materials such as carbon fiber for the bodywork and titanium for some engine components, the overall weight of the car has been reduced by 60 kg compared to the 296 GTB, reaching a power-to-weight ratio of 1.60 kg/hp, a record for a Ferrari rear-wheel drive coupe. This last point is ultimately the most disappointing, as weight is the enemy of perfection in automobiles. Ferrari’s clientele increasingly find it hard to give up some comfort. Sacrificing infotainment, air conditioning, or noble materials to gain a few tenths on a circuit lap no longer passes. But considering how many of these 296 Speciales will someday see a track, we understand Ferrari’s choices, but can we still call it lightweight with 1.4 tons on the scale?

What is Rare is Expensive…

For the exterior, the 296 Speciale introduces a new color called Verde Nürburgring, specially developed for it. One or two longitudinal stripes are available as optional extras, and customers have the possibility to personalize this livery with a number of their choice, between 00 and 99.

Although the 296 Speciale is not a limited edition, Ferrari plans to produce it for a shorter period than standard models to preserve its exclusivity. Orders are open starting today, with deliveries expected in the first quarter of 2026 for the coupe and in the second quarter for the convertible version. Prices start at 407,000 euros for the coupe and 462,000 euros for the “A” version in Italy. Moreover, the car’s homologation will determine whether it incurs a penalty fee of up to 70,000 euros.

The Ferrari 296 Speciale embodies the brand’s excellence in driving pleasure and offers an unrivaled experience for passionate fans of the prancing horse. Only a few privileged will be able to judge with their own hands if the challenge is met, but at the very least, this Speciale will quickly become a new speculative object… at an increasingly Ferrari-like price!