Ferrari 296 Speciale Unveiled: A Bold New Powerhouse.
Ferrari Unveils 296 Speciale Coupe and Aperta: The Pinnacle of Driver-Centric Performance
Ferrari has pulled the covers off the 296 Speciale Coupe and its topless twin, the Aperta — the newest additions to its iconic lineup of track-honed berlinettas built for pure driving exhilaration.
These new models honor the spirit of past icons like the Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia, 458 Speciale, and 488 Pista—all renowned for their raw performance and thrilling drive.
Taking the 296 GTB as a foundation, Ferrari has reimagined the Speciale to push boundaries even further. Engine output has been raised, the overall weight has been reduced, and the car now features track-inspired improvements. It’s designed for drivers who demand maximum engagement and precision behind the wheel.
What Makes the 296 Speciale Stand Out?
First V6 Plug-in Hybrid in Ferrari’s Special Series
880 total output—50 hp more than the 296 GTB
Lighter by 60kg, thanks to carbon fibre panels, titanium components, and a stripped-down interior
Ferrari 296 Speciale: Power Meets Precision
Deliveries begin in early 2026, marking the arrival of Ferrari’s most powerful rear-wheel-drive road car yet. With 880 880hp, 435kg of downforce at 250 kph, and a dry weight of 1,410kg, it boasts a class-leading 1.6 kg/hp power-to-weight ratio.
Unveiled four years after the 296 GTB, the ‘Speciale’ name — once a fan nickname — is now official. Ferrari has fine-tuned five key areas: grip, acceleration, shifting, braking, and sound, for maximum driving pleasure.
The V6 plug-in hybrid setup is 9kg lighter, and in ‘Qualify’ mode, the electric motor provides 180 180hp and 315 315Nm, enabling faster gear shifts and sharper throttle response.
Retaining its 120-degree hot-vee architecture, the V6 engine in the 296 Speciale now delivers 700 700hp — a 37hp bump over the GTB — courtesy of motorsport-grade enhancements such as titanium connecting rods, a lightweight crankshaft, and reinforced pistons. These upgrades help the car sprint from 0 to 100 kph in a blistering 2.8 seconds and reach 200 kph in just 7 seconds.
A 7.45 kWh battery supports an electric-only range of up to 25km, with four drive modes (eDrive, Hybrid, Performance, and Qualify) managed by a decoupling clutch. Weight savings of 9kg in the powertrain come from lightweight internals and optimized cooling, influenced by Ferrari’s motorsport programs.
To top it off, the exhaust system features improved acoustic channels, delivering a sharper, high-frequency soundtrack. Aerodynamically, the rear has been redesigned with vertical fins and an upward-sweeping surface to reduce drag and increase downforce — inspired by Ferrari’s 296 Challenge and FXX K race cars.
Ferrari 296 Speciale: Precision Engineering Meets Pure Emotion
The new Ferrari 296 Speciale takes aerodynamic innovation to the next level with updated side winglets and a centrally mounted active spoiler that now shifts more quickly between downforce modes. A new “medium downforce” setting has been introduced to fine-tune airflow balance.
Enhancements to the rear diffuser and underbody venturi tunnels also contribute to superior aerodynamic efficiency.
At the front, the redesigned bonnet features a duct system that channels air from beneath the car over its surface — a solution inspired by the 296 Challenge. Additional aero tweaks include aggressive bumper fins, sculpted side louvers, and a larger splitter that improves airflow dynamics.
To manage the added power, Ferrari reworked the cooling system without enlarging the radiators. This includes 12% larger air intakes on the front bumper, wider headlamp-integrated brake cooling ducts, and repositioned lateral louvers—all optimizing thermal management without compromising weight or aerodynamics.
Chassis and Braking Enhancements
The Speciale rides on titanium springs and motorsport-derived dampers from the 296 GT3, lowering its ride height by 5mm and improving body control with a 13% reduction in roll angle. Buyers can add a front suspension lift for daily usability. For braking, Ferrari integrates its advanced ABS Evo controller, using precise speed data from sensors to fine-tune brake pressure at each wheel, maximizing control and stopping power.
Also read: 2025 Evoque Autobiography at ₹69.50 lakh.
Design & Details
Every element of the 296 Speciale’s design is built for performance — from its carbon-fiber bumpers and signature bonnet louvers to a wide rear strip integrating the tail-lights. The engine cover features a dark mesh finish, while new dual-tone five-spoke wheels add flair. Buyers can opt for additional carbon-fiber parts and an exclusive Verde Nürburgring paint with custom racing stripes and numbers.
Inside, the stripped-down cabin is finished in carbon fiber and Alcantara, featuring racing bucket seats with four-point harnesses (three-point in the Aperta) and a raised carbon center console.
Launch & Legacy
Set for a global launch in Q1 2026, with the Aperta arriving in Q2, the 296 Speciale will be time-limited, not unit-restricted. An India debut is expected by late 2026. Continuing Ferrari’s legacy of driver-focused specials, the 296 Speciale brings that legacy into the hybrid era with unmatched power and engagement.
