Ferrari unleashes the all-new 296 Speciale and 296 Speciale A – a pair of mid-rear-engined, plug-in hybrid machines in both Berlinetta and open-top (spider) form. These cars are the latest in Ferrari’s line of special models, engineered to deliver absolutely thrilling driving experiences. Essentially, they take what’s already great about the 296 GTB and GTS and dial it up a notch, targeting drivers who demand the highest levels of performance.
To achieve this, the 296 Speciale and Speciale A improve upon the agility and responsiveness of the 296 GTB and GTS. They feature a plug-in hybrid system centered around a rear-mid-mounted 120° V6 twin-turbo engine, working in conjunction with an electric motor. This setup, combined with a short wheelbase and sophisticated dynamic controls, results in a powertrain that pumps out a massive 880 horsepower. That’s a 50-horsepower jump over the “standard” 296 GTB and GTS, making these the most powerful rear-wheel-drive production cars Ferrari has ever built.
A lot of the tech that makes this performance possible comes straight from the racetrack. The internal combustion engine, for example, borrows heavily from the 296 Challenge race car, with upgrades like titanium connecting rods and a Formula 1-derived knock control system. This pushes the engine output to 700 cvs, and Ferrari has also enhanced the engine’s sound. The electric motor also gets a boost, now producing 180 cvs in extra boost mode. This allows for a new transmission strategy that delivers quicker shifts and a more engaging driving experience.
The 296 Speciale and Speciale A aren’t just about power, though. They also generate a significant 435 kg of downforce at 250 km/h – a 20% increase compared to the 296 GTB and GTS. This is achieved through a range of aerodynamic innovations, including an aero damper on the front bonnet, vertical fins on the rear bumper with new side wings, and an active rear spoiler with a revised actuator control strategy. This new strategy shortens the time it takes for the spoiler to adjust and also introduces a new Medium Downforce setting.
To further enhance performance, Ferrari has also focused on reducing weight. By using materials like carbon fibre and titanium, they’ve managed to shave off 50 kg compared to the 296 GTB and GTS. This results in a seriously impressive weight-to-power ratio of just 1.69 kg/cv. Ferrari’s engineers didn’t stop there; they also fine-tuned the electronic controls, the suspension, and the tyres. The 296 Speciale and Speciale A are equipped with the latest ABS Evo system for improved braking performance. The spring and damper settings have also been revised, and the ride height has been lowered by 5 mm, which reduces body roll and improves handling.
The powertrain in these cars features an evolved version of Ferrari’s V6 engine, working with an electric motor and a clutch for full-electric driving capability. The new extra boost strategy bumps the combined output to that 880-horsepower figure. The twin-turbo V6 engine retains its 120° V6 architecture and Hot-V configuration, but Ferrari has focused on increasing torque and power while reducing weight. The engine now delivers 700 cvs, and weight-saving measures, including new solutions for various components, have reduced its weight by around 9 kg.
A key feature is the increased combustion chamber pressure, achieved using a Formula 1-inspired knock control strategy. The engine also uses stronger components, and the titanium connecting rods are lighter than before. The crankshaft, engine block, and crankcase have also been lightened, and titanium fastener screws and stud bolts are used throughout. Thermal management has been optimized, and the turbocharger has been lightened as well. An optional lightweight titanium alloy exhaust system is also available. The engine sound has also been enhanced, with increased volume and richer harmonics. New acoustic ducts and a tube system channel the sound into the cabin, providing an even more visceral experience.
The electric motor provides a boost in torque and power, charges the battery, starts the engine, and allows for all-electric driving for up to 25 km. The MGU-K electric motor is a dual-rotor, axial-flux design. The hybrid system includes a clutch, a 7.45 kWh battery, and an inverter. In extra boost mode, the electric system can deliver up to 180 cvs. The energy flow is managed through a range of driving modes: eDrive, Hybrid, Performance, and Qualify.
Both the 296 Speciale and Speciale A use Ferrari’s eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox but with a new upshift management profile for even better performance. The electric motor helps to smooth out shifts by compensating for any dips in acceleration, and the engine sound during shifts has been further enhanced.
As mentioned earlier, the 296 Speciale and Speciale A generate 435 kg of downforce at 250 km/h, a 20% increase over the 296 GTB and GTS. The aerodynamic development of these cars has incorporated a lot of concepts from motorsport. At the rear, you’ll find features like side wings, an active spoiler with a revised control strategy, a new diffuser, and optimized vortex generators. The front end features an aero damper and louvres. The front undertray has been optimized, and the front bumper is designed to maximize the outwash effect. The sill cover also improves air evacuation.
With all this increased power, enhanced cooling is essential. Ferrari has developed solutions to maximize airflow to the radiators without increasing their size. The front radiator ducts have been enlarged, and the hot air vents have been optimized. The central aperture in the front undertray has been eliminated, and the lateral louvres have been relocated. Brake cooling has also been improved with larger and additional ducts.
Ferrari defines “driving thrills” as a combination of lateral and longitudinal acceleration, shifting, braking, and sound. Weight reduction has been a major priority in the development of these cars. The 296 Speciale and Speciale A are equipped with the ABS Evo system, which uses a 6D sensor and a vehicle dynamics estimator. They also incorporate the extra boost control strategy from the SF90 XX Stradale and a retractable spoiler with Low Drag, Medium Downforce, and High Downforce positions.
The suspension has been specifically calibrated, and the 296 Speciale and Speciale A achieve higher lateral acceleration and a lower roll angle compared to the 296 GTB and GTS. They use Multimatic® adjustable shock absorbers and titanium springs. A dedicated Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tyre, with increased tyre wall stiffness, further optimizes the driving dynamics.
The design of the 296 Speciale and Speciale A, inspired by Ferrari’s racing heritage, emphasizes both form and function. The front end is more aggressive, with a scalloped bonnet, a suspended splitter, and larger air intakes. The rear features those protruding side wings, a broader black strip, and a prominent diffuser. Overall, the 296 Speciale and Speciale A have a more dynamic appearance, with a dark-coloured roof and a lower visual centre of gravity.
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