Ferrari launches 296 Speciale and 296 Speciale A

The higher-performance versions of the 296 GTB and GTS mid-engine plug-in hybrid sports cars get more power, increased downforce and other improvements.

Ferrari 296 Speciale front — *The Ferrari 296 Speciale has been unveiled. –* *Ferrari S.p.A. photo*

Ferrari has taken its 296 GTB and GTS and given them special treatment to launch the new 296 Speciale coupe and 296 Speciale A convertible.

The Speciale cars get more power, reduced weight, increased downforce, improved aerodynamics, unique design elements and more over the cars they’re based on.

Ferrari 296 Speciale A side — *The Ferrari 296 Speciale A is a lighter, faster version of the 296 GTS. – Ferrari S.p.A. photo*

Powertrain

The 296 cars are rear-mounted mid-engine sports cars featuring a hybrid powertrain.

They’re powered by a 120-degree V6 twin-turbo engine and an electric motor, which is installed between the engine and eight-speed DCT gearbox.

Through some engineering magic – more turbo boost, a Formula 1-derived knock control system, titanium connecting rods, reinforced pistons, lighter crankshaft, etc. – the folks at Maranello were able to increase the Speciale cars’ power output.

The 296 Speciale cars have 868 hp, 49 hp more than the GTB and GTS.

That makes this pair the most powerful of any production rear-wheel-drive Ferrari.

The engine itself produces 690 hp, which is 36 hp more than in the GTB.

Ferrari said the engine maintains its distinctive timbre, which is increased in quality, intensity and volume.

The electric motor also gets a boost in power, now 177 hp, which allows the car to use the electric motor’s additional torque during gear shifts to shorten shift times.

Ferrari 296 Speciale rear — *The Ferrari 296 Speciale has more power and less weight than the 296 GTB. –* *Ferrari S.p.A. photo*

Weight reduction

The cars are more powerful and manage to be lighter as well.

The 296 Speciale sheds 60 kilograms compared to the GTB and the Speciale A gets a 50-kilogram weight reduction compared to the GTS.

This weight loss was achieved through the use of carbon fibre for some of the body shell and titanium for components of the engine.

Ferrari 296 Speciale front vent — *Unique elements give the Ferrari 296 Speciale more downforce. – Ferrari S.p.A. photo*

Aerodynamics

Ferrari said the 296 Speciale and Speciale A (with roof up) generate 435 kilograms of downforce at 250 km/h, good for 20 per cent more than the GTB and GTS.

This is achieved through an aero damper integrated into the hood and vertical fins on the rear bumper, which incorporates new side wings that work with the active rear spoiler to generate additional downforce.

Ferrari 296 Speciale interior — *The Ferrari 296 Speciale rides lower than the 296 GTB. – Ferrari S.p.A. photo*

Dynamics

Engineers fine-tuned the electronic control systems, suspension setup and tires to make sure the 296 Speciale cars behave predictably when pushed to the limit, Ferrari said.

The cars get the latest generation of the ABS Evo dynamic control system, which Ferrari said improves braking precision and repeatability.

Spring and damper settings were also revised with the cars riding five millimetres lower than the GTB and GTS. This reduces maximum roll angle when corning by 13 per cent.

Ferrari 296 Speciale and 296 Speciale A from above — *The Ferrari 296 Speciale, right, and 296 Speciale A, are built to be pushed to the limit. – Ferrari S.p.A. photo*

Performance numbers

Now, let’s get to the real goods, the performance numbers for the 296 Speciale and 296 Speciale A, as reported by Ferrari.

The 296 Speciale numbers are:

Maximum speed – greater than 330 km/h
Zero to 100 km/h – 2.8 seconds
Zero to 200 km/h – 7.0 seconds
200 km/h to zero – 106 metres

The 296 Speciale A numbers are:

Maximum speed – greater than 330 km/h
Zero to 100 km/h – 2.8 seconds
Zero to 200 km/h – 7.3 seconds
200 km/h to zero – 106 metres

For the lucky few who will buy these cars, they come with Ferrari’s seven-year maintenance program.

More details are available on the Ferrari website.