Ferrari 296 Speciale: The Prancing Horse Unleashes Its Wildest V6 Supercar Yet

Ferrari has just unveiled the 296 Speciale and its open-top sibling, the 296 Speciale A, pushing the limits of performance and driving thrill. This isn't just a refresh; it's a hardcore upgrade to the already impressive 296 GTB/GTS, combining more power, enhanced aerodynamics, and a significant weight reduction. But what makes this new Ferrari so special, and is it worthy of the iconic 'Speciale' moniker?

The 296 Speciale resurrects a name last used on the 458, a car revered by enthusiasts. Staying true to the Speciale lineage, this new model features a bump in power, shedding up to 132 lbs (60 kg), and boasting 20 percent more downforce compared to the standard GTB and GTS.

Under the hood, the turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine gets a significant boost, thanks to new aluminum pistons and titanium conrods derived from the F80 hypercar. This upgrades the engine from 654 hp to 690 hp, rivalling the track-only 296 Challenge racer. Coupled with an enhanced hybrid system, the Speciale's total output rises to 868 hp (880PS), all channeled through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission optimized for rapid shifts.

Ferrari quotes some staggering performance figures: 0 to 62 mph (100 kmh) in just 2.8 seconds, 0 to 124 mph (200 kmh) in 7 seconds, and a Fiorano lap time of 1 minute 19 seconds. To put that in perspective, the standard 296 GTB manages the same sprints in 2.9 and 7.3 seconds.

A significant portion of the weight loss comes from increased use of carbon fiber, including in the stripped-down interior, and lighter engine components. The aerodynamic improvements include new bumpers, a massive diffuser, and a retractable spoiler, all contributing to a 20% increase in downforce.

The chassis has also received considerable attention, sitting 5mm lower to the ground, featuring bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, titanium springs, and Multimatic dampers derived from the 296 GT3 racer. Ferrari claims these changes work well on both road and track, balancing comfort and performance.

On the outside, the 296 Speciale features an aero damper, connected to a duct that snakes from the front splitter, new inlets near the headlights to cool brake ducts, and larger openings to cool the elevated engine. The rear has "Gamma" wings which generate more downforce with lower drag. All changes improve downforce to 959 pounds at 155 mph.

The manufacturer also claims that new ABS system that uses a 6D sensor which compares the wheel speeds to the car's center of gravity to tailor brake forces applied to each corner providing better performance. The car sits 0.2 inches (5.1 mm) lower with stiffer springs and anti-roll bars. All of that in tandem provides a near 4% (~0.04 g) increase in grip.

Despite its track-focused enhancements, Ferrari insists that the 296 Speciale is primarily designed as a road car, delivering extreme driving pleasure while remaining reasonably smooth and civilized at normal speeds. Furthermore, the car is covered by Ferrari's standard seven-year maintenance program.

Deliveries are expected to start in the first quarter of next year. The new car will have a price tag in Italy of 407,000 euros ($449,000), rising to 462,000 euros for the convertible, which puts them in the mid- to high-end of Ferrari's price range.

The Ferrari 296 Speciale stands as a testament to Ferrari's commitment to pushing boundaries. Is it special enough to wear the 'Speciale' badge? Considering its enhanced performance, meticulous engineering, and thrilling driving dynamics, it certainly seems to have earned its place in the pantheon of legendary Ferraris. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

• 296 Speciale
• Ferrari
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