V12-dominated supercar competition challenged with Ferrari 296 Speciale featuring potent V6 engine.
Ferrari's 296 Speciale: Taking it to the Extreme
Ferrari's knack for creating insanely fast cars and cranking up the insanity level has never disappointed. The 296 Speciale is no exception, pushing the "entry-level" 296 GTB to new heights, matching the mighty SF90 Stradale's Fiorano test track lap time, despite having two fewer cylinders.
The V6 Powerhouse Gets an Upgrade
Under the hood, the 120-degree twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain remains the same, but Ferrari's engineers have given it a thorough overhaul. Boost pressure has been boosted by 3 psi, requiring stronger pistons and titanium connecting rods from the F80 hypercar. Lightweight crankshaft and stripped-down engine block and cylinder heads make this engine roar like a Ferrari should. The V6's power increases from 654 to 691 horsepower, while the electric motor gets a power boost from 165 to 178 ponies thanks to improved cooling. Combined, the system delivers an eye-popping 868 horsepower, making it the most potent rear-wheel-drive production Ferrari ever built—even outdoing the naturally aspirated V12 models. And with about 132 pounds less weight than a standard 296 GTB, it's a lean, mean, speed machine.
Aero Magic for Track Performance
Where the Speciale truly shines is in the aerodynamics department. With a 20% increase in downforce, it leaves the standard 296 in the dust. Innovations borrowed straight from Ferrari's motorsport programs make this possible. The hood sports an "aero damper" vent before the windshield, connected to a duct originating at the front splitter to maintain consistent front downforce. At the rear, "Gamma" wings flank a more efficient retractable spoiler, working in harmony with a substantially reworked underbody and diffuser. The result is 959 pounds of downforce at 155 mph.
Designed for Drivers, Not Just Numbers
Ferrari ensures that the 296 Speciale delivers not just extreme performance, but "extreme driving pleasure." The suspension is tweaked with titanium springs that are 15% stiffer than standard, aggressive camber settings, and a 0.2-inch lower ride height. The car rides on Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires derived from those used on the upcoming F80 hypercar. Inside, weight reduction continues with carbon fiber door panels subtly sculpted to let sound through without conventional grilles. The obsession with details makes the Speciale, well, special.
Spec Sheet
- Engine: 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with hybrid assistance
- Power: 868 hp combined (691 hp from V6, 178 hp from electric motor)
- Torque: 557 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch with faster shift times
- Weight Reduction: 132 pounds versus standard 296 GTB
- Downforce: 959 pounds at 155 mph (20% increase)
- 0-60 mph: 2.8 seconds
- 0-124 mph: 7.0 seconds
- Fiorano Lap Time: 1 minute, 19 seconds (matches SF90 Stradale)
- Top Speed: Unchanged at 205 mph
- Special Paint: Verde Nürburgring (specially developed for this model)
Pricing & Availability
The 296 Speciale will arrive in U.S. coupe form during the first quarter of 2026, followed by the Speciale A convertible about three months later. While official U.S. pricing hasn’t been announced, expect a base price approaching $500,000. Ferrari has stated it will absorb the 25% import tariff rather than passing the cost to customers. However, given that the entire production run is already sold out, that's academic—only existing Ferrari clients were allowed to order one, and they were all snapped up before the car was even officially announced.
- The upgraded V6 powertrain in the 296 Speciale, despite sharing the same architecture as the standard version, now delivers 691 horsepower, thanks to an increase in boost pressure and the implementation of lightweight components from the F80 hypercar.
- Ferrari's aerodynamic innovations from motorsport programs accounts for the 296 Speciale's 20% increase in downforce, which results in 959 pounds of downforce at 155 mph, enhancing its track performance.
- Positioned as more than just a high-performance car, the 296 Speciale undergoes extensive modifications in its suspension and interior to provide an "extreme driving pleasure" experience for its drivers, reflecting Ferrari's commitment to both power and pleasure.
