Ferrari 296 Speciale Unveiled Globally with 880 bhp: Most Powerful RWD Ferrari Ever

The 296 Speciale brings lighter weight, track-focused aerodynamics, and enhanced hybrid performance to Ferrari’s mid-engine lineup, offered in Coupe and Aperta variants.

Ferrari 296 Speciale: A Sharper, Stronger Evolution of the 296 GTB

Ferrari has globally unveiled the 296 Speciale, a high-performance, track-focused evolution of the 296 GTB, boasting increased power, reduced weight, and refined dynamics. Offered in both Coupe and Aperta (convertible) body styles, the 296 Speciale becomes the most powerful rear-wheel-drive road-going Ferrari ever produced, marking a new era for Ferrari’s hybrid performance technology.

Powertrain and Performance: 880 bhp Hybrid With Class-Leading Power-to-Weight Ratio

At the heart of the 296 Speciale is a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine, now tuned to deliver 698 bhp, working in tandem with an electric motor producing an additional 178 bhp. Combined, the hybrid system churns out 880 bhp, up 50 bhp from the standard 296 GTB. Torque stands at 315 Nm in the high-performance “Qualify” mode.

Mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, all this power is sent to the rear wheels, maintaining Ferrari’s traditional driving dynamics. Despite being a plug-in hybrid, the 296 Speciale features a 7.45 kWh battery, offering an electric-only range of 25 km.

Acceleration figures are equally staggering:

• 0–100 km/h in 2.8 seconds

• 0–200 km/h in 7 seconds

Lightweight and Aerodynamic Enhancements: Designed for the Track

Ferrari has focused intensely on weight reduction and aerodynamic refinement:

• 60 kg lighter than the 296 GTB, with a curb weight of 1,410 kg (Coupe)

• Use of carbon-fibre bodywork, titanium engine components, and a minimalist interior featuring racing bucket seats

• Power-to-weight ratio of 1.6 kg/hp, the best ever for a RWD Ferrari

Aerodynamically, the Speciale introduces advanced features:

• 20% more downforce than the 296 GTB (435 kg at 250 km/h)

• New vertical fins, enhanced louvres, more prominent front splitter, and redesigned air ducts

• Aero elements adapted from Ferrari 296 Challenge and FXX K programs

• Optimized wake management and drag reduction through new side winglets and sculpted bumpers

Enhanced Driving Experience: Five Performance Aspects Refined

Ferrari says the Speciale enhances five core driving aspects:

Sound Tuning the V6 to deliver sharper acoustic feedback

Gear shifts Crisper response through refined DCT mapping

Braking Improved stability and feel, likely with regenerative integration

Acceleration Boosted via hybrid torque delivery

Lateral grip Sharpened through aero balance and reduced weight

These improvements are aimed at making the 296 Speciale not just faster, but more precise and predictable on track and road alike.