The goal of the Ferrari 296 Speciale is to create an analog version of the digital supercar.
One of our 2024 Performance Car of the Year winners is the hybrid supercar, the Ferrari 296 GTB, which we like. One that is even more turned up is now available. On Tuesday, Ferrari unveiled the new 296 Speciale model, which has greater downforce, less weight, and more power.
Will the Speciale, however, be sufficiently unique? According to initial impressions, the 296 Speciale will need to be exceptional to avoid being overshadowed by the Lamborghini Temerario, which will be hitting the market almost simultaneously. However, it may seem a bit unfair to begin a story about a stylish new Ferrari by instantly comparing it to its most envious rival.
Both vehicles are high-tech plug-in hybrids, and once the effects of tariffs are determined, their prices will be comparable. On paper, however, the Temerario outperforms the Speciale in almost every way. The Lamborghini, which impressed us in prototype form last month, has greater power, double the number of driven wheels, and a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine that can rev to ten. The 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine that powers the Ferrari only drives the back wheels and reaches its maximum speed at a comparatively modest 8000 rpm.
There are many reasons to stick with the red squad, so don’t worry, Tifosi. Weight is the most evident. Even though the Ferrari’s battery capacity is almost twice as huge, the Lamborghini’s more intricate all-wheel drive system adds more bulk than the 296 GTB’s hybrid powertrain. We only have the rather useless manufacturer-claimed dry weights for both cars, which do not include coolant, oil, or fuel. However, with a dry weight of 3110 pounds, the Ferrari is a sleek lightweight in comparison to the Temerario, weighing 620 pounds less.
With a V-6 engine that matches the Lambo’s V-8 in peak power (789 hp) and outperforms it in torque (557 lb-ft compared to 539 lb-ft), the Ferrari’s powertrain likewise does more with less. When electricity is added, the Lamborghini’s more powerful triple-motor system barely outperforms it, producing 907 horsepower compared to the Speciale’s 867 horsepower. Even while the Ferrari will find it difficult to match the Temerario’s all-wheel-driven traction, those numbers are close enough to indicate that it has a superior power-to-weight ratio. Ferrari claims a tenth slower 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 2.8 seconds, but a tenth faster 0-124 mph (0-200 km/h) time of 7.0 seconds.
The Speciale’s V-6 engine produces 36 horsepower more than the standard 296 GTB’s and will be equipped with titanium conrods and upgraded pistons, which will be used in the F80 hypercar’s even more powerful version of the same engine. By further cutting the block, Ferrari has further reduced weight. The Speciale’s heads are mounted to this using titanium bolts. The total reduction is reportedly 9 kilograms. The electric motor built by Axial Flux YASA, which is positioned between the V-6 and the eight-speed gearbox, also generates 13 horsepower more than the 296 GTB, bringing its maximum output to 177 horsepower. However, this is only used in what is referred to as a “extra boost” mode.
Although the name of the 296 Speciale is reminiscent of the 2013 458 Speciale, Ferrari has been creating even more focused versions of its current models for a long enough period of time to become proficient at it. It is also a spiritual successor to the 2003 360 Challenge Stradale, 2007 430 Scuderia, and, most recently, 2018 488 Pista. The design modifications are perhaps a bit minor for what is supposed to be a special sauce Ferrari when compared to some of its predecessors, but they are also useful and result in a significant improvement in downforce.
In addition to what appear to be the required wheel well fender vents that performance car manufacturers use to convey their greatest level of intent, the Speciale’s front end receives a redesigned bumper with many channels and air-flowing features. Additionally, there is what Ferrari refers to as a “aero damper,” a gap in the hood that receives air from underneath the vehicle and helps to increase the effectiveness of the sizable underbody aero surfaces.
The Speciale’s only actively controlled aerodynamic surface is the rear spoiler, which is the same pop-up dam-style spoiler used on the standard 296. In order to increase reaction time, this has been given a new “armed” position that places it at the same level as the tailgate and makes it speedier.
The addition of a pair of what Ferrari refers to as “side wings” to help shape flow at the back of the car and decrease drag is the most noticeable alteration at the back.
Ferrari claims that the Speciale can produce almost 20% more downforce than the 296 GTB, resulting in a quoted 960 pounds at 155 mph. However, Salvatore Sedda, the project’s aerodynamic performance engineer, confirmed to R&T that the figure will increase even more as the car approaches its stated top speed of 330 km/h. Even while the Temerario is said to make twice as much as the Huracan Evo, Lamborghini does not provide a comparable statistic, thus it will still produce less than the Speciale.
The vehicle dynamics manager, Andrea Giacomini, explained that more work has been done on electronic control systems and that the automobile will respond to changing situations even faster than a normal car. The Speciale can determine precise grip levels almost instantly by comparing data from its six-dimensional G-measuring sensor system and electric power steering. “In this car, if we sense that the level of grip increases or decreases, we are able to adapt the strategy of the traction and the dampers and other functions very, very quickly.” Giacomini explained that they focus and balance this information to have a better prediction of load transfer and to calculate the center of gravity.
Giacomini says the Speciale won’t feel like traction is being aggressively regulated, but acknowledging that one of the project’s largest hurdles has been the requirement to provide so much power through just two wheels. “The sensation is natural and doesn’t feel like you have to fight the car, which is the most important thing.”
Gianmaria Fulgenzi, Ferrari’s development chief, put the elemental battle that will occur at the Speciale’s rear axle in an even more straightforward manner. “We are approaching a horsepower peak that is nearly at the rear-wheel drive limit.”
According to Ferrari’s chief commercial officer, Enrico Galliera, “it is limited in terms of time, but not in terms of number.” “This car will have a shorter lifespan, which essentially means there will be fewer cars and it will be more exclusive.”
Although U.S. pricing for either version is still pending, we may anticipate both a supplement to the 296 GTB/GTS and also the need to account for a tariff hike. Next year, deliveries of the Speciale Coupe and Aperta models will start virtually simultaneously with the arrival of the first Lamborghini Temerario models to American consumers. Which do you prefer?