Ferrari does its specials quite well, and it is remembered most for its lightweight limited edition models the most. The 458 Speciale or the 430 Scuderia remains one of its core lightweight racing cars for the road, but the 296 Speciale has been perhaps the hardest one yet.
The 296 GTB is already quick and has been one of the best supercars in its class for its balance as well as its sonorous 6-cylinder powertrain, albeit assisted by hybrid boost. Now, Ferrari has made it better with more power, trick suspension, and an even stricter diet. The result is the leaner, meaner, and quite possibly the most extreme 296 yet. The basics are typical Ferrari: lighter engine, more power, and even more aerodynamics. The engine produces more power now, but it is not the massive hike that you would expect, but again, no one ever said they want more power from the standard 296.
The changes dig deeper with shorter shift times, a snappier gearbox, and more torque, while the spring/dampers have also been revised. It is also lower, has less roll, and will feel sharper at the limit- if such a thing can be done. Even the sound is louder and harder with new acoustic ducts being designed for this car with sophisticated 3D acoustic simulation systems: the 296 Speciale also has twice as many of these ducts as the 296 GTB. There is still a hybrid system and the car will offer a range of up to 25km, hence, it would also be the most useable lightweight racing special since it does not sacrifice the usability traits of the standard 296. Inside, it’s purposeful but not barebones like the F40, even though it has been stripped out while carbon fiber has been poured liberally all over.
With more downforce, power, and those looks, the 296 Speciale will join its predecessors right up there, and as expected, most cars would be allocated to Ferrari’s loyal clientele, including those who buy current Ferraris. Hence, while the 296 GTB is available more, the Speciale would be limited and would be much more exclusive. That will also be reflected in its price tag, which would be expected to be $500K. However, the pricing is largely irrelevant given that it is sold out, while it will compete with Porsche for the track car for the road crown, as its 911 GT3 RS also enjoys a similar cult fan following.
