Ferrari Unveils the 296 Speciale – A Lightweight, Track-Tuned Powerhouse Built for Pure Performance

Ferrari has officially introduced the 296 Speciale, a high-performance evolution of the already-celebrated 296 GTB. As expected of any Ferrari carrying the prestigious Speciale badge, this latest model has been meticulously engineered with one core philosophy in mind: delivering uncompromised driving exhilaration through weight reduction, advanced aerodynamics, and race-inspired tuning.

Sharper and Smarter Performance

At its heart, the 296 Speciale features Ferrari’s cutting-edge plug-in hybrid powertrain. The internal combustion component is a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine, paired with a powerful electric motor. The system is mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, which handles gear changes seamlessly while sending all power to the rear wheels.

Supplementing the V6 is a 113 kW electric motor powered by a 7.4-kWh battery pack, enabling up to 25 km of all-electric driving—a handy feature for silent, emissions-free urban cruising.

While the base 296 GTB already offered blistering speed, the Speciale raises the bar. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds and reaches 200 km/h in only 7 seconds. Ferrari also quotes a top speed of 330 km/h, with braking performance equally impressive—decelerating from 200 km/h to a complete stop in just 106 metres.

A Focus on Lightweight Engineering

Staying true to the Speciale spirit, weight-saving was a primary design goal. Thanks to extensive use of carbon fibre and lightweight components, the coupe version of the 296 Speciale weighs just 1 410 kg, significantly undercutting its standard counterpart. This leaner build translates to sharper handling, faster cornering, and a more responsive driving experience overall.

Ferrari maintains its optimized 40:60 front-to-rear weight distribution, which, combined with the weight savings, delivers track-ready balance and poise.

Form Meets Function: Aerodynamic Enhancements

The 296 Speciale features extensive aerodynamic upgrades that both improve performance and give it a more aggressive stance. Key changes include a reprofiled front bumper with S-duct-style intakes, larger cooling vents, and a reworked rear diffuser. Active aerodynamic components have been added to improve airflow and increase stability at speed.

These refinements contribute to a 20% increase in downforce over the 296 GTB, generating an impressive 435 kg of downforce at 250 km/h. This enables the Speciale to remain planted and composed even under intense driving conditions.

Dimensionally, the Speciale retains the same footprint as its base model, measuring 4 625 mm in length, 1 968 mm in width, and 1 181 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2 600 mm.

The Aperta: Open-Top Thrills

Ferrari also unveiled the 296 Speciale Aperta, a convertible variant that ditches the “GTS” label in favor of the Italian term for “open.” The Aperta carries over the same mechanical setup and performance figures but adds a retractable hard-top roof that lets drivers experience the sound and sensation of the V6 hybrid engine with the sky above.

Pricing and Availability

While neither model is officially marked as a limited edition, Ferrari has confirmed that production will be intentionally short, ensuring a degree of exclusivity. Global deliveries are scheduled to begin in early 2026.

In Italy, the 296 Speciale is priced at €407 000, while the Aperta will start at €462 000. When converted to South African Rand, these figures amount to approximately R8.6 million and R9.8 million, respectively.

Key Features at a Glance

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