Ferrari ups the ante on its hybrid hero.
The Ferrari 296 made a splash when it entered the scene, proudly being the first Prancing Horse-badged Ferrari to sport a V6 engine, taking after the iconic V6-powered Dino cars and evolving their formula to push Ferrari’s approach to performance forward. With a hybrid system assisting the twin-turbocharged V6 engine, the 296 uses a small engine to achieve immense power, and now, Ferrari has unveiled an even more exciting version of the groundbreaking supercar: the Ferrari 296 Speciale.
While it serves as a successor to the V8-powered 488 Pista, the new Ferrari 296 Speciale uses the nomenclature of the Pista’s predecessor, the Ferrari 458 Speciale, Ferrari’s pinnacle of naturally aspirated V8 performance. Like the 458 Speciale, the 296 Speciale is available as a coupe and as an open-top variant, called the Ferrari 296 Speciale A. Compared to the 296, the Speciale improves its performance with weight savings, extra boost, shorter shift times, greater braking precision, 20 percent more downforce at 155 mph, and other tweaks.
With a total of 868 horsepower, the new Ferrari 296 Speciale boasts an increase of 49 horsepower over the standard 296 GTB, and its design is accordingly more aggressive, with eye-catching, racing-inspired fins and exposed carbon fiber aerodynamic components. Many of the racing-derived solutions seen in the new Ferrari 296 Speciale come from the 296 Challenge and 296 GT3 race cars, coming together with the brawny hybrid powertrain to create a uniquely thrilling supercar experience.
Despite being ready for track domination, the hybrid system seen in the new Ferrari 296 Speciale still offers drivers the ability to drive on purely electric power for quiet driving on a short range. However, the dynamic range of driving modes available also includes an efficiency-optimizing Hybrid mode, a performance mode, and a Qualify mode that uses the most power possible from the entire system. Shown off in a new Verde Nürburgring green color, the new 296 Speciale is available with a special livery, shown for the first time in white, with one or two stripes running across the length of the car, with a racing number on the side. Customers can choose what number their car sports, from 00 to 99. Meanwhile, the Ferrari 296 Speciale A has been launched in Rosso Dino, with the same stunning livery available. With hybrid power and Ferrari’s latest racing innovation, the Prancing Horse’s supercar legacy is opening a new chapter, with the 296 Speciale as the main character.
Image Source: Ferrari
