Ferrari 296 Speciale: Beautiful, Brutal, Perfect
The 296 Speciale follows in the footsteps of legendary mid-engined models like the 458 Speciale and 488 Pista. But unlike its V8 predecessors, this one packs a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 and a single electric motor. Combined output sits at 869 horsepower - 70 more than the already potent 296 GTB. That makes it the most powerful rear-wheel-drive Ferrari ever. It's also the first time Ferrari has applied its special series formula to a plug-in hybrid. We had our doubts about a PHEV Ferrari, but the 296 Speciale quickly proved them wrong. The electric tech isn't about saving fuel; it's there to enhance performance. In its most aggressive mode, called 'Qualify', the motor delivers up to 178 hp above 6,000 rpm, thanks to a new extra boost function.
Just like the other special series cars, the Speciale goes on an extreme diet and gains a master's degree in aerodynamics. Weight has been trimmed by 132 lbs thanks to more carbon fiber bodywork, five-spoke wheels inspired by the F80, and titanium engine internals. The result is a dry weight just over 3,100 lbs. It also gets a host of track-focused aero upgrades, including side fins, an aggressive diffuser, and a reworked front end. All together, the car generates nearly 1,000 lbs of downforce at 155 mph. Ferrari says the suspension and brake cooling have also been reworked, and the engine sound has been sharpened thanks to new acoustic ducts.
In person, the 296 Speciale looks more like a street-legal Challenge car than a tweaked GTB. The green Verde Nürburgring paint combined with the white livery could have been too much, but instead, it strikes a perfect balance. It's flashy in a way that still feels tasteful - the kind of spec that turns heads for all the right reasons.
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