Ferrari claims the 296 Speciale is its most driver-focused mannequin but, providing a tangible step up from the already spectacular 296 GTB. So it’s no shock that our mouths are watering earlier than we’ve even opened the door.
The 296 GTB set a particularly excessive bar, however Maranello isn’t within the enterprise of standing nonetheless. The brand new 296 Speciale joins a prestigious line of track-honed Ferrari specials that features the 360 Problem Stradale, 430 Scuderia, 458 Speciale and 488 Pista. With manufacturing restricted to only two years and already absolutely allotted to pick purchasers, this isn’t a automobile that should win followers.
Visually, the Speciale units itself aside with a bigger entrance splitter and a central air channel that guides airflow from the nostril, via the bonnet and up over the windscreen and roof. The important thing characteristic is the energetic rear wing, which introduces an intermediate place to steadiness grip, braking and prime pace. It generates 435kg of downforce at 250km/h—greater than the usual 296 GTB or Assetto Fiorano, however nonetheless behind the 911 GT3 RS (409kg at 200km/h and 806kg at 285km/h).
As with all stripped-back Ferrari, weight discount is a precedence. The Speciale is 60kg lighter than the GTB, bringing dry weight down to only 1,410kg. There’s no carpet, minimal sound insulation, extra carbon fibre, lighter bucket seats and even the hybridised V6 is lighter—by 9kg—because of elements derived from the upcoming F80. The powertrain stays a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 with 515kW (700PS), supported by a 113kW electrical motor. Increase stress is up 13 per cent. The e-motor, mounted between the engine and 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, allows full-electric driving as much as 135km/h with a 25km vary. An overboost perform delivers an additional 132kW, powered by a 7.4kWh lithium-ion battery that may be recharged at as much as 7kW.
Inside, it’s stark however purposeful. There’s no central infotainment show—every part is proven within the digital cluster forward of the motive force. Supplies are bespoke, with carbon and Alcantara trim accessible. Noise ranges are excessive, however that’s a part of the enchantment. There’s barely any space for storing, simply 169 litres within the entrance boot, and no elevate system for the nostril—an omission that, in accordance with Ferrari’s Rafael de Simone, would compromise weight an excessive amount of.
With the monitor lastly dry, it’s time to push. The steering is razor-sharp and requires simply 1.75 turns lock to lock. There’s little variation in really feel between drive modes, one thing Ferrari says is intentional, to take care of predictability in how the steering, powertrain and brakes reply. What does change is the extent of vitality regeneration and the depth of the electrical enhance relying on the chosen mode. Full-electric driving is on the market for stealthy begins or metropolis cruising, however that’s not why anybody buys this automobile.
The Speciale really comes alive on monitor. The entrance axle sticks like glue, turn-in is addictive, and the linear surge of energy as you exit a bend is astonishing. Who cares in regards to the 0–100 or 0–200km/h occasions when the driving expertise is that this good? High pace is over 330km/h, however it’s the steadiness, the blisteringly quick gearshifts and the electrical torque fill that make it so intoxicating.
Is the €407,000 price ticket value it, given the 296 GTB delivers 90 per cent of the expertise for effectively over €100,000 much less? It relies upon. For a lot of, the Speciale is about greater than numbers. It’s about rarity, really feel, and being a part of a legacy.
