Ferrari 296 Speciale Unveiled as an 868 HP-Rated Super-PHEV

The Ferrari 296 gains two new Speciale variants, featuring tons of carbon fibre parts and up to 868 HP of power.

It’s been almost four years since Ferrari unveiled the 296, and the super-PHEV is finally joining the coveted ‘Speciale’ group, with the unveiling of the Ferrari 296 Speciale and Speciale A. And just like many other Speciale models, these two decked-out 296s gain a pretty extensive upgrade that promises to make them prance harder and wilder on tracks.

Let’s get the big numbers out of the way, as Ferrari claims both the 296 Speciale coupe and 296 Speciale A convertible get an uprated version of the 296’s V6 plug-in hybrid setup, allowing it to deliver up to 868 HP, which is up from 819 HP in the standard version.

The power boost stems from the tweaking made on its 690 HP-rated 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 lump, which gets the same engine mapping and boost as the 296 Challenge race car, while also benefiting from new titanium connecting rods, beefier pistons, and a lighter crankshaft. On the electric half, the Speciale also gets an upgraded e-motor setup that adds an extra 177 HP, while the 8-speed DCT slushbox gets improved shift points for better power delivery.

As a result, Ferrari claims the 296 Speciale can get from 0 to 100 KM/H in 2.8 seconds and from 0 to 200 KM/H in an impressive seven seconds, while lapping the Fiorano test track in just one minute and 19 seconds. The stock 296 GTB’s numbers for comparison are 2.9 seconds for a 0-100 KM/H sprint, 7.3 seconds for a 0-200 KM/H sprint, and two seconds more to complete a lap in Fiorano.

Besides the power plant upgrades, the 296 Speciale also benefits from a pretty extensive diet plan, which sees Ferrari swapping some of its cabin creature comforts for a more bare-boned, carbon fibre-laden interior. Combined with its lighter engine components and many other carbon fibre parts, the 296 Speciale is now 60 KG lighter than its standard twin.

To make it stick to the gravel better, Ferrari engineers have lowered the 296 Speciale’s ride height by 5 MM, swapped the standard dampers with Multimatic dampers with titanium springs borrowed from the 296 GT3 racer, and fitted it with bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. With the new bumper design, a huge diffuser, plus a new retractable spoiler, the 296 Speciale gets 20% more downforce than the standard model.

Wrapping up the upgrades list is the special Verde Nurburgring exterior colourway with white racing stripes, in case you want your Speciale to stand out against the 296 normies. But fret not, you can always opt for Ferrari’s signature red hues in case green is not your vibe.

And as per any other Ferrari Speciale models, the new Ferrari 296 Speciale and 296 Speciale A will be available to selected clienteles that recently bought one of their models, which also explains why the Maranello folks don't even bother to unveil the asking prices for these beauties.