Launched: Ferrari 296 Speciale & 296 Speciale A – From RM4.288 Million

The Ferrari 296 Speciale and 296 Speciale A duo have just debuted locally, priced from RM4.288 million onwards.

Official Ferrari importers Ital Auto Malaysia has expanded its product lineup today by launching two new models in the form of the Ferrari 296 Speciale and 296 Speciale A. These two super-PHEVs are now available for purchase, with prices starting from RM4.288 million for the 296 Speciale coupe and RM4.888 million for the 296 Speciale A convertible.

As detailed in its global debut report, the 296 Speciale gets a pretty extensive upgrade over the standard 296 GTB model, with the biggest highlight being its uprated V6 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) setup. Still using the same 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine as its core, the 296 Speciale 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 152 hp (154 CV), while the 8-speed DCT automatic gearbox gets improved shift points for better power delivery. Juice is provided by a small 7.45 kWh battery pack, which is enough for up to 25 km of pure electric range.

Combined with its 690 hp-rated V6 engine, the whole setup now delivers a total system output of 868 hp (880 CV), thus making it more potent than the 296 GTB’s 819 hp output.

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 Ferrari’s Fiorano test track in just one minute and 19 seconds. For comparison, the standard 296 GTB completes a century sprint in 2.9 seconds, 7.3 seconds in a 0-200 km/h sprint, and two seconds more to complete a lap around the Fiorano track.

To go with its uprated powertrain, the 296 Speciale also gets several aerodynamic exterior bits that are again derived from the 296 Challenger racer, including an aero damper integrated into the front bonnet, vertical fins on the rear bumper with new side wings, and a new active rear spoiler. Combined, these aero bits help the 296 Speciale to generate 435 kg of downforce at 250 km/h, which is 20% more than the standard 296 GTB.

Some other key visual upgrades primed here include the new Verde Nurburgring exterior colourway, a special livery with customised numbers that customers can choose from 00 to 99, 20-inch forged wheels, and many more.

For better driving dynamics, Ferrari has equipped the 296 Speciale with the latest generation of its ABS Evo dynamic control system, which improves braking precision. On top of that, the spring and damper settings have also been revised, thus making the car rides 5 mm lower than the 296 GTB, while reducing its maximum roll angle when cornering by 13%.

On top of that, 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.

Despite the lightweight treatment, buyers still get premium amenities inside here, including a fully digital metre cluster, a multi-speaker HiFi audio system, lightweight Alcantara upholstery, and a 296 Speciale commemorative badge on the front dash.