880HP Ferrari 296 Speciale Revealed, Most Powerful RWD Production Prancing Horse

When we visited The Bend Motorsport Park in Adelaide last year to preview the new Ferrari 296 Challenge Series, it was impressive to see what billionaires get up to in their retirement, but it was increasingly evident that the prancing horse had some tricks up its sleeve to spice up the performance of the 296 GTB and GTS. We saw F1-inspired aero, giant brakes, and weight-saving measures that transformed a fantastic roadcar into a track weapon. Now, Ferrari has taken the learnings from the Challenge car (and the Ferrari 499P Hypercar) to create a road-legal racecar called the Ferrari 296 Speciale.

Next to a raft of aerodynamic, weight, and chassis changes, power from the twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 hybrid powertrain has also been increased to a scarcely believable 880hp (647 kW).

However, the most impressive differences between the 296 Speciale and GTB are found on the exterior of the vehicle, where an F1-inspired S-Duct, F80-inspired front bumper design, vortex generators, and rear active aero system help the 296 Speciale produce 435kg of downforce at 250 km/h. While we don’t know the price just yet, we do know that this is a serious track weapon, so shall we take a closer look?

Design Philosophy, Lightweight Materials, and Aerodynamic Enhancements

• Dry weight: 1,280 kg, 60 kg lighter than GTB.
• Fixed rear wing adds 360 kg downforce at 250 km/h.
• Carbon fibre used in body, seats, and interior.
• Underbody vortex generators boost ground effect and stability.
• Front S-Duct increases front axle downforce efficiently.

Like any Ferrari Speciale model, the design, materials, and aerodynamic enhancements are the focus, with a clear end goal of fast lap times.

Let’s start there because the Ferrari 296 Speciale has recorded the fastest lap by a road-legal V6 Ferrari on the Fiorano circuit with a time of 1’22.3″ (1.3 seconds faster than the standard 296 GTB). However, it’s still some way off the Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale’s lap record of 1’17.309″.

The Speciale has adapted many of the Ferrari 296 Challenge car’s aerodynamic features. Up front, the redesigned bumper (with brake ducts in the headlights) works with a new S-Duct, which draws air from the central front intake and channels it through the bonnet for added downforce. While at the rear, there’s a distinct flat rear end highlighted by a fixed wing that’s cleverly integrated into the bodywork and designed with inspiration from the 499P Hypercar. Underneath, vortex generators maintain ground-effect efficiency by sealing airflow and increasing suction.

These aerodynamic changes combine to produce 435 kilograms of downforce at 250km/h, which is 20% more than the 296 GTB.

With the car now weighing in at 1,280 kg (dry weight), it’s 60 kg lighter than the 296 GTB. Some of this comes from the engine, but other carbon-fibre components have been adopted across doors, front/rear bumpers, floor, dashboard, engine cover, and even the wheels as an option. Lightweight Lexan polycarbonate has also been used to replace the traditional glass and shift body weight lower in the vehicle. Finally, they’ve even gone so far as to add titanium bolts.

Performance and Powertrain Specifications

• Power: 880hp (647 kW)
• Torque: 740 Nm
• 0–100 km/h: 2.9 seconds
• 0–200 km/h: 7.1 seconds
• Top Speed: >330 km/h
• Fiorano Lap Time: 1’21”
• Weight-to-Power Ratio: 1.54 kg/cv
• Electric Range (eDrive mode): 25 km
• Battery Capacity: 7.45 kWh

The twin-turbo V6 (120-degree) hybrid powertrain remains in the Ferrari 296 Speciale, but it’s had a power boost for a combined system output of 880hp (647 kW).

Power is sent to the rear wheels only by an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission with an updated “upshift strategy,” and there’s a new “exhilarating sound heard between each shift,” thanks to the retuned acoustics of the motor. Ultimately, there’s only so much power the rear wheels can take on launch, so the 0-100km/h acceleration remains the same as the 296 GTB at 2.9 seconds. However, expect a serious shove on the race track, where you spend most of your time between 80-260km/h.

There’s a 7.45 kWh battery in the 296 Speciale, and you can theoretically drive it on electricity for up to 25km (speeds up to 135km/h). However, that’s only really useful for leaving the neighbourhood in the morning without annoying your neighbours. This battery is mainly used for providing additional power to the engine through the electric motor, equating to some 180cv and 340Nm of torque between 6,000-8,500 rpm when Qualifying mode is selected in the eManettino.

Notably, the weight of the engine has also been reduced by 9 kilograms thanks to Ferrari 499P-derived weight shedding of the engine block, internals, and turbocharger. This contributes to 15% of the car’s overall weight shed, and will only enhance the responsiveness of the engine on track.

You’ll be happy to hear that sound has also been thought of with new acoustic ducts directing sound directly from the twin-turbo V6 engine directly into the cabin.

Chassis and Dynamic Control Systems

• Brakes:
  • Carbon-ceramic (CCM-R) discs
  • Front: 398 x 223 x 38 mm
  • Rear: 360 x 233 x 32 mm
• Tyres:
  • Front: 245/35 ZR 20 J9.0
  • Rear: 305/35 ZR 20 J11.0
• Suspension:
  • Front: independent, double wishbone
  • Rear: multi-link
  • Adaptive system with SCM-Frs magnetorheological dampers
• Control Systems:
  • ABS EVO with 6w-CDS sensor
  • Side Slip Control 6.1 (SSC 6.1)
  • E-Diff (electronic differential)
  • F1-TCS (traction control)
  • FDE2.0 (Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer)
  • Brake-by-wire system
• Steering and Weight Distribution:
  • Electronic power-assisted steering
  • Weight distribution: 40.6% front / 59.4% rear

Hardware-wise, the Ferrari 296 Speciale also adopts the 296 Challenge’s Multimatic SCM-Frs (Suspension Control Module with magnetorheological dampers), and these are made by the same folks who created the adaptive damping systems for previous Special Series models like the 488 Pista and 812 Competizione, so you know they’re serious.

Outside of the dampers, it’s all about software with an enhanced ABS EVO controller for track use, and a 6-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor (6w-CDS) for vehicle stability.

This fancy technology, which we’ve also seen on cars like the Purosangue, makes the 296 Speciale quicker to respond to inputs from the driver and the reaction of the car, and then adjusts factors like brake modulation and stability accordingly to make you and the car faster in serious driving scenarios. It’s particularly noticeable under hard deceleration when working in conjunction with the ABS EVO system, but should be less noticeable when cornering, based on our experience with similar systems.

Finally, the brand has dialled in a next-generation Slide Slip Control (SSC 6.1) logic with updated algorithms based on data and calibration from the 296 Challenge vehicle. This enhances the car’s ability to manage grip at the limit in wet and dry conditions, and is specifically tuned for these higher downforce settings.

Interior Features and Driver Focus

• Fixed carbon-fibre racing seats save 8.5 kg.
• Alcantara® and technical fabrics used throughout cabin surfaces.
• Minimalist layout focuses on weight saving and driver engagement.
• Carbon paddle shifters and red Boost button on wheel.

Step inside the Ferrari 296 Speciale and you’ll find all the hallmark features of the brand’s best track-focused vehicles, including the extensive use of Alcantara, carbon fibre, and technical mesh throughout the cabin. Like its main competitor, the Porsche GT3 RS, the interior is stripped back for weight savings and driver focus with fixed-back monocoque carbon-fibre seats that come as standard. They offer increased lateral support and an 8.5 kg weight saving over the GTB’s standard seats.

However, there’s a but surfaces are kept functional and performance-oriented rather than decorative, with switchgear and trim elements simplified with a focus on usability. You want to be able to use some of these buttons while you’re on the track, and the most important ones have been added within a finger’s or arm’s reach, including the red ‘Boost’ button, and revised paddle shifters. Displays are also simplified for clear readout of key performance data.

Beyond these technical upgrades, there’s just enough Speciale branding throughout the cockpit, and you’ll find it embroidered on the seat. We’d expect a plaque or two, which is typical for Special Series models, and finally, customers can choose interior contrast themes and stitching that reflect your own racing style preferences.

How Much Will it Cost?

• Official pricing not publicly disclosed by Ferrari just yet.
• Likely priced above standard 296 GTB (AUD$668,146 plus on-road costs).
• Special Version models typically see limited production runs.
• Allocation prioritised for loyal Ferrari clients and collectors.

We don’t know when its coming to Australia, how much it will cost, or when it will arrive, but we do know one thing for certain and that’s that this model, and the drop-top Speciale A, will be a limited offering to Ferraris top clientele. Similar to the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider we drove in Portugal, it will be offered on an allocation basis, and your relationship with your dealer, your purchase history, and the cars you currently own will be the biggest determining factor for sales.

This is the most desirable car brand on earth after all, and you wouldn’t want just anyone driving one of these down the street. Like previous Special Series Ferraris, the production run is expected to be limited to one or two model years, which will increase long-term rarity and value.

Currently the Ferrari 296 GTB is priced from AUD$668,146 plus on-road costs in Australia, but history tells us that the Speciale will cost a whole lot more. Previously, the 488 Pista was priced at AUD$596,888 plus on-road costs, but now demands a price-tag of more than AUD$900,000 drive-away one the second hand market.