Ferrari’s new 296 Speciale revives one of the marque’s most revered badges — Speciale. The name alone evokes memories of the 458 Speciale, widely considered one of the greatest modern Ferraris ever built. But that heritage is both a blessing and a burden.
The 458 was a masterpiece of naturally aspirated purity, a high-revving V8 symphony that embodied the end of an era. Now, a decade later, Ferrari’s performance ethos is governed by stricter emissions standards and hybridization. The 296 Speciale must deliver the same emotional intensity under completely different rules.
At its heart lies Ferrari’s 3.0-liter, 120-degree twin-turbo V6 hybrid. For the Speciale, the engine alone produces 690 horsepower — 36 more than the standard GTB — thanks to extensive weight reduction and component optimization. The crankcase and sump are machined after casting, while titanium connecting rods and fasteners further reduce mass.
The turbos are 1.6 kilograms lighter, and the entire engine drops nine kilograms from the GTB’s unit, accounting for 15 percent of the car’s total weight savings. When combined with the electric motor, total output rises to 868 horsepower and 557 lb-ft of torque. The result is staggering: 0 to 62mph in just 2.8 seconds, and it reaches 205mph.
Despite its hybrid nature, it retains Ferrari’s immediacy, aided by ultra-fast gearshifts that deliver both a punch on upshifts and that signature tightening effect on downshifts — reminiscent of the 458’s dual-clutch brilliance.
For more information about this new Ferrari supercar and if it truly lives up to its name, we suggest that you check out the videos we’ve found on YouTube.
