The Ferrari 296 Speciale Aperta represents a substantial evolution of the standard 296, combining Ferrari’s plug-in hybrid powertrain with a more focused chassis, sharper aerodynamics, reduced weight, and a significantly more aggressive dynamic character. Tested by Chris Harris on both circuit and public roads, the open-top Speciale demonstrates how far Ferrari has pushed the 296 platform while retaining the usability expected of a modern road car.
The most immediate difference is the steering response. The front axle reacts with remarkable immediacy, giving the Aperta an unusually direct turn-in that initially requires calibration from the driver. Once acclimated, that responsiveness becomes one of the car’s defining strengths. Strong mechanical grip, a rigid structure, and sophisticated chassis control allow the Ferrari to change direction with exceptional agility while remaining composed under heavy loads.
Performance is dominated by the interaction between the twin-turbocharged V6 and electric motor. Rather than making the hybrid system feel like a separate source of propulsion, Ferrari has integrated its electric assistance deeply into the powertrain. Torque arrives with such immediacy that higher gears can be used through corners without sacrificing acceleration. The result is effortless speed and extraordinary corner-exit performance, with the hybrid system continuously filling gaps in the combustion engine’s delivery.
The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission adds another layer of intensity. Under heavy throttle, upshifts arrive with a pronounced physical impact, while aggressive downshifts reinforce the car’s track-focused personality. Despite the severity of the calibration, the transmission generally works with the chassis rather than destabilizing it.
Ferrari has also demonstrated how far modern convertible engineering has progressed. Removing the roof has not transformed the Aperta into a noticeably less rigid or less capable version of its fixed-roof counterpart. The aluminum structure provides sufficient stiffness for serious circuit work, while carbon-ceramic brakes deliver consistent stopping performance under repeated high-speed use.
On the road, however, the Speciale’s compromises become more apparent. Its suspension is firm, the cabin is deliberately sparse, and storage space is limited. Lightweight seats provide little excess padding, while the absence of conventional door storage emphasizes the car’s performance-first philosophy. Conversely, the ability to drive silently on electric power adds an unexpected layer of refinement, particularly when leaving residential areas.
The Aperta ultimately blurs the traditional boundaries between supercar and track machine. Its combination of hybrid responsiveness, extreme grip, rapid steering, powerful braking, and open-air driving makes it considerably more than a conventional 296 with its roof removed. It is a highly specialized Ferrari that demonstrates how electrification can enhance rather than dilute the character of a combustion-powered performance car.
Source: Chris Harris on Cars
