Ferrari 296 Speciale Revealed: Lighter, Louder, and Pushing 880HP of Rear-Wheel-Drive Fury

Most drivers come away from the standard Ferrari 296 GTB feeling like they need a quiet moment to recover—and rightly so. It’s a mid-engine hybrid rocket that already redefines performance benchmarks. But Ferrari? They aren’t ones to rest on their laurels. Enter the Ferrari 296 Speciale, a lighter, more focused evolution of the GTB that dials up the intensity with a staggering 880 horsepower—the most ever in a rear-wheel-drive Ferrari—and an aerodynamic setup capable of generating 435kg of downforce at 155mph.

This isn’t just a faster 296 GTB. It’s a race-bred machine with the numbers and pedigree to prove it.

A Track-Ready Evolution With Racing DNA

The 296 Speciale joins an elite lineup of Ferrari’s ultra-focused variants—cars like the 458 Speciale and 488 Pista—which means expectations are sky-high. True to form, Maranello has turned the dial to 11 using a well-honed formula: shed weight, add power, and extract every last drop of grip from every corner.

The 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, still paired with a compact MGU-K electric motor and 7.45 kWh battery, receives extensive internal upgrades, including titanium con rods, lighter pistons, and a new crankshaft. Ferrari also put the engine on a diet, stripping 9kg through precise remachining of the block and crankcase. The result is a 37 hp boost, bringing the total to 880 hp, while also setting a new record for power density in a production V6.

In Qualify mode, the hybrid system unleashes a potent 180 hp of electric thrust between 6,000 and 8,500 rpm, integrating smoothly with the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Ferrari’s revised software management ensures that torque delivery from the e-motor aligns perfectly with upshifts, delivering razor-sharp responsiveness.

A Louder, Sharper Soundtrack

Critics of the original 296 GTB often pointed to its V6 acoustics as lacking drama. Ferrari clearly listened. The 296 Speciale uses double the number of acoustic ducts to enhance the engine’s presence in the cabin. A newly patented system routes raw induction noise directly into the cockpit, offering what Ferrari calls a more “harmonic and immersive” soundtrack that better reflects the car’s explosive character.

Aerodynamics That Actually Work

Visually, the Speciale may resemble the GTB at first glance, but under the skin, it’s a whole new beast. Inspired by Ferrari’s motorsport programs, the rear end is now dominated by winglets reminiscent of the FXX K, paired with a revised diffuser and a retractable rear spoiler. These changes aren’t just for show—they’re critical to achieving the car’s record-setting downforce without compromising top-end speed.

At the front, an aero damper system borrowed from the 296 Challenge works with an optimized undertray to balance airflow across the car. Meanwhile, the radiators remain the same size but benefit from improved ducting, increasing cooling efficiency, especially under high-stress track conditions.

Handling That Pushes the Edge, Without Losing the Fun

If the 296 GTB felt like it had more to give, the Speciale obliges. Ferrari’s engineers revised the chassis with titanium springs and Multimatic adaptive dampers—similar to those used in the 296 GT3 race car. The result? 4% more lateral grip, 13% less body roll, and the kind of precise turn-in you’d expect from a dedicated track weapon.

But Ferrari didn’t stop at speed. They focused on driver confidence, too. The Speciale uses an upgraded 6D sensor-based ABS Evo system to manage traction and stability across five key metrics: acceleration, braking, gear shifts, sound, and cornering dynamics. According to Ferrari, these refinements make the Speciale not only faster around Fiorano (by several seconds) but also more intuitive to drive on the edge.

Stripped-Down, Carbon-Laced Interior

Inside, the 296 Speciale continues the weight-saving crusade. A new carbon fiber center tunnel and door panels replace heavier standard components, while even the cabin materials have been pared back to suit the car’s focused mission. Yet, it still manages to feel luxurious in that unmistakably Ferrari way.

Here’s the kicker: if you're thinking of adding a 296 Speciale to your garage, you'll need more than just a deep wallet—you’ll need to be an existing Ferrari client. The coupe starts at €407,000 (~£350,000), with the Spider variant coming in at €462,000. While production won’t be limited by volume, it will be restricted by time. Translation? Act fast or miss out.

Of course, if you're after similar thrills at a slightly less astronomical price, Ferrari would be happy to sell you a pre-owned 488 Pista—still a monstrous performer with 720 hp from a 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8. But if you want the latest in Ferrari’s hybrid hypercar tech, the 296 Speciale is your halo car.

Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Rear-Wheel Drive Ferrari?

With its unmatched combination of hybrid innovation, motorsport-inspired engineering, and track-honed dynamics, the Ferrari 296 Speciale might just be the most exhilarating rear-wheel-drive supercar ever built. It’s not just faster—it's smarter, sharper, and more emotionally engaging than anything else in Ferrari’s current lineup.

For those lucky enough to get behind the wheel, it won’t just be a drive. It’ll be an experience they’ll never forget.