Ferrari is preparing to unleash a hardcore version of its 296 GTB, and early indicators suggest it won’t be just a lightweight trim package — but a track-optimised monster with upgraded aero, reduced weight, and increased output.
Unofficially dubbed the Ferrari 296 “Speciale”, this version mirrors Ferrari’s traditional V8 playbook seen with the Pista, Scuderia, and Speciale monikers — only now, it’s applied to the hybrid V6 architecture.
What Is the Ferrari 296 “Speciale”?
The 296 GTB already delivers jaw-dropping performance thanks to its 120° 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 paired with a 165 hp electric motor, for a total system output of 830 hp.
For the 296 “Speciale”, insiders suggest:
- Weight savings of over 70 kg via carbon panels, lighter glass, and stripped cabin
- Increased power potentially pushing past 870 hp
- Retuned aerodynamics with a fixed rear wing and enhanced ground effect
- Track-focused suspension with revised dampers and geometry
- Reduced e-range, optimised for pure performance, not efficiency
“Ferrari’s limited-run derivatives have historically been its best driver’s cars. If they apply that formula to the hybrid 296, it could be their sharpest mid-engine car in a decade,” says Andrew Frankel, lead tester at The Intercooler.
Design and Aerodynamics: Function Over Flair
Spy shots from Maranello confirm aggressive upgrades:
- Fixed rear spoiler for the first time on a 296
- Redesigned front bumper and diffuser
- Deep vented carbon bonnet and ultra-slim side mirrors
- Optional track wheels with centre-lock hubs
Ferrari is clearly chasing downforce and lap time, not road comfort. This aligns with the Pista and 488 Challenge DNA the 296 “Speciale” inherits.
Hands-On Expectations: What It Could Feel Like
Having driven the standard 296 GTB on road and track in Fiorano, I can say the car already feels razor-sharp, but also refined in a way that makes it deceptively easy to drive fast.
The “Speciale” will likely strip away some of that usability in exchange for:
- Sharper throttle response
- Less hybrid interference during cornering loads
- Increased brake bite and reduced fade over long track sessions
It’s not just about numbers. If Ferrari gets the steering feedback and balance right, this could be a spiritual successor to the 458 Speciale — one of the greatest modern Ferraris ever made.
What About the Competition?
The Ferrari 296 “Speciale” won’t have many direct rivals, but comparisons will be inevitable with:
| Model | Power | Hybrid? | Track Focus | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McLaren Artura Trophy | ~850 hp | Yes | Yes | Lighter, but less daily-drivable |
| Porsche 911 GT2 RS Hybrid (TBA) | ~900 hp | Yes | Yes | Still in development |
| Lamborghini Huracán STJ | 640 hp | No | Extreme | NA V10 purity, but lacks hybrid punch |
| Aston Martin Valour (Track) | 715 hp | No | Limited | Front-engine, manual, niche rival |
Pricing and Availability
Ferrari has not confirmed pricing, but historical patterns suggest:
- Starting price around £330,000
- Limited production — possibly 599 or 888 units
- Deliveries starting in Q1 2026
- Availability via invitation-only for existing Ferrari clients
Expect substantial premiums on the secondary market, especially if this becomes the last pure V6 hybrid before a full shift to EVs.
Final Thoughts
The Ferrari 296 “Speciale” is shaping up to be much more than a badge-enhanced variant. It represents a philosophical statement from Ferrari: that even in the hybrid era, driving purity matters.
If it retains the 296 GTB’s finesse while turning the volume up on aggression, it may well become the defining mid-engine Ferrari of the 2020s — and perhaps the last great ICE-hybrid blend before electrification takes over fully.
From my experience in the 296 GTB, I’d say this “Speciale” has all the ingredients to outshine the Pista — and that’s no small feat.
