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The Ferrari 296 Speciale wants no actual introduction, given it comes from an prolonged household of mid-engined special-series supercars, beginning with the super-rare Ferrari 348 GT Competizione, adopted by the 360 Problem Stradale, F430 Scuderia, 458 Speciale, and 488 Pista.
The place the 296 Speciale differs from its predecessors is twofold. One, it’s the primary automotive within the sequence to be powered by a V6 hybrid as an alternative of a V8 and, two, it additionally marks the primary time Ferrari has reused the title of an present special-series automotive from its V8 vary on a brand new mannequin.
In doing so, it has inadvertently linked the 296 Speciale with arguably the very best mid-engined V8 supercar to ever exist, the 458 Speciale (editor’s notice: this creator owns one and is biased). So does it reside as much as its particular title? Is it a automotive that can be part of the listing of its predecessors as a lifetime collectible Ferrari to maintain for the ages? Does it must?
There are a number of methods through which the world of Ferrari has modified during the last 80 years. Manufacturing numbers are up, expertise has improved considerably, and extra laws are hindering what a automotive can do at the moment than ever earlier than.
The place solely about 50 examples of the 348 GT Competiziones have been ever made, and 1288 360 Problem Stradales have been constructed, manufacturing numbers for the 488 Pista are estimated to be nearer to 4000, and the 296 will probably be round the same determine.
Nevertheless, if we return and take into consideration any of the earlier automobiles talked about above, they’re nonetheless extremely particular at the moment. A 360 Problem Stradale from 2003 can be coveted by automotive fans the world over. Quick-forward 25 years, and that can nonetheless be the case in 2050, however what in regards to the 296 Speciale? Will that stay as fascinating because the years go by?
The reply to that query is sure. The explanations for which are easy. When the 360 CS, F430 Scud or 458 Speciale got here out, they have been considered the very best variations of their respective automobiles for the time.
They have been the last word efficiency machines of their class, and so they did issues no different automotive may. They supplied a driving expertise that was unmatched on the time, and that’s precisely what the 296 Speciale does at the moment.
Irrespective of the way you have a look at it, subjectively, the 296 Speciale is solely the very best special-series automotive from this household that Ferrari has made so far.
So as to keep aggressive and proceed its journey in producing the very best road-legal race automobiles within the mid-engined class, Ferrari has needed to embrace the most recent in hybrid and engine expertise. If you need a mid-engine V8 special-series mannequin, there’s nonetheless the SF90 XX (good luck getting one), however for individuals who want extra agility and a extra compact bundle, there is no such thing as a higher automotive within the Ferrari lineup at the moment than the 296 Speciale.
Visually, the automotive contains a black roof that Ferrari design chief Flavio Manzoni says transforms the cabin right into a cockpit. Different visible modifications embrace a revised rear graphic between the tail-lights, a extra scalloped bonnet, a darkish engine cowl, and a novel solid alloy wheel (Australian-made carbon wheels are additionally out there as an choice).
The 296 Speciale additionally debuts a brand new exterior paint color for the Ferrari palette – Verde Nürburgring, a punchy metallic inexperienced.
Earlier than we get into it, there are some things price noting. The special-series automobiles have lengthy been sought-after by some collectors and plenty of speculators who take into account the autos’ long-term sustainable or appreciating worth a main motive for possession.
We now reside in a world the place automobiles – even ones as ‘Speciale’ as this – will probably depreciate. As Ferrari’s Chief Advertising and Industrial Officer, Enrico Galliera, informed us in Italy a number of weeks in the past, that’s regular. Automobiles ought to be purchased to be pushed and beloved, firstly.
Secondly, electrification and battery expertise are right here to remain. Irrespective of how old-school your thoughts feels about it, it’s time to get used to the thought. The great factor is that Ferrari has dedicated to offering batteries for its hybrid and upcoming electrical automotive(s), eternally.
So whereas some mainstream OEMs are constructing automobiles that within the years to come back will probably be unserviceable when their battery dies, that won’t be the case with Ferrari.
How a lot does the Ferrari 296 Speciale value?
As with every Ferrari, the value under just isn’t a real reflection of the particular value of the automotive. You can see that the 296 Speciale may be very a lot a one-million-dollar automotive with some essential choices.
The carbon pack, the particular livery, the stripes, a number of personalisation choices (most of that are current within the pictures of automobiles you see right here), take the value up. Add within the on-road prices together with stamp obligation, which is as excessive as 9 per cent relying on the state, and you’ll be handing over extra money than the typical home prices in Australia.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| Ferrari 296 Speciale | $865,569 |
| Ferrari 296 Speciale Aperta | $984,020 |
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What’s below the bonnet?
The 296 Speciale’s plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain structure is unchanged from that of the common 296 GTB coupe and GTS convertible, however the 3.0-litre, 120-degree V6 at its core now produces 515kW of energy at 8000rpm and 755Nm of torque at 6000rpm, marking will increase of 27kW and 20Nm, respectively.
Ferrari’s weight-reduction eating regimen for the Speciale is slightly complete, with each little ingredient modified, leading to a 60kg weight reduction in comparison with the 296 GTB. That features even issues just like the titanium connecting rods from the F80 hypercar model of the V6, that are 35 per cent lighter than the metal gadgets used within the common 296.
The nitrided metal crankshaft has additionally been lightened, decreasing the general weight of the main rotating lots within the engine by 2.2kg, which additionally improves throttle response.
Following the identical course of used to arrange the 296-based V6 used within the Le Mans-winning Ferrari 499P, extra steel was faraway from the aluminum block and crankcase, saving an additional 1.2kg. Changing the engine’s metal screws and stud bolts with titanium gadgets saved a stunning 1.9kg, and every turbo was lightened by 1.2kg. That provides as much as round 10kg of weight-saving simply from the powertrain.
Ferrari claims a 0-100km/h acceleration time of two.8 seconds, nevertheless it’s the 0-200km/h time of seven.0 seconds flat that basically tells the story. This automotive is blisteringly fast in-gear. It could actually solely be likened to the SF90 for acceleration.
| Specs | Ferrari 296 Speciale |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L twin-turbo V6 PHEV |
| Engine output | 515kW |
| Electrical motor outputs | 122kW + 315Nm |
| System outputs | 648kW + 755Nm |
| Battery | 7.45kWh |
| Transmission | 8-speed dual-clutch auto |
| Pushed wheels | RWD |
| Weight | 1410kg dry (coupe) +50kg for Aperta |
| Electrical driving vary | 25km |
| Gas tank capability | 65L |
| Gas requirement | 98-octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 149g/km |
| Emissions customary | Euro 6 |
How does the Ferrari 296 Speciale drive?
Though special-series automobiles just like the 296 Speciale have been designed to be finest loved on a racetrack, by Ferrari’s personal admission they’re in the end meant for highway use, firstly.
To expertise what the brand new 296 Speciale has to supply in each settings, we first flew to Ferrari’s famed racetrack at Fiorano for some super-fast laps behind the wheel, adopted by a drive across the lovely nation roads surrounding Maranello.
The Speciale is quicker across the brief Fiorano circuit than the usual 296 by about 2.5 seconds (with a 1:19 lap time), which is because of a mix of the additional energy, enhanced aerodynamics, and the specifically made Michelin Cup 2 tyres.
The chassis and suspension structure is essentially the identical as that of the common GTB. The minor modifications embrace Multimatic adjustable shocks derived from these used on the 296 GT3 race automotive, and stiffer, lighter titanium springs that assist scale back the utmost roll angle by 13 per cent. The trip peak has additionally been dropped by 5mm, reducing the centre of gravity.
Given how good the 296 GTB already was, the modifications right here have been incremental, however with its enhance mechanical grip the Speciale can now obtain 4 per cent increased lateral acceleration than the common 296. Extra substantial modifications have come to the entrance axle, with Ferrari engineers retuning the delicate six-axis automobile dynamics sensor to extra exactly calculate the grip ranges of the entrance tyres.
These values decide how the SSC 9.0 dynamic management system adjusts the responses of the traction management, stability management, e-Diff, and ABS Evo digital brake management to maintain the tail-end of the automotive below management.
This extra degree of management was very a lot appreciated as we pulled third gear whereas screaming down Fiorano behind one in all Ferrari’s take a look at drivers that (fortunately) had little take care of the inexperience we had across the observe.
Driving the observe itself is an expertise one will always remember, given its historical past, heritage, and the honour of being among the many women and men who’ve given it such historic significance. However to be completely honest, it’s additionally a observe with out mercy. There’s subsequent to no run-off, it’s punishingly fast, and there are a number of blind turns over hills that take some getting used to.
The 296 Speciale feels nearly too quick for Ferrari’s famed racecourse, however the method through which it brakes, turns, and grips the highway is astonishing. Because the laps piled up and the false sense of confidence grew, we began to brake deeper, flip in later, and speed up tougher out of corners. The Speciale’s further stability over the GTB is noticeable, largely because of the brand new aerodynamic bundle. Full story on that right here.
In contrast with the common 296, essentially the most noticeable aero modifications are on the rear of the automotive, within the form of two winglets that rise from the bodyside behind the rear wheels, and kink excessive of the rear fenders. Their vertical fins optimise wake administration to scale back drag, whereas the profile of the horizontal floor generates downforce.
The wings additionally work together with the cooling air circulate from the rear radiators, enhancing their effectivity, and help the lively spoiler that rises vertically between them from the trailing fringe of the rear bodywork.
Though related in operation to the GTB, the Speciale will get a selected new medium setting for the lively aero, and accelerates the transition to its high-downforce setting.
Additionally on the rear is a brand new diffuser, and the vortex mills on the rear undertray have been optimised to separate the air circulate between the centre and the lateral venturis to extend rear downforce and make sure the right aerodynamic steadiness of the automotive in all rear spoiler configurations.
Well-known for a few of his extra memorable one-liners and lack of take care of aerodynamics, we’d hazard a guess and say that even Enzo Ferrari can be happy with the 296’s aerodynamic capabilities. It whole, there’s now 435kg of downforce at 250km/h, a 20 per cent enchancment over the usual 296 GTB.
However regardless of the hundreds of observe laps we have now performed previously, and the numerous dozen at Fiorano by the top of this observe take a look at, it by no means felt like we obtained near the Speciale’s restrict of efficiency. There’s a lot time to extract from this hardcore 296 that it requires a real skilled for optimum impression.
The half which actually blew us away was really the braking efficiency. The 398mm entrance carbon-ceramic brakes are so extremely linear of their relentless efficiency that, regardless of infinite abuse, lap after lap, braking efficiency solely improved.
All in all, it’s a automotive that ranges up with you. It’s in no way intimidating, and as long as you permit the traction management techniques on, it’s apparent that no matter your observe driving expertise, you’ll construct confidence in the way in which the Speciale conducts itself.
For typical day-to-day driving, the 296 Speciale is a surprisingly comfy automotive. The seats, ergonomics, and inside area are all very affordable. That is undoubtedly the form of automotive you possibly can drive day-after-day. If you need a elevate equipment to outlive Australia’s unfriendly roads, you’ll miss out on the usual, extra track-focused suspension, however we predict given the use case for the automotive, it is sensible to take action.
Across the hilly mountainous roads surrounding Ferrari’s manufacturing facility, we discovered ourselves screaming with pleasure. The 296 Speciale is great to drive. With the helmet gone, we may hear the automotive scream, and boy does it scream!
It’s no F430 Scuderia or 458 Speciale, nevertheless it arguably sounds higher than the 488 Pista and completely evokes the form of feelings it must. Gear shifts at the moment are extra violent, and the showshifts extra instantaneous than ever earlier than, giving a way of goal and poise that the GTB doesn’t have.
The automobiles we drove had the non-obligatory titanium exhaust, which gave them a extra raspy and higher-pitched sound than the 296 GTB. We are able to’t let you know what it seems like with the usual exhaust, and we recommend you both go for the manufacturing facility choice, or order a third-party exhaust system.
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Whereas it feels insanely fast on observe, on a decent native highway the acceleration is psychological. It’s onerous to actually describe the sensation of a automotive that may get from 0-200km/h in below seven seconds. It makes the driving between turns a very epic expertise. That acceleration determine is faster than even the McLaren 765 LT and about the identical because the LaFerrari.
We’re not speaking a couple of supercar right here; these numbers are what have been thought of hypercar territory just some years in the past. Paradoxically, they make the 296 Speciale a automotive that wants much more respect on the highway than you most likely realise. You’ll come into bends and corners with a lot velocity and tempo that it may be simple to misjudge.
Stepping up from a 458 or 488 into this automotive appears like a multi-generational shift. There’s a degree of efficiency right here that’s properly and really past what an everyday Ferrari was ever meant to ship. However because the powertrain has improved, so has the dealing with. Similar to on observe, the road-going mechanical grip and cornering functionality are past what most mere mortals will ever have the ability to extract.
The way in which the Speciale dealt with bumps and undulations on Italy’s poor roads (with bumpy highway mode engaged) was very spectacular and signal of the way it ought to deal with related terrain in Australia. Bear in mind that the usual observe bundle doesn’t embrace this feature (or the elevate system).
Our assessment is predicated on the very best bundle for observe and the very best bundle for highway. Finally, it’s as much as the client to determine which is extra vital to them, and to specify their automotive accordingly.
Finally, the driving nature of the 296 Speciale is the very best we have now ever skilled from a automotive in its class. What it could lack by way of the technical dynamic wizardry of one thing like the brand new Lamborghini Temerario, it makes up for in driving really feel and outright efficiency.
What’s the Ferrari 296 Speciale like on the within?
The inside of the 296 Speciale has had some very welcome revisions, essentially the most notable of them being the usage of extra bodily buttons on the steering wheel and a transfer away from the awfully annoying haptic ones within the GTB.
There’s additionally the choice to extra simply flip off the ADAS techniques from always beeping, so the European pace enforcement laws which are unnecessarily carried over to Australia received’t wreck your drive (as a lot).
There’s additionally plenty of uncovered carbon-fibre and Alcantara, plus uncovered fasteners and light-weight seats which are every 5kg lighter than the usual gadgets.
Ferrari has additionally created a selected door panel for the automotive, which is produced from a single block of carbon-fibre with a minimalist design. The seize deal with has additionally been altered for extra operate over kind. The management tunnel between the seats consists of a construction totally produced from carbon-fibre.
We discovered the seats to be surprisingly comfy each on observe and highway. Ferrari Australia couldn’t verify whether or not or not we can choice the five-point harness on this market from the manufacturing facility as of but (alongside the standard seatbelt), however the construction of the safer racing seatbelts ought to be constructed into the automotive, so house owners will have the ability to retrofit them no matter whether or not or not they arrive homologated with the automotive (though in Australia they’re unlawful to make use of on the highway, however not unlawful to have fitted).
The entrance cupboard space of the Speciale is somewhat bit lower than the GTB’s, down from round 200 litres to 169L. However there’s a further 112L behind the seats (which is absolutely simply to shove a smooth bag or a jacket into at finest).
| Dimensions | Ferrari 296 Speciale |
|---|---|
| Size | 4625 mm |
| Width | 1968 mm |
| Peak | 1181 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2600 mm |
| Cargo capability | 169L |
How a lot does the Ferrari 296 Speciale value to run?
Ferrari presents a three-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee for the 296 Speciale, and a upkeep program which covers all scheduled servicing for the primary seven years of the automotive’s life.
These service intervals are both 20,000km or yearly, whichever comes first.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Ferrari 296 Speciale
When you have a GTB and your Ferrari seller has knowledgeable you that you’re eligible for a Speciale allocation, my recommendation can be to go for it, as a result of that is essentially the most full mid-engined special-series automotive to have come out of Maranello.
It’s comes with an affordable worth enhance over earlier special-series automobiles just like the 488 Pista, and whilst you could also be somewhat disillusioned by the residual worth of your GTB, by itself and as a bundle the 296 Speciale is a near-faultless automotive on benefit.
Whether or not it’s on a racetrack or on the highway, it does all the things extremely properly. With the added emotion and noise of the up to date exhaust system and extra aggressive powertrain, it additionally drives like a hardcore Ferrari ought to.
Click on the pictures for the complete gallery
MORE: Discover the Ferari 296 showroom
