The curtains have officially been lifted on Ferrari’s newest track-focused machine: the 196 Speciale. As an evolution of the 296 GTB, this iteration is Ferrari’s answer to those seeking more edge, drama, and driving precision.
So, what makes the 296 Speciale so… well, Speciale? Let’s unpack it together.
Source: Ferrari
From GTB to OMG – The Evolution to the
The 296 Speciale still runs Ferrari’s 120° twin-turbo V6 paired with an electric motor. The hybrid powertrain boasts a combined output of 880cv or 869hp. That’s a 50cv bump over the GTB and enough to make it Ferrari’s most powerful RWD production car to date. The internal combustion engine alone pushes a peak output of 691hp.
The Speciale makes 20% more downforce than the regular 296, pushing 959 pounds of peak downforce at 155mph. A redesigned areo dam in the front and new vertical fins in the rear work together with the active rear spoiler to boost overall downforce and high-speed grip.
Source: Ferrari
Ferrari shaved off 132lbs using carbon fiber body panels, titanium engine parts, and weight reduction throughout the cabin – giving it the best power-to-weight ratio of any RWD Ferrari Berlinetta. The ride height on the 296 Speciale is also .2 inches lower, dropping the center of gravity to keep it flat and composed in corners.
The interior is filled with carbon fiber and alcantara – looking sleek but, stripped back, functional and focused. If you’re looking for cupholders and plush leather, you’ve come to the wrong place.
Source: Ferrari
The 296 Speciale is set to take it’s place in the exclusive lineage of special version Ferrari berlinettas, standing along side beloveds like the 430 Sucederia, 458 Speciale, and 488 Pista. Whether it hits the mark with collectors or becomes a track-day king remains to be seen – but one thing is for sure: it’s bound to get people talking.
Check out Ferrari’s official release for further details.
Want to Make Room in Your Garage?
Thinking about the 296 Speciale? We’re happy to help you make more room in your garage. At WOB Cars, we specialize in helping seller prepare and position their collector cars for top-dollar results. If you’ve got a vehicle that deserves a strong send-off, we’ll make sure it gets the spotlight it deserves.
Let’s get you into something Speciale! Contact our team.
