ROME: Ferrari has presented its latest special version model, the 296 Speciale, a mid-rear engined plug-in hybrid berlinetta.
This car takes its rightful place in the exclusive lineage of special version Ferrari berlinettas and, just like its forebears – the Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia, 458 Speciale and 488 Pista – has been conceived to set the new benchmark in terms of driving thrills.
The 296 Speciale takes the agility and responsiveness of the 296 GTB to extreme new heights by exploiting the full potential of its plug-in hybrid architecture, consisting of a rear-mid V6 twin turbo engine and an electric motor, a short wheelbase and innovative dynamic control systems.
The drivetrain delivers an astonishing combined power output of 880hp, 50 more than the 296 GTB and a record for a rear-wheel-drive production Ferrari.
The V6 works in conjunction with the electric motor of the plug-in hybrid system, which is installed between the internal combustion engine itself and the 8-speed DCT gearbox.
An additional clutch decouples the engine and electric motor to enable full-electric driving mode.
Completing the system are the high voltage battery and the inverter.
As a result of the new extra boost strategy introduced for the electric motor, the combined power of the system is now an astonishing 880hp, a remarkable 50cv more than the output of the 296 GTB.
The symphony of the 296 Speciale inherits and evolves the already highly acclaimed sound of the 296 GTB, retaining the distinctive timbre and the same firing order as the car it is based on.
The electric system delivers 315Nm of torque and up to 180cv of power between 6000 and 8500rpm in the new extra boost mode with the eManettino set to ‘Qualify’.
The 13cv increase in performance over the 296 GTB was achieved by optimising the operating and cooling strategies of the electric motor.
The 296 Speciale generates 435kg of downforce in total at 250kph, which is 20% more than the 296 GTB.
The aerodynamic development for this car had two primary objectives: on the one hand, to evolve and hone the aerodynamics of the original car, reinterpreting its original spirit while taking performance to extreme new levels in areas such as the front bumper and underbody; while on the other, to incorporate aerodynamic concepts developed in motor sports applications - on the 296 Challenge in particular - to give shape to unprecedented solutions for a road-going car.
The interior design of the 296 Speciale follows the same philosophy applied in all latest generation Ferrari special versions.
The changes with respect to the 296 GTB include solutions to simplify the interior, with fewer elements in total, and save weight, with an even more extensive use of carbon fibre and Alcantara.
In addition to the widespread use of carbon fibre and aluminium, the more pared-down design language also contributes to the overall effect of a much more race-focused cabin.
