The spicier version of the Ferrari 296 GTB has arrived in Malaysia. Meet the new Ferrari 296 Speciale, priced from RM4,288,000, including import duties, but excludes options, registration, and insurance. Even though there’s the sticker price, you still can’t buy one even if you have the dough.
That’s because you’ll have to be an existing Ferrari owner to even be in the running for one, and since it’s also a limited series production model, all current allocations have already been snapped up by wealthy Ferraristi. Still, it’s not often you get to be up close with a supercar like this, which Ferrari calls a “reward” for its loyal customers. So scroll through below for the full gallery.
Putting the Speciale in its name is the model’s improved performance, courtesy of an uprated hybrid powertrain. The 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 featuring upgrades from the standard 296, including new reinforced pistons, titanium conrods, and a lightened crankshaft, along with increased boost pressure and improved boost management systems. These upgrades allow Ferrari to extract 700 hp and 755 Nm from the engine – 37 hp more than the 296 – making it class-leading in terms of power-to-displacement ratio at 234 hp/l.
Dubbed the “Picollo V12,” the 296 Speciale’s powertrain is also 6.5 kg lighter than the standard 296. Paired with electric motors that produce an additional 180 hp and 315 Nm, with the new extra boost mode, the total output of the Ferrari 296 Speciale powertrain rises up to 880 hp – 50 hp more than the 296 GTB and a new record for a rear-wheel-drive production Ferrari, according to Maranello.
Paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission that can now shift faster using additional torque, the Ferrari 296 Speciale sprints from 0-100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 7.0 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 330 km/h.
As a Speciale Prancing Horse, the new limited-edition 296 boasts improvements over the standard GTB model, including aerodynamic upgrades derived from the 296 Challenge race car. These include a new “aero damper” integrated into the front bonnet, new vertical fins and side wings on the rear fascia that extend out of the rear wheel arches, and reworked actuator control software for the active spoiler at the back, which makes it deploy 50% faster.
These aero upgrades also help the Ferrari 296 Speciale generate 20% more downforce than the standard car, allowing it to generate 435 kg of downforce at 250 km/h.
Both its exterior and cabin are also dotted with more carbon fibre. Among the weight-saving measures is the construction of the door card, which is made from a single piece of carbon fibre. The speakers for the sound system, though arguably unnecessary for track focus, are integrated directly into this carbon fibre panel, instead of in a separate mesh panel.
Altogether, these carbon fibre parts allow the Ferrari 296 Speciale to weigh 1,410 kg dry, (1,460 kg for the Spider), which is 60 kg lighter than a standard 296 GTB.
Underneath the striking Verde Nurburgring paint job, the 296 Speciale features new underbody ducts for enhanced brake cooling, claddings to increase airflow to the diffuser, and front skirts with small scoops that direct air around the rear wheels to reduce drag.
All of this aero is supported by a revised suspension setup that is now 5 mm lower than the 296 GTB. It features springs that are 15% stiffer and stronger anti-roll bars, which help to reduce the maximum roll angle during hard cornering by 13%.
The Ferrari 296 Speciale also features the latest ABS Evo dynamics system, which includes a new 6D sensor to aid in consistent braking precision, especially during hard driving on the track.
With its tricked-out aero and fancy braking system, the Ferrari 296 Speciale manages a lap time around Maranello’s Fiorano test circuit in 1:19.00. This is 2.0 seconds faster than the 296 GTB’s best lap, and matches the time set by the significantly more powerful and expensive SF90 Stradale.
And if you still want to feel the air in your hair when you’re pushing the car to its limits, the Speciale is also available in Spider form, called the 296 Speciale A, which starts from RM4,888,000 including import duties, excluding options, registration, and insurance. Prices include the standard seven-year scheduled maintenance programme.
GALLERY
