Each time Ferrari launches a new model, you can be assured that a more focused, no-holds-barred version will follow soon after. It started with the 360 Modena, which was followed by the 360 Challenge Stradale, then the F430 which got the F430 Scuderia, the 458 Italia with the 458 Speciale, and the 488 GTB with the 488 Pista. For the 296 GTBthis would be a tall order. However, when Ferrari actually managed to make a wilder version of the mid-engined supercar, it was so impressive that even they couldn’t think of a suffix better than what it simply was — Special.
Ferrari 296 Speciale Exterior Design and Engineering: 10/10
Heavily updated bodywork gives priority to aero but doesn’t compromise looks.
Much of the performance gain in the 296 Speciale is owed to tweaks in design and aerodynamics. Every panel above and below the car has been optimized to help it cut through the air as efficiently as possible. The presentation for aerodynamic changes was a lecture in rocket science, with terms like vortex generators and wing profile geometry passing over the head just as smoothly as air over the Speciale.
Up front, the notable addition is the aero-damper — a large scoop in the bonnet that channels air from under the car and helps it pass over the roof without disturbance. Beside it are three louvres on each side that relieve pressure from the wheel well and guide air around the car without disrupting the side intakes. Ducts by the headlamps also pass air directly to the brakes for better cooling.
The bumper is wider and lower, with larger air intakes, and the tea-tray seen on the 296 GTB/GTS has been replaced by a LaFerrari-like floating lip. The bumper ends have vents and winglets designed to guide air around the front wheels, eliminating drag. The result is significantly better front-end grip.
From the side, the ride height is lower, the 20-inch wheels can be had in full carbon to save weight, and the side intakes near the rear wheels help air pass cleanly over and around them.
The rear is crucially different too, thanks to the ‘Gamma wings’ at each corner, which aid downforce. Derived from the race-bred 296 Challenge, these small winglets have a profound effect on airflow, especially when working in tandem with the active spoiler tucked beneath the center panel. The spoiler now features faster actuators for quicker response and an intermediate setting to balance drag and downforce. On high-speed straights, it stays tucked away and immediately deploys under braking to improve stability.
Ferrari’s aerodynamicists insist that while these tweaks serve function first, great effort also went into form. The engineers went through three different designs, ultimately choosing one that balanced both performance and beauty. Even the unseen underside was carefully optimized — vents and ducts ensure smooth airflow from nose to diffuser.
The hero paint shade, ‘Verde Nürburgring’, a deep metallic green, perfectly complements the car’s stance. If it’s not for you, Ferrari’s catalogue allows endless customization — from colors to stripes. While Ferraris in red strike a traditional chord, this shade is a sight for sore eyes.
Ferrari 296 Speciale Interior Space and Comfort: 9/10
20 kg saved inside; extensive use of carbon fibre and Alcantara.
In the past, hardcore, track-focused Ferraris had cabins designed more for circuits than streets. The 296 Speciale, while stripped of some luxuries, doesn’t feel bare. Carpets are gone, tan leather makes way for Alcantara and carbon fibre, and the comfy ‘GT’ seats are replaced by focused carbon buckets with four-point harnesses.
The door panels are carved from a single piece of carbon fibre that flows seamlessly into the dashboard. Yet, you still get automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay, a passenger display, and ADAS features.
The seats offer recline and reach adjustment, allowing drivers to find the ideal position. While the four-point harness is great for track days, the conventional three-point seatbelt is more practical for road use.
Storage includes a small net behind the seats for loose items and a 169-litre frunk — enough for medium soft bags or an overnight suitcase.
Ferrari 296 Speciale features and equipment: 9/10
Despite adding lightness, few features are missing.
Most digital functions are part of the instrument cluster, with steering-mounted controls. Though it may feel overwhelming at first, the layout soon becomes intuitive. A welcome change is the return of physical buttons and switches on the steering wheel, replacing the GTB’s touch-sensitive panels.
The carbon-fibre steering wheel can be equipped with shift lights, and the long paddle shifters are a joy to use. The Manettino adjusts traction and suspension (with optional MagnaRide dampers), while the e-Manettino switches drive modes between ‘Qualifying’, ‘Performance’, ‘Hybrid’, and ‘eDrive’.
Ferrari 296 Speciale Performance and Refinement: 10/10
Absurdly fast on track, surprisingly usable on road.
We sampled the 296 Speciale in two forms — at Fiorano with passive dampers and on public roads with MagnaRide.
At ignition, the revised exhaust note stands out immediately. The titanium end section sheds 2 kg and adds richness to the sound, while redesigned acoustic ducts channel natural engine noise into the cabin — no digital augmentation here.
The bassy growl at low revs turns feral past 6,000 rpm. On track, the preferred ‘Qualifying’ mode unlocks full power from both the engine and the 7.45 kWh battery. The 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 alone produces 700hp and 755Nm, while the electric motor adds another 180hp, filling every torque gap.
Power delivery is instant and uninterrupted, aided by improved cooling for the e-motor and increased turbo boost. The new ‘Extra Boost’ function, exclusive to Qualifying mode, gives an additional burst of electric shove past 6,000 rpm — perfect for fast corner exits.
The 8-speed F1 DCT is lightning-quick, with Ferrari even allowing battery power to assist during upshifts to eliminate lag entirely.
Acceleration is staggering — 0–100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and 0–200 km/h in just 7.0 seconds. At Fiorano, it laps in 1 minute 19 seconds — identical to the all-wheel-drive SF90 Stradale.
Yet, 60 percent of development reportedly took place on public roads. In ‘Performance’ mode, the car feels more civilised but remains immensely potent. The ‘Hybrid’ mode manages charge through regenerative braking, while full-electric ‘eDrive’ mode offers quiet operation for short commutes.
Thanks to the exhaust tuning, the engine’s presence is always felt — literally right behind your head.
Ferrari 296 Speciale Mileage: 9/10
Plug-in hybrid gives a claimed 25 km electric-only range
For what it’s worth, the 296 Speciale has an edge in efficiency. Ferrari claims 25 km of electric-only range — a figure that proved realistic during our test. Don’t want to wake the neighbours or waste high-octane fuel in traffic? The eDrive mode is a saviour. On engine power alone, expect between 4–5 km/l, depending on how heavy your right foot is.
Ferrari 296 Speciale Ride and Handling: 9/10
Optional MagnaRide suspension softens bumps; nose-lift available.
On track with passive dampers, the firm setup delivers. There’s no flex, and through chicanes and bends, the Speciale stays flat and composed. Titanium springs shed weight, improving agility — a major feat given how sharp the standard car already was.
Steering is even more precise, aided by aerodynamic grip up front, offering superb feedback and accuracy.
On the road, MagnaRide dampers soften impacts. While firm overall, the ride isn’t bone-jarringly harsh like a Porsche 911 GT3 RS. In comfort-oriented modes, steering becomes lighter and more fluid, making city drives surprisingly manageable.
A ‘Bumpy Road’ mode is accessible via the Manettinoand the optional nose-lift function raises the front by 15 mm — essential for Indian roads given the low stance.
Ferrari 296 Speciale Price and Verdict: 9/10
No production limit, but exclusivity remains; India launch late 2026.
With the 296 Speciale, Ferrari targets purists who value driving dynamics and may occasionally hit the track. The coupe arrives in India in late 2026, followed by the Aperta six months later.
It won’t be limited by a strict production cap, but it will be rarer than the standard models. Expect pricing around ₹6.5 crore (ex-showroom, India) before options.
The GTB and GTS are already brilliant, but the Speciale adds that extra layer of magic — sharper, louder, and more emotional. For those lucky enough to secure an allocation, it truly will make you feel special from the moment you start it up.
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