The new special version of
the Ferrari 296 GTS was unveiled today
• The 296 Speciale A sets the new benchmark for the
production range in terms of driving thrills and is aimed at those who do not
want to give up the charm of open-air driving
• The hybrid powertrain has a combined output of 880 cv
• Thanks to Ferrari's renowned RHT system, the 296 Speciale
A further amplifies the driving experience for both driver and passenger
• Weight-saving measures, a dedicated suspension set-up and
the extra boost strategy make for even more driver engagement
Maranello,
29 April 2025 – Ferrari has presented its latest special version model, the 296
Speciale A, a mid-rear engined plug-in hybrid spider. The car joins the
Scuderia Spider 16M, the 458 Speciale A, and the 488 Pista Spider, an
ultra-exclusive dynasty of special versions of Ferrari’s berlinetta-derived
spiders, and aims to become the new benchmark of the range - as well as the
market - in terms of top-down driving thrills.
The
296 Speciale A adds the retractable hardtop (RHT) to the coupé’s incredible
qualities of agile handling, responsiveness and stability, qualities that,
together with the additional appeal of being able to drive in the open air,
make it unrivalled. This special version not only multiplies the already
extraordinary performance of the 296 GTS but also introduces a sense of
predictability and intuitiveness that makes this a car unlike any other.
Conceived for the Ferrarista who demands an unrivalled driving experience, the
296 Speciale A represents the new pinnacle for this model type and is dedicated
to owners in search of that special feeling of being at the wheel of a car with
extraordinary performance.
The
296 Speciale A takes the agility and responsiveness of the 296 GTS to extreme
new heights by exploiting the full potential of its plug-in hybrid
architecture, consisting of a rear-mid 120° 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 880 hp, 50 more
than the 296 GTS and a record for a rear-wheel-drive production Ferrari.
To
make these results possible, Ferrari drew extensively from its experience in
motor sports: the internal combustion engine borrows from the powerplant of the
296 Challenge in terms of engine management maps and boost strategy, and boasts
titanium connecting rods, reinforced pistons and a lightened crankshaft. All
these elements, together with a knock control system derived from Formula 1,
have raised the power output of the V6 to 700 cv, 37 more than the model this
special version is based on. The V6 engine of the 296 Speciale A maintains its
distinctive timbre, a sound consisting of the pure harmonics of the 3rd, 6th,
and 9th combustion orders which, in this application, have gained in quality,
intensity and volume.
The
electric motor has also been uprated and is now capable of delivering 180 cv in
the new extra boost mode. This increase in power has also made it possible to
introduce a new strategy for the eight-speed DCT transmission, which makes use
of additional torque during shifts to shorten shift times and increase both
performance and driver engagement.
The
296 Speciale A generates 435 kg of downforce at 250 km/h with the roof up – 20%
more than the 296 GTS – thanks to innovative solutions developed and tested on
the 296 Challenge. These include the aero damper integrated into the front
bonnet and the vertical fins on the rear bumper which incorporate new side
wings that work in synergy with the active rear spoiler to generate additional
downforce. The spoiler is now managed by a new actuator control strategy that
not only shortens the transition time between Low Drag (LD) and High Downforce
(HD) configurations by 50% but also introduces a new Medium Downforce (MD)
configuration, which improves rear-end stability at high speeds.
A
great deal of attention was dedicated to saving weight, which is crucial for
increasing driving thrills. Overall weight has been reduced by 50 kg compared
with the 296 GTS by using materials such as carbon fibre for some of the
bodyshell parts and titanium for components in the engine. The resulting
weight/power ratio is just 1.69 kg/cv, a record for a rear-wheel-drive Ferrari
berlinetta spider.
To
accentuate the dynamic capabilities of the 296 Speciale A and ensure that the
car behaves predictably when driven at the limit, Ferrari’s engineers also
worked on fine-tuning the electronic control systems, suspension set-up and
tyres. The 296 Speciale A is equipped with the latest generation of the ABS Evo
dynamic control system, which improves braking precision and repeatability in
all surface and grip conditions. The spring and damper settings have been
revised – the car now rides 5 mm lower than the 296 GTS – reducing maximum roll
angle when cornering by 13% and improving the behaviour of the car at the
limit.