Maranello’s track-bred hybrid supercar
Ferrari doesn’t make ordinary cars. It makes statements. And the Ferrari 296 Speciale, priced at ₹8 crore (ex-showroom), makes a very strong car.
This Speciale isn’t just another variant. It’s a sharper, lighter, more focused evolution of the 296 platform. Ferrari builds it in Maranello, Italy, where racing DNA flows like espresso.
296 Speciale Price and positioning in India
The Ferrari 296 range starts at ₹5.4 crore (ex-showroom). The top-spec 296 Speciale is priced at ₹8 crore (ex-showroom). Ferrari also offers a convertible version called the Speciale A.
This special version sits above the standard 296 GTB. And it delivers:
- 50 more horsepower
- 60 kg weight reduction
- 20% more downforce
- Revised suspension and aero setup
Ferrari calls it the most powerful rear-wheel-drive production Ferrari has ever made.
This is no ordinary claim.
Designed by Flavio Manzoni
The 296 Speciale comes from a design team led by Flavio Manzoni.
His portfolio includes icons such as:
- Ferrari F80
- Ferrari SF90 Stradale
- Ferrari Daytona SP3
- Ferrari Monza SP1
The Speciale follows Ferrari’s traditional “extreme version” philosophy – similar to what the 458 Speciale once did for the 458.
Exterior design: Built to cut through the air, not just for attention
296 Special dimensions:
- Length: 4.6 meters
- Width: 1.9 meters
- Height: 1.2 meters
- Dry weight: 1410 kg
- Weight distribution: 40% front / 60% rear
Ferrari has lowered it by 5 mm compared to the standard 296 GTB. Revised springs and dampers reduce maximum roll angle by 13% during cornering.
Front end highlights
The front end focuses heavily on airflow.
- Optimized undertray
- Suspended splitter
- Additional side ducts
- Twin front radiators
- Aero dampers on the bonnet
- Teardrop LED headlights with adaptive lighting
- Air ducts below the DRLs
Ferrari claims that the new Aero produces 435 kg of downforce at 250 km/h. That’s 20% more than the standard 296 GTB.
The setup takes inspiration from the Ferrari Challenge race car.
Wheels, Brakes and Tires
The car rides on 20-inch carbon fiber wheels. Ferrari also offers four more wheel designs.
Braking duties come from Brembo carbon ceramic brakes at both ends.
Tire setup:
- Front: 245/35 ZR20 (95Y)
- Rear: 305/35 ZR20 (107Y) Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
Ferrari has fine-tuned these tires using its F1-derived development processes.
You can choose brake calipers in black, red, orange, silver, blue, gold or yellow. Because performance should also look dramatic.
Colors and Customization Options
This model appears in Verde British Racing Green (the word Arbor Green in your spec). Ferrari offers 34 exterior colors including red, yellow, black, gray, white, silver, blue, gold, and violet.
Stripe options include white and red.
Ferrari also allows customers to choose racing numbers from 0 to 99 near the shield badge.
Rear design: aggressive and functional
The rear end looks like a race car.
- Single central exhaust (inspired by the F80)
- Carbon fiber diffuser
- Vortex generator
- Vertical fence and side wings
- Integrated active spoiler inspired by the LaFerrari
The spoiler offers three modes
- Low drag
- Medium downforce
- High downforce
This setup improves rear stability at high speeds.
Ferrari has also tuned the sound ducts leading from the engine to the cabin for a more immersive experience.
Suspension and Chassis Engineering
Ferrari has borrowed many components from race-spec models like the 296 GT3.
- Titanium springs
- Multimatic single-rod shock absorbers
- Titanium fasteners
- Carbon fiber body panels
The changes reduce weight and sharpen turn-in response.
Ferrari prioritized agility, stability, and steering precision. The electric motor now includes an Extra Boost mode for short-term performance.
Service and Maintenance
Ferrari provides a 7-year maintenance program.
Service interval:
- Every 20,000 km
- Or once a year
That brings peace of mind in the ₹8 crore bracket.
Drive Modes and Electronics
The Ferrari 296 Speciale offers four drive modes including:
- eDrive
- Qualify
- Extra Boost Control
The car also features advanced dynamic sensors. Ferrari integrates traction control, side slip control (SSC 9.0), electronic differential, ABS and more.
Safety features include:
- 4 airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Traction control
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Rear camera
- Suspension lifter
- Tire pressure monitoring
- Emergency call system
Ferrari also offers optional surround-view cameras and protection packages.
Interior: Carbon Everywhere
Step inside and it feels like you’ve entered a carbon-fiber cocoon.
Materials include:
- Carbon fiber
- Alcantara
- Aluminum
Seat options include standard sports seats and racing seats.
You get 112 liters of rear storage space and 169 liters in the front trunk.
Ferrari offers multiple color options for the stitching, seat belts, dashboard, and carpets.
Information and Controls
The cockpit looks similar to the layout of the SF90.
Features include:
- Digital instrument cluster
- Passenger side display
- Head-up display
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Wireless charger
- USB ports
- Dual-zone automatic AC
- Electrochromic rearview mirror
Most vehicle functions are operated directly from the steering wheel.
The steering wheel features LED shift lights and the iconic Manettino drive mode selector.
Ferrari also includes MyFerrari Connect, which allows owners to check:
- Battery charge
- Vehicle tracking
- Driving statistics
- Alerts
via all smartphone app.
Engine and Hybrid Powertrain
Now for the main event.
The Ferrari 296 Speciale uses a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 petrol engine that is coupled to a lithium-ion battery and two electric motors.
Engine details
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine Name | Ferrari F163 BC |
| Engine Type | 3.0-liter Twin-Turbo V6 Petrol |
| Displacement | 3000 cc |
| Turbochargers | Twin IHI Turbos |
| Lubrication System | Dry Sump |
| Fuel Injection | Direct Injection |
| Hybrid System | Lithium-Ion Battery + Two Electric Motors |
| Combined Power Output | 868 hp |
| Combined Torque | 755 Nm |
| Electric Motor Power | 177 hp |
| Electric Motor Torque | 315 Nm |
| 0–100 km/h | 2.8 seconds |
| 0–200 km/h | 7 seconds |
| Top Speed | 330 km/h |
| Electric-Only Top Speed | 135 km/h |
| Electric Mode Range | 25 km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 liters |
| Claimed Fuel Efficiency | 11 km/l |
| Combustion Pressure Increase | +7% |
| Connecting Rods | Titanium (35% lighter than steel) |
| Pistons | Reinforced |
| Engineering Origin | Solutions derived from Ferrari race programs |
| Special Note | First turbocharged six-cylinder engine developed by Ferrari specifically for road use |
Ferrari improved the combustion chamber pressure by 7%. Engineers used titanium connecting rods (35% lighter than steel) and reinforced pistons.
Many of these solutions are taken directly from Ferrari’s race programs.
Ferrari says this is its first turbocharged six-cylinder engine developed specifically for road use.
Thermal and Engine Engineering
Two engine components can withstand temperatures of up to 900°C.
Ferrari Optimizes:
- Turbo Insulation
- Thermal Management
- Knock Control System (derived from Formula One)
Engine Block Trimming Saves 1.2kg.
These details are important because they directly affect performance and durability.
Ferrari doesn’t guess. It engineers.
Ferrari 296 Speciale Real-world impressions
The Ferrari 296 Special feels purpose-built.
The low weight makes for sharper direction changes.
The 60:40 weight distribution increases rear traction.
Active aero improves stability at high speeds.
The Extra Boost mode adds drama when you need it.
This car doesn’t try to be comfortable first. It tries to be fast first. And it succeeds at that.
