Get your hearts ready, speed enthusiasts! Ferrari has just raised the bar (once again) with the launch of the 2026 Ferrari 296 Speciale. Unveiled in April 2025 straight from Maranello, this machine is not just a successor to the already impressive 296 GTB; it’s its wildest, track-focused evolution yet, promising pure performance and adrenaline at its peak.
Set for a global release in early 2026, the 296 Speciale arrives in both Coupé and Aperta (convertible) versions, featuring a rigorous weight reduction, an even more powerful hybrid V6 heart, and aerodynamics that would make a fighter jet blush. Let’s dive deep into the specs and all the details of this Italian gem.
The Essence of the Ferrari 296 Speciale: Pure Hybrid Thrill
The 296 Speciale represents the pinnacle of Ferrari’s hybrid V6 engineering, focused on delivering a visceral driving experience. According to Reuters, the April 2025 unveiling marked a key step towards the brand’s eventual full electrification, proving that the passion for performance continues to burn brightly in Maranello.
The goal here was clear: reduce weight, increase power, and optimize airflow to create a car that not only succeeds the 296 GTB but surpasses it in every dynamic aspect. It’s Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of perfection on wheels.
Coupé vs. Aperta: Choose Your Speciale Experience
Ferrari offers the 296 Speciale in two distinct yet equally thrilling personalities. The Coupé, with its rigid body, is the choice for purists seeking maximum structural stiffness and the highest possible downforce—ideal for devouring corners on track days.
The 296 Speciale A (Aperta) amps up the thrill with the wind in your hair, thanks to its retractable hardtop. While sharing the same explosive powertrain as the Coupé, the Aperta adds the sensory dimension of open-air driving without sacrificing (much) performance. Sources like Car Magazine UK emphasize that both versions are designed for “driving purists.”
Unveiling the Specs: Numbers That Impress
Let’s get to the heart of the matter: the raw numbers of this Italian machine. The combination of a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine and an electric motor creates a symphony of power and torque that redefines the hybrid supercar concept.
A weight reduction of about 220 lbs compared to the 296 GTB, combined with the power increase, results in breathtaking acceleration and unmatched agility. The top speed, though “only” declared to be over 205 mph, surely underestimates the true potential of this beast.
Detailed Specifications (Coupé / Aperta)
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | 3.0L V6 Twin-Turbo + Electric |
| Total Power | 880 hp |
| Total Torque | 557 lb-ft @ 6,000 rpm |
| 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) | 2.8 sec |
| Top Speed | > 205 mph (330+ km/h) |
| Weight (DIN) | 3,110 lbs (1,410 kg) |
| Electric Range | ~15.5 miles (~25 km) |
It’s important to note a slight discrepancy in some sources regarding the exact power figure (880 hp vs. 869 hp), usually stemming from conversions and rounding. We consider 880 hp as the most consistent official figure, as detailed by NetCarShow.
Track Technology and Refined Aerodynamics
The 296 Speciale isn’t just brute force; it’s intelligence applied to performance. It inherits technologies straight from the track, like titanium springs and adjustable Multimatic shock absorbers, derived from the 296 GT3. The engine also receives reinforced components from the 296 Challenge program, ensuring durability under extreme stress.
The aerodynamics have been obsessively reworked. A new underfloor diffuser, redesigned air intakes on the hood, and an active rear retractable wing work together to generate an impressive 959 lbs (435 kg) of downforce at 155 mph (250 km/h)—a 30% increase over the GTB, according to Car and Driver. This translates into more grip and stability at high speeds.
Inside, the focus is entirely on the driver. Carbon fiber and Alcantara dominate the cabin, while the race-inspired steering wheel and simplified digital cluster keep essential information in clear view. Systems like FDE+ traction and stability control, combined with a Manettino dial featuring adjustable driving modes, allow you to safely unlock the car’s full potential.
Key Equipment
- Titanium spring suspension
- Adjustable Multimatic shock absorbers
- Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires
- Active aerodynamics producing 959 lbs of downforce
- Carbon fiber and Alcantara interior
- FDE+ dynamic control
- Integrated telemetry system
What’s the Price of the Dream? 296 Speciale Pricing and Markets
Exclusivity comes at a cost, and for the 296 Speciale, it’s a considerable one. Initial prices in Italy were announced at €407,000 for the Coupé and €462,000 for the Aperta. Using direct conversion at the exchange rate around the announcement time, prices approximate US$449,000 and US$509,000 respectively.
It’s expected these prices will be even higher in the United States, potentially adding up to 10% more due to import tariffs and logistics costs. While not a numbered limited edition, production will be controlled, prioritizing loyal customers, which further enhances its aura of exclusivity.
Estimated Prices (Converted)
| Version | Price Italy (€) | Converted Price (US$) |
|---|---|---|
| 296 Speciale Coupé | €407,000 | ~US$449,000 |
| 296 Speciale A (Aperta) | €462,000 | ~US$509,000 |
Notable Evolution: 296 GTB vs. 296 Speciale
The transformation from the 296 GTB to the Speciale is substantial. It gains 50 additional horsepower, combined with a 220-pound weight reduction. This combination drastically improves the power-to-weight ratio, directly impacting acceleration and agility.
A 30% increase in downforce is another crucial change, ensuring the car sticks to the road even through the most challenging corners and at high speeds. The incorporation of technology directly derived from the 296 GT3 and 296 Challenge racing programs reinforces the Speciale’s track pedigree.
Competitors Worth Mentioning: The Supercar Battle
The Ferrari 296 Speciale enters a highly competitive segment, facing heavyweight rivals. The Porsche 911 GT2 RS (although from a prior generation, still a benchmark) offers a purer, track-focused experience at a significantly lower base price but without hybrid technology. Porsche’s philosophy in models like the Porsche 911 Spirit 70 also aims for that pure connection to driving.
The McLaren Artura is, in turn, a direct hybrid rival, lighter than the original 296 GTB and priced more accessibly than the Speciale. However, the Artura delivers less power and downforce, focusing on a different balance between performance and usability. Other high-performance cars, such as the 2026 BMW M2 Racing, offer strong thrills in different packages, showing the market’s diversity.
Competitor Comparison
| Model | Power | 0–62 mph | Approx. Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrari 296 Speciale | 880 hp | 2.8 sec | US$449,000+ |
| Porsche 911 GT2 RS | ~700 hp | 2.7 sec | US$295,000+ |
| McLaren Artura | ~690 hp | 3.0 sec | US$240,000+ |
Pros and Cons: The Verdict on the New Italian Gem
Analyzing a car like the 296 Speciale requires balancing passion and reason. The performance is undeniably stratospheric, and the onboard technology is cutting-edge, derived directly from racing.
However, the price places it on an exclusive level, and the extreme performance focus means comfort and practicality are secondary. Limited availability is also a factor, making it a coveted object for a lucky few. Models like the 2026 BMW 8 Series Convertible, for example, seek a different balance between luxury and sportiness.
Highlights
- Exceptional Hybrid Performance
- Highly Effective Aerodynamics
- Track-Derived Technology
- Exclusive and Striking Design
Points to Consider
- Extremely High Price
- Limited Comfort for Daily Use
- No Official Safety Rating
- Restricted Availability
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Ferrari 296 Speciale
Answering Your Questions
- What is the confirmed power output of the 296 Speciale?
The combined total hybrid system power is 880 hp (horsepower), with 700 hp from the V6 combustion engine and 180 hp from the electric motor. - What’s the main difference between the 296 Speciale and the 296 GTB?
The Speciale is lighter (-220 lbs), more powerful (+50 hp), and generates more downforce (+30%) than the GTB, in addition to incorporating track-inspired technologies. - Is the 296 Speciale a limited edition?
It’s not a numbered edition, but Ferrari controls production and allocation, making it very exclusive with priority given to existing customers. - Is the price justified?
For those seeking the pinnacle of Ferrari’s hybrid V6 performance with cutting-edge technology and exclusivity, the price reflects the engineering and brand positioning.
The Ferrari 296 Speciale is more than just a car; it’s a statement. A show of force from Italian engineering, proving that the hybrid era can be as or even more exciting than pure combustion. It combines cutting-edge technology, overwhelming performance, and unmistakable Maranello design. Is it expensive? Yes. Exclusive? Definitely. But for those who can and seek the ultimate limit, the 296 Speciale seems to deliver exactly what it promises: an unforgettable driving experience.
And you, what do you think of the new 2026 Ferrari 296 Speciale? Leave your comment below and share your opinion about this dream machine!
Author: Fabio Isidoro
Fabio Isidoro is the founder and editor-in-chief of Canal Carro, where he has been writing about the automotive world since 2022. Passionate about cars and technology, he began his journey on the HospedandoSites portal and today dedicates himself to creating technical content and comprehensive analyses of national and international vehicles. 📩 Contact: contato@canalcarro.net.br