2025 Ferrari 296 Speciale: First Drive Review
▼ Summary
– The 296 Speciale is Ferrari’s latest track-oriented special, featuring significant engineering upgrades including a hybrid powertrain producing 868bhp and a 60kg weight reduction.
– Key performance improvements include a 0-62mph time of 2.8 seconds, a top speed of 205mph, and a Fiorano lap time of 1:19, beating even the LaFerrari.
– Weight reduction was achieved through titanium components and precision machining, while aerodynamics were enhanced with a new damper system and active spoiler generating 435kg of downforce.
– The car features bespoke Michelin tires with stiffer sidewalls and improved compounds for better handling, along with transmission upgrades for faster shifting.
– Starting at £359,779, the 296 Speciale offers extensive customization options and represents Ferrari’s continued focus on integrating advanced engineering with driver-focused performance.
The 2025 Ferrari 296 Speciale represents the pinnacle of track-focused engineering, blending a turbocharged V6 hybrid powertrain with aggressive weight-saving measures to deliver an unparalleled driving experience. This latest model continues a celebrated lineage that truly ignited with the 360 Challenge Stradale back in 2003, a car that stripped away luxuries to achieve legendary status.
While Ferrari’s grand V12 tourers and hypercars command respect, the brand’s dedication to lightweight, track-honed specials holds a unique appeal for enthusiasts. The 296 Speciale elevates this concept to new heights through comprehensive re-engineering. Under the rear deck lies an evolved version of the 296 GTB’s powerplant, a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 hybrid paired with an electric motor and a 7.45kWh battery. By adopting turbo boost mapping from the 296 Challenge race car, Ferrari extracted an additional 36 horsepower from the combustion engine. The electric motor, positioned between the engine and eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, contributes 177 horsepower, culminating in a staggering total output of 868 horsepower.
Some may question whether a 49 horsepower increase is significant, but Ferrari’s philosophy prioritizes balance over brute force. The real story, however, lies in the weight reduction. The Speciale sheds 60 kilograms compared to the standard model, achieving a dry weight of just 1,410 kilograms. This results in an astonishing power-to-weight ratio of 616 horsepower per tonne. Engineers achieved this through extensive use of competition-derived materials, including titanium connecting rods from the Ferrari F80 and lightweight nitrided steel for the crankshaft, trimming 9 kilograms from the engine alone. Additional titanium screws and fasteners, similar to those on the 499P endurance racer, further reduce mass while improving throttle response.
Aerodynamic enhancements are equally impressive. At 155 miles per hour, the Speciale generates 435 kilograms of downforce, a 20 percent increase over the base car. Innovations include a new aero damper connecting the front undertray to the bonnet, wing louvres to manage airflow turbulence, and a rear setup featuring vertical fins and an active spoiler. This spoiler now transitions more swiftly between Low Drag and High Downforce modes, with a new Medium Downforce setting ensuring consistent handling during cornering and braking.
Visually, the 296 Speciale presents a bold, modern statement. Its design integrates functional and aesthetic elements, from the prominent rear diffuser and reconfigured exhaust layout to optional racing stripes and number graphics. Forged five-spoke wheels add to its aggressive stance, while a lowered ride height by 5 millimeters reduces body roll by 13 percent. Performance figures are breathtaking: 0 to 62 miles per hour takes just 2.8 seconds, 124 miles per hour arrives in 7.0 seconds, and top speed reaches 205 miles per hour. On Ferrari’s Fiorano test track, it laps in 1 minute 19 seconds, outpacing even the legendary LaFerrari by 0.7 seconds.
Specially developed Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, with stiffer sidewalls and a new tread compound, enhance lateral rigidity and yaw control. The outcome is a car that feels exceptionally responsive and communicative, offering peerless ride quality, handling, and braking. With a starting price of £359,779, the 296 Speciale invites extensive personalization, easily surpassing half a million pounds with options. For those seeking the ultimate expression, the Piloti Ferrari edition, reserved for Corse Clienti members, adds another £79,667.
In every respect, the 296 Speciale demonstrates Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of performance, combining cutting-edge technology with driver-focused dynamics to create a modern masterpiece.
(Source: Top Gear)