Just weeks after its global debut in Maranello, Ferrari revealed the much-anticipated 296 Speciale to the Middle East audience in a dazzling event held in Dubai. Designed to deliver uncompromising driving thrills, this special edition joins the prestigious lineage of Ferrari berlinettas, following icons such as the Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia, 458 Speciale, and 488 Pista.
According to Giorgio Turri, General Manager of Ferrari Middle East, “The launch of the Ferrari 296 Speciale marks a special occasion for the brand in the Middle East. With its supreme agility, heightened responsiveness and unmatched driving engagement, this model sets a new benchmark for performance.”
More than a showpiece, the 296 Speciale pushes the boundaries of hybrid engineering and dynamic precision. It builds on the acclaimed 296 GTB platform but introduces refinements that elevate driving emotion, balance, and control to a new standard.
Innovation Rooted in Motorsport Engineering
Ferrari has taken inspiration from motorsport to craft a machine that feels instinctive at the limit. The hybrid drivetrain, combining a rear-mid-mounted 120° V6 twin-turbo engine and electric motor, produces an astonishing 880 hp—50 hp more than the 296 GTB—making it the most powerful rear-wheel-drive Ferrari ever produced.
Much of this boost comes from enhanced components: titanium connecting rods, reinforced pistons, and a lightened crankshaft, all complemented by Formula 1-derived knock control systems. The engine itself now delivers 700 cv, while the uprated electric motor contributes 180 cv through a new extra boost mode. This upgrade also enables a revised eight-speed DCT transmission, which uses additional torque during shifts to improve response and driver engagement.
Aerodynamic enhancements are equally significant. The 296 Speciale generates 435 kg of downforce at 250 km/h, a 20% increase over the 296 GTB. This is achieved through innovative features like a front aero damper, vertical fins on the rear bumper, and a new multi-stage active spoiler. Transition times between low and high downforce modes are now 50% faster, and a medium downforce setting enhances high-speed stability.
Precision Tuning for Maximum Driving Thrills
Weight reduction plays a key role in the Speciale’s performance edge. Ferrari engineers cut 50 kg from the GTB’s weight by using carbon fibre in body panels and titanium engine components, achieving a remarkable 1.69 kg/cv power-to-weight ratio.
To further optimise handling, the team fine-tuned the suspension, ABS Evo system, and ride height. The Speciale now sits 5 mm lower, resulting in 13% less roll during cornering. The ABS Evo system also improves brake precision across varying grip levels, offering greater predictability under pressure.
In every detail, the 296 Speciale embodies Ferrari’s vision of extreme performance with intuitive control. With this latest debut, the marque once again redefines what it means to experience driving exhilaration—making it a natural fit for the Middle East’s passion for high-performance engineering.