Ferrari has launched the new sports car "296 Spéciale" domestically after six years. It is explained that the output is higher than the previous model, the weight is reduced, and the downforce is increased to maximize the driving experience.
On the 21st, Ferrari unveiled the V6 engine plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model "296 Spéciale" at the Banpo exhibition center in Seocho District, Seoul. The 296 Spéciale is a special model that follows ▲Challenge Stradale (2003), ▲430 Scuderia (2007), ▲458 Speciale (2013), and ▲488 Pista (2018).
The 296 Spéciale was developed based on the 296 GTB, the representative model of the V6 engine PHEV. Kim Kwang-cheol, the representative of FMK, Ferrari's official importer, said, "If the 296 GTB redefined the fun of driving, the 296 Spéciale will offer a more intuitive and instinctive driving experience," adding, "The 296 Spéciale will hold more value within a short lifecycle limited by the (sales) period," although the sales period was not disclosed.
The length of the 296 Spéciale is 4,625 mm, width is 1,968 mm, and height is 1,181 mm. The top speed is 330 km/h, and the 0-100 km/h acceleration time is just 2.8 seconds.
The 296 Spéciale has improved performance in three aspects compared to the existing 296 GTB: output, weight, and downforce. First, the output has increased by 50 horsepower, delivering a total of 880 horsepower, thanks to enhancements in both the internal combustion engine (700 horsepower) and the electric motor (180 horsepower). Notably, the electric motor supports high-voltage battery charging and pure electric driving (up to 25 km).
The weight has decreased by 60 kg. Lee Sang-wook, the head of Ferrari Korea Sales, explained, "To significantly reduce the weight compared to the 296 GTB, we implemented weight reduction in both the engine and structural components." The downforce, which is the force pressing the body toward the road, reaches 435 kg when traveling at 250 km/h, an increase of 20% compared to the previous model.
The engine sound of the 296 Spéciale has evolved and refined the sound concept of the 296 GTB. A new sound duct structure based on cutting-edge 3D audio simulation has been incorporated, with the number of ducts doubled compared to the previous model, and their positions adjusted for sound directionality and spatial awareness.
In addition, the latest ABS Evo system optimizes braking force distribution based on 6D sensor data, and the suspension uses multi-matic shock absorbers and titanium springs derived from the 296 GT3 to achieve both agility and weight reduction. The tires are exclusive Pilot Cup 2 developed in collaboration with Michelin, featuring tougher sidewalls and a new tread compound to enhance control and responsiveness.
The price of the 296 Spéciale starts at 630 million won. The open-top Aperta model costs 680 million won.