Ferrari today unveils its new 296 Speciale, direct heir to the 296 GTB. More powerful, lighter and more radical, this new sedan follows in the prestigious footsteps of the Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia, 458 Speciale and 488 Pista. But in the face of the new Lamborghini Temerariois she sufficiently armed to dominate the category?
More power, less weight, higher performance
Under the hood, the Ferrari 296 Speciale retains the 3-liter twin-turbo V6, combined with an electric motor for a total of 880 hp. That's 50 horsepower more than the 296 GTB. The combustion engine alone now achieves 700 hp, thanks to a lightened crankshaft, titanium connecting rods and other optimizations from motorsport programs such as the 296 GT3 and 296 Challenge.
Weight is also down: 60 kg lighter thanks to the intensive use of carbon fiber, both on the body and in the passenger compartment. As a result, the 296 Speciale achieves impressive performance levels: 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and 0 to 200 km/h in 7.0 seconds, a gain of 0.1 seconds and 0.3 seconds over the 296 GTB.
The chassis has been fine-tuned: suspension from the GT3, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, Evo ABS, lowered center of gravity, and extensive aerodynamic work. offers 435 kg of support in maximum configuration. The aim is clear: to bring the driving experience closer to that of a real racing car.
A complete "Speciale" treatment
Beyond the numbers, Ferrari has taken care to enhance the overall experience. Gear changes are quicker and more incisive. The sound of the V6 is reworked with a single-outlet exhaust for an even more vibrant timbre. Braking, roadholding and even hybrid response are optimized for a more "visceral" feel on both road and track.
The 296 Speciale completed the Fiorano circuit in 1 min 19 seconds, 2.5 seconds better than a 488 Pista.
Two versions are available:
- The 296 Speciale (cut) from 400 000 €.
- The 296 Speciale A (spider) from 460 000 €with a 14-second retractable hardtop.
Facing Lamborghini...
If the 296 Speciale impresses, its only declared rival is its own, the Lamborghini TemerarioThe Temerario is in the same league... if not a little better. With its 920 hp V8 hybrid engine, the Temerario accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds and from 0 to 200 km/h in 7.2 seconds.
Admittedly, the difference remains minimal (0.1 seconds for 0-100 km/h), and thanks to its almost 300 kg lighter weight, the Ferrari is faster at 0-200 km/h. But in terms of raw image, Lamborghini strikes hard with its superior cavalry.
An alternative to consider: the Maserati GT2 Stradale
There's also an unexpected Italian alternative: the Maserati GT2 Stradale. Less powerful, with its 640 hp non-hybrid twin-turbo V6, it is nonetheless formidable. The 0 to 100 km/h time of 2.8 seconds is as fast as that of the Ferrari 296 Speciale, despite its lower power output. The 0 to 200 km/h time is 8.5 seconds, and it boasts an aerodynamic load of 500 kg, higher than that of the Ferrari. Without a hybrid system, the Maserati GT2 Stradale may appeal to purists seeking a more direct driving experience. It's by far the lightest of the 3! Light is right!
Verdict
The Ferrari 296 Speciale is an impressive work of engineering, true to the brand's "Speciale" spirit: pure sensations, extreme precision, and mechanical refinement. But against a more powerful Lamborghini Temerario, it may be a few horsepower short of a clear winner in the new-generation hybrid supercar war.
| Ferrari 296 Speciale | Lamborghini Temerario | Maserati GT2 Stradale | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L V6 hybrid | 4.0L V8 hybrid | 3.0L V6 biturbo |
| Total power | 880 hp | 920 hp | 640 hp |
| Weight | 1410 kg | 1690 kg | 1365 kg |
| Length | 4,56 m | 4,7 m | 4,6 m |
| 0 à 100 | 2.8 sec | 2.7 sec | 2.8 sec |
| 0 à 200 | 7.0 sec | 7.2 sec | 8.5 sec |
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