Improved aerodynamics, further weight reductions, and powertrain improvements inspired by motorsport are among advantages of the updated 296 GTB and GTS.
Highlights
- Upgraded powertrain with 868 horsepower.
- Aero improvements were said to increase downforce by as much as 20%.
- said to be more than 60 kg lighter than the typical variants.
The new 296 Speciale and 296 Speciale Aperta, which are performance-oriented variations of the 296 GTB and 296 GTS, have been presented by Ferrari. The 296 now becomes a part of an exclusive group of Ferrari berlinettas that are limited edition, like the 488 Pista and the 458 Speciale.
Aero improvements from the 296 Challenge race vehicle are used in the 296 Speciale and 296 Speciale Aperta, which provide 20% more downforce than the original 296.
The aerodynamics package is the first improvement made to the Speciales over the base 296 GTB and GTS. Based on research from the 296 Challenge racing car, Ferrari claims to have revised the aerodynamics of the coupe and spider. At speeds of up to 250 kmph, both vehicles now generate up to 20% more downforce. The dynamic rear wing has also undergone modifications by the business. In addition to a new intermediate mode between the previously available low drag and high downforce settings, the spoiler now receives a new motor that enables quicker deployment. Ferrari claims that without lowering top speed, the new mode helps to increase rear-end stability at high speeds and know more about the smart car.
Due to the Speciale and Speciale Aperta's increased emphasis on performance, Ferrari has also modified the front and back bumpers to better channel air over the radiators and maximize engine and brake cooling. Additionally, the vents beneath the headlights have been increased.
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Upgrades to the brakes and suspension provide even further advantages. According to Ferrari, "specifically calibrated spring stiffness settings and linkage geometries" are fitted to the 296 Speciale and Speciale Aperta. To aid with weight reduction, both vehicles receive new Multimatic adjustable shock absorbers with titanium springs taken from the 296 Challenge. In the meanwhile, the brakes have an updated ABS Evo controller that determines how much slippage is appropriate at any given moment using onboard sensors. This keeps the braking performance "closer to the target value," according to Ferrari.
The active rear spoiler receives a third intermediate setting between Low Drag and High Downforce, while the winglets on the back of both 296 Speciale siblings are modeled after the Ferrari FXX.
Additionally, the 296 Speciale and Speciale Aperta have been reduced in weight by using more lightweight materials. According to Ferrari, the Aperta weighs more than 50 kg less than the GTS, while the 296 Speciale can weigh more than 60 kg less than the basic GTB, depending on the choices.
With improvements to the engine and electric motor, the Speciale's overall output rises to 868 horsepower from the normal 296's 819 horsepower.
The powertrain change, however, is the most noteworthy. Upgrades to the 296's V6 engine are taken from the 296 Challenge racing vehicle. These include of updated internal parts such titanium connecting rods, strengthened pistons, and a lighter crankshaft, as well as revised engine control maps and boost strategy. According to Ferrari, these actions have increased engine power from 654 bhp in the GTB and GTS to 690 bhp. The electric motor has also been improved, reaching a peak power of 177 horsepower instead of 164. With an increased total system output of 868 horsepower from 819 horsepower, the 296 Speciale is now among Ferrari's most potent rear-wheel drive vehicles. Redesigned mapping is also applied to the 8-speed automatic gearbox to enhance performance and smart car.
The most recent in a series of limited-edition Ferrari vehicles, which also includes the 458 Speciale and the 488 Pista, are the 296 Speciale and Speciale Aperta.
However, the 296 Speciale and Speciale Aperta's EV-only range remains unaffected by the performance improvements; they can both still be driven up to 25 kilometers on electricity alone.
Ferrari says that the 296 Speciale and Speciale Aperta can reach a peak speed of over 330 kmph and a 0-100 kmph time of 2.8 seconds.