Ferrari 296

The Ferrari 296 is a mid-rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid supercar unveiled in 2021 by the Italian marque, marking the first model in Ferrari's Berlinetta lineage to be powered by a V6 engine. Its moniker carries distinct significance: "29" denotes the 2.9-litre engine displacement, whilst "6" indicates the cylinder count. Currently, the flagship performance variants on sale are the 296 Speciale and its open-top counterpart, the 296 Speciale A, introduced in 2025 with official prices of RM3,988,800 and RM4,398,800 respectively. As the zenith of the 296 model line, the Speciale is not merely a modern take on Ferrari's legendary V6 heritage, but stands as the most powerful rear-wheel-drive production car in the brand's history courtesy of its track-derived technology.

Design Language

The design of the 296 Speciale draws extensive inspiration from the aerodynamic development of the Ferrari 296 GT3 and 296 Challenge race cars, resulting in an exceptionally aggressive stance. The front end features new carbon-fibre flick vanes and a larger full-width air intake; the prominent bonnet louvres showcase exposed carbon-fibre weave, underscoring its relentless pursuit of weight reduction. Along the flanks, new aerodynamic channels have been carved out beneath the doors, whilst the air intakes on the carbon-fibre side skirts function as cooling ducts to feed air efficiently into the engine bay. Round the back, the segmented rear spoiler incorporates vertical fins derived from the Ferrari FXX K, paired with a pronounced, oversized rear diffuser to generate up to 435 kg of downforce at 250 km/h—a 20% gain over the standard 296 GTB.

Inside the cockpit, the 296 Speciale adopts a driver-centric, minimalist layout with the centre console angled towards the driver. Dispensing with a conventional central infotainment display, the vehicle features a full digital instrument cluster and a dedicated passenger-side display, ensuring the driver stays purely focused on the drive. The cabin is extensively trimmed in carbon fibre and Alcantara to shave weight and heighten the motorsport ambience.

Powertrain and Performance

At the heart of the 296 Speciale is a 120° hot-V 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine. This unit adopts multiple motorsport solutions from the 296 Challenge racer, sharing engine management maps and boost strategies, whilst incorporating titanium connecting rods, a nitrided steel crankshaft, and reinforced pistons to shed 9 kg over the 296 GTB unit. The internal combustion engine alone delivers a massive 700 hp. Paired with an electric motor rated at 180 hp and 315 Nm of torque, the combined system output stands at a staggering 880 hp. Power is channelled through an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Against the clock, the century sprint from 0-100 km/h takes just 2.8 seconds, 0-200 km/h is dealt with in 7 seconds, and top speed is rated at 335 km/h.

The powertrain offers three hybrid drive modes via the eManettino: Hybrid serves as the default start-up setting, autonomously optimising energy flow; Performance keeps the V6 running continuously while prioritising battery charging; Qualify unleashes the "Extra Boost" function derived from the SF90 XX, deploying the full 180 hp motor output above 6,000 rpm for maximum corner-exit punch. Given the compact battery pack, all-electric range is rated at 25 km.

Chassis and Handling

To harness the substantial power hike, the chassis and dynamics of the 296 Speciale have been extensively reworked. The car receives stiffer titanium springs and track-bred Multimatic electronically adjustable dampers derived from the 296 GT3, lowering the ride height by 5 mm for a lower centre of gravity. This retuned suspension setup yields a 4% increase in lateral acceleration and reduces maximum body roll by 13%. For stopping power, it employs a co-developed ABS Evo control system that utilises a 6-way chassis dynamic sensor to predict vehicle attitude and deliver precise brake force distribution. The car rides on bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, delivering a 9.3% higher lateral acceleration at 250 km/h compared to the base model.

Cabin and Equipment

The cabin appointments are unabashedly track-focused, headlined by an ergonomic steering wheel derived from the Ferrari 488 Challenge EVO racer. Seating comes courtesy of race-spec carbon-fibre bucket seats fitted with four-point racing harnesses, providing exceptional lateral support. The front boot (frunk) offers a luggage capacity of 169 litres. Ferrari also provides extensive bespoke customisation, ranging from dedicated track seating options and four-point harnesses to personalised race number liveries numbered from 00 to 99.

Safety and Driver Dynamics

On the active safety and electronic control front, the 296 Speciale integrates Ferrari's most advanced vehicle dynamics suite. The core ABS Evo controller harnesses data from the 6-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor (6w-CDS) and integrates seamlessly with the Electric Power Steering (EPS), featuring predictive grip estimation to provide pinpoint braking accuracy at the absolute limit. This works in tandem with systems like Side Slip Control (SSC) to ensure that the car's blistering performance remains progressive, engaging, and composed.

Market Performance and Reception

The 296 Speciale officially went on sale in the Chinese market in June 2025. The supercar clocked a Fiorano lap time of 1 minute 19 seconds, besting the 488 Pista by a significant 2.5 seconds. Furthermore, the car was crowned Car of the Year by TopGear magazine.

Nonetheless, market sentiment regarding its investment potential remains nuanced. On one hand, drawing parallels to revered predecessors like the 488 Pista, many industry observers anticipate the 296 Speciale will command exceptional residual values thanks to its benchmark-setting performance. On the other hand, some enthusiasts note that the V6 plug-in hybrid architecture, when stacked against iconic naturally aspirated or twin-turbo V8 pure petrol engines, still stirs debate regarding exhaust acoustics, mechanical purism, and long-term collector appeal. Still, as the definitive performance expression of Ferrari's V6 PHEV lineage, the 296 Speciale raises the benchmark in the supercar segment through its motorsport-derived hardware, monumental 880 hp output, and a blistering 2.8-second 0-100 km/h sprint.