Ferrari has presented its latest special version models, the 296 Speciale, a mid-rear engined plug-in hybrid berlinetta, and the 296 Speciale A, a mid-rear engined plug-in hybrid spider, at its home Maranello in Italy, according to a statement Tuesday from Alfardan Sports Motors Company in Doha.
The 296 Speciale takes its rightful place in the exclusive lineage of special version Ferrari berlinettas and, just like its forebears – the Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia, 458 Speciale and 488 Pista – has been conceived to set the new benchmark in terms of driving thrills and engagement, not just for the marque’s production range, but for the segment as a whole.
The 296 Speciale A joins the Scuderia Spider 16M, the 458 Speciale A, and the 488 Pista Spider, an ultra-exclusive dynasty of special versions of Ferrari’s berlinetta-derived spiders, and aims to become the new benchmark of the range – as well as the market – in terms of top-down driving thrills.
The 296 Speciale and 296 Speciale A take the agility and responsiveness of the 296 GTB to extreme new heights by exploiting the full potential of its plug-in hybrid architecture, consisting of a rear-mid 120° V6 twin turbo engine and an electric motor, a short wheelbase and innovative dynamic control systems.
The drivetrain delivers an astonishing combined power output of 880hp, 50 more than the 296 GTB and 296 GTS, respectively, and a record for a rear-wheel-drive production Ferrari.
The heart of the powertrain of both 296 Speciale and 296 Speciale A is an evolution of the Ferrari V6 unit equipping the 296 GTB and 296 GTS.
The V6 works in conjunction with the electric motor of the plug-in hybrid system, which is installed between the internal combustion engine itself and the 8-speed DCT gearbox.
An additional clutch decouples the engine and electric motor to enable full-electric driving mode.
Completing the system are the high voltage battery and the inverter.
The new 296 Speciale and the 296 Speciale A retains Ferrari’s eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
However, a new upshift management profile for all gears from 1st to 7th has been developed for this specific application, which improves performance by shortening shift times, and maximises driver engagement with faster response times to the paddle input.
This has been achieved by synchronising the electric motor with the 8-speed DCT gearbox to compensate for the dip in acceleration occurring during gear shifts.
Moreover, the engine sound of the V6 during both upshifts and downshifts has been recalibrated and accentuated to offer an even more thrilling driving experience.
The 296 Speciale A adds the retractable hardtop to the coupé’s incredible qualities of agile handling, responsiveness and stability, qualities that, together with the additional appeal of being able to drive in the open air, make it unrivalled.
This special version not only multiplies the already extraordinary performance of the 296 GTS but also introduces a sense of predictability and intuitiveness that makes this a car unlike any other.
Ferrari’s unparalleled quality standards and increasing focus on client service underpin the extended seven-year maintenance programme offered with the 296 Speciale and the 296 Speciale A.
This programme, for the whole range of models, covers all routine maintenance for the first seven years of life of the car.
The scheduled maintenance programme for Ferraris is an exclusive service that allows clients the certainty that their car is being kept at peak performance and safety over the years.
This very special service is also available to owners of pre-owned Ferraris.
Regular maintenance (at intervals of either 20,000km or once a year with no mileage restrictions), original spares and meticulous checks by staff trained directly at the Ferrari Training Centre in Maranello using the latest diagnostic tools are just some of the advantages of the Genuine Maintenance Programme.
The service is available on all markets worldwide and from all Dealerships in the Official Dealership Network.
