MOTORING NEWS
racing expertise. This resulted in a 9 kg weight reduction for the 296 Speciale’ s engine, accounting for 15 % of the total weight savings.
Combustion chamber pressure is increased by 7 % due to a new boost management strategy. A Formula 1-inspired knock control strategy maximizes performance without compromising reliability. Strengthened pistons and F80 titanium connecting rods, which are 35 % lighter than steel, along with new oil jets, manage the increased pressures. The lightened nitrided steel crankshaft contributes to a 2.2 kg saving in the piston-crankshaftconnecting rod assembly, improving engine response.
Following the 499P engine ' s approach, the block and crankcase were machined to save 1.2 kg. Titanium fastener screws and stud bolts for cylinder blocks and heads saved an additional 1.9 kg, marking their road-going debut.
Thermal management was optimized using turbine housing insulation from the 296 Challenge and F80. The turbocharger was lightened by 1.2 kg, and an optional titanium alloy exhaust tailpipe offers further weight reduction. The electric motor enhances performance by delivering additional torque and power, while also charging the high-voltage battery, starting the internal combustion engine, and enabling a full-electric driving mode with a 25 km range.
The MGU-K electric motor, a dualrotor, central-stator axial-flux unit, is positioned between the V6 engine and the gearbox. The hybrid system also includes a clutch to decouple the electric motor from the internal combustion engine for managing electric and hybrid modes, a 7.45 kWh high-voltage battery located in the car ' s underfloor, and an inverter to regulate electrical power flow.
In the new extra boost mode, with the eManettino set to ' Qualify ', the electric system provides 315 Nm of torque and up to 180 cv of power between 6000 and 8500 rpm. The 13 cv performance increase over the 296 GTB was achieved by optimizing the electric motor ' s operating and cooling strategies. The eManettino on the left side of the steering wheel allows selection of the following four modes, which manage energy flow to and from the high-voltage battery and the wheels:
eDrive: In this mode, only the MGU-K provides power, with the internal combustion engine off. It offers a range of up to 25 km and is ideal for urban driving or when a quieter operation is preferred. With a top speed of 135 km / h, the car remains fully usable on extra-urban roads.
Hybrid: This is the default mode upon ignition, optimizing energy flow for overall system efficiency. The system intelligently decides whether to run or shut off the
WORDS IN ACTION 36 AUGUST 2025