MOTORING NEWS
Echoing the 296 GT3, two pairs of front bonnet louvers reduce pressure in the wheel housing, improving drag and downforce. The front undertray is optimized for maximum downforce, with a contoured central intake channel and wider front diffusers for improved thermal management.
The front bumper ' s external profile maximizes outwash and interacts with undertray vortices, with a curvature designed to generate downforce. The splitter has three lateral slits for hot air evacuation. In the front wheel arch, the sill cover aids lateral air evacuation from the undertray. A rear sill air intake provides a blown effect for the rear wheel housing, cleaning airflow for wake management.
The increased power output, downforce, and tyre grip – which make the car capable of faster turnin and cornering speeds – mean that the braking system is also subjected to greater thermal loads than on the 296 GTB. Managing the increased thermal load is achieved by maximizing airflow for better heat dissipation and preventing fluid overheating. The front features a larger headlamp inlet duct and an F80-inspired undertray duct, along with optimized undertray components to direct air to the disc. The rear duct ' s cross-section is 50 % larger with a new undertray intake, collectively doubling cooling airflow compared to the 296 GTB.
For Ferrari, the development of the 296 Speciale prioritized driving thrills, which can be quantified by five parameters:
• LATERAL ACCELERATION: This refers to the car ' s steering response, including turn-in speed, a firmly planted rear end, and ease of driving at the limit.
• LONGITUDINAL ACCELERATION: This describes the car ' s throttle response and a sense of continuous acceleration as engine speed increases.
• SHIFTING: This measures the driver ' s perceived sensations during gear changes, specifically rapid shift times and perfectly spaced gear ratios for acceleration.
• BRAKING: This defines the feel of the brake pedal in terms of travel and response, which are crucial for efficient and precise braking.
• SOUND: This combines the quality of the engine sound with its progressive increase in volume within the cockpit as engine speed rises.
The Speciale also features an advanced ' Qualify ' eManettino setting, similar to the SF90 XX Stradale, which uses the electric drive system for a temporary power boost to reduce lap times, especially when exiting corners. To prevent overheating, the system continuously monitors component stress and adjusts power delivery.
A curved indicator on the instrument cluster shows boost power availability and remaining bursts. The system optimizes boost usage across the circuit, ensuring enough boosts for at least one complete lap. For instance, at Fiorano, 14 boosts are available over two laps, while at Mugello, 15 boosts are available in a single lap.
Engineers prioritized weight reduction in the 296 Speciale to enhance performance across all parameters compared to its predecessor. Leveraging motorsport expertise, they implemented weight-saving solutions and utilized special materials like titanium and carbon fiber. For instance, customers can opt for carbon fiber bumpers and
WORDS IN ACTION 38 AUGUST 2025