Ferrari 296 Speciale A: Plug-In Hybrid Spider Redefined
Ferrari has launched the 296 Speciale A, a mid-rear-engined plug-in hybrid spider that extends the exclusive lineage of Scuderia Spider 16M, 458 Speciale A and 488 Pista Spider. Designed to set a new benchmark for open-top driving thrills, the car combines a retractable hardtop with the coupé’s renowned agility, responsiveness, and stability, creating an experience that no rival matches.
Engineers paired a 120° V6 twin-turbo with an uprated electric motor to unleash 880 hp, a record figure for a rear-wheel-drive production Ferrari. Motorsport-inspired upgrades—titanium connecting rods, reinforced pistons, a lightened crankshaft and Formula 1-derived knock control—raise combustion-engine output to 700 cv while preserving the distinctive timbre of the V6. The electric unit now delivers 180 cv in “extra boost”, enabling the eight-speed DCT to shorten shifts and intensify driver engagement.
Active aerodynamics ensure formidable downforce: at 250 km/h with the roof up, the Speciale A generates 435 kg—20 percent more than the 296 GTS—thanks to an aero damper in the bonnet, vertical rear fins and a spoiler that switches between Low Drag, new Medium Downforce and High Downforce modes twice as quickly as before. Weight-saving measures, including carbon-fibre body sections and titanium engine parts, reduce the weight by 50 kg and achieve a best-in-class 1.69 kg/cv power-to-weight ratio.
Ferrari refined electronic controls, suspension and tyres to keep the car predictable at the limit. The latest ABS Evo enhances braking precision on every surface. Multimatic adjustable dampers and titanium springs lower the ride height by 5 mm and reduce roll by 13 per cent, while bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 rubber sharpens turn-in and consistency across a broad temperature range.
The hybrid system adds versatility without compromise. Drivers can select eDrive for silent city travel up to 25 km, Hybrid for everyday efficiency, Performance for instant power with continuous engine running, or Qualify for maximum output, where an “extra boost” supplies 180 cv between 6,000 and 8,500 rpm. A clutch decouples the engine and motor for full-electric operation, and the 7.45 kWh battery is situated beneath the floor to lower the centre of gravity.
Cooling solutions borrowed from the 296 Challenge channel greater airflow to radiators and brakes without enlarging apertures, preserving sleek styling and aerodynamic balance. CFD-optimised louvres, a re-profiled underbody and diffuser, and deflectors borrowed from the F80 race car double brake-cooling flow and keep components within ideal temperatures even under sustained circuit loads.
Inside, a race-inspired cockpit strips unnecessary mass. Single-piece carbon-fibre door panels, a minimalist central tunnel housing the aluminium' shift gate’, extensive Alcantara, and visible fasteners create a focused environment. Newly routed acoustic ducts, doubled in number, direct the rich harmonics of the V6 into the cabin, amplified when the roof retracts.
Exterior design, penned by Flavio Manzoni, adapts the coupé’s clean lines to the spider format. The reshaped engine cover accommodates the retractable hardtop, while a dark roof treatment exaggerates the flying-bridge motif. Customers may choose a new longitudinal stripe in Rosso Dino or an exclusive white variant and can add race-style numbers from 00 to 99.
Ferrari underpins ownership with a seven-year Genuine Maintenance programme covering annual or 20,000-km services, original parts and factory-trained technicians worldwide, ensuring the 296 Speciale A continues to deliver peak performance and safety throughout its life.
