The Ferrari 296 Speciale has a plug-in hybrid that pairs a 120° V6 engine producing 700 cv with an electric motor adding 180 cv, delivering a total output of 880 cv. A dedicated clutch allows the engine and motor to decouple, enabling full-electric driving. The electric system includes a dual-rotor MGU-K axial flux motor, a 7.45 kWh high-voltage battery, and an inverter, producing 315 Nm of torque and peak power between 6000 and 8500 rpm in ‘Qualify’ mode.
An updated 8-speed dual-clutch transmission features a new shift strategy for gears one through seven, using the electric motor to fill torque gaps during shifts for sharper response and better performance. The engine sound has been enhanced for both upshifts and downshifts, with equal-length exhaust headers and a single tailpipe adding spatial quality and richer high-frequency tones.
Weight-saving measures reduce the engine’s mass by 9 kg compared to the 296 GTB, contributing to 15% of the car’s total weight savings. These include titanium connecting rods (35% lighter than steel), a nitrided and lightened crankshaft, and titanium fasteners. Ferrari also used crankcase machining techniques from the Le Mans–winning 499P to trim excess metal. A Formula 1–inspired knock control system raises combustion pressure by 7%, further boosting performance.
The side wings at the car's rear are a standout feature, combining design elements from the FXX K’s lateral flaps and the 296 Challenge’s bumper. They have a curved shape, vertical blades that help manage airflow to reduce drag, and a horizontal surface that produces downforce. Their placement also improves how air from the radiators is used, boosting cooling efficiency. Altogether, these elements support and enhance the function of the active spoiler. Based on the 296 GTB, the active spoiler uses a revised actuator system that reduces transition times between four aerodynamic settings. These include Low Drag, with the wing fully retracted; a new intermediate position that keeps the wing flush with the bumper but ready for quick deployment; Medium Downforce, which enhances rear stability without affecting top speed; and High Downforce, activated during sharp cornering or heavy braking.
The redesigned diffuser works with the car’s underbody to improve airflow across the rear and maximise the effectiveness of the three extractor venturis, even when the spoiler is in Low Drag mode. At the same time, the rear undertray features optimised vortex generators that split airflow between the centre and sides, working with the upwash from the side wings. Together, these elements not only increase rear downforce compared to the 296 GTB but also help maintain stable aerodynamic balance in every spoiler setting.
Borrowed from the 296 Challenge, the aero damper system connects the front underfloor to the bonnet via a duct that channels a portion of the airflow from the underbody to the upper body. This increases the volume of air handled by the underfloor, improving the ground effect and ensuring more consistent front downforce, even as ground clearance changes with longitudinal acceleration. On either side of the aero damper, a pair of louvres reduce pressure within the wheel bay, contributing to both drag reduction and enhanced downforce.
The external profile of the front side bumper is designed to maximise the outwash effect by directing airflow away from the car’s body while interacting with vortices produced by the front underfloor. The inner section of the bumper is sculpted with a curved, scalloped shape that helps generate additional downforce. To support thermal management, the front splitter incorporates three lateral slits that allow hot air from the front radiators to escape efficiently, maintaining aerodynamic performance and cooling.