Ferrari has a long history of building fast, beautiful, and exclusive cars. But when it comes to raw, top-down driving pleasure, few have nailed the formula like the new Ferrari 296 Speciale A. This isn’t just a convertible version of the 296 GTS. It’s sharper, lighter, more powerful, and even more focused. And it might just be the most exhilarating rear-wheel-drive open-top Ferrari ever made.
Let’s dive into what makes the 296 Speciale A so special – and why it’s already being hailed as the benchmark for open-air performance cars.
Open-Air Driving, Ferrari Style
The “A” stands for Aperta, Italian for “open”. And that’s exactly what this car delivers: a pure, unfiltered driving experience with the roof down.
Unlike many convertibles, the 296 Speciale A hasn’t sacrificed performance or handling for open-top thrills. In fact, it builds on the already exceptional 296 GTS by turning up the heat on every front – from aerodynamics and power to sound and engagement.
With a retractable hardtop that tucks away in just 14 seconds, even at speeds up to 45 km/h, the Speciale A gives you the best of both worlds. Roof up, it’s sleek and secure. Roof down, it’s alive and addictive.
A Hybrid With Real Muscle
Let’s talk power. The 296 Speciale A is a plug-in hybrid, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s soft. Under the skin, it packs a serious punch.
At its heart is Ferrari’s 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6, mounted mid-rear and set at a 120-degree angle for optimal weight distribution and low centre of gravity. This engine alone pumps out a spine-tingling 700 cv – that’s 37 more than the standard 296 GTS.
But that’s just the start. Thanks to an uprated electric motor and a clever new extra boost strategy, total system output climbs to a staggering 880 cv. That’s a record for a rear-wheel-drive Ferrari.
The result? Blistering performance, instant throttle response, and the ability to drive short distances in full electric mode – ideal for city driving or sneaking out of your garage without waking the neighbours.
Built for the Road, Inspired by the Track
Ferrari hasn’t simply upped the power and called it a day. The 296 Speciale A takes direct cues from Ferrari’s motorsport know-how, especially the 296 Challenge race car.
The engine features titanium connecting rods, reinforced pistons, and a lightened crankshaft – all helping it rev faster and harder. A Formula 1-style knock control system ensures maximum performance under pressure, while the engine’s new tuning map gives it even more urgency.
It also sounds better. Ferrari’s engineers have enhanced the distinctive 3rd, 6th, and 9th combustion order harmonics, creating a sharper, more engaging soundtrack. With the roof down, you hear it all in glorious detail.
Aero That Works Overtime
The 296 Speciale A is sculpted to slice through the air and stick to the road.
At 250 km/h, it generates an impressive 435 kg of downforce – a 20% increase over the 296 GTS. This is thanks to clever features like:
- An aero damper integrated into the bonnet
- Vertical fins on the rear bumper
- New side wings that work with the active rear spoiler
That spoiler now operates with a smarter control system, cutting transition times between low and high downforce modes by half. There’s even a new Medium Downforce setting, which boosts stability at high speeds.
Less Weight, More Fun
Weight is the enemy of performance. That’s why Ferrari shaved 50 kg off the Speciale A compared to the GTS.
How? By using carbon fibre for the body panels and titanium in the engine. This brings the power-to-weight ratio down to just 1.69 kg per cv – another record for a rear-drive Ferrari spider.
Lighter means quicker responses, better agility, and more fun behind the wheel.
Suspension and Control: Fine-Tuned for Precision
To make the most of that lighter chassis and extra power, Ferrari has retuned the suspension. The 296 Speciale A sits 5 mm lower than the GTS and uses new spring and damper settings.
These changes reduce roll by 13% in corners and give you even more confidence at the limit.
The latest ABS Evo system also improves braking feel and consistency, no matter the surface or grip level. Whether you’re on a twisty B-road or a mountain pass, this car is dialled in and razor-sharp.
A Spider That’s More Than the Sum of Its Parts
Ferrari doesn’t build many of these “Speciale” models. The lineage is short, but celebrated: 430 Scuderia Spider 16M, 458 Speciale A, 488 Pista Spider, and now this.
Each represents the peak of open-top Ferrari performance for its generation. The 296 Speciale A carries that flag with pride – and perhaps more technology, power, and excitement than any before.
It’s not just about going fast. It’s about feeling connected, alive, and completely engaged every time you drive.
Interior: Minimal, Focused, and Driver-Centric
Step inside, and it’s all about the driver.
Ferrari has kept the cabin minimalist but luxurious. The steering wheel controls are intuitive, and the displays are sharp. Carbon fibre trim and Alcantara seats help reduce weight while keeping things upscale.
With the roof down, visibility is excellent. Wind buffeting is minimal, even at speed. And the driving position? Spot on.
This is a proper driver’s car, through and through.
Electrified Future, Ferrari Passion
Yes, the 296 Speciale A is a hybrid supercar. But it’s still every inch a Ferrari.
It’s proof that electrification doesn’t have to mean compromise. In fact, it can make things better – faster acceleration, more torque, and improved efficiency without diluting the driving fun.
Ferrari has managed to make a hybrid that’s still thrilling, emotional, and desirable. That’s no easy task. But they’ve done it here.
Key Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
| Power | 880 cv (combined) |
| Engine | 3.0L twin-turbo V6 + electric motor |
| Transmission | 8-speed DCT |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| 0 – 100 km/h | ~2.8 seconds (est.) |
| Top speed | 330+ km/h (est.) |
| Weight saving | 50 kg vs. 296 GTS |
| Downforce | 435 kg at 250 km/h |
| Roof mechanism | Retractable hardtop (14 seconds) |
Conclusion: Is This Ferrari’s Best Open-Top Yet?
The Ferrari 296 Speciale A is more than just another fast convertible. It’s a carefully honed, limited-production celebration of everything Ferrari does best – blistering performance, focused engineering, and unmatched driving thrills.
With its electrified powertrain, drop-top appeal, and motorsport DNA, it pushes the envelope without losing its soul.
So here’s the question:
Would you choose the 296 Speciale A over a more traditional V8 Ferrari spider?
And do you think hybrid power enhances or dulls the Ferrari experience?
Let us know in the comments below – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
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