2026 Ferrari 296 Speciale A Review, Specs, Dimensions – For individuals who seek nothing less than the absolute pinnacle of performance, the 2026 Ferrari 296 Speciale A is more than just another drop-top version; it is a meticulously designed work of art. The 296 GTS, a convertible version of the 296 GTB, is much more powerful than its predecessor, but Ferrari has made significant upgrades to make it more aggressive, track-inspired, and technologically advanced.
The Speciale A has been fine-tuned for extreme racing without sacrificing road-handling functionality thanks to lighter materials, revised dynamics, and extensive aerodynamic improvements. With each update, Ferrari gets closer to its goal of reducing lap times without sacrificing the unrivaled elegance of its design. 2026 Ferrari 296 Speciale A Review
2026 Ferrari 296 Speciale A Redesign and Update Plan
Exterior & Interior
The 296 Speciale A’s racing heritage is readily apparent in its appearance. Wind tunnel testing confirmed that the sculpted side skirts, integrated canards, re-profiled rear diffuser, and deep front splitters would raise downforce by around 20% compared to the 296 GTS. Rather than chrome, there is a matte carbon finish, and the track-focused handmade lightweight wheels are shod in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires. Only classic racing colors like Rosso Imola, Giallo Modena, and the one-of-a-kind Nero Circuito black will do.
The folding hardtop remains, and it can be deployed in 14 seconds at 28 mph, but Ferrari has improved the mechanics and weight distribution of the roof. A look at the V6 hybrid heart underneath is revealed via the model-specific carbon-fiber engine cover engraved with cooling slats and Ferrari’s distinctive Cavallino Rampante emblem. The aero-optimized door handles and forged wheel lugs are just a few more ways that track timings are reduced by fractions of a second. The distinctive Ferrari charm is there, but the car’s aggressive intent is communicated at every outward touchpoint.
The Speciale A’s interior ditches old-school opulence in favor of race-inspired minimalism. The dashboard, seats, and door panels are primarily made of alcantara, with exposed carbon-fiber trim and aluminum footwells providing a contrast. With the integrated LED shift lights and tactile controls on the steering wheel, there’s no need to have the distracting center-console clutter. Seats made of carbon fiber with contrast stitching are available as an option and can be used with a six-point harness. Every button, dial, and texture is designed to assist driver focus under G-forces, not coddle them—comfort takes a back place to precision—but quality is unwavering.
Engineers at Ferrari have reduced the Speciale A’s weight by several kilograms compared to the regular GTS model in order to achieve an optimal weight-to-power ratio. Carbon fiber panels, forged alloy wheels, and an improved titanium exhaust system are some of the key components that help achieve the huge weight savings. This vehicle is an example of Ferrari’s dogged pursuit of aerodynamic dominance, thanks to its active rear spoiler, reworked underbody channels, and improved airflow management. The Speciale A is now the lightest and most aerodynamic open-top hybrid Ferrari ever made thanks to a modification of the roof mechanism that also increases performance.
This variant differs from the norm in that it features electrical aids developed for racing, model-specific chassis tuning, and suspension calibrations. As compared to previous road-going convertibles, this one seems more connected to Ferrari’s GT3 racing heritage thanks to updated track maps for the eManettino system, quicker throttle response, and tighter steering ratios. This is a development designed specifically for purists who desire top-down thrills without sacrificing control, not a superficial update. 2026 Ferrari 296 Speciale A Review
2026 Ferrari 296 Speciale A Specs
Engine & Performance
With an incredible 850 horsepower, the 2026 Ferrari 296 Speciale A maintains Ferrari’s groundbreaking 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Speciale A has 819 horsepower, which is more than the standard 296 GTB/GTS models, thanks to its improved electric motor output, free-breathing exhaust system, and custom tuning maps. In addition to the 663 horsepower produced by the 120° V6 engine, the electric motor adds an additional 187 horsepower, allowing for throttle response and quick torque that surpasses what is possible with combustion alone. According to Ferrari, the 0-60 mph sprint takes less than 2.7 seconds, and the top speed is more than 205 mph.
The tuning of the gearbox is one of the most noticeable improvements. The 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox is designed for both aggressive canyon driving and track heroics, with quicker shifts, race-spec logic, and downshift blips. Accurately navigating tight corners is made possible by torque vectoring, active rear-wheel steering, and a magnetorheological damper system that is stronger. With the inclusion of new settings reserved for the Speciale trim, Ferrari’s Side Slip Control (SSC) and Dynamic Enhancer systems gently adjust for imbalance or oversteer, letting drivers push the limits.
Track capability aside, the plug-in hybrid system’s eDrive mode, which allows for up to fifteen miles of pure electric motoring, is still there. The ability to switch between two modes allows drivers to experience quiet city driving and the full power of the V6 hybrid combination when needed. With an engineered screaming high-rev symphony that matches Ferrari’s emotive essence, there is no lag or hesitation—just unrelenting, instantaneous acceleration. It’s as harsh as it is smart; it’s Ferrari’s most advanced drivetrain ever installed in a drop-top.
2026 Ferrari 296 Speciale A Fuel Economy
Incredibly efficient for a vehicle with its performance capabilities, the 296 Speciale A is a hybrid. Under light loads, the combined fuel economy figure is roughly 45 MPGe, but how well it works in practice is highly dependent on the driver’s actions. Urban travel becomes silent and emissions-free thanks to the plug-in system’s electric range of 15 miles. This is an impressive achievement, especially for a Ferrari convertible with near-hypercar performance. The Speciale A combines unfiltered performance with a hint of ecological sensitivity, however it was not designed with this intention as its primary objective.
2026 Ferrari 296 Speciale A Safety Features
In their quest for lightweight performance, Ferrari has made sure that the 296 Speciale A doesn’t skimp on occupant protection. Reinforced carbon-fiber parts and underbody bracing make the structure more torsionally stiff. High-speed driving is made easier with Ferrari’s ADAS package, which includes adaptive cruise control designed for aggressive stop-and-go performance, active lane monitoring, blind-spot alerts, and rear cross-traffic alert. When the pressure is on to make split-second decisions, these aren’t gimmicks; they improve control and driver awareness.
The most recent version of Ferrari’s Track Mode Safety Suite comes standard on the Speciale A. Improved electronic stability control, electronic brake distribution, and an innovative rollover prevention system that can deploy even when the roof is open are all part of this. To keep from losing composure when braking hard or experiencing sudden weight transfers, the new Virtual Short Wheelbase (VSW) software constantly modifies the damping, steering, and torque vectoring. Ferrari has made sure that safety and accuracy are inseparable, even with 850 horsepower.
The vehicle’s safety features are enhanced with two airbags, knee supports, a TPMS, and side impact shields. But Ferrari intelligently restricts obtrusive systems. No changes have been made to the underlying philosophy: the driver is master and electronics are there just to push performance to its limit. Because it has both active and passive technologies, the 296 Speciale A is both safe and explosive, so drivers can push harder.
2026 Ferrari 296 Speciale A Release Date & Price
Due to its rarity, improved components, and increased performance, the 2026 Ferrari 296 Speciale A starts at about $402,000, which is substantially more than the regular 296 GTS. Prices can easily exceed $500,000 with optional extras including carbon-ceramic brake upgrades, bespoke interior layouts, and custom racing liveries. Those looking for one-of-a-kind, collector-quality builds can also go further into customization with Ferrari’s Atelier program. Each one will be a unique treasure in the world of supercars because production will be kept to a minimum.
Delivery of the 296 Speciale A, which will be manufactured for the 2026 model year, will commence in Q3 of 2025, according to Ferrari. A public order book is expected to open in early 2026, with the first slots already allocated for current Ferrari VIP clients. In certain European markets, the demand will outstrip the supply, especially in the North American and Middle Eastern sectors. The Speciale A is more than simply a convertible; it’s an exuberant tribute to Ferrari’s history, culture, and future, all wrapped up in a thrilling drop-top ride. 2026 Ferrari 296 Speciale A Review
Conclusion
An open-air track weapon that has been fine-tuned, pared down, and designed to move the soul—the 2026 Ferrari 296 Speciale A is the apex of Ferrari’s hybrid supercar evolution. This machine, with its sleek design and cutting-edge V6 hybrid powertrain, is made for individuals who seek the pinnacle of human-machine interaction. Ferrari has made more than just a convertible; they have built an iconic, limited-edition symbol of the perfect union of performance and purity.
Note: This article post’s information is based on pre-release content that was available at the time it was published. You should contact your local dealership or consult official sources for the most recent information.
