AssetID: 54702918
Headline: RAW VIDEO: Ferrari Unveils Its Most Powerful Rear-Wheel-Drive Road Car
Caption: Ferrari has revealed its most powerful rear-wheel-drive road car yet, the 296 Speciale. The supercar delivers an impressive 880 horsepower, setting a new benchmark for the Italian marque’s performance range. This mid-rear-engined plug-in hybrid– offered in both coupé and open-top Spider form – is priced from €407,000 (£349,000) and builds significantly on the 296 GTB, adding 50 horsepower, increasing downforce by 20%, and shedding 60kg in weight. Described by Ferrari as its “most fun to drive” and “emotionally charged” model to date, the Speciale pushes the limits of what a rear-wheel-drive car can deliver. Its extraordinary performance is made possible through extensive engineering upgrades, including the use of lightweight materials and aerodynamic innovations developed in Ferrari’s motorsport division. Inside the 296 Speciale is a heavily reworked 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, derived from the 296 GTB but enhanced with aluminium pistons, titanium conrods, and a lighter crankcase. These revisions raise the V6’s output from 654bhp to 690bhp, aided by a new turbo design and increased combustion chamber pressure. A Formula 1-inspired knock control system further refines the engine’s power delivery. The electric motor has also been uprated and now contributes 180cv (177bhp), resulting in a combined system output of 880hp – the highest figure ever seen in a production Ferrari with rear-wheel drive. Power is sent through an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox that has been optimised with a new torque-boosting shift strategy, reducing gear change times and enhancing driver engagement. The result is breathtaking acceleration, with agility, stability, and responsiveness taken to new heights. Ferrari’s aerodynamic innovations, including a new active rear spoiler and vertical fins integrated into the rear bumper, generate 435kg of downforce at 250km/h. A new medium-downforce setting improves stability at high speeds without sacrificing straight-line performance. The car rides 5mm lower than the 296 GTB and features revised suspension and advanced dynamic control systems, including the latest ABS Evo system, which improves braking precision on all surfaces. With a weight-to-power ratio of just 1.60kg per horsepower, Ferrari says the 296 Speciale is designed for “owners in search of that special feeling” – a machine that combines extreme performance with a surprisingly intuitive driving experience.
Keywords: ferrari,feature,video,photo,cars,motoring,supercar
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