Under the thundering echoes of motorsport history at Circuit de la Sarthe, Ferrari has officially unveiled its latest masterpiece: the 296 Speciale “Piloti Ferrari”, an exclusive evolution of the 296 GTB created for the marque’s most devoted racing clients. The reveal, strategically timed ahead of the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, reinforces Ferrari’s deep-rooted connection to endurance racing and celebrates recent victories in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).
This unique configuration is the latest expression of Ferrari’s Tailor Made programme, designed exclusively for Ferrari’s client racing drivers — those who embody the brand’s racing spirit both on and off the track. Inspired by the 499P Hypercar, which claimed historic back-to-back victories at Le Mans in 2023 and 2024, the 296 Speciale Piloti Ferrari mirrors the ethos of competition and craftsmanship.
A Racing-Inspired Creation
The 296 Speciale is not just a car; it’s a high-performance homage to Ferrari’s victorious return to top-tier endurance racing. The Piloti Ferrari specification is distinguished by its motorsport aesthetic, including a livery drawn directly from the victorious 499P, complete with Giallo Modena accents, a hand-painted WEC logo, and the Italian tricolour proudly displayed on the front bumper. Clients can personalize their car with a racing number — the debut model at Le Mans features #51, honoring the team of Pier Guidi, Calado, and Giovinazzi, who secured Ferrari’s Le Mans win in 2023.
Buyers can choose from four track-inspired colours: Rosso Scuderia, Blu Tour De France, Nero Daytona, and Argento Nürburgring. Each shade pays homage to Ferrari’s racing DNA and is reserved exclusively for clients actively involved in Ferrari’s official racing activities.
Inside the Cockpit: Function Meets Emotion
The interior of the 296 Speciale Piloti Ferrari is a deliberate fusion of functionality and elegance. Racing seats are upholstered in thermoformed black Alcantara, with inserts made of the same fireproof fabric used in official Ferrari racing suits. Carbon fibre details are found throughout, including a customizable interior plaque and door sills engraved with personal dedications. The client’s chosen number is even mirrored inside the cabin, reinforcing the car’s track-oriented identity.
Performance Born on the Track
At the heart of the 296 Speciale is a plug-in hybrid powertrain that blends a 120° V6 twin-turbo engine with an electric motor, producing a jaw-dropping 880 cv. Technologies derived directly from Formula 1 — including a lightened and reinforced ICE unit and Ferrari’s fast shift DCT transmission strategy — ensure breathtaking acceleration and razor-sharp responsiveness. Compared to the 296 GTB, weight has been reduced, and aerodynamic downforce increased by 20%, thanks to innovations like rear gamma wings and a reworked diffuser.
A newly developed extra boost software unleashes the car’s full power during high-performance laps, making it an elite machine for the track-hardened driver.
Homage to the 499P: The Return of a Legend
The 296 Speciale draws direct inspiration from Ferrari’s latest endurance icon — the 499P, which brought Maranello back to the pinnacle of endurance racing after a 50-year absence. Built to Hypercar regulations, the 499P boasts a carbon-fibre monocoque chassis, hybrid all-wheel-drive, and a 3-litre twin-turbo V6 combined with a front-mounted electric motor.
With victories at Le Mans in both 2023 (#51) and 2024 (#50), the 499P has become a symbol of Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of excellence in racing. The 296 Speciale seeks to echo that success in the hands of the brand’s most passionate and loyal clients.
Tailor Made: The Ferrari Way of Expression
Ferrari’s Tailor Made program lies at the heart of this project. Offering unprecedented levels of personalization, the program enables clients to design cars that are extensions of their own identity. Through collections like Classica, Inedita, and Scuderia, clients are guided by expert designers to achieve a balance between personal expression and Ferrari’s timeless design heritage.
With the debut of the 296 Speciale Piloti Ferrari at Le Mans, Ferrari not only honors its illustrious past and ongoing victories but also strengthens the sacred bond between the Prancing Horse and those who live for the thrill of racing. This is not merely a car — it is a celebration of legacy, performance, and personal passion.
Source: Ferrari
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