Ferrari for years has run an exclusive program known as Corse Clienti, where avid ̶ and well-heeled ̶ racing fans get to drive some of Ferrari’s track-only supercars and retired race cars, including Formula 1 models, during organized track day meets. Now they have an extra perk.
Coinciding with the past weekend’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, where Ferrari racked up its third-straight victory in the French classic thanks to the efforts of Phil Hanson, Robert Kubica, and Yifei Ye in the number 83 499P LMH, the automaker revealed a new special-edition version of the already-limited 296 Speciale supercar.
A Celebration Of The Ferrari 499P LMH
The new car is known officially as the Piloti Ferrari 296 Speciale, and it is reserved exclusively for Corse Clienti members. Production is limited, though Ferrari hasn’t said exactly how limited.
The standout detail is a bespoke livery inspired by the designs used on the 499P LMH. The version unveiled on the sidelines of this year’s Le Mans features a livery inspired by the number 51 499P, which finished third overall following the weekend’s action, but won outright in 2023 ̶ the historic year that marked Ferrari’s return to the top level at Le Mans in half a century.
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The livery was crafted by the team at Ferrari’s Tailor Made personalization program and features a base in Rosso Scuderia red contrasted with Giallo Modena yellow details. Buyers will also be able to choose from Blu Tour de France (blue), Nero Daytona (black), and Argento Nürburgring (silver) as the base color. Other details include a hand-painted logo of the FIA World Endurance Championship, the series which hosts the Le Mans race, as well as the Italian flag. Buyers will be able to select their own racing number.
The interior design follows the theme of the exterior, with Alcantara used for the trim and featuring inserts made from the same fireproof fabric used for the racing suits of the drivers competing at Le Mans. The chosen racing number also shows up in other areas, like on a carbon-fiber plaque forming part of the seats and on the floor. A custom door sill tread plate also identifies the car as the Piloti Ferrari 296 Speciale.
The 296 Powertrain Is Left Unchanged
Like the standard 296 Speciale, the new special edition comes powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 paired with a single electric motor in a plug-in hybrid configuration. The combination is good for 868 horsepower, which Ferrari says is enough to reach 62 mph from a dead stop in 2.8 seconds. Keep the accelerator planted, and the Ferrari tops out over 205 mph.
Beyond horsepower, the 296 Speciale also benefits from reduced weight compared to the lesser 296 GTB from which it is derived, as well as increased downforce and a more track-oriented chassis.
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Ferrari’s hardcore models like the 296 Speciale usually appear near the conclusion of a model’s production cycle. The 296 line made its debut in 2021 with the GTB coupe, followed by the GTS convertible in 2022. Competition versions, including the GT3 and Challenge models, came the following year. Considering Ferrari models typically span around five years before a significant refresh or redesign, a successor to the 296 could potentially be unveiled as early as next year.
Ferrari hasn’t said how much the Piloti Ferrari 296 Speciale costs, but it will likely be a steep premium to the 296 Speciale’s starting price of $450,000.
Source: Ferrari
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