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Ferrari has unveiled a bespoke edition of its 296 series—dubbed the 296 Speciale Piloti—right before the prestigious 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race. But this isn’t a regular Ferrari launch. This high-performance machine is aimed squarely at a very niche clientele: racers actively involved in Ferrari’s motorsport programs.
A Tribute to Ferrari’s Racing Heritage
The 296 Speciale Piloti falls under Ferrari’s exclusive “Tailor Made” personalization program. It commemorates Ferrari’s triumphs in endurance racing, particularly with the 499P Hypercar in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). This special edition builds on the performance DNA of the standard 296 but adds race-inspired aesthetics and engineering enhancements.
Design Inspired by the Track
Visually, the Speciale Piloti echoes the styling of the victorious 499P Hypercar. The showcased model at Le Mans featured a striking Giallo Modena (yellow) racing stripe and an Italian tricolour motif on the front fascia. A custom, hand-painted WEC championship badge graces the exterior. Buyers can select their own racing number, with the launch vehicle proudly sporting #51—Ferrari’s winning number at Le Mans 2023.
Race-Ready Interior
Step inside, and the motorsport influence becomes even more evident. The cabin boasts black Alcantara seats with integrated fire-retardant inserts, similar to race suits. Carbon-fibre is used generously throughout the interior, from the door sills to the dashboard trim, and even the footwells, which are finished in brushed metal. A personalised carbon nameplate and the owner’s chosen race number are embedded into the design, fostering a deep emotional bond with the car.
Colour Options That Reflect Legacy
Ferrari offers the 296 Speciale Piloti in four distinctive shades, each honouring its rich racing legacy:
- Rosso Scuderia (Racing Red)
- Blu Tour de France (Dark Blue)
- Nero Daytona (Glossy Black)
- Argento Nurburgring (Metallic Silver)
Each hue offers a unique interpretation of Ferrari’s motorsport roots.
Hybrid Heart with Track-Tuned Power
Under the hood, the Piloti variant uses the same 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid powertrain found in the standard 296 Speciale. Mated with an electric motor, it churns out a combined 880 horsepower. The internal combustion engine benefits from Formula 1-derived technologies that make it lighter and more robust. Meanwhile, the 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox has been fine-tuned to deliver quicker shifts, especially under heavy acceleration, by tapping into electric torque assistance.
Aerodynamics and Chassis Tweaks
Ferrari engineers have given the 296 Speciale Piloti a suite of aerodynamic upgrades. This includes a redesigned rear wing, a larger rear diffuser, and active aero elements, delivering around 20% more downforce than the 296 GTB. The suspension setup has also been retuned with stiffer springs and adaptive dampers, ensuring the car responds sharply on both road and track.
Limited to Ferrari Track Clients Only
Unlike other Ferrari special editions, the 296 Speciale Piloti isn’t a numbered production model. However, its availability is limited strictly to Ferrari’s racing program participants and clients who take part in dedicated track events. While pricing hasn’t been officially disclosed, it’s expected to carry a premium over the base 296 Speciale—likely upwards of $450,000 (around ₹3.76 crore in India).
Final Thoughts
With its race-inspired design, cutting-edge hybrid powertrain, and exclusivity, the Ferrari 296 Speciale Piloti isn’t just a car—it’s a celebration of Ferrari’s racing spirit. For those fortunate enough to qualify, it’s a machine that bridges the gap between professional motorsport and road-going exhilaration.
Stay tuned to Buzzmotto Auto for more updates from Le Mans 2025 and the world of high-performance automobiles.