Ferrari 296 Speciale A 'sets new benchmark'
Retractable hardtop returns as Ferrari wastes no time targeting McLaren 750S Spider
You only need look at the values attached to Ferrari’s most special mid-engined convertibles - the Scuderia 16M, 458 Speciale A, 488 Pista Spider - to know that the tradition was very much going to continue into the V6 era. Never mind that they were never quite as ludicrously special to drive; the market sees them as more desirable, and asking prices hundreds of thousands beyond the equivalent coupe points to that. So for the first time, in a similar fashion to the 12Cilindri and its Spider variant, here’s the 296 Speciale A alongside the coupe at the same time.
If you’re seeing some F80 in the look of this convertible, you aren’t alone. Though in fact Ferrari suggests there’s more motorsport influence to the design, with the FXX K and 296 Challenge providing features like the side spoilers at the rear and giant diffuser. The front borrows the same sort of changes as implemented for the 296 Speciale, including the new louvres, diffusers and bonnet. Certainly nobody will be mistaking the A for a mere GTS, which is as important as anything when it comes to collectors’ pieces like these (the convertibles tend to be made in smaller numbers than the coupes, but let’s see what happens this time around with non-limited production.)
Speaking of numbers, plenty of the vital ones are very close to the hardtop Speciale. Naturally, the 880hp and 557lb ft are identical, with Ferrari suggesting that 80kg separates the two bodystyles - meaning 1,490kg dry for an A. That’s 50kg less than a GTS, thanks to those same weight reductions for the engine plus some extra available carbon. It means 2.8 seconds to 62mph - same as the coupe - and just three-tenths off the 0-124mph time, at a still-frankly-silly 7.3 seconds. There isn’t a Fiorano laptime for the A, because it won’t be as fast as the Speciale. ‘Twas ever thus with the drop-top - it’s going to be more than outrageously potent enough for most.
Of course where the A should come into its own against the hard top is as an experience, wind rushing through expensively maintained hair and sound exploding from a dramatic central exhaust. As with the coupe the number of acoustic ducts is doubled, and there’s a system of tubes to channel as much engine symphony into the cabin as possible; Ferrari says the network of tubes ‘individually for a mid-high frequency band to express the rich harmony of the engine to the full’. Naturally, a titanium alloy exhaust is on offer for those keen to make the most of their turbo V6, shave a few more precious grams - and add thousands more to their invoice.
The same 435kg at 155mph peak downforce claim is made for the A as for the Speciale - with the Retractable Hard Top up of course. Ferrari says the aero performance is ‘unchanged’, because the two were developed alongside each other, complete with Low, Medium and High Downforce spoiler settings, albeit with a comfort level ‘equivalent to that of the 296 GTS.’ Best of both worlds, by the sounds of it. And credit where it’s due, Ferrari has got quite good at making these special(e) versions even more exciting - but no more taxing - to drive. Which is why they’ve become so revered. A unique setup of ‘specifically calibrated spring stiffness settings and linkage geometries’ means unchanged (you’re noticing the theme here) improvement of four per cent improvement in lateral acceleration compared to the standard car, and a 13 per cent lower max roll angle.
‘This special version not only multiplies the already extraordinary performance of the 296 GTS but also introduces a sense of predictability and intuitiveness that makes this a car unlike any other’, suggests the press release. So there are the same sort of changes for this as the Speciale, with the Multimatic dampers and titanium springs, new Cup 2s and the Qualify power boost. Plus, perhaps most interestingly, some proper chassis reinforcement to take advantage, with strengthening for the A-pillars, B-pillars and sill ‘to ensure maximum torsional rigidity and bending stiffness’. Which will be welcome to those who’ve maybe been a tad underwhelmed by slightly wobbly Ferrari roadsters of not so long ago. If this is the car that finally combines the rigour of a Pista or Scuderia with traditional drop-top thrills, this really will be a very, well, special Ferrari indeed.
But that’s for later. What’s known for now is that the Speciale A is launching in Rosso Dino, and the livery of one or two stripes over the car is offered in white for the very first time. Because a convertible Ferrari is about attention if nothing else. Numbers from 00 to 99 can also be optioned on if so desired. The interior is said to be ‘much more race-focused’ with, basically, a bit less to it as well as additional carbon and Alcantara.
The fact that Ferrari states that ‘preserving the main features of the 296 Speciale required an intense phase of technical analysis’ when it came to making this car bodes well for this being the limited edition convertible that really is as good to drive as the coupe. Certainly the 12Cilinidri spider was an encouraging opening gambit for a new generation of convertibles. And we all know the 296 is already a fairly special Ferrari berlinetta. Hopes are high, basically, for the A - and if for some reason it doesn’t live up to expectations, history would suggest selling one again shouldn’t be a problem…
Sure it will be supremely capable in terms of performance and road holding, the engineers/designers having yet again done an outstanding job within the confines of legislation.
Competition aside, the majority Ferrari's are now just a status symbols.
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