Ferrari Unveils Exclusive 296 Speciale “Piloti Ferrari” Configuration at Le Mans
SME News UK. Le Mans, France – On the eve of the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans, Ferrari has revealed a new pinnacle of bespoke engineering and design: the 296 Speciale – Piloti Ferrari, an exclusive configuration reserved solely for Ferrari client-racing drivers. This unveiling marks a tribute to Ferrari’s recent triumphs in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and honors the passionate community of drivers who actively contribute to the Prancing Horse’s racing legacy.
The reveal took place at the Circuit de la Sarthe, the spiritual home of endurance racing and the site of Ferrari’s landmark victories in 2023 and 2024, where the 499P Hypercar claimed back-to-back wins in the Hypercar category.
A Tribute to Champions
Inspired directly by the 499P, the Piloti Ferrari 296 Speciale is available exclusively to clients engaged in Ferrari’s competitive and non-competitive motorsport activities. The model on display at Le Mans featured racing number 51, commemorating the legendary win by drivers Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado, and Antonio Giovinazzi in 2023—the year that marked both Ferrari’s official return to endurance racing’s top tier and the centenary edition of the Le Mans race.
The exterior comes in four motorsport-inspired liveries: Rosso Scuderia, Blu Tour De France, Nero Daytona, and Argento Nürburgring. Each version features custom details, including a hand-painted WEC logo, Italian tricolore on the bumper, and a personalized number, bringing each client’s racing identity to life.
Inside, the cabin boasts racing seats in black Alcantara® with inserts made from the same fireproof material used in Ferrari driver suits. The numbered livery is echoed on interior carbon fiber accents, with further personalization offered through a custom metal footwell and an exclusive carbon-fiber dedication plaque.
Engineering Excellence: The 296 Speciale
At the core of this model is the 296 Speciale, the most extreme evolution of Ferrari’s acclaimed 296 GTB. Equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, it combines a twin-turbo 120° V6 engine with a powerful electric motor, delivering an impressive 880 cv. Key mechanical elements have been enhanced with Formula 1-derived technologies, and the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission now benefits from Ferrari’s advanced fast-shift strategy.
Significant reductions in weight and a 20% increase in aerodynamic downforce further amplify performance, while updated chassis dynamics ensure precise, track-ready behavior. Innovations such as rear gamma wings, suspended splitters, and an enlarged diffuser not only optimize performance but evoke a bold racing aesthetic.
Legacy of the 499P
The Ferrari 499P Hypercar, which inspired the Piloti Ferrari 296 Speciale, marked the brand’s historic return to the FIA WEC top class in 2023 after five decades. Designed under LMH (Le Mans Hypercar) regulations, it features a carbon-fiber monocoque, double wishbone suspension, and a hybrid powertrain producing approximately 680 cv. With active all-wheel drive and optimized aerodynamics, the 499P has proven dominant, capturing consecutive victories at Le Mans in both 2023 and 2024.
Tailor Made: Personalization at its Peak
The 296 Speciale – Piloti Ferrari is born from Ferrari’s Tailor Made programme, a customization experience offering unparalleled freedom of expression. Through three core collections—Classica, Inedita, and Scuderia—clients collaborate with Ferrari’s design team to create truly unique vehicles that embody individual identity while maintaining Ferrari’s legacy of excellence.
