2026 Ferrari 296 Speciale Aperta Review: A Fiery Supercar That Would Make Enzo Proud

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      Unmatched driving experience. The 2026 Ferrari 296 Speciale Aperta offers incredible speed and a distinct character, making it a highlight in Ferrari’s lineup.

      Lightweight and powerful. With 869 horsepower and a reduction of 132 pounds compared to the GTB, this supercar is designed for exceptional track performance.

      Innovative aerodynamics. Features such as dual rear winglets and a large diffuser improve downforce and stability at high speeds.

      Exceptional handling and brakes. The vehicle’s accurate steering and outstanding braking system provide an exhilarating driving experience.

      In summary: The 2026 Ferrari 296 Speciale Aperta captures the true spirit of an Italian supercar, delivering a thrilling combination of speed, power, and precision.

      AI-assisted, editor-reviewed

      While many were preoccupied with criticizing the Luce’s presence or the Testarossa’s aesthetics, I was navigating the hills around Maranello in what is undoubtedly the best-driving cavallino available right now: the 2026 Ferrari 296 Speciale Aperta. As I drove, I couldn’t help but reflect on how narrow-minded that criticism was because, if I were a millionaire, I would not only buy the exact model I was driving but also purchase the whole lineup, as each Ferrari possesses a unique character and distinct offerings. In the case of the 296 Speciale Aperta, it’s all about relentless, mind-boggling speed.

      The Speciale name is reserved for the elite, with the 296’s predecessors including the 360 Challenge Stradale and the remarkable 430 Scuderia, one of the finest cars I've ever driven. Then there are the 458 Speciale and 488 Pista, which I haven’t had the opportunity to experience. The formula for these exceptional vehicles is relatively simple: reduce weight, increase power, and enhance aerodynamics. Additionally, all of this is aimed at maximizing potential track performance, even if that's not always the actual case.

      Now that I've addressed Speciale, let’s discuss Aperta. Meaning "uncovered" in Italian, this term has been associated with only the most exclusive convertible Ferraris, such as the LaFerrari Aperta, 458 Speciale Aperta, and the extremely rare 599-based SA Aperta. Now, the 296 carries the legacy forward, delivering it with a mix of intensity and elegance.

      The Essentials

      It’s worth noting that the base model here is the rear-mid-engine 296 Spider, which has been taken to an enhanced level. It features a power-folding hardtop that can be operated in 14 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph, much like the Testarossa Spider I drove recently. Behind the cockpit lies a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 paired with an axial-flux electric motor sandwiched between the engine and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The internal combustion engine contributes 691 horsepower thanks to a 3-psi increase in boost, while the electric motor adds another 178 horsepower. Together, they produce an impressive 869 horsepower and 557 lb-ft of torque, all directed to the rear wheels equipped with 305/35 ZR20 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s (245/35 in the front).

      A stringent weight reduction program is central to the Speciale’s philosophy, leading Ferrari to replace or eliminate many components to decrease the weight by 132 pounds compared to the standard model. The engine alone weighs 20 pounds less due to significant modifications, including the introduction of a crankshaft that is nearly five pounds lighter. Additionally, it features titanium pistons and connecting rods borrowed directly from the ultra-exclusive multi-million-dollar F80 hypercar.

      Aerodynamics have been extensively redesigned, instantly recognizable from the exterior. The car now boasts dual rear winglets at each corner, along with an active flap between them that extends automatically whenever maximum downforce is required. I witnessed it deploy to its vertical position only once, during intense braking. It is certainly less active than the dual flaps found on the 12Cilindri Spider I road-tripped in earlier this year. The car also features a massive carbon fiber diffuser that stands out dramatically, especially in my test vehicle’s stunning Rosso Dino paint. It’s impressively large and assertive, just as it should be on a car with this level of intensity.

      The front has undergone modifications with a new nose design that features improved ductwork facilitating more efficient airflow, resulting in greater downforce, reduced turbulence, and better cooling. A similar approach was taken around the front fenders, where new ducts are engineered to alleviate pressure that could lead to front-end lift or instability at high speeds. Overall, the 296 Speciale Aperta generates 960 pounds of downforce at 155 mph, a vast improvement over the 2,