Ferrari refreshed its hybrid lineup on Tuesday with the debut of the new 296 Speciale and its convertible variant, marking a step toward the brand’s transition into the fully electric era.
Ahead of the launch of its first electric vehicle this October, Ferrari unveiled the two new plug-in hybrid models at its headquarters in Maranello, northern Italy.
Both vehicles are evolutions of the 2021 Ferrari 296, which is nearing the end of its production run.
According to Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer Enrico Galliera, the 296 Speciale is lighter, more powerful, and features enhanced aerodynamics, with a focus on delivering high performance and driving excitement.
“It’s not a car for everyone, we won’t widen our client base with it,” he said during the presentation.
“It’s a model for our historic clients, who know Ferrari very well and seek driving thrill”.
The 296 Speciale is powered by a three-liter, six-cylinder combustion engine delivering 700 horsepower, complemented by an electric motor that adds an additional 180 horsepower.
Customer deliveries are scheduled to begin in the first quarter of next year, with the retractable-roof version—dubbed the ‘A’—set to arrive in the second quarter.
Ferrari’s first fully electric vehicle, marking a major shift from its legacy of high-revving petrol engines, is slated for unveiling on October 9 in Maranello.
“It will be something completely different. But we’ve been developing skills on components for EVs for more than a decade,” Galliera said.
CEO Benedetto Vigna reaffirmed this month that Ferrari will maintain production of petrol and hybrid vehicles alongside its upcoming electric models. He also confirmed that the company plans to introduce six new models this year, including its first fully electric car.
Source: Reuters
