Ferrari’s teasing us again. The 296 VS (Versione Speciale) arrives April 29, 2025, promising the kind of performance upgrades that make grown enthusiasts giggle.
Behind your head sits the same architecture that powers the standard 296 GTB, but with Ferrari’s performance division having their way with it.
The Hardware That Matters
The 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain remains the star attraction. In its current configuration, it hammers out 819 hp and 546 lb-ft of torque – figures that already make the standard car violently quick.
What separates the VS from its lesser siblings remains shrouded in Maranello’s signature secrecy, but history suggests:
- Reduced weight through carbon fiber components and thinner glass
- Sharpened aerodynamics with functional downforce improvements
- Track-focused suspension calibration that trades some comfort for cornering precision
The V6 Revolution Continues
Ferrari purists initially clutched their pearls when Maranello announced a six-cylinder engine for their mid-engine sports car. Those concerns evaporated the moment the accelerator hit the floor.
The 296 platform proves that cylinder count means nothing. Performance means everything.
With the GTB already capable of sub-3-second 0-60 times, the VS variant will likely shave precious tenths while improving track capability.
Beyond The Numbers
Ferrari’s “Versione Speciale” designation has historically signified more than just power bumps. It represents the ultimate expression of a platform’s potential before replacement.
The 296 VS will likely follow Ferrari’s established pattern: less weight, more downforce, sharper responses.
Ferrari’s recent special editions have shown a company willing to sacrifice some daily comfort for outright performance. Expect stiffer spring rates, less sound insulation, and more direct steering.
The 296 VS won’t be for everyone. It’s not supposed to be.
It’s for drivers who understand that Ferrari’s engineering brilliance isn’t measured in straight-line acceleration alone, but in the way a car communicates through a fast corner.
The full reveal comes via the MyFerrari app on April 29, 2025. Set your alarms accordingly.
