Piloti Ferrari 296 Speciale unveiled ahead of Le Mans

Inspired by the Le Mans-winning 499P

As the Ferrari AF Corse team goes for its third hypercar category Le Mans win in a row, the Prancing Horse chose the Circuit de la Sarthe as the location to unveil the 296 Speciale with ‘Piloti Ferrari’ configuration.

The design is the work of Ferrari’s exclusive Tailor Made programme, which offers clients the chance to personalise every element of their incoming Ferrari. Inspiration from the ‘Piloti Ferrari’ has come from the Le Mans-winning 499P, which returned to the top class of the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2023 after a 50 year absence.

The exclusive livery has customisable interior details and is stacked with plenty of endurance racing references throughout.

The number 51 499P after winning the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans

Exterior

Four colours - Rosso Scuderia, Blu Tour De France, Nero Daytona, and Argento Nürburgring - are available to choose on the Piloti Ferrari 296 Speciale, with the exterior also featuring a hand painted WEC logo, the Italian flag on the front bumper, and a customisable number chosen by the client.

The model shown at Le Mans is the same number 51 that adorned the car of Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado, and Antonio Giovinazzi when they claimed victory in 2023.

Interior

Inside, the cabin features upholstered black Alcantara racing seats with inserts made using the fireproof fabric used on the official drivers’ suits. The customer’s chosen livery number on the outside will also be reproduced on the seats and footwell surface. At the same time, a carbon identification plaque and carbon fibre door sill come with extra customisable opportunities.

499P v 296 Speciale - The all-important numbers

So now that the two Ferraris look the same, the question is which one would come out on top?

While the 499P is powered by a 3-litre twin-turbo V6 with a front electric motor producing 670hp, the 296 Speciale has a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a 120-degree twin-turbo V6 and an electric motor, delivering a total output of 867hp, with components derived from Formula One.

In terms of speed, the 499P can accelerate from 0-62mph in around 2.15 seconds, and has a top speed of 217 mph. The 296 Speciale, on the other hand, can sprint from 0-62mph in 2.8 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 205mph.

words: Mike Booth
pictures: Ferrari North Europe