Ferrari 296 Speciale - Internal Combustion Engine

The Ferrari twin-turbo six-cylinder engine that debuted on the 296 GTB brings an even more engaging sound and top-of-category performance. The engine retains the innovative 'V' architecture with a 120° angle and Hot-V configuration with the turbos in the center of the 'V'; 10 development focused on increasing torque and power, as well as introducing lightweighting solutions. The maximum power of the combustion engine, equal to 700 hp (+37 compared to that of the 296 GTB), sets a new record for specific power in the category (234 hp/l). Lightweighting also affected the powertrain with actions dedicated to components such as castings, crankshaft, and fixings, drawing heavily from the experience gained in the world of competitions. The weight reduction also involved the powertrain of the 296 Speciale by about 9 kg compared to that of the 296 GTB, a value representing 15% of the total weight reduction of the car. The chamber pressure was increased by 7% compared to the 296 GTB thanks to the new supercharging calibration. The detonation management method, inspired by that used in Formula 1, involves statistical management of abnormal combustions, allowing to maintain the maximum performance in each cycle without compromising the reliability of the components. Reinforced pistons were used, as well as the same crankshaft as the F80, capable of withstanding the increased chamber pressure, and specific oil jets to improve cooling. The titanium connecting rods are about 35% lighter than the steel rods of the previous iterations of the same engine. The nitrided steel crankshaft has also been lightened, for a total mass reduction of the piston-rod-crank assembly by 2.2 kg, improving the engine's response times.