New Ferrari Supercar Spied with Comically Chunky Camouflage

After record sales in 2024, Ferrari will show no fewer than six new cars this year. We strongly believe that one of them will be this. It may look like a Saleen S7 from the side, but that’s just the camouflage playing tricks on us. Hiding behind the unusually thick disguise is the hotter 296, which currently goes by the “Versione Speciale” moniker. “VS” is a generic term (“Special Version”) the 812 Competizione also had before its official debut.

The top image was supplied by a Motor1 reader who stumbled upon the awkward-looking prototype roaming the streets of Italy. Two additional images, attached below, come via our friend, Derek Cornelissen. They show a test car also spotted in the country shaped like a boot. It’s strange to see a Ferrari with this much makeup, especially since the 296 VS isn’t an all-new car.

Photo by: Derek Photography

It’s evident from the wheel arches and side skirts just how much camouflage Ferrari has plastered onto the 296 VS prototype. One detail has been left exposed–the dual exhaust tips are now positioned farther apart rather than being joined in the middle. The disguise makes the car bigger than it probably is, giving the impression that it’s a long-tail version of the 296. Chances are the extra camo hides some aero trickery, especially at the back, derived from more expensive models in Maranello’s stable.

Underneath the skin, the 296 VS will likely adopt a more potent configuration of the hybrid V-6 powertrain. The electrified setup is based around a twin-turbo 3.0-liter engine making 654 horsepower, considerably less than the new Lamborghini Temerario (907 hp). The current 296 GTB is also slightly down compared to the McLaren Artura (691 hp).

According to a member of the FerrariChat forums, the 296 VS will reportedly get more power and keep the hybrid setup. It’s said to have an updated body with left and right rear spoilers, an enlarged diffuser, and a fully enclosed engine hood. A diet is mentioned, making the new version lighter than the GTB’s 3,241 pounds (1,470 kilograms) dry weight. The F80’s wheels could trickle down to the company’s entry-level car.

The 296 VS will allegedly break cover with a different name on April 29. A racing-inspired Piloti Edition featuring the choice between GT3 and LM liveries could follow at the 2025 Le Mans endurance race scheduled for June 14-15. Pricing is unknown, but given the upgrades and limited production, it’ll undoubtedly be higher than the $346,950 starting price of a 296 GTB. Similarly, a hotter 296 GTS will command a premium over the $379,950 base droptop model.