Ferrari’s latest test mule has caught the attention of car enthusiasts, thanks to its heavily camouflaged exterior. While the Prancing Horse is known for its five-year product life cycle, the mystery surrounding this prototype has sparked speculation about its true identity. Could it be a refreshed version of the 296, a high-performance XX variant, or perhaps a new Icona model?
The SP line of Ferrari’s Icona models has garnered significant attention with its retro-inspired designs. The Monza SP1 and SP2 drew inspiration from the 1950s, while the Daytona SP3 looked to the 1960s. Given this pattern, it’s reasonable to speculate that the upcoming SP4 might be inspired by 1970s racing cars, such as the 512 S or 512 M.
Another possibility is that the test mule could be a more powerful version of the 296, similar to the SF90 XX. Ferrari has demonstrated its ability to extract additional performance from the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, as evidenced by the 499P’s success in the Le Mans 24 Hours.
However, the possibility of a mid-cycle refresh for the 296 so soon after its launch in 2021 seems less likely. If it were a facelift, it might adopt a different name, similar to the transition from the 458 to the 488. Until Ferrari officially reveals the details, the mystery surrounding this test mule will continue to intrigue enthusiasts.
Ferrari’s 2024 lineup is set to be a game-changer, with three new models slated for release. The 812’s successor, the 12Cilindri, is one of these highly anticipated vehicles. Another major debut will be the V6-powered replacement for the LaFerrari. A recent test mule spotted on the road could be a preview of this upcoming model.
Last year, Ferrari achieved a record-breaking 13,663 vehicle sales, surpassing the previous high of 13,221. The SF90 and 296 series accounted for a significant portion of these sales, contributing to 44 percent of the total. While specific figures for the 296 are unavailable, its commercial success is undeniable.
Despite initial skepticism due to its plug-in hybrid setup and six-cylinder engine, the 296 has proven to be a popular choice. However, to compete with the all-new Lamborghini Temerario, Ferrari will need to make significant improvements to the 296’s performance.
