Surprise! Ferrari is readying a hardcore 296 GTB, and here's what it could look like

Shocking, we know, but Ferrari is readying a harder, faster, lighter, wingier version of the 296 GTB.

From the 360 Challenge Stradale (well, there was the 348 GT Competizione before that for the true connoisseurs), to the 430 Scuderia, 458 Speciale and 488 Pista, Ferrari’s hardcore mid-engined V8 specials have been some of the most bewitching cars Ferrari has ever built.

Now comes its toughest assignment yet: how on earth do you take a V6 twin-turbo supercar with 819bhp and deft handling, one that’s already offered with a lighter Assetto Fiorano pack that adds harnesses and lashings more carbon, and make it... better?

Render: Andrei Avarvarii for Top Gear

Ladling on more power surely isn’t the way to go - there’s only so much a set of rear tyres can take - but we’ll accept a small power bump if we must. Far better to cut weight and simultaneously improve speed and handling in one fell swoop.

The 488 Pista managed to find 90kg of flab on the standard 488, so can Ferrari improve that to a nice round 100kg on the 296? Go on, we dare you.

What will inevitably increase, beyond the 360kg at 155mph for the standard car, is downforce. Expect a bigger wing, bigger diffuser and bigger front spoiler among other aero trickery, all of which will have the added benefit of attracting 47 per cent more attention on your local high street.

The name? Well, 296 Mugello has been apparently been trademarked by Ferrari, but then it’s probably trademarked 296 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang too, just to be safe. All we know is prepare for eye watering premiums over list price, and a car that treads the line between full on track attack, and just about usable on the road.

We wouldn’t have it any other way.