Ferrari Purosangue Handling Speciale, Maranello turns up the volume on its most controversial Ferrari

Extra agility, sharper gear shifts and more V12 drama.

There was a moment (not that long ago) when the idea of a four-door Ferrari felt almost sacrilegious. Then came the Purosangue, and suddenly the conversation shifted. Not because Ferrari followed the SUV trend, but because it redefined it on its own terms: naturally aspirated V12, transaxle layout, and a driving experience that still felt unmistakably Maranello. Now, Ferrari is pushing that philosophy one step further.

Sharper where it matters, without breaking what works

At the heart of the Handling Speciale lies a recalibrated active suspension system, reducing body movement by around 10%, giving the car a noticeably more compact and controlled feel through fast corners and rapid direction changes. It’s not about making the car harsher, it’s about making it more precise.

And that’s an important distinction. Because the Purosangue was never meant to be a track tool disguised as a family car. It was always about balance. Ferrari understands that, and the Handling Speciale simply shifts that balance further towards engagement.

The V12, now with more character

The 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 remains one of the last of its kind, delivering 725 cv, 716 Nm, and revving all the way to 8,250 rpm. In a world moving rapidly towards electrification and downsizing, this engine already feels like a statement. What Ferrari has done here is amplify the experience around it.

Revised shift strategies make gear changes more aggressive and immediate, particularly in Race and ESC-Off modes, while manual shifts above 5,500 rpm feel more deliberate, more mechanical, more alive. Add to that a reworked cabin sound profile (louder, sharper, more present) and the Purosangue suddenly leans much closer to Ferrari’s core DNA.

Subtle design, deliberate intent

Visually, the Handling Speciale doesn’t shout. New diamond-cut wheels, carbon fibre side shields, matte black exhaust tips, and a blacked-out Prancing Horse create a more purposeful look without disrupting the original proportions. It’s a reminder that Ferrari doesn’t need exaggerated styling to communicate intent. Inside, a dedicated plaque quietly confirms what this car is about.

Still a Ferrari, just with four doors

Importantly, everything that made the Purosangue unique remains intact. The four-seat layout, the elevated yet sporty driving position, and the everyday usability are untouched.

The transaxle architecture (with the gearbox mounted at the rear) continues to deliver near-perfect weight distribution, while Ferrari’s latest dynamics systems keep everything working in harmony. This is still a car you can use every day. It’s just one you’ll want to push a little harder.

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We’ll be honest, we weren’t immediately convinced by the Purosangue when it first launched. Not because it wasn’t impressive, but because it felt like Ferrari entering a space it had long resisted.

But this? This changes the narrative. The Handling Speciale doesn’t try to turn the Purosangue into something it isn’t. It simply brings it closer to what a Ferrari should be, sharper, more engaging, and more emotionally connected to the driver. Even in a four-door, four-seater Ferrari, the soul still comes first.