1 / 10Ferrari’s New Racer: Ferrari has launched the 296 Challenge, a track-only version of the 296 GTB. This new model, which was unveiled at the 2023 Ferrari Finali, is a record-breaker that replaces the hybrid system and petrol V6 with a 700hp engine.
2 / 10A Historic First: The 296 Challenge is the first six-cylinder car to compete in Ferrari’s customer-only championship racing series, the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli. It’s also the ninth racer developed for the series, replacing the V8-engined 488 Challenge.
3 / 10Powertrain and Weight: The car draws power from a race-modified version of the standard car’s 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6. This is the first time a V6 has been used by a Ferrari race car outside of Formula 1 since the 1960s. The total output is rated at 700hp, setting a new power record for Ferrari’s racing series.
4 / 10Weight Reduction: The removal of the hybrid system resulted in a weight cut of 140kg, bringing the 296 Challenge’s weight down to 1,330kg. The use of carbon fibre also contributed to this weight reduction.
5 / 10Downforce Figures: At 249.4kph, the 296 Challenge generates 870kg of downforce when its spoiler is extended to its most severe angle. This is said to be 18 percent more downforce than the preceding 488 Evo Challenge.
6 / 10Aerodynamics Focus: Aerodynamics have been a core focus for the engineering programme, resulting in unprecedented downforce figures in Ferrari’s race series. This is largely achieved through a carbon fibre, body-width rear spoiler that sits higher than the roofline.
7 / 10Speed and Cornering: Although its top speed is slower than the preceding 488 Evo Challenge, Ferrari says it counters this by being faster through corners. It also laps Mugello two seconds quicker.
8 / 10Enhanced Braking: The car features an improved braking system over the road-going 296’s, called ABS EVO Track. It uses carbon-ceramic discs developed by Brembo specifically for racing, chosen for their durability and resistance to wear.
9 / 10Long-lasting Components: Ferrari claims that these discs are three times longer-lasting than those of the 488 Evo Challenge and that the pads are twice as long-lasting.
10 / 10Customer Accessibility: The overall dynamics and on-track behaviour have been developed to give as much rear-end precision as possible, making it more accessible to customers who will purchase it.
