Ferrari unveiled the 296 Challenge at the Finali Mondiali, which marks the climax of the annual Ferrari racing season, held at the Mugello Circuit. This vehicle, set to debut in the 2024 Ferrari Challenge season, is the ninth model in the history of the one-make championship hosted by Ferrari. The Ferrari Challenge is currently in its 32nd season.
The 296 Challenge showcases the next level of evolution for the Ferrari one-make series. As drivers worldwide improve their skills and competitiveness, the 296 Challenge development team has leveraged Ferrari’s unique motorsports experience to bring more daring changes to the original model. The 296 Challenge inherits much of the tradition of vehicles Ferrari has long developed for gentleman drivers. Still, it also leverages more know-how accumulated from the 296 GT3 (a Ferrari GT race car launched in 2022, evolved from the 296 GTB, Ferrari’s first V6 PHEV model) than any other model. The 296 Challenge targets drivers with a burning passion for future GT racing.
In developing the 296 Challenge, significant modifications were made to optimize the vehicle for track driving, going beyond minor changes to models derived from production cars. Based on this paradigm shift, an extreme vehicle was developed that improves overall performance while maintaining consistency and repeatability in test sessions and races.
The 296 Challenge is the first vehicle in the Ferrari one-make series to be equipped with a V6 engine. All models used in the Challenge so far have been provided with V8 engines. The most significant change compared to the 296 GTB is the removal of the hybrid powertrain, as seen in the 296 GT3. This reduces the vehicle’s weight while increasing its output to 700 horsepower(cv), setting a new segment record of 234 horsepower per liter.
From an aerodynamic standpoint, the 296 Challenge adopts solutions derived from the 296 GT3 and develops them in an extreme direction, achieving unprecedented downforce figures. This was possible thanks to the S-duct, which sucks air through the central radiator and discharges it through the vent located on the bonnet, the ‘swan-neck rear wing layout’ (another element inspired by the 296 GT3 development), and various devices that maximize the stability of the downforce generated in different trim conditions.
The braking system has also been completely redesigned. The new CCM-R PLUS disc, which uses technology derived from extreme track applications, has been fitted for the first time. These innovative elements, in synergy with the circuit-specific ABS EVO Track applied to the 296 GTB, provide outstanding braking performance and repeatability. The new Pirelli tires, developed exclusively for the 296 Challenge, also contribute significantly to performance enhancement. The 296 Challenge set a record about 2 seconds faster at the Mugello Circuit than the previous model, 488 Challenge Evo, which debuted in the 2020 season after being unveiled at the ‘2019 Finali Mondiali’. What’s noteworthy is that the 296 Challenge can maintain this consistent performance throughout the entire race.
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