The Ferrari 296 Challenge, the latest addition to the Ferrari Challenge one-make race series, was unveiled on Thursday. It is set to compete in the European and North American series starting in 2024, replacing the 488 Challenge that has participated in the series since 2017.
The 296 Challenge is closely related to the road-going 296 GTB and has benefited from the knowledge gained during the development of the 296 GT3 race car, which was launched for the 2023 motorsport season.
Unlike the road car, the 296 Challenge does not feature a plug-in hybrid system and instead relies solely on the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine. Ferrari has tuned the engine to produce 690 horsepower, compared to the 654 horsepower in the road car. According to Ferrari, this makes it the race car with the highest horsepower per liter of displacement ever entered in the Ferrari Challenge.
The aerodynamic capabilities of the 296 Challenge are also unprecedented in Ferrari Challenge history. With the rear spoiler set at the maximum angle of attack, the car generates more than 1,900 pounds of downforce at a speed of 155 mph, ensuring excellent handling and stability on the race track.
Related Post
In addition to the engine and aerodynamics, the 296 Challenge features various improvements over its predecessor, the 488 Challenge, and the updated 488 Challenge Evo. The car is equipped with a new ABS system specifically tuned for the car, as well as Brembo’s latest CCM-R carbon-ceramic brake rotors and specially developed Pirelli tires. These enhancements contribute to enhanced handling and braking performance.
The Ferrari 296 Challenge will make its official debut during Ferrari’s Finali Mondiali, the end-of-year motorsport celebration, which will be held from October 24 to October 30 at the Mugello Circuit in Italy. This event will provide an opportunity for spectators and fans to see the 296 Challenge in action and witness its impressive performance firsthand.
The introduction of the 296 Challenge reinforces Ferrari’s commitment to the Ferrari Challenge one-make race series, which has been a staple of the brand for many years. This series allows Ferrari owners and enthusiasts to experience the thrill of racing in a controlled and competitive environment, showcasing the performance capabilities of Ferrari’s road and race cars.
The 296 Challenge joins a lineup of iconic race cars that have competed in the Ferrari Challenge, including the 348, 355, 360, 430, 458, 488, and now the 296. Each iteration of the challenge car has pushed the boundaries of performance, technology, and innovation, showcasing Ferrari’s racing heritage and engineering prowess.
The introduction of the 296 Challenge also reflects Ferrari’s commitment to sustainability and its ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its vehicles. By developing a high-performance race car that utilizes a hybrid powertrain in its road-going counterpart, Ferrari demonstrates its dedication to creating more efficient and sustainable vehicles without compromising on performance.
Overall, the Ferrari 296 Challenge represents a new chapter in the Ferrari Challenge one-make race series. With its impressive power, aerodynamics, and handling capabilities, it promises to deliver an exhilarating and competitive racing experience for drivers and spectators alike. As it takes to the track in 2024, racing enthusiasts can look forward to witnessing the 296 Challenge in action and experiencing the thrill of Ferrari’s latest race car.
