Ferrari unveils 296 Challenge V6 customer racecar

Ferrari has unveiled the 296 Challenge as a record-breaking, track-only edition of the 296 GTB, which ditches the hybrid system and the petrol V6 making 700hp. Presented at the 2023 Ferrari Finali, it is the latest in a series of Ferraris developed specifically for the firm's customer-only championship racing title – the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli – and the first six-cylinder car to compete in the series. The 296 Challenge is the ninth racer developed for the series, and replaces the V8-engined 488 Challenge.

1. Removal of hybrid system shed 149kg
2. 2 seconds quicker than the 488 Challenge around Mugello 
3. Generates 870kg of downforce at 249kph

Ferrari 296 Challenge powertrain and weight

The racer forgoes the 296’s electrified powertrain, drawing its power solely from a race-modified version of the standard car’s 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 – the first V6 used by a Ferrari race car outside of Formula 1 since the 1960s. 

Total output is rated at 700hp – claimed to be a new power record for Ferrari’s racing series, while torque is rated at 739Nm. Ferrari said the removal of the hybrid system resulted in a weight cut of 140kg, and the 296 Challenge weighs 1,330kg. The weight reduction has also been helped by the use of carbon fibre.

Following on from cars such as the F355 Challenge, F430 Challenge and 488 Challenge, which it replaces, its specification closely relates to that of the 296 GT3, which made its debut at the 24 Hours of Daytona at the beginning of 2023.

Ferrari 296 Challenge aerodynamics 

As with the non-homologated racers before, aerodynamics have been a core focus for the engineering programme, resulting in downforce figures that are said to be unheard of in Ferrari's race series – mostly achieved through a carbon fibre, body-width rear spoiler that sits higher than the roofline.

At 249.4kph, the 296 Challenge generates 870kg of downforce when its spoiler is extended to its most severe angle. For context, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS generates 860kg of downforce at 285kph. It is said to generate 18 percent more downforce than the preceding 488 Evo Challenge, and laps Mugello a whole two seconds quicker. Its top speed is said to be slower than the preceding 488 Evo Challenge, but Ferrari says it counters this by being faster through corners.

Ferrari 296 Challenge braking

Stopping power comes from a braking system adapted and improved over the road-going 296's, called ABS EVO Track. It features carbon-ceramic discs developed by Brembo specifically for the racing market, and chosen for their durability and resistance to wear. Ferrari claim the discs are three times longer-lasting than those of the 488 Evo Challenge, and the pads twice as long lasting.

Its overall dynamics and on-track behaviour have been developed to give the car as much rear-end precision as possible to make it more accessible to the customers who will purchase it.