Ferrari has formally unveiled the 296 Challenge, which will make its debut in the 2024 season of the Ferrari Challenge, at the Mugello Circuit during the brand’s Finali Mondiali, one of two significant new cars set to be seen publicly over the weekend.
The new car is the ninth model fielded by Ferrari in the history of its single-make championship, which is now in its 32nd season.
The 296 Challenge draws more on the experience built up with its racing counterpart, the 296 GT3, than previous models, and marks a further push by the brand to target drivers with ambitions for a future in GT racing.
In common with the 296 GT3 and the 499P Hypercar, the 296 Challenge is powered by a V6 engine, a first in Ferrari Challenge which has always featured V8-powered machinery.
The biggest change over the 296 GTB, in line with the development of the 296 GT3, is that the hybrid powertrain was removed to reduce weight (and serviceability), while the power output has been increased to 700 cv, resulting in a record specific power output for the segment – 234 cv/l.
The Challenge car adopts aero solutions derived from the 296 GT3 but have been adapted to an environment without considerations for Balance of Performance, yielding unprecedented downforce figures.
These are achieved with contributions from the S-Duct, which draws air into the central radiator and then channels it out through a vent on the bonnet, the swan-neck rear wing layout (another element that harks back to the development of the 296 GT3), and a series of devices that maximise the stability of the downforce generated in different trim conditions.
The braking system was also completely redesigned with the first-ever adoption of new CCM-R PLUS discs, which use technology derived from the most extreme track applications. The new system dramatically improves both performance and component life and consistency.
There are new Pirelli tyres for the full package resulting in a car that is 2 seconds faster around Mugello than the previous 488 Challenge Evo. Even more significantly, the 296 Challenge can also deliver that performance consistently throughout an entire race.
Ferrari Challenge
The 296 Challenge will make its first appearance in the 2024 season in the European and North American series of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli; it will make its debut in the UK and Japan series the following season. As has been the tradition every time a new car has been introduced for the Ferrari Challenge, the outgoing Ferrari 488 Challenge Evo will continue to race in a separate class for a single transition year.
The 296 Challenge is the ninth model to be launched in the Prancing Horse’s single-make series, the first edition of which was organised in 1993.
Ferrari 296 Challenge Technical Specifications
Engine
- Type – V6 – 120° – turbo – dry sump
- Overall displacement – 2992 cc
- Bore and stroke – 88 mm x 82 mm
- Max. power output – 700 cv @ 7500 rpm
- Max. torque – 740 Nm @ 6000 rpm
- Specific power output – 234 cv/l
- Max. revs – 8500 rpm
- Compression ratio – 9.4 : 1
Dimensions & Weight
- Length – 4602 (4851*) mm
- Width – 1958 mm
- Height – 1159 (1231*) mm
- Wheelbase – 2600 mm
- Front track – 1715 mm
- Rear track – 1647 mm
- Dry weight – 1330 kg
- Tank capacity – 140 l
Tyres & Wheels
- Front – 280/680 ZR19 J11
- Rear – 300/720 ZR19 J12
Brakes
- Front – disc
- Rear – disc
Transmission & Gearbox: 7-speed F1 DCT
Electronic Controls: TC/e-Diff, EPS, ABS EVO/EBD
*including rear wing overhang
