Ferrari 296 Challenge has just been unveiled by the brand as a record-breaking, track-only edition of the 296 GTB. The car was presented at this year’s Ferrari Finali and is developed specifically for the firm’s customer-only championship racing title – the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli and it’s the first 6-cylinder car to compete in the series. This 296 challenge replaces the V8-engined 488 challenge.
Ferrari 296 Challenge Aerodynamics
Aerodynamics have been a core focus for the engineering programme, resulting in downforce figures that are claimed to be unheard of in Ferrari’s race series. The thanks for this can also be given to a carbon fibre, body-width rear spoiler that sits higher than the roofline.
The 296 Challenge generates a downforce of 870 kg and goes up to 249.4 kph which is said to be a lower top speed than the 488 Evo Challenge. But Ferrari says the car makes it up by being faster through corners.
Ferrari 296 Challenge Braking
The braking department is handled by a braking system adapted and improved over the ABS EVO Track. It is equipped with carbon-ceramic discs developed by Brembo and is famous for their durability. According to Ferrari, these discs are 3 times longer-lasting than those of the 488 Evo Challenge.
Ferrari 296 Challenge Powertrain
This version of the 296 says goodbye to the electrified powertrain and sports a modified version of the standard car’s 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 and that is iconic since this is the first Ferrari race car outside the Formula 1 that uses the V6 engine.
As for the power output, the engine of the 296 churns out 700 hp with a torque of 739 Nm. These numbers also set a new power record for Ferrari’s racing series and to add to the speed of the car, the brand said that the 296 Challenge cuts 140 kg after the removal of the hybrid system and now weighs 1,330 kg. The use of carbon fibre also helps in reduction of the weight.
Being a successor of the F355 CHallenge, F430 Challenge and 488 Challenge it is closely related to the 296 GT3 specifications-wise, which made its debut at the 24 hours of Daytona in early 2023.
