The Prancing Horse has been feverishly preparing some special race cars for the next few seasons of competition racing but the latest to officially have the covers removed is this; the Ferrari 296 GT3, and it comes with 20% more downforce than its predecessor.
The ageing model it replaces is the 488 GT3 and although Ferrari technically skipped a generation of a prepared racecar in the F8, it still held its own against much newer competitors despite originally debuting in 2016. Since then, there has been a raft of upgrades incorporated into the 488 GT3 with the expert input of Ferrari drivers which is why the 6 year old model has managed to retain its fiery competitiveness.
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Now though, all of that expertise and knowledge has been transferred into the latest GT car to be adorned with the Prancing Horse. This is the Ferrari 296 GT3 and despite it already having completed dozens of simulations and thousands of kilometres of testing, it is looking probable that it will be fighting right at the front of the GT3 pack.
Despite the smaller, lighter V6 engine, the new Ferrari 296 GT3 has had significant changes incorporated to the exterior – all in the name of downforce. Ferrari claim that the racey model is capable of 20% more downforce than its predecessor which in GT3 racing and the technical circuits they battle on, is rather important for traction.
The highly regulated series also has the same 120° turbocharged V6 powertrain from the roadcar although unlike the model with indicators and a number plate, this Ferrari 296 GT3 has ditched the plug-in hybrid system. Figures are scarce although it has been built to meet the FIA’s new GT3 regulations along with every other overhauled component and subassembly of the purpose built machine.
Other changes incorporated include a fine-tuned powertrain to help assist with reduced fuel consumption as well as a repositioned alternator. The gearbox has been specifically developed for the race car; utilising a single-clutch and six gears controlled via steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
The Ferrari 296 GT3 will debut at the 2023 Daytona 24 Hours in the GT3 class and we can’t wait to see how competitive all of the categories will be in the coming years.
