Ferrari 296 GT3

It’s red, it’s bold and it’s fast. With these traits, one thing can be for certain. It’s a Ferrari.

Written by Harry Williams, Hillside Media. Photographs: Ferrari Last updated 31^st July, 2022

The future of GT racing is here. Meet the all new, Ferrari 296 GT3, and this time, it doesn’t come fitted with any electric components.

That’s right. A twin-turbo V6 engine comes along with the GT3 variant of the 296, which, although being familiar, is stripped of the electric unit due to compliance with technical regulations. Due to this, the powertrain results in a staggering 219 horsepower less than the road-going version. This is a huge decrease, however the GT3 is also 220kg lighter than the GTB. It also features a 20% increase in downforce over the previous 488 GT3 model: no wonder when fitted with a monstrous wing, aggressive front canards, sharp fender vents and accentuated body panels.

The Ferrari 296 GT3 also has detachable front and rear bodywork sections for an ease on maintenance; a system inspired by F1. This system is possible due to the engine being extremely compact. The turbos are efficiently mounted behind the cylinder heads, and everything, including the exhaust, can be removed and replaced in the event of a crash or servicing. The front end is a related story, with the radiator being much smaller than in the previous generation: the 488.

The cockpit is not at all familiar for casual racers and professionals alike, with a completely revamped setup with new multifunction displays and an ergonomic-focused steering wheel for maximum driver efficiency. All in all, the cockpit is sure to be a snug place to be when competing in 24-hour competitions, which the 296 is sure to do.

A price has yet to be named for the GT3, however director of Ferrari’s sports car racing activities, Antonello Coletta says that it will be “just a little more” than the previous generation.

Price: TBC