The latest addition to Ferrari’s one-make race series, the Ferrari 296 Challenge, was unveiled on Thursday. This new racing model is set to make its competitive debut in the 2024 seasons of both the European and North American series. It takes over from the 488 Challenge, which had been a participant in the series since 2017.
The Ferrari 296 Challenge is closely linked to the road-legal 296 GTB and has benefited from the knowledge gained during the development of the 296 GT3 race car, which was introduced for the 2023 motorsport season. Similar to the 296 GT3, the 296 Challenge omits the plug-in hybrid system found in the road car and relies solely on the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine. Notably, the engine has been fine-tuned to produce 690 horsepower, an increase from the road car’s 654 horsepower. According to Ferrari, this represents the highest horsepower per liter of engine displacement ever seen in a race car entered in the Ferrari Challenge.
In terms of aerodynamics, the 296 Challenge sets new records within the Ferrari Challenge series. Ferrari claims that when the rear spoiler is adjusted to its maximum angle of attack, the car generates over 1,900 pounds of downforce at a speed of 155 mph.
Enhancements to the car’s handling, compared to its predecessor, the 488 Challenge, and the updated 488 Challenge Evo, have been achieved through the introduction of a new ABS system specifically calibrated for the 296 Challenge. Additionally, Brembo’s latest CCM-R carbon-ceramic brake rotors and specially developed Pirelli tires have been incorporated to further enhance its performance.
The formal unveiling of the Ferrari 296 Challenge will take place during Ferrari’s end-of-year motorsport celebration, known as the Finali Mondiali, which is scheduled to run from October 24 to 30 at the Mugello Circuit in Italy. This event promises to be a significant moment for motorsport enthusiasts and Ferrari aficionados alike.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ferrari 296 Challenge
What is the Ferrari 296 Challenge?
The Ferrari 296 Challenge is a new addition to the Ferrari Challenge one-make race series, a high-performance race car developed by Ferrari.
When will the Ferrari 296 Challenge be ready for competition?
The Ferrari 296 Challenge will be ready to compete in the 2024 seasons of both the European and North American series.
How does the 296 Challenge differ from the 296 GTB?
While closely related to the road-going 296 GTB, the 296 Challenge skips the road car’s plug-in hybrid system and relies solely on a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine.
What is the horsepower of the Ferrari 296 Challenge?
The 296 Challenge’s engine has been tuned to deliver 690 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful race cars in the Ferrari Challenge series.
How does the aerodynamics of the 296 Challenge compare to previous models?
Ferrari claims that the 296 Challenge sets new aerodynamic records in the Ferrari Challenge series, generating over 1,900 pounds of downforce at 155 mph with its rear spoiler at the maximum angle of attack.
What improvements have been made in terms of handling?
Improvements to handling include a new ABS system specifically tuned for the 296 Challenge, the addition of Brembo’s latest CCM-R carbon-ceramic brake rotors, and specially developed Pirelli tires.
When and where will the Ferrari 296 Challenge make its formal debut?
The Ferrari 296 Challenge will be formally unveiled during Ferrari’s Finali Mondiali end-of-year motorsport celebration, which is scheduled to run from October 24 to 30 at the Mugello Circuit in Italy.
More about Ferrari 296 Challenge
- Official Ferrari Website
- Ferrari Challenge Series
- Ferrari 296 GTB
- Ferrari 296 GT3
- Brembo Carbon-Ceramic Brakes
- Pirelli Tires
1 comment
2024 ferrari challenge, can’t wait to see it at mugello, italyyyy!!!